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Best Books About Separation & Divorce for 2022

Published: March 23, 2022 Updated: January 23, 2023
Published: 03/23/2022 Updated: 01/23/2023
Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • Self-Help Divorce Guides & WorkbooksSelf-Help Guides
  • Memoirs About DivorceMemoirs
  • For Older Adults Getting DivorcedFor Older Adults
  • For Navigating Co-Parenting During & After DivorceCo-Parenting
  • Books for Kids About DivorceBooks for Kids
  • Consider Seeing a Divorce CounselorDivorce Counselor
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP

Divorce or separation is never easy. Even in amicable cases, there may be unresolved feelings of anger, betrayal, confusion, or the grief of losing the relationship. Regardless of how it happens, these books on divorce are here to guide you through the practical impacts, the emotional difficulties, and everything in between. 

For our audience’s convenience, we include links to Amazon so recommended books can be easily purchased. Choosing Therapy may earn a commission from Amazon when purchases are made using the links on this page. Read more about our high editorial standards and advertising policy.

Self-Help Divorce Guides & Workbooks

The Divorce Recovery Workbook: How to Heal from Anger, Hurt, and Resentment and Build the Life You Want1. The Divorce Recovery Workbook: How to Heal from Anger, Hurt, and Resentment and Build the Life You Want

Between the legal ramifications, unresolved emotions surrounding your separation, or the myriad of other complications, divorce throws a lot at you. This workbook helps separated couples through every stage of the divorce. It encourages readers to find peace after such a huge change and empowers them to move on after their divorce in healthy ways, to live the life of healing they deserve.

Getting Past Your Breakup: How to Turn a Devastating Loss into the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You2. Getting Past Your Breakup: How to Turn a Devastating Loss into the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You

This break-up specific book is still useful for anyone facing a divorce. This tough-love guide gives you actionable tasks for moving on, from going no-contact with your ex to understanding that this was very likely the best outcome for you, and even advice for dating again.

I Just Want This Done: How Smart, Successful People Get Divorced without Losing their Kids, Money, and Minds3. I Just Want This Done: How Smart, Successful People Get Divorced without Losing their Kids, Money, and Minds

If you’re looking for a frank, straightforward way to get through your divorce without losing your sanity, this book by family law attorney Raiford Palmer is for you. He outlines exactly what to expect in the legal process, including debunking common myths, minimizing costs, choosing the right divorce lawyer, etc.

BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

Memoirs About Divorce

How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed: A Memoir of Starting Over4. How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed: A Memoir of Starting Over

Author Theo Pauline Nestor’s life caved in when she kicked her gambling husband out of her home. Forced to return to the workforce and provide for her children, Nestor recounts the immediate aftermath of her divorce and the depression she experienced with startling honesty: “I feel like I’ve joined an enormous club, something like the Veterans of Foreign Wars. We are weary with battle fatigue and sometimes even gripped by nostalgia for the good old, bad old days, but our numbers are large,” she writes.

Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation5. Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation

Author Rachel Cusk unpacks her own separation and the stages of grief she went through in this memoir. She also dives into the societal impact of divorce, from those affected to those who witness it. Known for her razor-sharp wit and humorous brevity, Cusk’s book offers personal insight and hope in a transformative time.

For Older Adults Getting Divorced

Divorce After 50: Your Guide to the Unique Legal and Financial Challenges6. Divorce After 50: Your Guide to the Unique Legal and Financial Challenges

Divorce is difficult in any situation, but breaking apart a life that has been built over the course of decades takes careful consideration. From healthcare to retirement planning, there are a multitude of unique issues facing middle-aged and older divorcees, and this book outlines how to tackle them.

For Navigating Co-Parenting During & After Divorce

Talking to Children About Divorce: A Parent's Guide to Healthy Communication at Each Stage of Divorce: Expert Advice for Kids' Emotional Recovery7. Talking to Children About Divorce: A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Communication at Each Stage of Divorce: Expert Advice for Kids’ Emotional Recovery

Therapist Jean McBride offers concrete advice and a steady framework for separating parents to talk about divorce with their children and navigate through the emotional and physical complexities of what life can look like afterwards.

It includes helpful scripts for each stage of divorce, including breaking the news and validating children’s emotions during an understandably difficult time.

The Co-Parenting Handbook: Raising Well-Adjusted and Resilient Kids from Little Ones to Young Adults through Divorce or Separation8. The Co-Parenting Handbook: Raising Well-Adjusted and Resilient Kids from Little Ones to Young Adults through Divorce or Separation

Parenting is hard enough on its own, but divorce or separation can make it feel nearly impossible. This handbook shares advice from divorce and co-parenting coaches, with their framework for successfully parenting children in the aftermath of divorce.

It includes sections on resolving daily issues, creating boundaries, and navigating the emotional needs of your children so they are always put first.

Support For Divorce & Separation

Talk Therapy – Get personalized help in recovering from a bad relationship or marriage from a licensed professional. BetterHelp offers online sessions by video or text. Try BetterHelp


Support Groups – Sesh offers live webinars on topics including “Creating Healthy Relationships”, “Improving Self-Esteem” and “Breaking Free From Bullying”. First Month Free

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp and Sesh.

Books for Kids About Divorce

Two Adventures with Mom and Dad: Explaining Divorce to Young Children9. Two Adventures with Mom and Dad: Explaining Divorce to Young Children

For young children, the concept of divorce is completely foreign. This picture book, written by a family law attorney, helps children understand what to expect in the future and provides them with a framework to go forward. Parents say it has helped their kids understand that they are still loved and treasured, regardless of the changes that are happening in their life.

Two Homes Filled with Love: A Story about Divorce and Separation10. Two Homes Filled With Love: A Story about Divorce and Separation

The popular “My Dragon” book series now includes a sincere and compassionate story about Drew and his dragon comforting a friend whose parents are no longer together. This sweet picture book reminds children that regardless of what house they live in, they are loved and supported no matter what.

Consider Seeing a Divorce Counselor

If you and your ex are having difficulties navigating all the details of divorce, it can be helpful to meet with a divorce counselor who can make sure both parties are being heard and can assist in ironing out any continued conflicts.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp (Online Therapy) – What are the next steps for the relationship? Can the relationship be improved? BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online-Therapy.com (Couples Counseling) – Would your partner and you benefit from couples therapy? Find Out. The Online-Therapy.com standard plan includes a weekly 45 minute video session, unlimited text messaging between sessions, and self-guided activities like journaling. Recently, they added instructional Yoga videos. Get Started

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is experienced in couples counseling. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp and Online-Therapy.com

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

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Headshot of Melissa Boudin, PsyD
Written by:

Melissa Boudin

PsyD
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • Self-Help Divorce Guides & WorkbooksSelf-Help Guides
  • Memoirs About DivorceMemoirs
  • For Older Adults Getting DivorcedFor Older Adults
  • For Navigating Co-Parenting During & After DivorceCo-Parenting
  • Books for Kids About DivorceBooks for Kids
  • Consider Seeing a Divorce CounselorDivorce Counselor
  • Additional ResourcesResources
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