- The Breakup Bible
- The Gifts of Imperfection
- The Strength in Our Scars
- Conscious Uncoupling
- Wherever You Go, There You Are
- Co-Dependent No More
- You Are a Badass
Divorce is a one-of-a-kind life transition that makes you question everything about life as you know it. However, a lot of people find divorce to also be a time for healing and change. Divorce can serve as a time of awakening for a lot of people, and many individuals find themselves much happier and healthier on the other side of it.
If you aren’t at that stage yet, that’s okay. You may just need some time to focus on healing and self-care. If you’re wondering what to read during this difficult time in your life, look no further than these seven books about healing.
1. The Breakup Bible: The Smart Woman's Guide to Healing from a Breakup or Divorce by Rachel Sussman
Why you should read it: Psychotherapist Rachel Sussman gives you the terms and tools to analyze yourself and your relationships, identifying negative patterns and helping you do the deep work needed to improve relationships with friends, family, and lovers. One reader gushed, “I don’t want to repeat my lifelong selection of partners ever again, and I am grateful to have finally gotten some real and useful information!”
Mental health counselor and breakup expert Rachel Sussman offers what every woman needs to get her life back on track post-separation in The Breakup Bible. Sussman used her experience working with women at all stages of the healing process to outline a three-phase life transition plan that is specific to the emotions and heartache of a break-up or divorce.
Over the course of the book, you will follow a step-by-step process to move through your healing and eventually reach a place of understanding and transformation. You’ll also receive advice from women who have been there and gain a fresh perspective on your situation. To say that it’s life-changing is an understatement.
About the author:
Rachel Sussman is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a thriving practice in New York City. View her website, check out her LinkedIn, or read about her philosophy and credentials in the Women’s Mental Health Consortium Directory.
2. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Why you should read it: If you have ever struggled with dissatisfaction in your relationships, career, or any other aspect of your life, Ph.D. Brene Brown has words of wisdom for you – words that millions have lauded as empowering and life-changing. Find out why Brown is so beloved in her top-selling book.
Acclaimed author, professor, and TEDx speaker Brené Brown is an expert in healing and recovery. In this game-changing New York Times bestseller, The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown offers insight on how to overcome fear and self-consciousness so you can work toward self-discovery and personal growth. She uses a combination of research and her own stories to explain what an “imperfect” life really is and shares guideposts to help you embrace your own perfectly imperfect life.
The Gifts of Imperfection has sold over 2 million copies and is available in over 30 languages. It’s a book recommendation that appears on many reading lists and offers something for everyone. You can unlock these gifts and live a better life, too – you just have to be willing to dig deep and do the work.
One reader advises, “If you overthink or have a hard time being authentic or fitting in, this book is for you.”
About the author:
Dr. Brene Brown is a celebrated author of renowned books on self-love, courage, empathy, and personal growth. Her acclaimed 2010 speech, “The Power of Vulnerability,” is number 5 in the 25 most popular Ted Talks of all time. She also teaches and researches at the University of Houston. Read about her accolades and achievements here.
3. The Strength In Our Scars by Bianca Sparacino
Why you should read it: If your heart is broken and you’re feeling worn down by life, pick up this book. Bianca Sparacino explains with comforting gentleness how our weaknesses are also our strengths. Described by one reader as, “The book you didn’t know you needed,” you’ll gain the perspective to make it through a tough time.
Bianca Sparacino provides uplifting guidance and encouragement and a path forward in her book, The Strength In Our Scars. The book tackles experiences related to moving on, self-love, and healing through a combination of prose, poetry, and authentic encouragement. The relatability in Sparacino’s words will hook you in, and the advice she shares will keep you reading until the very end.
A reader commented, “If you’re going through a breakup, confusing love life, or drastic change, this is the book for you.”
About the author:
Canadian author Bianca Sparacino is a writer and poet with an unusual yet inspiring take on some of life’s biggest challenges. Find inspirational quotes from her on GoodReads, and learn more about her work at Thought Catalog, where she serves as Creative Director.
4. Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After by Katherine Woodward Thomas
Why you should read it: Gwyneth Paltrow may have made conscious uncoupling a household term, but Katherine Woodward Thomas is the one who coined it in the first place. Known as a break-up guru and the originator of the term “conscious uncoupling,” the author shares her ground-breaking five-step process to a happy life after an unhappy relationship.
Conscious Uncoupling is not just another self-help book about healing written for women; it’s a book that can benefit everyone going through a divorce or break-up. Throughout the pages, Katherine Woodward Thomas provides readers with the valuable tools and skills they need to navigate life’s challenging terrain. The book includes a five-step process to help you gain emotional freedom, end problematic patterns of behavior, and create your own “happily (even) after.”
“A kind and compassionate guide on how to overcome breakup grief and use it to transform and enrich your entire life.” – John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
About the author:
Woodward Thomas is a New York Times Bestselling Author who has greatly influenced not only pop culture but also the way modern people view and go about separation and divorce. She has made it part of her life’s work to train Certified Conscious Uncoupling Coaches and Certified Calling In “The One” Coaches. Read her GoodReads biography here.
5. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Why you should read it: If you’re looking to “correct the direction of your life,” mindfulness – as taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn in this profound book – can help you achieve that goal. This book is for anyone who wants to live a calmer, fuller, more fulfilling life.
This book explores meditation and its benefits in a practical way. In Wherever You Go, There You Are, scientist, writer, and meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn defines meditation as awareness of yourself in the immediate present. He doesn’t connect the practice to a mystical, spiritual, or religious component. Rather, he presents it as a standalone practice to heal yourself.
Kabat-Zinn explains how our thinking affects us and gives recommendations on how to use mindfulness as a form of self-care. It’s a must-read for anyone considering mindfulness as a part of their healing process during a life transition like divorce. Note: If you’re looking for something a little more introductory, check out Kabat-Zinn’s book Mindfulness for Beginners.
“Instead of ‘Let it go,’ we should probably say ‘Let it be.’ This recognizes that the mind won’t let go, and the problem may not go away, and it allows you to form a healthier relationship with what’s bothering you.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
About the author:
Kabat-Zinn founded the concept of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979. Since then – and especially in the 2000s – his concept has gained popularity and respect in all corners of the world. Read more about Kabat-Zinn, his writings, and his meditation app on his website.
6. Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
Why you should read it: Have you ever suspected codependency at play in any of your relationships? Melody Beattie brought codependency to the world’s attention with this book back in 1986, and it’s still as relevant today as it ever was. Read this book to recognize codependency in yourself and others and to “find your way back to you.”
If you’ve realized that your marriage was rooted in unhealthy trauma bonds or codependency, you will want to read Codependent No More. In it, Melody Beattie uses her experiences as a self-help author and recovery expert to help you break cycles and behavior patterns that have led to you losing yourself for the sake of others.
As Beattie explains, the real healing comes when you put yourself first and make an effort to genuinely care for yourself – and it’s up to you to make changes to achieve this. You’ll learn what codependency is and how to spot codependent tendencies in your relationships. Then, you’ll learn how to follow a clear path toward better boundaries and healthier relationships all around. There’s even a workbook to accompany the text. Healthy relationships can be the ultimate form of self-care, so don’t deprive yourself any longer.
“This book opened my eyes to the work I have to do.” - Reader review
About the author:
Beatty channeled her struggle with addiction and subsequent recovery into several widely popular healing books, including this one. In 2009, Codependent No More was rated by Newsweek as one of the four most essential self-help books of all time. Check out her bio on GoodReads, or visit her website, melodybeattie.com.
7. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
Why you should read it: If you want a quick, irreverent, fun read that’ll entertain you while also improving your life, Jen Sincero’s invaluable book will help you understand that yes, you are a badass. According to this writer, “There’s nothing as unstoppable as a freight train full of fuck-yeah.”
This refreshing how-to guide for self-care appears on many reading lists for good reason. It’s recognized as the “self-help book for people who desperately want to improve their lives but don’t want to get busted doing it.” In other words, it’s the perfect book recommendation for anyone who needs to change things up but doesn’t want to look ridiculous doing so.
The book comprises 27 bite-size chapters that each offer something helpful while also providing a few laughs. It covers everything from limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors to creating love within your life. It’s one of those books for change that’s also relatable and fun, which makes it all the better.
About the author:
Sincero isn’t just a New York Times bestselling author who writes about being a badass. She’s also a coach who helps other badasses put their dreams in motion. Check out her website to experience a taste of what she offers.
At Hello Divorce, we’re proud to share these literary gems with you as you move on to your next exciting chapter, and we hope you’ll turn to us when you need help in other areas as well. Check out our free divorce education resources, or schedule a free 15-minute call with an account coordinator to share a bit about your goals and learn how we can help you achieve them.
Related: Best Books to Help You Throughout Your Divorce
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