By Angie E.

In her book Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own, Kate Bolick invites us into a thoughtful consideration of remaining single. She weaves her own experiences with those of pioneering women from the past century, women who defied societal norms and forged their paths. These women include:

• Neith Boyce: A columnist who challenged conventions.
• Maeve Brennan: An essayist whose wit and insight left an indelible mark.
• Charlotte Perkins Gilman: A social visionary who advocated for women’s autonomy.
• Edna St. Vincent Millay: A poet whose passion resonates across time.
• Edith Wharton: A novelist who crafted stories of love, longing, and independence.

Bolick’s exploration reminds us that the pursuit of a good life transcends societal expectations. Whether young and unencumbered or middle-aged and free, our years are ours to savor, not bound by convention.

One of the most liberating aspects of Spinster is its rejection of the notion that a woman’s worth is in and of itself tied to her marital status. Bolick celebrates the idea that a woman can lead a fulfilling and meaningful life without adhering to traditional expectations. She eloquently challenges the societal pressure to conform and encourages women to define their own paths, unapologetically.

Her exploration of solitude as a source of strength rather than a symptom of loneliness is especially affecting. In a society that can still view unmarried women past a certain age with pity or suspicion, Spinster is a rallying cry for independence, self-determination, and the dismissal of societal pressures.

As a 21^st century old maid, I find comfort in the words of Kate Bolick and her celebration of the unconventional. And while I am all for defending singlehood at any age and claiming my cat lady status with pride, I have to confess to a part of me that loves fiction, especially romantic, which features old maids and spinsters who end up in love after all. The following are just a few titles that tickle my fancy:

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

• Heroine: Evangeline Jenner, a shy and unconventional woman
  Plot: Evangeline proposes a marriage of convenience to the notorious rake, Sebastian St. Vincent.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

• Heroine: Penelope Featherington, a witty wallflower
  Plot: Penelope secretly writes a gossip column while harboring feelings for her best friend’s brother, Colin Bridgerton.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah Maclean

• Heroine: Lady Calpurnia Hartwell, a spinster with a list of daring adventures
  Plot: Calpurnia seeks adventure and love, breaking society’s rules along the way.

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

• Heroine: Poppy Delamare, who flees an “odious” betrothal to live in London as quiet and unassuming Flora Deaver
  Plot: Poppy agrees to marry the Duke of Langham to save her younger sister, but that’s only the beginning!

Being a cat lady and embracing spinsterhood doesn’t mean missing out on love. It means defining love on your terms, just as the heroines in these novels do. So, raise a cup of tea (or a cat) and embrace the joy of being unapologetically you! 📚🐾

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.