Six Books To Read After A Breakup
1.) THE ALCHEMIST By Paulo Coelho
If you want to learn to refocus, this book is precisely what you're looking for. Breakups often give us a newfound desire to go after what we want in life. Following a failed relationship, especially a long-term one, we're left with many mixed emotions. Often, there is a nagging feeling leftover that the love and energy we spent on someone else, should have been directed towards improving ourselves all along. The Alchemist is the perfect book to read if you feel this way. The storyline doesn't overromanticize relationships or love. Instead, the characters emphasize the importance of unique experiences, changes, and seeking your true calling in life. Doesn't hurt that it's based during a completely different time, one where Facebook and Instagram don't distract you from your personal destiny. Phew!
2.) SWEETBITTER By Stephanie Danler
Not only is this novel a fun read, but it also took place ten years ago! This story is pretty high up on the relatable scale, but prepare yourself, everybody has a flip phone. (Shocking, I know). This modern-day romantic triangle teaches the harsh lesson that red flags should not be ignored. Also, that when it comes to your romantic life, you're sometimes your own worst enemy. The raw and gritty depiction of what it's really like to work your way up in the hectic NYC restaurant scene becomes a metaphor for life and love. The prose is delicious and messy, and even dirtier when you take a closer look behind the scenes.
3.) GIRL IN THE WOODS By Aspen Matis
This novel isn't about a breakup, but it sure is about female empowerment, overcoming abuse, and pushing yourself to the limit to reclaim your sense of self. If you're seeking a story, in which your beloved protagonist comes out the other side of hardship, even stronger, this is the book for you. But please caution, by reading this you might just plan to climb Mount Everest, just to prove to your newly-single self that you can.
4.) THE WARDROBE MISTRESS By Patrick McGrath
Sometimes going through a breakup can feel like mourning the death of someone you loved. This story, of a recently-widowed seamstress who discovers the crushing secrets that her late-husband kept from her, is a compelling read. Once again, we are reminded that we never fully know the people that we love. For someone still struggling with a breakup, it's comforting to know that sometimes it's better to find out the truth about someone sooner. Rather than later, when one of you is already six feet under.
5.) SILVER & SALT By Elanor Dymott
Had a selfish ex who drove you crazy at the end? This novel is an excellent choice. About a woman who falls in love and marries an incredibly talented, but self-centered artist, only to slowly go mad in front of her two young children. I know, sounds dark, but don't be so hesitant to read! The writing is eloquent, moving, and lends itself to the breathtaking choice of location, Greece! You can literally taste the Mediterranean salt in the air, that's how good the prose is. This heartbreaking story of loss teaches you that, like a game of dominoes, your whole life can unravel because of just one single choice. Side note, I guarantee you'll walk away from this book with a newfound appreciation for uncomplicated men, that rain or shine, stick around.
6.) HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU By Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
A modern-day classic, this one is pretty self-explanatory. Sometimes you need a little reality check. Relationships come to an end for the same reason that men don't call you back after the first date, he's no longer interested. If you ever need a coldhearted reminder that your ex, is your ex for a reason, pick up this Barnes & Noble treasure. The title might be crushingly straightforward and lack literary merit, but the words inside are pretty damn accurate. Don't underestimate the power of a good self-help book, especially when it's a national bestseller.