Jane Ganahl wrote the “Single Minded” column for the San Francisco Chronicle until July 2006. This memoir covers the beginning stages of that column and culminates with the author’s 50th birthday celebration.
Ganahl romps through San Francisco’s social scene, looking for love in a lot of wrong places. She does not hesitate to mention that she’s been intimate with a number of men, but she is searching for one person in particular. When Ganahl started writing the column, she seemed determined to find someone – anyone – to love, or at least attend her mid-life birthday party as her escort.
Amorous readers flood Ganahl’s inbox with declarations of love or offers of a date. And even though she wishes to make a commitment with uncommitted songster and long-time squeeze, Lenny, Ganahl accepts several invitations, most of which turn out to be disastrous.
As the calendar pages turn closer to her birthday party, Ganahl attempts to make sense of her need for Lenny to become a part of her life despite his nonchalant attitude about their one-night stands.
This memoir shares Ganahl’s attempts and successes with love. Along her journey, readers are introduced to Ganahl’s daughter, Erin, who shares a unique friendship with her mother. Their bond is proof that a single parent can give everything possible to his/ her child and still have love and respect.
Ganahl discusses her relationship with her father and realizes his health is declining. She also explains how her mother’s death and that of a sister united her family and made them stronger. Ganahl doesn’t feel she meets her father’s expectations, but as she tries to come to terms with her daughter leaving for law school, father proves that parents try to do what is best for family.
Readers also meet Ganahl’s close circle of friends and see how this group respects her openness and rely on her for guidance. They, too, face their own relationship battles, proving that human nature and matters of the heart affect all of us.
But as Ganahl nears the 50-year milestone, will she meet the man of her dreams who will sweep her off her feet? Or, will she realize that a sexy, independent woman does not need a man to make her feel worthwhile?
This memoir offers a balance of humor and poignant moments. Anyone who is or has been single during middle age will identify with Ganahl’s quest for happily ever after and discovery of contentment.