I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book but I’ve come to love Melissa’s personal stories of community. No vague scenarios here! Very real things she has lived herself. I have often been told I have walls up and I do. I have recently been encouraged to let people in again. I do or I try to and then I get scared and run off. But I’m finding out that’s not how I want to live anymore. This is probably one of my favorite books to read so far into 2025. I love the vulnerability with which Melissa shares and I’m starting to believe what she’s shared in this book. The piece about singleness being a route to the same destination as others. Who knew?!

This is not my “usual” book review. I don’t post a lot of non fiction here, yet I do read a lot of it. Get Over Here is a book that comes from the beautifully written perspective of someone who has experienced singleness in a generation that can make everything about relationships.

I have never read a book on singleness before, and this felt unique in and of itself because I am not necessarily coming at this book from a single perspective. However, I learned so much from this, and connected with it so much emotionally, I honestly recommend it to everyone. Single or not.

This book will absolutely make you feel seen if you are single, but it will also foster community, regardless of your “relationship status”. I thought Melissa brilliantly taught us about community, intimacy, and Jesus in her personal and vulnerable real life stories. Reading this feels like getting to go to coffee with a best friend who shares their heart in hopes of fostering real connection. Melissa’s vulnerability makes room
for our own vulnerability. Which is rare and beautiful these days.

I had my eyes opened to things I hadn’t thought of before, and now see new and authentic ways of loving those that are single in my life, as well as different ways of showing up in community wholly.

Single, dating, married. It doesn’t matter. You will walk away a better person for having read this book. There’s no doubt in my mind about that.

Singleness isn’t a problem to fix but a path to deeper connection. With honest storytelling and practical wisdom, this book invites you to build authentic, Christ-centered relationships beyond cultural expectations of marriage or dating. Discover the beauty of friendship, community, and shared faith—because we all need one another, and we all need Jesus.

This is the 11th book I’ve picked up on singleness in the past year and only the second I’ve actually finished (go check out @ryanwekenman’s Single Today for the other winner ). What is it about writing about singleness that makes it so vulnerable to accurately describe? I think part of the issue is the way the Church idolizes marriage above singleness that produces insecurity in what someone reveals. But you don’t have to worry about that here—

Melissa gracefully articulates the need for community we all yearn for and offers effortless insight into how churches often fail to prioritize it for those who are single. Her offered commiseration will immediately have you screaming ‘she gets it!’ as her writing begins to feel like a true friend. Though she does offer really practical examples of how you can build meaningful community as a single in a Christian world built for married couples, I think what you’ll be thankful for most is her permission to actually do so.

Thank you @revellfiction for the eARC 🥰 This is easily one of my favorite books of the year.

Perfect for you if you like:
Singleness without marriage as the ultimate destination
Christ-centered community over cultural expectations
Writing that feels like a wise, understanding friend

Similar to:
Single Today by Ryan Wekenman
7 Myths about Singleness

This is a tender, vulnerable, honest explanation of singleness that few have the bravery to discuss, especially in the realm of the church. It's a wonderful book to affirm lifelong singles, help those who are single due to divorce or death, and educate married couples. It's rare to find this level of validation for struggles, as well as practical suggestions for dealing with the unique challenges of single life. I'm putting it on my Best of 2025 Books list.

Singleness isn't a problem to be solved. It's just another route to togetherness.
· fresh perspective on singleness
· focuses on the need we all share for connection
· offers practical ideas about how to foster friendship, build community, and put Christ at the center of every relationship

I started following Melissa Zaldivar on Instagram years ago and I’ve been struck by the intelligent and yet very human thoughts she shares as a single Christian. When I saw that she wrote a book on the topic I was eager to read it. In her introduction she advises to read it slowly and I found that very hard to do since the text was so relatable and engaging. Zaldivar divides the book into 9 needs: companionship, commiseration, connection, commitment, communication, consistency, closeness, courage, and community. She says “being single allows us to be sensitive to the needs we have as humans when we do not have a partner helping fill in some of the gaps.” The 9 needs are not unique to singles but we may be more aware of their absence and have to be proactive in getting them met. Even though singles are the target audience, all humans could benefit from it. ARC from NetGalley