20 Best Books About Grief (2023 Update)

The star of tlc’s long island medium and new york times bestselling author theresa caputo provides a guide to overcoming grief, filled with inspiring lessons from spirit and astonishing stories from the clients who have been empowered by theresa’s spiritual readings.after more than a decade of being a practicing medium, theresa caputo brings the powerful lessons she has learned about grief, healing, and finding happiness in the wake of tragedy. in almost every reading she gives, spirit insists that people begin to embrace their lives again. easily said, but not everyone knows where to begin, and putting back together the pieces of a life marked by loss is never easy. sometimes, you need spiritual guidance—that's where theresa comes in. with her energetic, positive, and encouraging tone, theresa uses the lessons from spirit to guide you through grief toward a place of solace and healing. each lesson is grounded in her clients' stories as they share the experience of losing their loved ones, their encounters with spirit during readings, and the ways in which they’ve been able to heal and grow. each chapter is filled with activities to help you find your “new normal”—including journal entries, individual and group exercises, meditations, and moments of reflection—based on the truths that theresa has gathered from spirit. good grief will help you to feel stronger and more optimistic about what the future has in store for you.

As seen in the new york times – reader's digest – spirituality & health – huffpostfeatured on npr's radio times and wisconsin public radio when a painful loss or life-shattering event upends your world, here is the first thing to know: there is nothing wrong with grief. "grief is simply love in its most wild and painful form," says megan devine. "it is a natural and sane response to loss." so, why does our culture treat grief like a disease to be cured as quickly as possible? having experienced grief from both sides—as both a therapist and as a woman who witnessed the accidental drowning of her beloved partner—megan writes with deep insight about the unspoken truths of loss, love, and healing. she debunks the culturally prescribed goal of returning to a normal, "happy" life, replacing it with a far healthier middle path, one that invites us to build a life alongside grief rather than seeking to overcome it. in this compelling and heartful book, you’ll learn: – why well-meaning advice, therapy, and spiritual wisdom so often end up making it harder for people in grief – how challenging the myths of grief—doing away with stages, timetables, and unrealistic ideals about how grief should unfold—allows us to accept grief as a mystery to be honored instead of a problem to solve – practical guidance for managing stress, improving sleep, and decreasing anxiety without trying to "fix" your pain – how to help the people you love—with essays to teach us the best skills, checklists, and suggestions for supporting and comforting others through the grieving process many people who have suffered a loss feel judged, dismissed, and misunderstood by a culture that wants to "solve" grief. megan writes, "grief no more needs a solution than love needs a solution."

Jennette mccurdy details how she overcame harrowing struggles as a child tv star—including anorexia and bulimia, addiction, severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and a traumatic relationship with her mother. a heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by icarly and sam & cat star jennette mccurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life. jennette mccurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. so she went along with what mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. she endured extensive at-home makeovers while mom chided, “your eyelashes are invisible, okay? you think dakota fanning doesn’t tint hers?” she was even showered by mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income. in i’m glad my mom died, jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. cast in a new nickelodeon series called icarly, she is thrust into fame. though mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“hi gale!”), jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. these issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the icarly spinoff sam & cat alongside ariana grande, her mother dies of cancer. finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants. told with refreshing candor and dark humor, i’m glad my mom died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

Updated to commemorate its 20th anniversary, this classic resource further explores the effects of grief and sheds new light on how to begin to take effective actions to complete the grieving process and work towards recovery and happiness. – incomplete recovery from grief can have a lifelong negative effect on the capacity for happiness. drawing from their own histories as well as from others', the authors illustrate how it is possible to recover from grief and regain energy and spontaneity. based on a proven program, the grief recovery handbook offers grievers the specific actions needed to move beyond loss. new material in this edition includes guidance for dealing with:· loss of faith· loss of career and financial issues· loss of health· growing up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional home – the grief recovery handbook is a groundbreaking, classic handbook that everyone should have in their library. “this book is required for all my classes. the more i use this book, the more i believe that unresolved grief is the major underlying issue in most people’s lives. it is the only work of its kind that i know of that outlines the problem and provides the solution.”—bernard mc – grane, ph. – d., professor of sociology, chapman university

Updated to commemorate its 20th anniversary, this classic resource further explores the effects of grief and sheds new light on how to begin to take effective actions to complete the grieving process and work towards recovery and happiness. – incomplete recovery from grief can have a lifelong negative effect on the capacity for happiness. drawing from their own histories as well as from others', the authors illustrate how it is possible to recover from grief and regain energy and spontaneity. based on a proven program, the grief recovery handbook offers grievers the specific actions needed to move beyond loss. new material in this edition includes guidance for dealing with:· loss of faith· loss of career and financial issues· loss of health· growing up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional home – the grief recovery handbook is a groundbreaking, classic handbook that everyone should have in their library. “this book is required for all my classes. the more i use this book, the more i believe that unresolved grief is the major underlying issue in most people’s lives. it is the only work of its kind that i know of that outlines the problem and provides the solution.”—bernard mc – grane, ph. – d., professor of sociology, chapman university

Updated third edition offers sensitive advice and genuine understanding for teens coping with grief and loss. the death of a friend is a wrenching event for anyone at any age and can spark feelings that range from sadness to guilt to anxiety. teenagers especially need help coping with grief and loss. this sensitive book answers questions grieving teens often have, like "how should i be acting?" "how long will this last?" and "what if i can't handle my grief on my own?" the book also addresses the complicated emotions that can accompany the death of an acquaintance, as opposed to a close friend. the advice is gentle, non-preachy, and compassionate; recommended for parents and teachers of teens who have experienced a painful loss. this updated edition of a classic resource includes new quotes from teens as well as insights into losing a friend or an acquaintance in a school shooting or through other violence. the book also features updated resources and recommended reading, including information on suicide hotlines and other support for anyone in crisis.

Through great personal loss, authors cecil murphey and liz allison have gained insight to share with others who are going through uncertainty, depression, and loneliness after losing a loved one. they also offer advice for those comforting someone who is grieving.among comforting paintings by artist michal sparks, brief stories, personal experiences, and prayers offer a meaningful path toward healing for readers when they:feel alone and lost in their grief and want to reconnect with others and to lifeseek to make sense of their loss alongside their sense of faith, purpose, and godwant to honor their loved one without clinging to the past in unhealthy waysreaders are given gentle permission to grapple with doubt, seek peace, and reflect on their loss in their own way without judgment and with understanding and hope. a perfect gift for a loved one dealing with loss.

"puts into words exactly what my heart felt after the loss of my spouse." – page bratcher, grief and divorce recovery coachthis loss changes everything. the loss of a life partner can be traumatic. oblivious to our suffering, the world around us speeds on as if nothing happened. our hearts are broken. our souls shake. our broken, grieving hearts need it to survive.multiple award-winning author, hospice chaplain, and grief counselor gary roe is a trusted voice who has been helping wounded, grieving hearts find hope and healing for more than three decades. written with heartfelt compassion, this warm, easy-to-read, and practical book reads like a caring conversation with a friend and will become a comforting companion as you navigate the turbulent waters of grief.gary's desire is to meet you in your grief and walk with you there. composed of brief chapters, comfort for the grieving spouse's heart is designed to be read one chapter per day, giving you bite-sized bits of comfort, encouragement, and healing over a period of time. you do not have to read it this way, of course. read in the way that is most natural for you. in comfort for the grieving spouse's heart, you will discover how to… process complicated grief emotions (sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, guilt, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, etc). navigate all the relational changes – feeling alone, misunderstood, isolated, and even rejected by those around you. handle the increased stress and uncertainty that this heavy loss can bring. deal with physical and mental health issues, illnesses, and new symptoms that often arise. take care of yourself through diet, hydration, fitness, and rest. deal with a myriad of practical issues (financial challenges, parenting, family activities), handle the intense, deep loneliness that often comes with this loss. you will also find hope in how to… think through the challenging spiritual and faith questions that frequently surface. relate well to the people around you – those who are helpful and those who aren't. overcome the tendency to run from emotional pain with unhealthy habits or compulsive behaviors. deal well with triggers and the grief bursts that will come. find the support you need for survival, recovery, and healing (safe people, fellow grievers, counseling, etc.). develop a simple, realistic plan for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. use your grief for good – for yourself, your family, and others. allow this loss to give you greater perspective and motivate you to live more effectively than ever before. make your life count, one day, one moment at a time. please don't grieve alone. let comfort for the grieving spouse's heart join you on this arduous, tasking journey. be kind to yourself. take your heart seriously. death has invaded, but it doesn't have to win. read on. comfort awaits you in these pages of this book.

Everyone experiences loss differently and grieves in their own way, but author jason f. wright, has learned from his own life, and from counseling others, that there are key principles to regaining your footing and finding tranquility after a devastating loss. this beautifully illustrated book is like an extended sympathy card, helping to remind those who are grieving that they are never alone in their pain and heartache. long after funeral services, flowers, and cards, this book can be a more permanent and personal reminder that even in a difficult season of quiet, there are people who want to be supportive and are ready to comfort with just their presence and understanding in what the author calls the "new normal" as routines resumes: "life lumbers forward. your new normal has arrived. the one you didn't order. if the quiet is unbearably loud, send a text. any hour. any time. any place."

"grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape." c.s. lewis lorene duquin, an experienced grief counselor was no stranger to understanding and explaining grief, and had helped many people work through it. but when she lost her mother she found herself living in an entirely new space. grieving the loss of a loved one contains 52 powerful, one-page meditations that will help you work through the various aspects of grieving as they did for lorene herself. the meditations are wide-ranging: they are deeply personal, but yet they address the emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of grief. rooted in prayer, inspired by the holy spirit, and conveying important life lessons, each meditation features: a quote from a well-known figure that speaks to the meditation a brief reflection that expands upon the topic at hand a prayer sidebar with a timely quote or anecdote walk hand in hand with lorene and experience the gift of a companion who can walk this painful walk at your side, through this unknown territory, where each passing day seems to reveal a new dimension of pain, loss, confusion but eventually transforms to healing and peace.

An illustrated journal for meeting grief with honesty and kindness—honoring loss, rather than packing it awaywith her breakout book it’s ok that you’re not ok, megan devine struck a chord with thousands of readers through her honest, validating approach to grief. in her same direct, no-platitudes style, she now offers how to carry what can’t be fixed—a journal filled with unique, creative ways to open a dialogue with grief itself. “being allowed to tell the truth about your grief is an incredibly powerful act,” she says. “this journal enables you to tell your whole story, without the need to tack on a happy ending where there isn’t one.” grief is a natural response to death and loss—it’s not an illness to be cured or a problem to be fixed. this workbook contains no clichés, timetables, or checklists of stages to get through; it won’t help you “move past” or put your loss behind you. instead, you’ll find encouragement, self-care exercises, and daily tools, including: – writing prompts to help you honor your pain and heartbreak – on-the-spot practices for tough situations—like grocery store trips, the sleepless nights, and being the “awkward guest” – the art of healthy distraction and self-care – what you can do when you worry that “moving on” means “letting go of love” – practical advice for fielding the dreaded “how are you doing?” question – what it means to find meaning in your loss – how to hold joy and grief at the same time – tear-and-share resources to help you educate friends and allies – the “griever’s bill of rights,” and much moreyour grief, like your love, belongs to you. no one has the right to dictate, judge, or dismiss what is yours to live. how to carry what can’t be fixed is a journal and everyday companion to help you enter a conversation with your grief, find your own truth, and live into the life you didn’t ask for—but is here nonetheless.

#1 bestseller in religion & spirituality, death & grief – a compassionate companion for those facing loss guiding you through the grieving process. her writing speaks both to those who don't know how to begin processing a loss and to those who have long been suffering under the weight of grief. – contemplative meditations. the grieving process is a slow one, but it is only by going through each of the steps that recovery is achieved. with this in mind, fumia provides meditative reflections for readers to sit with and focus on. by encouraging us to take the necessary time to contemplate our feelings, fumia opens a space for us to face our grief and equips us to handle what comes with that challenge. – find healing and hope. healing after loss can seem impossible, but fumia assures us that there is hope to be found. in leading us through the stages of grief, from near disbelief and denial to acceptance and growth, this meditation book provides a helping hand to all those lost in grief. – pick up molly fumia's safe passage and discover… a reflective and thoughtful guide from an experienced and trusted author – chapters relating to every stage of the grieving process – a source of healing and inspiration for those who feel recovery is not possible – readers of books such as healing after loss, bearing the unbearable, and grief day by day will find great comfort in safe passage: words to help the grieving.

#1 bestseller in religion & spirituality, death & grief – a compassionate companion for those facing loss guiding you through the grieving process. her writing speaks both to those who don't know how to begin processing a loss and to those who have long been suffering under the weight of grief. – contemplative meditations. the grieving process is a slow one, but it is only by going through each of the steps that recovery is achieved. with this in mind, fumia provides meditative reflections for readers to sit with and focus on. by encouraging us to take the necessary time to contemplate our feelings, fumia opens a space for us to face our grief and equips us to handle what comes with that challenge. – find healing and hope. healing after loss can seem impossible, but fumia assures us that there is hope to be found. in leading us through the stages of grief, from near disbelief and denial to acceptance and growth, this meditation book provides a helping hand to all those lost in grief. – pick up molly fumia's safe passage and discover… a reflective and thoughtful guide from an experienced and trusted author – chapters relating to every stage of the grieving process – a source of healing and inspiration for those who feel recovery is not possible – readers of books such as healing after loss, bearing the unbearable, and grief day by day will find great comfort in safe passage: words to help the grieving.

Grief and loss are inevitable, a part of life's journey. being there for someone in grief is written for those who grieve and those who wish to walk beside someone who is grieving in a way that is welcomed, helpful, respectful, and kind. in the pages of this book, you will learn how to be present for another in the unpredictability that death brings. through storytelling, it offers a general map of the landscape you will journey as you learn how to gaze into the face of suffering without running away. you will become skilled at being present for yourself, noticing your own fears and losses while being available to another. this book will help you learn to stay, even when it's hard. and if you should decide to be there authentically and intimately for someone who's grieving, a remarkable thing can happen – love can heal grief's wound.

Jeff brazier has experienced bereavement in many forms: in his childhood, helping his two boys through the devastating death of their mother, jade goody, witnessing the anguish of his own mum when she lost both of her parents, and hearing the stories of his coaching clients who are coming to terms with loss. no one can be an expert on grief, but within this book jeff provides support and guidance from someone who has been there. accessible and hands-on the grief survival guide offers practical advice on everything from preparing for the eventuality of death, managing grief, how best to support family and friends, and moving forward.

Non-death loss and grief offers an inclusive perspective on loss and grief, exploring recent research, clinical applications, and current thinking on non-death losses and the unique features of the grieving process that accompany them. a main emphasis is the importance of having words to accurately express these 'living losses', such as loss of communication with a loved one due to disease or trauma, which are often not acknowledged for the depth of their impact. chapters showcase a wide range of contributions from international leaders in the field and explore individual perspectives on loss as well as experiences that are more interpersonal and sociopolitical in nature. illustrated by case studies and clinical examples throughout, this is a highly relevant text for clinicians looking to enhance their support of those living with ongoing loss and grief.

With his signature clarity and compassion, thich nhat hanh will guide you through the storm of emotions surrounding the death of a loved one.how to live when a loved one dies offers powerful practices such as mindful breathing that will help you reconcile with death and loss, feel connected to your loved one long after they have gone, and transform your grief into healing and joy.

With his signature clarity and compassion, thich nhat hanh will guide you through the storm of emotions surrounding the death of a loved one.how to live when a loved one dies offers powerful practices such as mindful breathing that will help you reconcile with death and loss, feel connected to your loved one long after they have gone, and transform your grief into healing and joy.

"once in a generation, a book comes along that alters the way society views a topic. when children grieve is an essential primer for parents and others who interact with children on a regular basis." — bernard mc – grane, ph. – d., professor of sociology, chapman university and u.c. irvine – the first–and definitive–guide to helping children really deal with loss from the authors of the the grief recovery handbook – following deaths, divorces, pet loss, or the confusion of major relocation, many adults tell their children "don't feel bad." in fact, say the authors of the bestselling the grief recovery handbook, feeling bad or sad is precisely the appropriate emotion attached to sad events. encouraging a child to bypass grief without completion can cause unseen long-term damage. – when children grieve helps parents break through the misinformation that surrounds the topic of grief. it pinpoints the six major myths that hamper children in adapting to life's inevitable losses. practical and compassionate, it guides parents in creating emotional safety and spells out specific actions to help children move forward successfully.

Fifty years after its original publication, a commemorative edition with a new introduction and updated resources section of dr. elisabeth kübler-ross’s beloved, groundbreaking classic on the five stages of grief.one of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, on death and dying grew out of dr. kübler-ross’s famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. in this remarkable book, dr. kübler-ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. through sample interviews and conversations, she gives readers a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family, bringing hope to all who are involved. this edition includes an elegant, enlightening introduction by dr. ira byock, a prominent palliative care physician and the author of dying well, as well as congressional testimony given by dr.