16 Best Books to Read After a Breakup (in 2023)

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If you’ve recently had a breakup, this list is for you!

Check out the 16 best books to read after a breakup recommended to you by 10 experts. 

Discover ways on how to get back on your feet stronger and wiser.

The most recommended book is The Breakup Bible: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Healing from a Breakup or Divorce by Rachel Sussman

Table of Contents

Shirin Peykar, LMFT

Shirin-Peykar

Licensed Psychotherapist | Founder,  “Let’s Talk Divorce”

This book is a great resource because of the multilayered approach to healing from a breakup or divorce.

She provides examples from her personal life as well as real-life clients from her practice as a psychotherapist in NYC. Ms. Sussman provides tips for readers who have just gone through a breakup or divorce by offering recommendations for healing the immediate issues and feelings that come up post breakup.

Some of the many emotional areas she covers are healing, depression, anxiety, loneliness, obsession.

As the reader goes deeper in the process of their breakup or divorce, so does the book. Ms. Sussman also offers recommendations for those who are co-parenting with their ex with the stability of the children in mind.

The ultimate area that often creates change within individuals in relation to the people they choose and the people they present as in relationships is very neatly organized and explained by Ms. Sussman. Ultimately, the exploration of their “love map” will hold the key to finding healthy, lasting love.

The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship—A Toltec Wisdom Book is a holistic model that integrates the mind, soul, body and emotions through the thread of love, self-love and love of others.

Through the themes of awareness, transformation, and love, Mr. Ruiz gives readers insight into romantic relationships in terms of how we behave in them and what we want from them.

Readers will look at the way they view their future romantic relationships post-breakup with new energy coming from acceptance and self-love.

His self-help offerings provide readers with a guide on creating healthy romantic relationships from the ground up in order to ensure solid romance and not flimsy love that is breakable with the slightest blow.

Read related article: 20 Best Relationship Books

This book will enable readers to heal their emotional wounds and move on to unconditional love of self and others.

Dawn Burnett, CSA

Dawn Burnett, CSA

Transformational Divorce Coach | Founder, A New Dawn Natural Solutions, Inc

The best book to read after a break up is one that supplies a fool proof plan on how to find love for self.

This way you will be connected and fulfilled from within before trying to jump back into the dating world preventing yourself from making the same mistakes and attracting the same type of person.

The biggest remnant that follows a breakup is the need to find oneself, learning to love and accept oneself during a time of upheaval.

So where do you start? Is it possible to restore and resurrect from the disaster? The answer is, “YES.”

Connect How To Love And Accept Yourself After Divorce is full of incredible advice on how to thrive instead of surviving after a breakup. This book supplies step-by-step proven tips on how to create a positive shift in your life.

Prudence Henschke

Prudence Henschke

Family Lawyer | Certified Divorce/Breakup Coach

This book’s premise is that while break-ups suck, you don’t have to suck at break-ups.

With practical advice and easy to implement techniques for each stage of a break-up, this book is ideal for anyone going through a separation, but is particularly targeted at younger women.

The book is like having a witty, sassy, and plain-talking bestie by your side, to support you, encourage you, and help you to see your break-up as a gift.

In this book, divorce attorney to Hollywood’s A list, Laura Wasser shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, to help you navigate the process as easily and amicably, as possible.

The book gives a great overview of the process and covers everything from when and how to share the news with others, to when to consider dating again.

The book is incredibly well written and the advice sensible and practical. Each chapter ends with a concise summary of the main points (for quick and easy reference).

A personal account by Mashonda Tifrere, of her break-up and journey of healing, letting go and moving on.

She shares details of the self-work it took to heal and arrive at a place where she was able to successfully co-parent and embrace a new family dynamic.

The book offers a shining example of a blended family who are making it work and the book provides the tools and techniques they used to get there.

Nicole Logrieco

Intern, Mango Publishing

Healing is the book for anyone going through a breakup. Susyn Reeve helps you to explore your emotional wounds of the past and helps you to let go of the anger, pain, and suffering that blocks you from happiness.

This book will help you sift through “emotional clutter” fold resentments, grudges, guilt, and shame and step towards a happier life and healthier relationships.

You Can Do All Things is chock-full of gorgeous and inspiring illustrations that can help anyone who is going through a hard time.

Kate Allan, also known as The Latest Kate, fills each page with thoughtfully crafted drawings that cover concepts such as depression or anxiety in hopes to lighten anyone’s mood.

Anxiety, depression, breakups, etc- they all suck, but you don’t. This book will show you how to get through the worst of it.

Cassandra James

Cassandra James

Life Coach | Author, How to Go from BooHoo to WooHoo in 90 Days

When you are the dumpee and you can’t figure out where you went wrong, THIS book will help you to stop personalizing someone else’s choices and let go.

I was at the point of suicide once myself because I couldn’t understand why my man left me after telling me how our relationship was the envy of all his friends.

It wasn’t really about him it was about my victim mentality and low self-esteem and if he had not left me I don’t know how I would have gotten on the path to transformation.

Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D.

Ramani Durvasula

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

The only thing harder than a break-up, is a breakup from a narcissist.

After years of gaslighting, confusion, and invalidation, the post-relationship phase can feel like a mix of relief and devastation. Narcissism is increasingly becoming a new normal, and these aren’t normal breakups.

These breakups can be more confusing and brutal than the average heartache – and this book can help people navigate the treacherous waters of uncoupling from a high conflict, antagonistic, narcissistic partner.

It can be easy to get “lost” after a narcissist breakup, this manual helps you get out and still retain your compassion.

Katie Ziskind

Katie Ziskind

Owner, Wisdom Within Counseling

This is a great book for after a break up because it teaches you how to be compassionate to yourself and forgive others.

After break up, you might experience anger, resentment, self-blame, and deep loss. It’s normal to cry in the process of grieving a relationship, even if you broke up mutually.

This book is a great read because it will help you take back your personal wisdom, remember that you have the courage within you to try again, and it will help you get clear and calm to manifest another positive relationship in your future.

Caleb Backe

Caleb Backe

Health and Wellness Expert, Maple Holistics

Breakups stink, and while it’s hard to find things to numb the pain, this book by Rachel Sussman can help.

Sussman, a psychotherapist, discusses what she has learned from sessions with clients about how to bounce back from such a hard situation and how to move forward.

The book talks about the stages of Healing, Understanding, and Transformation, while reviewing how each step can help a woman recover from a bad breakup.

It will help readers move forward to even better lives than before.

This book is a classic for a reason. In it, Elizabeth Gilbert tells the story of her divorce, depression, other troubles, and overall uncertainty about her life.

Perfect for those going through a breakup, this book talks about how Gilbert left her life for a bit and traveled around the world.

Traveling to Rome, India, and Bali, Gilbert had new experiences, learned about herself, and reconnected with her spiritual side. It’s just the book on self-reflection and growth that you might need after ending a meaningful relationship.

Cherelle Palmer

Cherelle Palmer

Women’s Empowerment Coach

I always encourage my clients to read “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts. The book provides readers with an opportunity to shift their perspective.

Most adults do not truly understand how they wish to be loved or how to properly show love to those around them. We spend majority of our adult lives learning how to survive in the “real” world yet few of us have ever taken the time to learn how to foster healthy relationships.

The book breaks down the different ways people yearn to be loved. Readers gain a deeper understanding of their wants and needs within a relationship.

In addition, readers begin to understand that the way their partner expresses love may not reflect what they look for in return. These sentiments are crucial in building a strong relationship in the future.

Rose Lawrence, LPCC, LCPC

Rose Lawrence

Owner and Psychotherapist, Mind Balance

If you don’t know how or think you may need some brushing up on loving yourself this is the book.

It goes in-depth into how we think, feel, and look at ourselves. Also guides you through how to make the changes.

It was a life changing book for my journey as well.

This book can be read in an hour and give you simple steps to learn how to love yourself starting now! If you don’t like reading a bunch this is a great starting place.

You the Badass Great book to look with in and helps you look the different areas of your life not just love.

This is an empowering book for men and women. Many times after a break up we feel like losers, unwanted, not lovable, etc. Get YOUR POWER BACK and fast!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can reading books really help me get over a breakup?

Absolutely! Reading is a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. By immersing yourself in stories, you can gain new perspectives and better understand your feelings. Reading books about heartbreak and recovery can also provide comfort and validation, reminding you that you are not alone in your experiences.

Are there certain genres of books that are better suited for healing after a breakup?

Different genres can appeal to different people, so it’s a matter of personal preference. Self-help books can offer practical advice and tools to move on, while memoirs can provide insight into other people’s experiences with heartbreak. Fiction, especially contemporary fiction and romance novels, can be an escape and a source of comfort.

Can reading books help me understand why my relationship ended?

Reading books can provide a different perspective and help you understand the dynamics of relationships and breakups. Reading books focusing on communication, emotional intelligence, and relationships can give you insight into why your relationship ended and what you can do differently in the future.

Is it okay to read books about breakups if I’m still in contact with my ex?

Reading books about breakups can be helpful even if you’re still in contact with your ex. However, it’s important to consider how reading these books may affect your interactions with your ex. Some books may encourage cutting ties, while others may help you work toward a healthier relationship. Just be mindful of how the content may affect your interactions, and ensure your emotional well-being is a priority.

Can reading books about breakups be harmful?

While reading books about breakups can be helpful, it’s essential to be mindful of your emotions. Some books can trigger feelings of sadness, anger, or jealousy. Therefore, listening to your needs and taking breaks when necessary is important. It’s also important to seek professional help if you’re overwhelmed by your feelings or struggling with depression or anxiety.

Is it okay to read books about breakups even if I don’t want to get over my ex?

Yes, it’s okay to read books about breakups, even if you don’t want to get over your ex. Reading these books can help you process your feelings and understand the dynamics of your relationship, even if you don’t want it to end. Just be sure to prioritize your well-being and pay attention to how the content may affect your feelings.

Can reading books about breakups help me find a new partner?

While reading books about breakups can help you better understand yourself and your feelings, it’s not guaranteed to help you find a new partner. However, suppose you focus on your personal growth and self-care. In that case, you may become more confident and attractive to potential partners. Remember that the most important thing is to focus on your well-being and happiness and let love come naturally.

Can reading books about breakups help me make peace with my ex?

Reading books about breakups can help you make peace with your ex. As you gain a better understanding of relationships and your own emotions, you may be able to develop a more positive and peaceful relationship with your ex. Just make sure to approach any interactions with your ex with compassion and respect and prioritize your well-being.

Can reading books about breakups help me get closure?

Yes, reading books about breakups can help you find closure. By better understanding your emotions and the dynamics of your relationship, you may find a way to accept and bring closure to the breakup. It’s important to remember that closure is a personal journey and can take time, but reading books can be helpful along the way.

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