We here at Wasserman White have been thinking… If Oprah and Reece Witherspoon can have book clubs, why can’t we?
Introducing our very own family law book club: Books & Briefs! Here are a few of our office’s top picks that we hope you’ll pick up and enjoy this year. From murder mystery to self-help, there’s a little something for everyone here.
Our 2025 Picks
This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage and Started My Life
by Lyz Lenz | Recommended by Sarah Czapski
In This American Ex-Wife, Lyz Lenz flips the script on the tired narrative of the sad, lonely divorcée, offering instead a bold and unapologetic argument for divorce as an empowering and practical solution for women reclaiming their lives. Drawing on personal stories, sociological research, and pop culture, Lenz crafts a vivid portrait of modern marriage, exposing the deeply flawed dynamics of power, justice, and gender equality within this institution. Her writing brims with sharp wit and unapologetic honesty, making a raucous case for solidarity, acceptance, and collective female refusal to settle for less.
This memoir is more than just a recounting of one woman’s journey: it’s a rallying cry for those seeking freedom and a fresh start. Packed with humor and hard-earned wisdom, Lenz reframes divorce as a liberation, not a failure. Whether you’re navigating your own breakup or simply tired of the courtroom drama, this book offers an exuberant reminder that the end of one chapter can be the beginning of something far better.
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach | Recommended by Laurie Wasserman
In The Wedding People, Alison Espach masterfully captures the chaos, humor, and poignancy of love, weddings, and the unexpected detours life throws our way. When Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn—alone, heartbroken, and determined to splurge on one last indulgent getaway—she becomes an unintentional wildcard in a meticulously planned wedding weekend. What begins as a comedy of errors turns into a surprising connection between Phoebe and the bride, as the two women share confessions that neither saw coming.
Equal parts absurdly funny and tenderly introspective, this novel is a celebration of life’s messy unpredictability. With its sharp humor and heartfelt depth, The Wedding People is perfect for anyone who has ever questioned the magic of love while juggling chaos—or who has found unexpected clarity in life’s most unconventional moments. Whether you’ve walked down the aisle or run in the other direction, this story resonates with all the twists and turns it takes to find yourself.
Too Good to Be True
by Carola Lovering | Recommended by Laurie Wasserman
In Too Good to Be True, love, lies, and deception collide in a thriller that will keep you guessing until the final, jaw-dropping twist. Skye Starling, a young woman battling OCD and a painful past, believes she’s finally found her happy ending when Burke Michaels proposes after a whirlwind romance. But as letters to Burke’s therapist reveal, he’s not the man he claims to be—and his motives are anything but pure.
With perspectives spanning decades and characters whose secrets run dangerously deep, this gripping story weaves an intricate web of manipulation, betrayal, and unexpected connections. Perfect for anyone who loves dissecting motives and uncovering hidden truths, Too Good to Be True will leave you questioning every character—and every relationship. Just when you think you’ve solved the puzzle, the story delivers a twist that changes everything. Ideal for readers who thrive on suspense, courtroom-style revelations, and the thrill of a case that’s never quite closed.
Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder
By Bill Eddy | Recommended by Martha White
Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder is the ultimate survival guide for navigating high-conflict divorces. Brutally honest and relentlessly practical, it offers a roadmap for dealing with manipulative exes who turn the process into psychological warfare. From nasty emails to court manipulation, this book tackles the relentless challenges of divorcing someone with traits like borderline, narcissistic, or antisocial personality disorder.
This updated edition dives deeper into critical issues like domestic violence, child custody disputes, and false allegations, equipping readers with strategies to protect themselves and their children. Whether you’re drafting protective orders, untangling custody battles, or presenting your case to decision-makers, Splitting provides the tools you need to stay grounded in the chaos. Keep this one within arm’s reach—it’s the field guide every lawyer and client in the trenches of toxic splits needs.
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn | Recommended by Elizabeth Pentikis
Does this book need an explanation?
Gone Girl is the modern classic that redefined the psychological thriller, delivering a chilling cautionary tale about marriage, trust, and the dark corners of human relationships. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick and Amy Dunne’s picture-perfect life unravels when Amy mysteriously disappears. As the media frenzy builds, Nick’s questionable behavior and evasive lies make him the prime suspect—but Amy’s diary reveals a complexity that turns the story on its head.
Lawyers will relish the razor-sharp dialogue, airtight plotting, and the eerie moments that might make you mutter, “I’ve had clients like this.” With its masterful twists and unforgettable characters, Gone Girl is as much a study in manipulation as it is a gripping whodunit. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves dissecting motives—whether in fiction or the courtroom.
The Perfect Couple
by Elin Hilderbrand | Recommended by Elizabeth Pentikis
he Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand is the ultimate beach read for anyone who loves a twisty mystery with a side of summer glamour. When a bride-to-be is found dead in Nantucket Harbor just hours before her lavish wedding, the entire wedding party becomes a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash digs into the lives of the best man, maid of honor, and even the groom’s famous mystery novelist mother, it becomes clear that every wedding is a potential minefield—and no couple is without secrets.
Packed with intrigue, drama, and characters you’ll love (and love to hate), this novel is like your favorite courtroom drama—with more margaritas and fewer objections. Hilderbrand’s signature style of weaving together suspense, romance, and beachy vibes makes The Perfect Couple the perfect escape for those who love solving mysteries and relishing the chaos of a picture-perfect event gone terribly wrong.
The Perfect Marriage
by Jeneva Rose | Recommended by Bryanne Flannery
The Perfect Marriage is a riveting blend of courtroom thriller and domestic suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end. Sarah Morgan is a top criminal defense attorney with a flawless record and a life meticulously planned. But when her husband, Adam, a failed author with a secret affair, becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his mistress, Sarah is forced to face her most difficult challenge yet—defending the man she loves, who may very well be guilty of murder.
As Sarah unravels the case, loyalties are tested and dark secrets come to light, all while she grapples with the ultimate question: Is her husband guilty of killing Kelly Summers, or is he the victim of a deadly set-up? Packed with twists, moral dilemmas, and psychological tension, The Perfect Marriage is a thrilling ride that will resonate with anyone who’s ever had to balance love, trust, and the law.
Eat Pray Love
by Elizabeth Gilbert | Recommended by Steffani Langston
Go ahead and revisit this class.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is the ultimate reminder that personal growth can often be found in the most unexpected places—like Italy, India, and Indonesia. After walking away from her seemingly perfect life—marriage, career, and suburban bliss—Gilbert embarks on a year-long journey to rediscover herself. She explores the art of pleasure in Italy, the art of devotion in India, and a delicate balance between the two in Bali, all while indulging in pasta, meditation, and plenty of gelato.
This heartfelt memoir is as much about self-discovery as it is about the beauty of embracing life’s messier moments. Filled with humor, wisdom, and deeply human insights, Eat, Pray, Love proves that sometimes, the best way to heal from life’s trials is to get a little lost—whether that means taking a trip across the globe or simply giving yourself permission to pause, breathe, and rediscover what truly matters.
It Ends with Us
by Colleen Hoover | Office Pick
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a profoundly emotional novel that dives deep into the complexities of love, strength, and breaking cycles of pain. Lily Bloom has worked hard to build a better life for herself, leaving behind her difficult past. When she meets Ryle Kincaid, a charming neurosurgeon with a guarded heart, she feels like everything is finally falling into place. But as their relationship develops, Lily is forced to confront the emotional scars of her past, including her first love, Atlas Corrigan, whose unexpected reappearance threatens everything she has with Ryle.
This heartbreaking yet hopeful story is a powerful exploration of the resilience of the human spirit. For lawyers who have witnessed the complicated dynamics of abusive relationships, It Ends with Us offers an intimate look at the cycle of love and pain, and the difficult choices that come with breaking free from it. Hoover’s tender writing and raw honesty make this a novel that resonates long after the last page is turned—a testament to the strength it takes to rewrite your story.
The Idea of You
by Robinne Lee | Office Pick
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee is the ultimate guilty pleasure—a steamy, addictive, and unapologetically indulgent read that will sweep you away from your inbox and into a whirlwind romance. Solène Marchand, a thirty-nine-year-old art gallery owner, never expects to find herself entangled with Hayes Campbell, a twenty-year-old member of the famous boy band August Moon. What begins as a series of secret rendezvous quickly turns into a passionate and transformative relationship, taking them from the glamorous world of music tours to the intimate hideaways of Paris and Miami.
As their romance becomes a viral sensation, Solène finds herself not only rediscovering love but reclaiming her sense of self. The media frenzy that follows tests the boundaries of her personal and professional life, and she must grapple with the impact her relationship has on her daughter and those closest to her. The Idea of You is the perfect escape for those moments when you need to unwind, offering an intoxicating mix of passion, personal growth, and the thrill of forbidden love.
The Optimist’s Guide to Divorce: How to Get Through Your Breakup and Create a New Life You Love
by Suzanne Riss | Office Pick
The Optimist’s Guide to Divorce by Suzanne Riss and Jill Sockwell is the ultimate pick-me-up for anyone navigating the stormy seas of a breakup. This practical, pep-talk-filled guide is packed with stories, advice, and sanity-saving tips, offering a girlfriend-to-girlfriend approach to the ups and downs of divorce. From handling the dreaded “talk” to figuring out where to live, co-parenting with an ex, and learning how to rebound, this book is a comforting reminder that life after divorce can be better than you ever imagined.
Riss and Sockwell’s heartfelt wisdom and humor shine through, preparing you for each phase of the journey with clarity and compassion. They provide actionable advice for creating a fresh start and learning to rebuild your life—and your relationship with yourself—along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or in the thick of it, this uplifting guide will remind you that, with the right mindset, you can come out on the other side even stronger than before.
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget
by Lysa TerKeurst | Office Pick
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst is a deeply insightful and healing guide for anyone carrying the heavy weight of unresolved pain, whether from personal betrayals or professional battles. TerKeurst offers a step-by-step process for letting go of resentment, even when the other person isn’t willing to make things right. With empathy, therapeutic insights, and wisdom drawn from over 1,000 hours of theological study, she provides powerful tools for freeing yourself from the emotional grip of the past.
This book is a must-read for anyone navigating the emotional fallout of difficult situations—whether it’s a tough legal case, a heartbreaking personal chapter, or a series of betrayals that leave you feeling stuck. TerKeurst shows that forgiveness isn’t just about the other person; it’s about reclaiming your peace, trusting again, and finding freedom from the emotional triggers that hold you back. Forgiving What You Can’t Forget is a thoughtful reminder that, in order to move forward, you first need to let go.
Final Arguments
So, there you have it: a book list that’s equal parts thrilling, inspiring, and just a little scandalous. Whether you’re a litigator, a mediator, or just someone who loves a good story, these books will remind you that life is full of unexpected twists—and sometimes the best strategy is simply turning the page.
Happy reading, counselors! 📚⚖️