In 1950, only 22% of adults were single. Today, more than 50% of adults are. Though conventional wisdom tells us that living by oneself leads to loneliness and isolation, most solo dwellers - compared with their married counterparts - are more likely to eat out and exercise, sign up for art and music classes, attend public events and lectures, and volunteer.

Drawing on over three hundred in-depth interviews with men and women of all ages and from across every class, Eric Klinenberg reaches some startling conclusions about the seismic impact solo living is having on our culture, business and politics.