I’m going through a divorce. Not my choosing. I need some good mid 40’s female empowering books to read. Fiction or non!
I’m going through a divorce. Not my choosing. I need some good mid 40’s female empowering books to read. Fiction or non!
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Eat, Pray, Love
Blessings of the animals by katrina kittle.
Not sure I have a book recommendation but I went through divorce at 49. It is incredibly hard but you will get through it and you will be braver and stronger than you ever thought you could be. Sending strength and hugs ????
@Erica Thank you so much for that. I’m really struggling right now.
@Joey We are a sisterhood, I’m here if you need an ear. It sucks but it gets better.
@Erica thank you
I went through a divorce at 30, also not my choice but I’m glad for it. Although I’ve been happily remarried now for 7 years, 9 years later I struggle daily thinking my time was wasted and how things would be different. It gets better. Hang in there.
@Joey @Erica I just turned 49 on Monday and my divorce was final October 1st. I didn’t want it either and was with my ex for 26 years-I completely agree that you will be better than ever -but some days are unbearable during the process of getting there. I’m here for you too! I promise it’s only going to get better. ❤️
Tales of a Female Nomad!
@Heather I have this sitting on my shelf ?
@Erina one of my favorite books!
Yes! I remember I wrote to the author after I read it (many years ago) just basically saying how much I enjoyed it, and she wrote back a lovely response. 🙂 Good memories with this book <3
Woman last seen in her 30s by Camille Pagan
Yes 100%. Been there and this book is everything.
I can not recommend a book BUT from my personal experience…you will find strength you never knew you had!! Treat yourself kindly. You will come out of this as a rockstar!!!
Have you read LB Dunbar she has over 40 romance and ME Carter’s my so called life series is awesome. Oh and Life Rewritten by Andrea Johnston. They are some of my favorite people.
Best of luck. I’m 38 and going through it as well. Also not my decision. Not sure it fits your exact criteria but if you haven’t read Eleanor Oliphant I love how she came through some very rough circumstances.
Okay, I almost hate to suggest this after ripping on her latest book, but Eat, Pray, Love was a great read during my divorce. Trust me, it’s him and not you!
@Christine yeassss!
@Christine yeassss!
@Christine yeassss!
Chicken soup books!!
Pack of Two: the Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp- my favorite breakup read.
Wild. I’m not sure of the age, but I felt changed after reading this. Also, Eat, Pray, Love. ?
Under the Tuscan Sun. So sorry for what you are going through.❤️
A Three Dog Life
Out of the Woods by Lynn Darling
Went through it 16 years ago. Simple Abundance is one that helped me a lot. I love Sarah Ban Breathnach and I love that book! Best wishes for a brighter future. Sending hugs.
So sorry you are going through that.
Went through it at 30 but by choice. I’m sorry it’s not something of your choosing and hope you find your peace as you go.
After my divorce, I went through a dark reading phase, so I’m no help unless you want something about revenge ?
@Dawn I’m game lol!
It started with Gone Girl and then I had to read her other 2 books as well. I think The Husband’s Secret and The Silent Wife may have been in there too. This was several years ago, so you may have already read these.
I’m not sure if this is a good idea, but if you haven’t seen the movie The War of the Roses…you might want to.
If you need a laugh – The Sweet Potato Queens Wedding Planner/Divorce Guide. Being southern helps but I appreciated something to make me laugh. It will suck but get better. Hang in there!
Yes! Sweet Potato Queens. If you like it, then you might like Celia Rivenbark (e.g., Bless Your Heart, Tramp!). She’s another southern writer. Her books aren’t necessarily about divorce, but could make you laugh.
So sorry for you! Sending you prayers of strength and comfort!
Hey girl just a note to say that you are a total queen and so beautiful! Hang in there, your husband doesn’t even know yet what he will be missing.
Right now, I’m sure this seems awful. I was in the same situation I can tell you my life has brought so much unexpected joy since then. My heart is stronger, my friendships are stronger, and my faith is stronger. I also have a amazing new husband. Stay strong! ????
⬆️ Same. Karma will come through ??
It might seem a little cliche, but I loved Eat, Pray, Love and read it soon after my divorce.
I read the most after my husband left. It let me escape. I read a lot of Debbie Macomber. Cheesy, yes but light and easy, quick reads.
I’m also finding Kristan Higgins books relatable. All written about strong women.
Went through the same thing about two years ago. I have nothing to recommend from that period of my life, though, because I think I’ve blocked so much out. But you’ll get through it, even when you think you can’t or won’t. Sending lots of hugs your way.
Eat Pray Love ❤️.
‘Brave Enough’ by Cheryl Strayed. ? And you got this ?
I love Cathy Lamb, she writes about women going through something and becoming the strong woman that has been hiding!
yes!! Cathy Lamb is great! Strong female leads and her quirky writing style is the best!
Eat Pray Love…and I’ll say a prayer for u tonight keep your head up ?
Flirting With Forty
Following. Hang in there!
The Year We Turned Forty. It’s really good
I loved Eat Pray Love and Under the Tuscan Sun during that time of my life…
Try Jennifer Weiner- she has some books that might be what you’re looking for. And to echo all the other women who’ve already offered you some encouraging words: you WILL get through this! I wish you peace, and strength- but I have a feeling you already have the strength you need. It gets better! ♥️
@Janice agree with Weiner and all of this!
@Marilyn both her books! Perfect. @Camille @Susan @Tammy. All over 40 heroines.
Jen Hatmakers For The Love is one of my faves. A definite pick me up and laugh out loud.
@Mele Jen Hatmaker is an amazing human being, and I adore everything she does
“I’ve Been Thinking” by Maria Shriver
Great suggestions, all. Good luck to you, Joey. We’re here, even if all we can do is listen and make you laugh!
The Women’s Room by Marilyn French. An oldie but it set me on my path of feminism
I can’t recommend any books but know that you’ll be ok.
Tara Road
Anything Maeve Binchy ?
The Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love
Jill Conner-Brown
Don’t have a book to recommend, but when you want to get out, check out http://meetup.com/ I felt like I was the only one in my situation (40s, divorced, no kids), but met so many people (friends, not dates) that are in the same boat. There are groups for everything (including book groups), which makes it easy to get out and socialize when you need it.
No suggestions but prayers for you! Hang in there & let us know if we can help!
I loved the first wives club. They come back after their divorces and kick ass.
@Connie, OMG YES! I forgot about this one!!
Been there, girl ? Not sure if you’re looking for a book about getting divorced, but I really liked The Optimist’s Guide to Getting Divorced. Funny and real. I’m here to listen if you need anything!
I love both Rhoda Janzen’s books-Menonite in a Little Black Dress and Does This Church Make Me Look Fat. I was a divorce attorney for years and i can tell you the beginnjng is always the worst but it does get better. Onward!
@Melanie I am a paralegal. I don’t know which is scarier …knowing how the process works or just being clueless!
@Joey good point! Although ambiguity heightens anxiety, and knowledge is power! ?
@Melanie true!
I had another thought- Life Reimagined-The Science, Art and Opportunity of Midlife by Barbara Bradley Haggerty and Plan B by Sheryl Sandberg.
OK, not a book but my go-to movie….”Waiting to Exhale.” A great post-breakup film.
Wait I take that back. It is based on Terry McMillan’s novel.
The book is actually better than the movie!
Also book and movie, How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
10 beach road series!!!!!!!
I’m sorry I don’t have a book suggestion, but Ima need to know your skincare regimen. You’re gorgeous!
@Anna Oh my! Thank you. The only consistent thing I’ve ever done is always wash my makeup off before bed and use neutrogena glycerin soap!
I am reading unfuck yourself and it’s pretty good and gives a lot of good ideas about taking control of your life and also how to battle things your mind says
i would watch legally blonde…because elle woods makes us all feel better!
Dana Stabenow’s Kate Shugak. Empowered but in a way that’s believable.
The subtle art of not giving a fuck.
I love Moody Bitches. It’s great for a mid-life female. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22571687-moody-bitches
I am reading Marian Keyes The Break. I am not sure if its empowering or not..as I am only half way thru. But it’s been enjoyable so far.
Someone gave me EAT PRAY LOVE when I was going through my divorce….refuse to watch the movie because the book is too important to me….you got this!!!
When I went through my divorce my mum gave me Eat, Pray, Love. That book, to this day, is like a dear friend. ❤️
I have seen the movie- they didn’t butcher it THAT badly. ?
@Brenda ??? I will take your word for it ??
@Michele – is truly my soul sister – however when I read Eat, Pray, Love right after my second divorce I felt even worse, jaded and hopeless, a literal rom-com fairy tale that pissed me off. I still hate that book – obviously didn’t bother with the movie
@Rachel and I think to this day this is the only book we have EVER disagreed on ?❤️?
Maybe try Woman Last Seen In Her 30’s. I didn’t love the protagonist in the beginning – but liked her more and more as I read. I would recommend it. I think it might bring you comfort.
great book
I liked this self help book. It allowed me to focus on the future instead of dwelling on the past and to move forward. https://www.audible.com/pd/In-The-Meantime-Audiobook/B002V5CPKA?source_code=GPAGBSH0508140001&ds_rl=1258208&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpJjc8oOI4AIVUxh9Ch3L6gb_EAQYBCABEgLlePD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Happily Ever After: Walking with Peace and Courage Through a Year of Divorce by Kristin Armstrong, Lance Armstrong’s ex wife.
A friend gave me this book when I was going through my divorce. She read it when she was going through her divorce. I now do the same for other friends going through divorce.
i found her book extremely helpful as well – and i also gifted to other women going thru a divorce.
The Wife
Non-fiction recs that are unrelated but oddly helpful re: transitions: The Last Party (about britpop and culture shift in 90s) and Two Part Invention (about death in a relationship).
The former reminds you that you are in way better shape than you think, the latter reminds you that life is a journey and it’s okay to hurt and feel anger.
Furiously Happy is a fabulous memoir by one of the funniest ladies on earth who’s very open about her anxiety disorder. I found her book to be super cathartic during a stressful time.
Sending you love and light. You will make it through this!
Two books that helped me so much were Broken Open (sorry, don’t remember the author) and Life After Divorce by Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Someone told me it would take 2 years to get over divorce. It did! I wish you peace and courage.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k
Girl wash your face by Rachel hollis
I’m sorry. That sucks. How Stella Got Her Groove Back is a good story about a woman going through a divorce. Whenever I need empowerment, I look to women with long lives worth emulating. Me by Katharine Hepburn is probably the best celebrity autobiography I’ve ever read. How to Hepburn by Karen Karbo is short but awesome as is The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by the same author. In fact, Karbo does a lot of empowering women stuff. I’m waiting for her new one, In Praise of Difficult Women, right now. When I really need a lift, I find that Dorothy Parker’s poetry and its cynical view of men and love always makes me laugh.
Waiting to Exhale. Get your matches ready.
@Jen A great book.
Chosen By a Horse
Thank you all for the recommendations. Hanging in there. Finding humor in anything I can. Loved the book discussion tonight!