Breakups are a universal part of life—but that doesn’t mean they’re not absolutely excruciating to live through. I’ve often found myself taking drastic measures to distract myself from the inevitable, but incessant pain — I’ve been known to go in to see my colorist for some super-bright “breakup blonde” highlights without thoroughly thinking them through, or there was the time I ever-dramatically titled a Spotify playlist compiled for my ex-boyfriend “Homepage to Heartbreak: A Retrospective.” Unfortunately, while the age-old adage that “time heals all,” is 100 percent true when it comes to dealing with a breakup when you’re in the middle of a gut-wrenching split from a romantic partner, it certainly doesn’t feel like the wounds will ever heal.

Aside from keeping busy and surrounding yourself with friends and family for support (…and trying your very hardest to avoid isolating with a pint of ice cream and a bottle of Pinot), reading a book about heartbreak, love, or relationships, in general, can be a great way to expedite the healing process. Of course, there’s likely going to be some tears as you read your way through recovery, but these advice-focused books offer a constructive way to gain further insight into your patterns, and maybe even teach you a thing or two that will help you in your next relationship.