In Writing

Are you getting sick of me writing about divorce?  Apologies. I can’t help it.  It’s not like I’m a fan or anything.  But never before in my life have I learned so powerful a lesson that what you most dread sometimes makes your life blossom and expand in ways you can’t even anticipate.  I grew up Catholic and divorce was never an option.  When it finally happened, despite all my best efforts, I felt like I was in freefall.  And then I learned to fly.

Needless to say, that’s worth writing about.

Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so.  I have found many beautiful books about the transformation and trial-by-fire that is building a solo life when you thought you’d be building a joint one.  Inspired by the list I just referenced about on making the most of later life, I figured I’d put together a short list of my favorite books (and one T.V. show) on life post-divorce.

The first isn’t a book, but a television show that just debuted.  I am an incorrigible viewer of terrible reality T.V. (a shame to air out with you on a later post), so I couldn’t help but see the wall-to-wall ads on Bravo for the scripted show, The Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce.  I didn’t expect much from it – the only actor I recognized I only knew from her role as a DC hooker on The West Wing – but it came on after one of my vapid catfight-fests, so I left it on.  Boy, was I delighted.  Snappy writing, subtle character development and real, human reactions… it was really good.  I only have the first episode to go by, so I’ll update my recommendation when I know more, but for now… episode one was promising.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed.  A recent divorcee hikes the Pacific Crest Trail – from Canada to Mexico – alone.  The writing is sparkling and draws you in and her insights are beautiful.  I found this book when I saw her an interview between her and  Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn, right before the T.V. exploded with ads for the upcoming movie starring Reese Witherspoon.  Worth a read.

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert.  This mega-super-duper successful memoir, later made into a movie starring Julia Roberts, hardly needs a plug from me, but it earns a place on this list by being a beautiful tale of seeking something while recovering from a broken marriage.  Likeable, relatable and spiritual, it’s a great read.  There’s one scene in which she learns not to fight the mosquitos in India which I reference all the time.

Happily Ever After Divorce: Notes of a Joyful Journey by Jessica Bram.  In midlife, the author found herself in a loveless marriage.  She makes the difficult decision to end it.  In a series of beautiful essays focusing on the positive aspects of letting go and moving on, she details her journey.  I found this right when I was going through my toughest times and it really helped see me through.

Recent Posts
Questions? Comments? Reach out!

I'd love to hear from you!

Not readable? Change text. captcha txt