Posted by Breakups can be incredibly painful and difficult to navigate. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to healing, reading can be a great way to help process your emotions and move on. As a result, we have provided you with some free books to read after a breakup.
Studies have shown that reading can have therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress, improving mental health, and increasing empathy. So, if you’re going through a breakup, reading can be a great way to help yourself heal.
How Reading Can Be a Great Way to Heal and Move on
- Reading can help you feel less isolated and alone
- It can give you a sense of perspective, and remind you that you’re not the first person to go through a breakup
- Reading can provide comfort and reassurance when you’re feeling down
- Reading can help you process your emotions and make sense of your experience
- It can help you understand and empathize with others who have gone through similar experiences.
- Reading can give you a sense of hope for the future.
List of 25+ Free Books to Read After a Breakup
The following are some breakup books you can read for free:
- The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
- The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- 1984, by George Orwell
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- Divergent, by Veronica Roth
- The Martian by Andy Weir
- Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith
- The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
- Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
- The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway
- East of Eden, by John Steinbeck
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Insight on the Books to Read Without Paying A Dime After a Breakup
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
- Year Published: 2012
Description
The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green, is a young adult novel that tells the story of two teenagers who fall in love while battling cancer.
In this novel, Hazel is a 16-year-old girl who is battling thyroid cancer. Hazel meets Augustus, a charismatic and witty 17-year-old boy who is in remission from osteosarcoma, at a support group for cancer patients.
The two form a deep bond and embark on a journey of self-discovery and romance. The book is a moving and heartbreaking story that explores the power of love.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
- Year Published: 2011
Description
Ernest Cline creates a futuristic world in which most people escape reality by spending all their time in the OASIS, a virtual universe.
Wade Watts, the novel’s protagonist, is a teenager who becomes obsessed with finding a hidden treasure in the OASIS. Did he find it? Go get the book to find out.
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
- Year Published: 2008
Description
The book tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl who lives in a dystopian future. In this book, the government forces hungry children to compete to the death in exchange for food.
When Katniss’s younger sister is chosen as a tribute, Katniss volunteers to take her place. The novel follows Katniss’s journey through the Games and the political machinations of the Capitol.
No doubt, The Hunger Games is a thrilling and thought-provoking story that raises questions about power, class, and morality.
Human
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront
- Year Published: 1847
Description
The next classic novel on our list is Jane Eyre. It tells the story of the titular character, a young woman who works as a governess in the household of Mr. Rochester.
Jane falls in love with a man known as Rochester. But soon discovers that he is hiding a dark secret. The novel explores themes of love, morality, and social class and has been considered one of the greatest works of English literature.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Year Published: 2006
Description
This is a book about Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany. When Liesel’s foster father gives her a book, she begins to steal books from the local library, using them as a way to escape from the horrors of the war.
It’s a powerful novel that explores themes of friendship, love, and survival, and it’s arguably one of the most influential works of modern literature.
1984, by George Orwell
- Year Published: 1949
Description
1984 is a classic dystopian novel by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism and government control.
In this book, Winston Smith, the protagonist, begins to question the government and its policies, leading to a dangerous confrontation.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- Year Published: 1999
Description
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age novel by Stephen Chbosky that follows the story of Charlie, a shy and introverted high school freshman.
A group of seniors befriended Charlie and helped him navigate the social and emotional complexities of adolescence.
The novel is notable for its frank portrayal of teenage life, and its exploration of topics such as mental health, sexuality, and friendship.
Divergent, by Veronica Roth
- Year Published: 2011
Description
This is a popular young adult novel by Veronica Roth that takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where society is divided into five factions.
Tris Prior must choose between staying with her family or joining a faction, and her choice leads her on an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Divergent is an exciting novel that explores themes of identity, belonging, and choice.
The Martian by Andy Weir
- Year Published: 2011
Description
The Martian is a sci-fi novel by Andy Weir that follows the story of Mark Watney, a NASA astronaut stranded on Mars.
After a dust storm cuts his mission short, Mark finds himself alone on the red planet with only his wits and limited resources to keep him alive.
The book is known for its scientific accuracy and humor, as well as its portrayal of human resilience in the face of adversity.
Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon
- Year Published: 1991
Description
This book follows the story of Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who is transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland.
There, she meets Jamie Fraser, a Highlander, and gets caught up in the turmoil of the Jacobite rebellion.
Outlander is a sweeping historical romance that blends genres, combining elements of time travel, adventure, and history.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
- Year Published: 2009
Description
This is a moving and thought-provoking novel by Kathryn Stockett that takes place in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi.
The story is told from the perspectives of three women: Aibileen, a black maid; Minny, another black maid; and Skeeter, a young white woman who decides to write a book about the experiences of black domestic workers.
The Help explores the complicated dynamics of race, class, and gender, and how women’s lives were shaped by these factors.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- Year Published: 2012
Description
The novel follows the story of Amy Dunne, who goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary. Her husband, Nick Dunne, becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance.
The novel is full of twists and turns, and the ending is sure to leave you shocked.
Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
- Year Published: 1955
Description
Lolita is a controversial and critically acclaimed novel by Vladimir Nabokov that tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged professor who becomes infatuated with Dolores Haze, a 12-year-old girl.
The novel explores the dark and complex relationship between Humbert and Lolita, and the moral and ethical questions that arise from their relationship.
Lolita is often considered to be one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, and it has been adapted into film, television, and stage productions.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- Year Published: 1999
Description
This book follows the life of Charlie, a shy and introverted high school freshman. The book is told through a series of letters that Charlie writes to an anonymous recipient, which allows him to explore his innermost thoughts and feelings.
This novel touches on several sensitive topics, including mental health, sexuality, and relationships, and has been praised for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of adolescence.
A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman
- Year Published: 2012
Description
A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming novel by Fredrik Backman that follows the life of the titular character, Ove, an old man who has given up on life.
When a young family moves in next door, Ove finds himself reluctantly drawn into their lives. As he gets to know the family, he begins to open up and rediscover the joys of life.
The novel is a story of love, loss, and the power of human connection, and it has been translated into over 30 languages.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- Year Published: 2003
Description
This is a powerful novel by Khaled Hosseini that tells the story of Amir, a young boy growing up in Afghanistan during the 1970s.
As the political and social landscape of Afghanistan changes, Amir’s life is also changed, and he is forced to make difficult choices.
The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption, and has been praised for its nuanced and compelling portrayal of Afghanistan and its people.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith
- Year Published: 1943
Description
The novel chronicles Francie’s journey through childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, and paints a vivid portrait of life in working-class Brooklyn.
It is a story of hope, perseverance, and the power of education to transform lives.
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
- Year Published: 1988
Description
The Alchemist is a modern classic by Paulo Coelho that has been translated into over 80 languages and sold over 150 million copies worldwide.
This is the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a journey to the pyramids of Egypt in search of a treasure.
Along the way, he meets several people who help him on his journey, and he learns about the power of his dreams and destiny.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Year Published: 1960
Description
The main character in To Kill a Mockingbird is Atticus Finch, a lawyer and father to Scout and Jem Finch.
Atticus is a principled and courageous man who is determined to defend a black man falsely accused of a serious crime.
Despite facing opposition and hatred from his community, Atticus remains committed to doing what he believes is right.
He is a father figure not only to his children but to many of the children in the town, including Tom Robinson, the defendant he is defending.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman
- Year Published: 2013
Description
This is a fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman that follows a middle-aged man who returns to his childhood home and is transported back to a pivotal moment in his childhood.
He meets a mysterious girl who lives at the end of a lane and learns about the power of memory, the magic of childhood, and the danger of forgetting.
The novel is deeply imaginative and explores the complex relationship between childhood and adulthood.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- Year Published: 1937
Description
In this book, Lennie is a mentally disabled man who looks to George for guidance and protection. The novel explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the American Dream, as George and Lennie seek a better life but are constantly thwarted by the harsh realities of life.
Of Mice and Men is a deeply moving and thought-provoking story that explores the human condition and the nature of hope.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
- Year Published: 1979
Description
This is a humorous science fiction novel by Douglas Adams that follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, who was whisked away from Earth just moments before its destruction.
The novel is full of wry and clever humor, as well as philosophical musings on the nature of existence.
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
- Year Published: 1813
Description
Another classic free book to read after a breakup is Pride and Prejudice. The book centers around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth is a witty and intelligent young woman who challenges the class and gender norms of her society.
Mr. Darcy is a proud and arrogant man who must learn to let go of his prejudices in order to find happiness.
It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and has been adapted into numerous films and television shows.
The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway
- Year Published: 1952
Description
The Old Man and the Sea is a novella by Ernest Hemingway that follows an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago.
Despite enduring a long streak of bad luck, Santiago remains determined to catch a fish, embarking on a solitary journey that tests his endurance and skill.
The story is a parable about human perseverance, as well as a reflection on the aging process and the desire for personal fulfillment.
East of Eden, by John Steinbeck
- Year Published: 1952
Description
This is a sweeping novel by John Steinbeck that spans generations of the Trask and Hamilton families.
The story begins in the Salinas Valley of California, where Adam Trask tries to build a better life for himself and his sons, but is thwarted by the evil influence of his brother, Charles.
This novel is a retelling of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel and explores themes of good and evil, revenge, and redemption.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Year Published: 1954
Description
This is about the quest of the hobbit Frodo Baggins to destroy the One Ring, an artifact of great power that the dark lord Sauron used to conquer the world.
The trilogy is considered one of the most influential works of fantasy literature and has inspired numerous adaptations, such as the popular film trilogy by Peter Jackson.
FAQs on Free Books to Read After a Breakup
Are free books online actually free?
Yes, there are many websites where you can access free books online. For example, Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 titles that are in the public domain, meaning that they are free to download and read. Additionally, many libraries offer digital collections of ebooks that can be borrowed for free with a library card. If you have a Kindle or other e-reader, you can also access a number of free books through your device's store.
Is reading after a breakup actually helpful?
Reading can be very helpful after a breakup for a number of reasons. First, it can provide a distraction from the breakup and the difficult emotions that come with it. Secondly, it can give you a sense of connection to other people through the stories you read. Lastly, reading can help you to process your emotions and learn from the experiences of others. Many readers have found comfort and healing in reading after a breakup, so it's definitely worth giving it a try.
Should I avoid reading romance novels after a breakup?
While it might seem counterintuitive, reading romance novels after a breakup can actually be beneficial. Romance novels often feature positive depictions of love and relationships, which can remind you of the good things about love and inspire hope for the future. Additionally, the escapism that romance novels provide can be a welcome distraction from the stress and pain of a breakup. So, if you enjoy romance novels, there's no need to stop reading them just because you're going through a difficult time.
Are there any benefits to reading non-fiction books after a breakup?
Reading non-fiction books after a breakup can have a number of benefits. First, non-fiction books often contain practical advice on how to deal with difficult situations, which can be helpful in navigating the aftermath of a breakup. Second, reading non-fiction can help you learn more about yourself and others, which can lead to personal growth. Third, non-fiction books can provide a sense of connection to the wider world and a broader perspective on life. So, while it might not be the first thing you think of after a breakup, reading non-fiction can be a valuable part of the healing process.
Can reading help me to feel less alone?
Reading can definitely help you to feel less alone after a breakup. For one thing, reading can provide a sense of connection to the characters and authors of the books you're reading. Additionally, reading books about others who have gone through similar experiences can help you to feel less isolated and give you hope for the future. Reading can also give you something else to focus on and take your mind off of your breakup. And, when you finish a good book, you may feel a sense of accomplishment that can boost your spirits.
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Conclusion
Reading can be a very valuable tool for healing after a breakup. Not only can it provide a much-needed distraction, but it can also lead to personal growth and a sense of connection to others.
So, if you’re looking for a way to cope with the pain of a breakup, picking up a good book is a worthwhile option.
There are so many books out there that can help you through this difficult time, so don’t be afraid to explore different genres and find the one that best suits your needs.