Not everyone was lucky enough to have a special someone to drag take to see “50 Shades of Grey” last weekend. Or come to think of it, perhaps if we did, “50 Shades” could be the reason we don’t have any longer.
Bottom line? Some of us (and I’m not mentioning any names here) are suffering from a bad break-up. The good news–beyond the fact that you now have license to consume any damn thing you want–is that you’re not alone!
The even better news is that a book can help you gain perspective and to learn from others’ experiences, and can be a great medicine for any rough patch in your life (and far less addictive than the Pino and prescription sleeping meds that have gotten you this far).
Check out this essential reading list designed for anyone who needs some cheering up or a confidence boost post-breakup.
1. Saved by Kelly Eliott
Ari’s relationship with the love of her life is threatened by a lot of problems–all of which are pretty relatable. When experience a lack of confidence after a tough breakup, Eliott reminds us that even dire situations can have a shred of hope worth pursuing.
2. One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
Love will come again, and in unexpected places. This is a lesson in One Week Girlfriend where a no-strings-attached deal blossoms into something much more serious to Fable. If you, like Fable, find “temporary” to be your–or your relationships’–perfect descriptor, give this book a read.
3. Happily Divorced by Benn Flore
Two elders go through divorce and are left with nothing, but that doesn’t stop them from starting a new hilarious chapter in their lives as robbers. Remember that the end of a relationship isn’t the end of your life or your happiness. Take this as opportunity to try something new!
4. Stirring Winds by Kelly Matsuura
This anthology collects beautiful, simple and nostalgic stories. A common theme traces them together: a sense of missed opportunity and loss. Stirring Winds teaches us not to be haunted by the past and to live better in the present–some sound advice when losing a relationship.
5. Toad Words and Other Stories by T Kingfisher
Fairy tales are comfort stories, usually ending with Prince Charming and a “happily ever after.” This anthology features retellings of some popular ones–notably the story of Bluebeard’s Wife, which will have anyone feel glad about dipping out of a toxic relationship.
6. LOL Romantic Comedy Anthology, Volume 1 by Various
This anthology features some self-publishing greats, like Julia Kent, N.M. Silber, Gretchen Galway and many more. With humorous takes on courtship and love, this anthology (the first in a series!) will cheer you up when you’re feeling down.
7. Realer Than Real by Ryan Wilkins
This novel features tragedy over tragedy, a mounting laundry list of trauma and difficulty, carrying a theme of hope. Read Wilkins’ heartbreaking novel to learn that everyone has difficult times to move past, and that hope and perseverance are essential in recovering!
8. Knight in Shining Suit by Jerilee Kaye
Okay, take this suggestion with a grain of salt, as this book is all about getting revenge on an ex. Revenge is certainly not the best way to solve a conflict, but if you’re feeling hung up on someone, a revenge fantasy can at least be fun to think about–so follow vicariously as Astrid invents the perfect boyfriend to get back at her jilting fiancée.
9. The Soul Bearers by Sylvia Massara
Massara paints a beautiful picture of grieving a healing with The Soul Bearers. A tear-jerker, this novel deals with loss, hope and moving on. If this story–in which every character has an issue to overcome, including love–doesn’t put things in perspective for you, nothing will!