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Books Every Woman Needs To Read
You see them now and then, those lists of books every woman needs to read. One or two you may have already read. A few you’ve had on your mental list for a while. Reading might once have been a passion for you, an important hobby. But now? The idea of making time to read in the middle of your life turning upside down seems impossible!
When you are facing divorce, staring down the idea of suddenly being a single mom (although really, who are we kidding, you’ve been doing the job of single mom for how long now…but I digress…) it’s all you can do to keep it together. Reading a book is not high on the to-do list.
But hear me out. It could end up being a lifeline for you. For your kids. For the mom you want to be, for the mom they NEED you to be!
I’m not talking hours at a time (although if you can swing that, go for it!). Even 15 minutes after the kids are asleep, while you’re soaking in the tub. Or an hour that you can sneak away when your soon-to-be ex pretends to try on single fatherhood (sorry…I may or may not be a bit rage-y as I write this).
Books can become a soothing balm, or a source of strength and empowerment. They can provide an escape from reality, or ground us in it. Soar on the wings of inspiration, or take us back to our wild, feminine roots.
My hope is that in this list of books every woman needs to read during divorce, you will find your strength, your passion, your self…the amazing woman you were before all this, and the glorious woman you will soon become on the other side!
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Eat, Pray, Love
Going through my divorce, I clung to the stolen moments when I could escape to the local Starbucks, sip a Chai Tea Latte on a cold and dreary November night, and read a book. It’s no surprise that when I sat down to write this article, this was my number one pick. I’m sure I shocked the fellow coffee lovers at Starbucks while reading, when I laughed out loud more than once , or cried so hard the barista handed me tissues. To this day, I say that Liz got me through my divorce. (Ironically, when the movie came out I went to see it with another man, one I thought was the love of my life…ah, but that’s another story, for another time.)
Under The Tuscan Sun
Another book to escape reality, and dream of the possibilities! How love, marriage, family and life are all woven together, in the backdrop of Tuscany! You can get lost in this book. Frances Mayes has a style of writing so descriptive you can actually picture yourself in the story, living it right along with the characters.
Woman Who Run With The Wolves
Sometimes you need to go way back in your ancestry, to all the women that came before you. Dig deep, and get in touch with the wild woman, the feminine archetype, the great mother, and howl at the moon. This book will help you embrace the animal strength that is at the core of every woman, especially mothers. This one is definitely on many list of books every woman needs to read…because it is that special!
The Cursing Mommy’s Book of Days
Yes, the title says it…there are curse words a-plenty in this book. But if swearing doesn’t immediately offend you, then you will enjoy the wicked humour and stress relief found in this light-hearted, yet totally on point view of motherhood! Laughing is such good medicine for the soul when you are tired and weary, facing your battles every day.
Freedom Seeker
The metaphor of the caged bird finally flying free is abundant in this book about escaping the stress, responsibility and fear that is holding you back from living the life you love. Truly inspirational, yet practical activities to help you define and embrace the life you were meant to live.
The Desire Map
Part guidebook, part workbook, the Desire Map urges you to really dig deep and discover how your really want to feel, your “core desired feelings”. It turns goal setting on it’s head…what better time in your life to reassess and redefine who you are and what you want to be!
Big Magic
Another inspirational work by Liz Gilbert, this time on creativity. Maybe you’ve never considered yourself to be a creative person, or you lost that part of you in the chaos. Here is your chance to explore and embrace it, in a straightforward, no nonsense way. (As a side note, if you have a chance to get the audio version with Liz narrating, it’s even better!)
The Tao of Motherhood
Adapted from the famous Lao Tzu’s writing, the simple meditations in this book will help ground you, and gently support you on this journey of motherhood.
I’m also adding two books that I have NOT read, but are currently waiting patiently on my nightstand for me. They come highly recommended in some of my favourite lists of books every woman needs to read, and I’m certain they will earn their place in this top 10 list shortly.
You Are A Bad Ass
With a tag line like “How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life”, it’s pretty clear this is like an instruction manual at boot camp for single moms. This is your life. Start living it!
Daring Greatly
I am a newcomer to Brene Brown’s writing, although I am a fan of her TED talk and references to her work in parenting workshops I have attended. In this book she addresses vulnerability and imperfection, something all women facing divorce and single motherhood are smack in the middle of.
There you have it! A Top 10 List of inspirational books every woman needs to read when going through a divorce. Whether they elicit a laugh or a good cry, stoke the fires of greatness within you, or simply act as a comfort, may they provide the one thing we all cling to…hope.
Have you read any of these books? Got some suggestions for ones you would add? Leave me a comment below and let me know! I’m sure there are a good number of books that could make up a future list!
Like this article? Check out some of these related posts!
Making Your House Your Home After Divorce
Dealing With Divorce and Moving On
25 Forever Favourite Kids Books
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Hi there! I'm Tracey! 
I read the first few and totally agree they are good reads. I am adding the Tao of Motherhood to my list. Daring Greatly is already on my list. Thanks for sharing.