Additional Reading

The Way of Transition, by William Bridges
This is probably my favorite book of all for understanding divorce. Transitions guru William Bridges outlines the steps involved in transition, helping you understand the crazy hopelessness you feel when you are thrown into one. The steps are the same for any transition – the end of a marriage, a change in health status, or losing a job. Bridges reminds us that the outer loss is metaphoric for an inner relinquishment that must be made. To find out, ask the question, “What is it time for me to let go of?” I love this book. Get it. Read it.

Loving What Is, by Byron Katie
Is it true? Who would you be without that thought? are just two of the four questions Katie inspires us to ask when looking for new perspectives. A hands on book that will help you accept things as they are.

Deep Survival, Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why, by Lawrence Gonzales

A well-researched book on survival strategies. Turns out surviving a divorce takes the same skills as surviving a hurricane, shipwreck or shark attack. Reading other survival stories may inspire you, and help you see the good in your experience.

The Grief Recovery Handbook, by James and Friedman
Few books on grief provide a step-by-step process for understanding and resolving grief. This is the book used by the Grief Recovery Institute for their certification trainings. You can own it and know what they know. The exercises are beneficial for all kinds of losses, not just divorce.

Awakening From Grief, by John Welshons
I love Welshon’s approach to grief. Welshon illuminates the gift that grief is, which in turn brings great hope to the reader. This book is along the same lines as The Grief Recovery Handbook but goes more deeply into the spiritually useful aspects of grief.

C.S. Lewis on Grief, by C.S. Lewis
From the author of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Christian author C.S. Lewis brings a touching expose on grief that is also beautifully illustrated. Here’s a quote from page 10, “Love is not the whole of a man’s life. I was happy before I ever met H. I’ve plenty of what are called ‘resources’…Then comes a sudden jab of red-hot memory and all this ‘commonsense’ vanishes like an ant in the mouth of a furnace…” Lewis’ fiery yet compassionate writing is seen throughout this little book.

The Healing Power of Anger, by John Rifkin
It is possible to use anger for good, to use it as breadcrumbs to track back to earlier wounding where it can be healed. I found this book to be a delightful change to most anger books because it is so solution oriented.

Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway, by Susan Jeffers
Fear is natural in the face of change. But it doesn’t mean STOP. It means GO. It’s just a feeling. Convincing ways to use fear to propel you forward.

As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen
If we can examine our thoughts we can direct them for our own use, rather than let them drag us hither and yon. “Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance.” A hearty book that requires much chewing.

Taming Your Gremlin, by Richard D. Carson
Creatively illustrated, simply written, personification of the belittling voices in your head. Instead of allowing them to freeze you in your tracks, be aware and entertained by their antics, and watch them lose their power.

Boundaries, by Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry Cloud
When my yard and your yard are clearly defined I don’t have to fear you or control you. I am free to love you. This concept can take a lifetime of refinement, but it is worth every effort. Everyone should have boundary setting capabilities in their toolbox to have the best of a designed life.

Radical Forgiveness, by Colin Tipping
Forgiveness, when you can make your way to it and through it, will transform you. The gift in forgiveness is for you, not the other person. Adverse events that come your way are a gift… but you have to leave being a victim behind to find it. This book is a good guidebook through the maze of emotions and into the gift.

Oh the Places You’ll Go, by Dr. Seuss
A grown up Dr. Seuss picture book. “But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may be sore and your sneakers may leak.”

The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck
“Life is hard.” So begins the book. Not knowing how life works certainly makes it hard. This book lays out a lot of the how’s and why’s of life very simply. Life will make a lot more sense after reading it. One of the first self-help books I read. Still love it.

Finding Your Own North Star, By Martha Beck
A great guide for finding the star that guides your life. We may get hijacked from it from time to time, but divorce offers the opportunity to set your course anew. This is a great book with a lot of insights.