The Widow's Guide to Dead Bastards

By: Jessica Waite

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

A widow’s life is turned upside down when she uncovers the truth about her late husband in this lyrical, witty, and deeply moving memoir of tragedy and betrayal.

In the midst of mourning her husband’s sudden death, writer Jessica Waite discovered shocking secrets that undermined everything she thought she knew about the man she’d loved and trusted. From uncovered affairs to drug use and a pornography addiction, Waite was overwhelmed reconciling this devastating information with her new reality as a widowed single mom. Then, to further complicate matters, strange, inexplicable coincidences forced her to consider whether her husband was reaching back from beyond the grave.

With her signature candor and unflinching honesty, Waite details her tumultuous love story and the pain of adjusting to the new normal she built for herself and her son. A riveting, difficult, and surprisingly beautiful story, The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards is also a lyrical exploration of grief, mental health, single parenthood, and betrayal that demonstrates that the most moving love stories aren’t perfect—they’re flawed and poignantly real.

©2024 Jessica Waite (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Therapy for Betrayed Widows

I would recommend this book for anyone who has lost a spouse/partner and also experienced betrayal by that partner.

It was a very powerful story and it struck me as to how similar the feelings experienced by the author were to my own.

Going through my deceased husband’s papers and personal items lodged into private nooks was akin to steeling myself for new revelations, expecting ‘the other shoe to drop’ and feeling the knife of betrayal all anew. I related to Jessica Waites’ story in so many ways.

I am going to recommend this book to my therapist.

Unassumingly deep

What a gem. The author has learned—the hard way—how to travel through dark and lightness and we get to experience it all with and through her. A gift she offers us. Yes, the relationship with her dead husband is overtly the central piece. But underneath it is the most important one: her relationship with herself. Beautiful book. I hope much more will come from her.

What is Rebekah's last name and place of work??? I need to put a face to the name.

What is Rebekah's last name and place of work??? I need to put a face to the name.

loved the title

Great read/listen. easy to follow and you can find comfort in hearing other widows situations. it's easy to feel alone in this journey but this book reminds us we are not alone.

Fantastic healing journey of a read and ride

Lived the writing, the storytelling, the vulnerability, the rawness, the real and the full circle healing. Thank you Jessica Waite.

This Is Familiar

Some of this may sound a little unconventional, but if you have suffered the loss of a spouse, this is truth. I was widowed 20 years ago and I still have that connection. I don't think I have ever read anything this spot-on before. Thank you!

Grateful for the raw truth, the raw healing it aloud to happen/still happening.

This book had so many healing nuggets of truth. It was written from a heart ready to share many unspoken emotions ,about grief, love, forgiveness, inner strength, and a new awakening. Thank you for the willingness to share a piece of your journey with the world,(and me), in turn, opening the space for others to share. I feel I traveled this journey with you, only 10 years earlier.
PS, loved the narration.

The narration is unbearable. Monotone.

The story dragged and with the horrible narration, I could not finish it. Skip the audible version on this one.