It’s no secret that most people spend at least one chapter of their lives single. perhaps you have recently gone through a difficult breakup? Or maybe you’re just enjoying the independence that singleness brings; Whatever your situation, there are some aspects of single life that are pretty universal. From wondering if you’ll ever meet the right person to adopting a new identity, there are a million different ups and downs. So while the ins and outs of everyone’s situation are unique, there are some inspiring single books everyone should read.
Here, we’ve rounded up 14 of the best to add to your reading list. They’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even restore your faith in love.
You are reading: Books about being single in your 40s
the unexpected joy of being single by catherine gray ($15.99)
Anyone who’s been single long enough has likely been plagued with the same thought — what if I die alone? Our lives are constructed around the idea of finding our ‘other half,’ suggesting that we’re somehow incomplete on our own. This book is here to change that. The author herself took a year off dating to experience what it’s like to be truly single — this is what she learned.
everything i know about dolly alderton love ($20.25)
An absolute must-read for singles of any age. you can pick this up, skip to any chapter, and find a different message each time. dolly’s voice is the one you need if you doubt yourself (or your whole life). Reading her book is like having a conversation with a friend that really grabs you, plus her dating stories will always make you laugh.
love! by zoe foster blake ($33.50)
zfb’s unique voice is the reason he is an Australian icon. he has hit the nail on the head again with his book dedicated to all matters of the heart. It will help you love yourself, love being single, and love being in love too. If he is looking for a trustworthy companion to pick him up when his heart is broken, this is the place.
no one tells you this by glynnis macnicol ($29.30)
Many people are under the impression that being single is an unfortunate thing that happens to us, but what if it’s a conscious choice we make? These memoirs of a single woman in her 40s will resonate with people of all ages. this is the perfect read for independent women who love their own lives and don’t feel the overwhelming need for a partner.
beautiful little things: advice on love and life from someone who’s been there by cheryl strayed ($16.95)
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This book is a reminder that life can be shit, but it can also be great if we’re willing to see things differently. If you’ve felt like your life is in complete chaos (especially after a breakup), then this book is a great reminder that everyone has uphill battles to face. Sometimes it helps to know that you’re not going through this alone, and as corny as it sounds, things will get better.
You can buy beautiful little things: advice on love and life from someone who’s been there by cheryl strayed ($16.95) from amazon here.
ghosts by dolly alderton ($33.09)
One of the most common themes of modern-day dating? Getting ghosted. Dolly Alderton’s debut fictional novel explores the fall-out of ghosting in intimate relationships and what happens when you’re left to pick up the pieces. From the electrifying first date to the eventual emotional turmoil — you’re guaranteed to find pieces of yourself on every page.
how to be single and happy by jenny taitz ($25.45)
This book addresses one of the biggest inconsistencies of the modern age: With so many ways to meet men, why are more women single than ever? Written by a clinical psychologist, the book is packed with tools, mindfulness exercises, and positive psychology practices that will transform the way you think about relationships and yourself. you’ll learn to stop criticizing yourself and cultivate a new mindset that will satisfy you more than ever.
emily brooks first move ($25.75)
This book is a must-read for professional women who find themselves perpetually confused by the world of dating. With chapters like ‘have your own shit and keep doing it’ and ‘know what you want and talk about it’, you’ll turn the last page with a clearer idea of what you really want from a relationship.
love yourself like your life depended on it by kamal ravikant ($23.07)
Learning to love ourselves can seem like hard work. in fact, it can take a lifetime to decipher. This book turns self-love on its head by asking us to love ourselves as if our whole lives depended on it (because somehow they do). If you’ve ever been in a relationship that didn’t make you feel good or struggled with low self-esteem, this is the book to get you started.
You can shop to love yourself like your life depended on it by kamal ravikant ($23.07) from amazon here.
jordanna levin’s greatest love ($22.95)
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This first half of this book is perfect to read if you’re happily single as it focuses heavily on the importance of establishing a strong sense of self prior to entering a relationship. The second half then focuses a little more on getting back to the dating scene with intention — that way, it’s said you’ll attract the kind of love that will truly fulfil you.
single on purpose: redefines everything. meet yourself first by john kim ($39.22)
there is a big difference between being alone and being alone and it is usually our relationship with ourselves that determines which we will feel. Brought to you by the author of I Used to Be a Wretch, this book will teach you how to prioritize your relationship with yourself, because, let’s be honest, that’s the most important relationship we have. .
you can buy only one on purpose: it redefines everything. find yourself first by john kim ($39.22) from amazon here.
what a time to be alone: the slums guide to why you’ve had enough by chidera eggerue ($17.75)
In What A Time To Be Alone, the Slumflower (AKA award-winning blogger, speaker, creative director and presenter of The MOBO Awards Chidera Eggerue) will be your life guru confidante and best friend. She’ll show you that being alone is not just okay, but it’s literally the best freaking thing that’ll ever happen to you. As she says, “you’re bad as hell, and you were made with intention”. It’s about time you realised.
You can purchase What Time to Be Alone: Slumflower’s Guide to Why Enough is Enough by Chidera Eggerue ($17.75) from Amazon here.
talks about love by natasha lunn
If you’re already a huge fan of female literary favourites like Lisa Taddeo, Dolly Alderton, Candice Carty-Williams and Roxane Gay, you’ll love this collection of essays courtesy of Journalist Natasha Lunn who set out to understand how relationships work and evolve over a lifetime.
You can buy Conversations About Love by Natasha Lunn ($23.81) pre-order now from Amazon here.
the lone hunter: how our search for love is broken by aimée lutkin
“‘So what’s going on in your love life?’. An innocent question at a dinner party prompted Aimee Lutkin to finally tell the truth; it was six years since her last relationship, and she suspected it would be better to accept the life she had – a life she liked very much – rather than keep searching. But Lutkin’s answer was met with uproar; surely she couldn’t give up on love? So she threw herself into dating, going on two dates every week.” Sound familiar?
you can buy the lone hunter: how our search for love breaks ($24.74) on amazon here.
Want to get your hands on more epic summer reads? head here for our poolside favorites.
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