Top 10 Books to Read After a Separation

Author: SiLaw Group Family Lawyers
Published: Dec 27, 2022
Updated: Feb 28, 2023
Reading Time: 2 min read

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Separation can be a difficult and emotional experience, and reading can be a helpful way to cope with these feelings and gain new perspectives.

Ten Books That Can Help After a Separation

1. "BIFF for CoParent Communication: Your Guide to Difficult Texts, Emails, and Social Media Posts" by Bill Eddy — A practical guide to the BIFF method (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) for answering hostile or baiting messages from a co-parent without escalating the conflict. Especially useful if most of your communication now happens by text or email. Buy it on Amazon.ca

2. "The Breakup Bible: The Smart Woman's Guide to Healing from a Breakup or Divorce" by Rachel A. Sussman — A psychotherapist's roadmap through the stages of recovery after a breakup or divorce, with exercises for rebuilding confidence and moving forward. A good starting point if the separation is still raw. Buy it on Amazon.ca

3. "The Healing Power of Emotion: Affective Neuroscience, Development & Clinical Practice" by Diana Fosha — A deeper, more clinical read on how emotions work in the brain and body and how they heal. Suited to readers who want the science behind what they are feeling rather than a self-help format. Buy it on Amazon.ca

4. "The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth" by M. Scott Peck — A classic on discipline, love, and personal growth. Helpful for stepping back from the immediate crisis and thinking about what you want the next chapter of your life to look like. Buy it on Amazon.ca

5. "The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness" by Pema Chödrön — Gentle Buddhist teachings on accepting difficult circumstances and treating yourself with compassion instead of judgment. A calming read for the hardest weeks. Buy it on Amazon.ca

6. "Tears to Triumph: The Spiritual Journey from Suffering to Enlightenment" by Marianne Williamson — A spiritual perspective on moving through pain rather than numbing it, and on finding meaning in a painful transition. For readers drawn to a reflective, faith-adjacent approach. Buy it on Amazon.ca

7. "The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses" by John W. James and Russell Friedman — A structured, action-based program for processing loss, including the end of a relationship. Useful if you prefer concrete steps over abstract advice. Buy it on Amazon.ca

8. "The Courage to Grieve" by Judy Tatelbaum — A compassionate classic on experiencing grief fully and coming out the other side. Separation is a real loss, and this book gives you permission to treat it as one. Buy it on Amazon.ca

9. "Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder" by Bill Eddy and Randi Kreger — Practical strategies for protecting yourself, your children, and your finances when separating from a high-conflict partner. If this describes your situation, our post on mediation with a narcissist covers how BC mediation handles high-conflict personalities. Buy it on Amazon.ca

10. "The Art of Extreme Self-Care: 12 Practical and Inspiring Ways to Love Yourself More" by Cheryl Richardson — Twelve month-by-month self-care practices for putting your own well-being back on the list after a period of putting everyone else first. Buy it on Amazon.ca

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It's important to note that "everyone's experience with separation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another."

It's always a good idea to seek out professional support if you are struggling to cope with difficult emotions.

If you need more resources to deal with your difficult separation, reach out to one of our family lawyers at SiLaw Group Family Lawyers and we will be ready to help you with a free 30 minute consultation — read about what to expect from a free consultation with a family lawyer, then book your free initial consultation.