Field Notes on Starting Over: Note #1—Books, Films & Songs for Pressing the Reset Button
A starter pack for navigating life’s plot twists
If I’m an expert on anything, it’s starting over from scratch. It’s not just something I've done—it's something I've studied, cried about, danced through, and survived. The following books, films, and songs have held my hand through the process.
Books to read when you need a fresh start or to remember who you are (click the titles to buy from my affiliate shop)
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The only book I have read more than once. I get something new from it with each read, depending on what I’m going through in my life at the time of reading.
All Fours by Miranda July
Unhinged in the best way. Portrays menopause as a turning point rather than an ending—or at least an opportunity for a room renovation.
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Female resilience through the times. Also, a cautionary tale to men not to mess with a woman and her crow.
The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace
Really anything by this woman. Empowering, raw, and a reeducation in self-love.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
A tender octopus teaches you more about grief and moving forward than most humans. Quiet, strange, and healing in the most unexpected places.
All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols
This a beautifully illustrated hug of a book that will keep you grounded, steady, and at peace in the midst of the unknown.
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
A cozy, lighthearted feel-good read for anyone who’s ever wanted to run away from their life, move to the middle of nowhere, buy a van and surround themselves with books🙋🏻♀️
The Women by Kristen Hannah
A gut-punch of a novel. Unflinching, unforgettable. A reminder of women’s strength and our ability to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps.
After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Disney never showed us what happens after the princess rides off into the sunset with Prince Charming—this book does.
The Cassandra Complex by Holly Smale
The neurodivergent main character captures readers hearts with her witty humor and frankness as she explores identity and self-acceptance.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
We don’t always choose to reshape our lives, sometimes we are forced to. Also a highly recommended TV series, this multigenerational story shows that starting over—even in the midst of murder, forced marriage, family secrets, and crossing literal oceans—is possible.
Films to watch when you want to burn it all down and begin again (click the titles to watch the trailers)
· Not a movie, but my favorite series about reinvention with humor and grit
· Life doesn’t stop after a divorce, nor after age 60
· For the romantic idealists rebuilding after heartbreak
· Rebuilding from ruins
· If you’re stuck in a rut or craving direction
· How small changes can lead to joyful reinvention
· Confronting grief and trauma through solitude and breaking out of the comfort zone
· Healing journey of walking (literally) back to yourself
· When you’ve had enough of sacrificing yourself for others
· Abandon ship and board a bus to peace
· The healing power of female friendship to get you through hard times
· For those who dare to live unapologetically… TOWANDA!
· A reminder to lean on sisterhood when going through transitions
· For when you want to burn it all down…(literally)🤭
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
· For the later-in-life dreamers ready for the next chapter
· It’s never too late for adventure, reinvention, and love
· What happens when reinvention goes sideways
· The discomfort of realizing the life you imagined doesn’t exist anymore
· If you’re navigating finding love in midlife after divorce
· The complexities of blending past baggage with new possibilities
· If you’ve lost your creativity in the humdrum of domesticity
· Reclaiming identity through adventure and risk
· Unexpected detours early in life
· Found family
How Stella Got Her Groove Back
· If you’re looking to reclaim your zest for life and sensuality after heartbreak
· The liberating power of stepping away from expectations
· For anyone who finds themselves back out in the dating world after an LTR
· A funny and awkward road to rediscovery of love and self
· For empty nesters or widows searching for renewed purpose
· Grief transformed into connection
· Navigating grief after loss of a partner earlier in life
· What it looks like to hold on while letting go
Eat Pray Love (so good it deserves another mention)
· Reevaluation of life after divorce, burnout, or existential discontent
· The spiritual and emotional evolution that happens when you decide to live life on your own terms
Songs to play whenever you need a little push to keep moving forward
Click here to listen in Spotify.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOK, FILM, OR SONG RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THOSE OF US PRESSING THE RESET BUTTON? DROP A COMMENT BELOW!
I loved Eat Pray when I first read it. I think I was in my 40s and feeling restless. I loved that story (book better than movie!). And Grace and Frankie is the funniest! I’m also going to bookmark this for future reads/movies. Juanita has been on my list for a while so maybe now I’ll jump in.
bookmarking this! thank you, so many great suggestions. 😊 a song i’ve loved pertaining to this subject is “the sun will come up, the seasons will change” by nina nesbitt