Book: The High Road Has Less Traffic

Recently, I tore through (not literally, of course) The High Road Has Less Traffic:  Honest Advice On The Path Through Love And Divorce, by Monique Honaman.  And I loved it.

Throughout the 142 pages Monique tells her personal divorce story, beginning with her husband’s “pronouncement” that he no longer wanted to be with her…. all the way through her personal happy ending.  Along the way, she touches on those things we all deal with:  spreading the news, learning to be single and acting mildly insane.

As you may have guessed from the title, Monique vowed to take the “high road” throughout her process and she’s living proof that it works.  But the book isn’t all about her journey.  Part of Monique’s High Road is helping others through similar events.  And so, in addition to a personal story, the book is filled with helpful tips for other women.  She includes a budget worksheet, inspirational quotes and even a little advice about hiring or acting as a PI.

My favorite part is the one entitled “Using The F-Word:  The Power of Forgiveness”.  I was delighted to discover a whole chapter devoted to the benefits of such an act.  In this section, Monique explains how she came to trade that F-word for a much healthier one.  She talks about the benefits to the forgiver and reminds us that forgiving is indeed a selfish act.  In her words:  “Just because I forgave him, doesn’t mean I was not going to hold him accountable.  What it did mean was that I was not going to spend hours each day thinking negative energy-draining thoughts about him.”  I couldn’t agree more.  There is a difference between “forgiveness” and “permission” and I’m glad to see that pointed out within these pages.

If you’re not ready to read the book, at least check out Monique Honaman’s web site.  Get to know her, browse her boutique and see what she’s up to.  I’m glad I did 🙂