Title: A Single Life
Author: Judy Bishop
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc
ISBN: 9798891570726
Pages: 565
Genre: Autobiography/Personal Transformation
Reviewer: Lily Amenda
Pacific Book Review
Judy Bishop’s “A Single Life” is an in-depth autobiography that documents her experiences, adventures, revelations, and insights—all of which are encapsulated in poignant moments of introspection, at eighty two.
Judy remembers growing up on a farm before television and technology as an era of extensive socialization. She gained a lot of knowledge from her mother and was motivated by her resourcefulness, diligence, and unwavering drive for her family to live the best lives possible. Her mother’s resilience, she claims, provided her strength when she had to face her own life’s challenges in later years. She saw her father as a good-looking man who tried his best to be a good dad, going out of his way to teach her how to operate the farm’s vintage spiked-wheel tractor and often inviting her to watch westerns with him. This led to the formation of a bond that lasted a lifetime. Even if he would later become inebriated and prefer to pick fights, he was still her favorite person to be around.
Bishop discloses having secrets growing up while wanting to upset, hurt, or embarrass nobody. She knew she did not understand what it meant to be in love when she was about to marry, but she went ahead nonetheless because of the aforementioned reason. As time went on, though, she grew distasteful of married life and started to question why men seemed to be given preference in life.
Looking back, she believes she was naive and self-absorbed, and maybe unexposed as a result of growing up in the countryside. In a laudable statement, she underlines the need of raising young men with the same care as girls and makes a compelling argument for teaching them the value of their bodies. It is remarkable to see how her lifelong desire for a man to walk beside her rather than in front of or behind her highlights a hotly debated issue about the disparity between men’s and women’s perspectives on marriage.
Bishop’s life story in A Single Life is guaranteed to be a hit on first read due to its candor and honesty, coupled with a touch of humor that will have you rolling on the floor. It makes the point that, whatever one’s circumstances, there are a number of things for which one may always be grateful. It also imparts valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the value of making choices one may later look back on with pride. This inspiring story is ideal for young adults who want to remain driven to achieve their dreams regardless of obstacles.
