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When we are going through heartbreak, we search for answers. I personally read many books to help me sort through the ordeal and I continue to read them daily. Many of my favourites are listed below. Not all are particularly 'relationship' books - but all are positive, motivational and inspirational in one way or another. These books have helped me get back on the right track and I think they will you too.

Essential Personal Development Reads: (Relationship/Break-up Books here)

In Alphabetical Order:-

As Man Thinketh - James Allen
This book is tiny - or at least my copy is...It's small enough to fit in my back pocket. James Allen was born in the 1860s (in England no less) so talk about being the grandfather of "Right Thinking". "Must have!"
Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


Awaken the Giant Within - Anthony Robbins
Great book to start you thinking right!

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Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
This is one of the best personal development books out there. I particularly like her idea of a Grid of life whereby she encourages a reader to have balance across the nine main areas of life. Not easy to achieve but something everyone should aspire too (instead of making relationships their only box!)

Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


Feeling Good - David Burns
This is an excellent book on starting to FEEL good again. It has very interesting bits on depression - particularly in chapter 3 (my fave) entitled Understanding Your Moods: You Feel the Way You Think. Highly recommend this book.

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Giant Steps - Anthony Robbins
Goes hand in hand with 'Awaken the Giant', I think.. Very good at getting your thinking right.

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How To Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie
If James Allen is the grandfather of "Right Thinking" then Dale is it for "Personal Development" or as Amazon calls it "This grandfather of all people-skills books" and it was first published in 1937. "Must have!"

Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


Key to Yourself - Venice Bloodworth
An old book, I've had it forever (thanks to my parents) and re-read it often. Very simple and inspirational.

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Life Strategies - Dr Phil McGraw
This is one of the first books I read after a big break up and it set me off on the right path. I revisit it from time to time! I lost it and had to re-purchase it!

Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


Power of Positive Thinking - Norman Vincent Peale
Like James Allen and Dale Carnegie, Norman is a grand-daddy of "inspirational thought". I do highly recommend it, but beware of his extensive use of prayer, if you're not the religious type, it may be off-putting at times!

Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


Psycho Cybernetics - Maxwell Maltz
A former plastic surgeon, Maltz ultimately recommended changing our attitudes towards Self, rather than our appearance. I picked up a few Maltz books from my parents who had them sitting on bookshelves. Great stuff.

Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
This book is recognised as one of the most influential books ever written. Many people in business read it but its principles can be applied throughout all walks of life. I have one of the CDs on this on. Worth a listen.

Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement - Anthony Robbins
More motivational words from the guru himself. Try the tapes!

Click to Buy @ Amazon right now: |


More Relationship/Break-up Book recommendations here - or check out Thea's recommended reads on this page.