20 Best Books For Mourning (2023 Update)

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

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."

When author and counselor h. norman wright’s beloved wife, joyce, passed away, he grieved the loss of his partner and the life they shared. even in his state of sorrow, he knew he had to find a way to live without joyce, to forge a hopeful path, and to move forward in god’s grace and strength.with vulnerability and emotional insight, norm shares from his deeply personal journey and illuminates the way back to living when someone you love is gone. readers who have lost their spouse will discover support and guidance as theywork through anger, including anger at god, to ease toward god’s peacemove away from denial and “what ifs” to move forwardallow memories to provide comfort without getting stuck in the pastcreate a healthy new, daily routine to care for themselvesturn their new identity and life over to god’s leading and mercythis tender and inspirational book will help any reader who is grieving or who is walking alongside a grieving friend.

Theresa caputo, the star of tlc’s long island medium and new york times bestselling author, provides a guide to overcoming grief, filled with inspiring lessons from spirit and astonishing stories from the clients who have been empowered and healed by her spiritual readings.after more than a decade of being a practicing medium, theresa caputo shares 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. but not everyone knows where to start, and putting back together the pieces of a life marked by loss is never easy. sometimes, you need spiritual guidance—and 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’ experiences of losing 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 journaling, individual and group exercises, meditations, and moments of reflection—based on the truths that theresa has gathered from spirit. good grief—“an excellent resource for those who wish to be in communication with deceased loved ones” (library journal)—will help you to feel stronger and more optimistic about what the future has in store for you.

Poets and playwrights have written about the dark cloak of grief, the deep yearning, how devastating heartache feels. in the grieving brain, neuroscientist and psychologist mary-frances o'connor, phd, gives us a fascinating new window into one of the hallmark experiences of being human.

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.

Large print editionthis 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.

The grief companion is a modern illustrated deck of cards that provides gentle guidance, support, and knowledge for those navigating loss and grief. no two people grieve in the same way. the grief companion is a non-linear collection of cards that offers insights into the ever-evolving grieving process: providing thoughts and facts to help you feel grounded and seen ideas on how to honor your loss and memory and resources you can rely on as your experience of grief continues to shift. the cards can be used in a number of different ways. simply pull an insight, action, or prompt card every day or every week as part of a mindful intention, or during a difficult moment to be comforted. the cards are designed with dozens of actions and reflections that can be easily incorporated into your routine to guide and support you on your unique path. with the grief companion, you'll be empowered to better understand the grieving process and its effects as you learn coping mechanisms and, most of all, feel supported in your grieving experience. each card is hand-painted with a unique geometrical pattern.

"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.

Has someone you love died? or have you experienced another kind of loss where you feel like a part of you has died? do you feel alone in what you're experiencing? you're not alone. when debbie augenthaler was 36 years-old, her husband jim died suddenly and unexpectedly, in her arms, of a heart attack. debbie thought her life was over and felt hopeless about the future. yet today she is living a life filled with love, hope, and meaning. just as she has helped many grief-stricken people as a psychotherapist specializing in trauma, grief, and loss, debbie and her wisdom can help you too. in her book. debbie combines her personal story of devastating loss with practical insights and simple suggestions for healing and hope. with the connection of a shared experience, 'you are not alone' is a gentle guide through grief, transformation, and a new beginning.

If you are grieving the death of a friend, do something for yourself. take the time to read this book. it isn't very long – there aren't a lot of words – but you may find the help you need to cope with your sadness and begin to heal. author marilyn gootman has seen her own children suffer from the death of a friend, and she knows what teenagers go through when another teen dies. let her genuine understanding, gentle advice, and compassionate wisdom guide you through the next few days, weeks, or months. if you're a parent or teacher of a teen who has experienced a painful loss, this book is for you, too.

Things i've learned about loss offers a comforting shoulder to anyone looking for advice on how to process loss and grief. author dana shields, who lost her brother in a plane crash, shares her insight and offers comfort and companionship to readers in mourning. this heartfelt book of wisdom is a beacon of hope to help readers aching to find a new normal. * loosely guided by the stages of grief * helps those experiencing grief feel less alone * a beautiful, simple, and sincere book on bereavement when people experience a loss, it's hard to know what to do or say. things i've learned about loss helps reinforce the message that those grieving are not alone or wrong in their grief, even if it sometimes feels that way. presented in a petite, elegant package, this is a thoughtful gift for anyone struggling with their own loss. * features earnest content and reassurance that grief is normal * a good pick for those grieving and struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, or for the gift-giver who is looking for something to help and soothe a grieving friend * add it to the shelf with books like it's ok that you're not ok: meeting grief and loss in a culture that doesn't understand by megan devine; there is no good card for this: what to say and do when life is scary, awful, and unfair to people you love by dr. kelsey crowe and emily mcdowell; and the hot young widows club: lessons on survival from the front lines of grief by nora mcinerny.

How does the heart understand grief when it is broken by the death of a husband or wife? to survive and live forward, those who grieve must find answers. inside the broken heart is for anyone who has ever grieved the death of a spouse and asked 'why?' the book meets the reader at a spiritual place reserved specifically for widows and widowers. author julie yarbrough survived the sudden and untimely death of her beloved husband, a prominent united methodist minister. as a lay grief facilitator, she believes that those who seek comfort and inspiration in grief best identify with an authentic point of view. spousal love is a sacred gift ordained by god, the death of husband or wife unlike any other experience of loss. the marriage vow moment 'until death do us part' forever changes those who survive. grief cannot be understood until it is experienced. grief is not a crisis of faith, it is a crisis of the heart. inside the broken heart uses topical references from the bible to illuminate the unfamiliar emotions and questions of grief for the surviving spouse. as journey through 'the valley of the shadow of death,' inside the broken heart guides the way back to fullness of life. through rediscovery of hope, pain and sorrow are vanquished, death is rendered powerless, and grief is no more. "julie yarbrough has walked through the valley of the shadow of death and experienced the pain and anguish of great grief, and she knows firsthand the comfort and strength that only god can provide. i commend this remarkable grief ministry program to you highly." james w. moore, pastor in residence, highland park united methodist church, dallas, texas "with wisdom informed by her own experience and a warm regard for those who grieve, julie yarbrough guides the brokenhearted on an honest journey toward acceptance and hope. a refreshingly excellent resource for grief support." stephan bauman, senior minister, christ church new york city "julie yarbrough weaves understanding, care, and comfort together in such a way that the seemingly intolerable becomes tolerable, one breath at a time. this resource provides everything you need to promote, establish, and conduct grief groups throughout the year." judith bone, director of adult discipleship, brentwood united methodist church, nashville, tennessee

Gently, with warm, consoling, and practical guidance, doug manning addresses the painful, often disorientation aftermath of the death of a loved one, helping the bereaved cope with the emotions and confront the decisions that are an inevitable part of this time of radical life adjustment. beginning with the premise that "grief is not an enemy; it is a friend. it is the natural process of walking through the hurt and growing through the walk," manning helps readers face up to grief, move through it, and learn to live again.with the first shock of loss, a survivor is faced with what seems like an overwhelming number of arrangements that must be made immediately. don't take my grief away is a complete, helpful handbook covering such important areas as the choice of a minister, family dynamics during such stressful times, and personalizing the funeral service.

For those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, here are strength and thoughtful words to inspire and comfort.

With more than three million copies in print, discover timeless wisdom for all who grieve the loss of a job, a friendship, a move, or a loved one. – for more than fifty years good grief has helped millions of readers, including nfl players and a former first lady, find comfort, understand their emotions and regain hope after loss. this classic text identifies ten stages of grief — shock, emotion, depression, physical distress, panic, guilt, anger, resistance, hope, and acceptance — but recognizing that grief is complex and deeply personal, defines no "right" way to grieve. – good grief offers valuable insights on the emotional and physical responses persons may experience during the natural process of grieving something as small as a change in plans to something as traumatic and final as death. reflection questions sprinkled throughout the book help readers explore their own experience with each stage of the grieving process. – good grief includes a foreword by dr. timothy johnson, a leading communicator of medical health care information. an afterword by the author's daughters tells how the book came to be. – whether mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, moving to a new home, or other difficult life changes, good grief is a proven steady companion in times of loss and transition.

Everybody is destined to take this journey. brothers, mothers, lawyers, teachers, spouses, pastors, children each will come to a day when suddenly a loved one dies and the grief journey begins. this is a trip nobody looks forward to taking. it is a lonely, one-way road that must be traveled by placing one foot in front of the other. there are no shortcuts, u-turns, or express lanes. fortunately, god can. mourning break offers hope through personal stories and scriptural guidance for how to move forward with life. you will be able to reflect on god's word as it applies just to you. take a break from your grief, and be reminded that joy, indeed, comes in the mourning.

Only god knows what it takes to walk down dark roads and to fight the good fight of faith. ruby and her family have walked a close walk with god in direct opposition to hopelessness and the ugliness of cancer, and through joy in the mourning, have brought us with her. this is a book of the faithfulness of god almighty. this is a book of compassion, understanding, and hope for those who have faced and are face-to-face with the ugliness of cancer. retirement isn't far away, the kids are grown up, and the grandchildren are coming along. life is looking good suddenly your dreams and plans take a nosedive and it's all you can do to breathe deeply and take one step at a time. is it possible to hold onto faith in the face of dire circumstances? will you ever feel joy bubbling up inside you again? when a hope-filled solution is presented to you your spirits soar, only to come crashing down again when failure raises its ugly head. you go to the only place where faith, hope, and joy can be restored. even there you find you will need to make a choice: walk or wallow? sing or sigh? help or hurt? what will you choose? about the author: ruby (heppner) wiebe is a retired homemaker whose passion is to support and encourage those struggling with life's hardships. her greatest joys are spending time with children and grandchildren and hosting family and friends in her home. since her remarriage, she and her husband make their home in lac la biche, alberta.

"in this groundbreaking new work, david kessler-an expert on grief and the coauthor with elisabeth kèubler-ross of the iconic on grief and grieving-journeys beyond the classic five stages to discover a sixth stage: meaning"–