The one you can read when grief is fresh.
357459
Many good books are written for the grieving.  This one, however, can be read when others are too much.  One page a day can provide comfort and a voice of sanity when such are hard to come by.
1806990
My son passed away in November and I have read as much literature as I can to help me through this hard time in my life.  This book is the first one that really seems to understand what I am going through right now and has helped me so much.  I have recommended this book many times over the last few months and have given away some copies to people I know dealing with grief and struggling to find something to help them.  This book is by far the best book on grief that I have read.  I highly recommend this book to anyone going through a grief journey or someone that wants to help someone going through a grief journey.
927848
"Grief is the intense emotional response to the pain of a loss. It is the reflection of a connection that has been broken. Most important, grief is an emotional, spiritual, and psychological journey to healing." pg. 227

This book has been a tremendous help to me. I lost my husband, my best friend 7 months ago. I am not the kind of person who opens up to my close friends and family much less a therapist. I new I needed some help to get a perspective of what I was experiencing and feeling in my loss.
I saw myself going through the 5 stages of grief; Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.
In going through all these stages and reading this wonderful book I realize that it is ok to feel sad, it is ok to look at the picture of us and cry and even be angry because we won't be going back to Hawaii like we talked about. It's ok to not want to get out of bed some days.
The most important thing I gained from reading this book is the fact that because he went away, my life is forever changed, I will never "get over it", and my family and friends will have to realize that.
"The person you were is forever changed.
A part of the old you died with your loved one. And a part of your loved one lives on in the new you." pg. 119
1901619
best grief book - to give to anyone right after they have lost a loved one - i have found.
498507
"A Time to Grieve" is the first in a series of four books designed to provide comfort, support, and encouragement to those working through the process of grief.

The book is based on the premise that grief is normal, natural, and necessary.  Each short chapter is accompanied with an inspirational thought or Scripture promise. Haugk points out that the shock of loss, and the turmoil that follow are all a part of the grief experience.

Kenneth skillfully shares from his own experience, how he handled his own grief after the loss of his wife.  He offers practical easy to understand counsel and comfort as he reminds the reader that each of us are unique in how we deal with grief. He also points out how circumstances around the loss of a loved one will affect how we grieve.

The book is made up of twelve short chapters filled with insights that can be read and assimilated in one sitting or over a period of days.  It was given to me by a caring friend. shortly after the death of my young adult grandson. It is the kind of thoughtful gift book that will be long be cherished, providing ongoing insight, encouragement, and comfort.

Dr. Kenneth C. Haugh is a pastor and clinical psychologist.  He writes from the heart, drawing from both his professional work, and his own personal experiences, and what he has learned from others that are grieving.
1407090
This is the fourth book, I've just finished reading on grief and by far the best.  The author is a Buddhist, Ph. D. Psychologist, Dr Kumar, and works at a grief/ cancer center in Miami.  Although, the book touches on Buddhist concepts, especially as they apply to grief, this is not a religious book and certainly applies to anyone suffering a loss from any religious persuasion.

I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer on 9/5/09.  She died 5 weeks after being diagnosed.  This book helps me to have the courage to embrace the pain of loss in a compassionate way, instead of running away from it.  The author talks quite a bit about the concept of "impermanence," basically that nothing stays the same and that we, our lives, and our life situations, are alway in a state of flux and flow.  When the pain of grief hits, it too, is impermanent and unpredictable which gives me the courage to embrace it, knowing that it won't last forever.

The book says a whole lot more than that, but that's just an example of one concept in the book.

The other book I would recommend is "On Death and Dying" by Elisabeth Kubler Ross and David Kessler.  That is a 5 star book in my opinion.
1943599
This book ws given to me as a gift when my mom died 7 years ago.  It was an amazing comfort during those many months of dealing with my loss.  Since then I have probably purchased a dozen more copies and given them to friends who have lost someone.  I hear again and again how this little book helped them.  I recommend it to anyone grieving for someone they have lost.
4127181
This is the right book.

The best thing about it, aside from its content, is its perfect tone in describing traumatic scenarios. You don't feel dragged into some emotional state that you're unwilling to enter. You can put it down at any time, and still feel the benefit of comfort and new understanding.

For me, its clear and comprehensive approach to the more practical parts of loss (through death or other types of parental absence) has been more than any therapist has been able to offer. Counselors have been on-target, but to understand them, I had to start here.
4900508
TEAR SOUP is lovely.  It is not for everyone who is experiencing grief, but I was comforted by it.  The title, alone, is gentle for the soul.  The artwork is just exquisite.  I found it enjoyable to read and benefitted from the advice to share your tear soup.
1562472
Grief can feel like an abyss, and the way out seems impossible. Eugenia Price offers a life line with this little book. She doesn't minimize grief or tell the reader just to "get over it." Rather, she acknowledges the grief, then offers a way to "get through the night" until the day of peace dawns. Price writes from a Christian perspective; it is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ that leads to peace. But I would encourage agnostics or even unbelievers who are dealing with grief to give this book a try. It is so comforting, so gentle, so loving. And aren't you intrigued by the chapter titled, "Where is your Loved One?" This little book has the power to change your life by helping you through what seems the darkest night.
4318806
Anyone new to grief should read this book.  If you have some experience with other books or have been in grief solo or group therapy, this book will offer less in the way of new learnings.  It's a great first book to read after a loss, a good overview. I didn't learn as much in this book as I did in I wasn't ready to say goodbye or the losses of our lives.
110304
I'm a psychotherapist, and I keep copies of this little book in my office to give to clients whenever they experience the death of a loved one.  The book is excellent for immediate grief work, because it doesn't require a huge investment of time and attention, which is often difficult in the immediate aftermath of a loss.  The page-a-day affirmation style means that they can read a little or a lot, and let it sink in.  Many clients have come back to me to say it was very helpful, both short-term and long-term.
3663602
This is not a story in itself, although a story is told as you read it, but rather a collection of thoughts and feelings as author Carol Scibelli shares moments in her life following the death of her husband.

What happens when you unexpectedly lose your life partner at a young age? From the early shock to dating again, this book opens up Carol's thoughts and feelings, so that we join her on the journey.

As a pastor, I am always looking into resources and ways to help others cope, so I was especially grateful to receive a gift of this book by the author to add to my library.

I was reminded of many things, but three stick out at the moment
Everyone has their own timeline for grief, and even when you think you are doing well, little things can throw you into a tailspin
Having friends who understand and accept you right where you are is important
Being single again doesn't change who you are, but it may change how you operate

While this might benefit some grieving widows (after the initial grieving period), I strongly recommend it for friends of those who have lost a loved one to help them better understand what may be going on and perhaps even to open up conversation.

Just a reminder if you do choose to share this with a widow
Read it first - and be willing to discuss it. Or better yet, buy a second copy and read it together.
A book, no matter how tenderly funny and appropriate does not substitute for true friendship and time spent together.

My heart broke with her on her loss, and I celebrated each step of the journey she shared. I trust that you will appreciate it in the same way.
3901186
Everyone experiences death of a loved one at some point. Words of Comfort for Times of Loss is a beautiful book that serves two unique purposes. Liz Allison and Cecil Murphey write from their hearts (and their experiences) and help us know how to respond when someone is grieving. Their stories are practical and useful, yet touch our hearts and comfort our souls. The illustrations by Michael Sparks and actually, the entire packaging of the book, makes a perfect gift to pass along when your own words just don't seem adequate. Thanks for a great resource.
2728819
This covered many different types of grief. I can let my daughter, friend, and brothers read it to help them through there grief.
1189711
I bought "The Language of Letting Go" when facing major loss, thinking it was a book about handling grief. It was one of the best mistakes I ever made. I am more grateful for this single volume than for my entire library of 3,000 other books, and daily experience more benefit.
Melody Beattie's book of meditations is a guidebook for life.  It's about holding on to what is meaningful, and letting go of that which can only continue to hurt us.  The meditations, one for each day of the year, seem to be divinely inspired.
No matter what pain you feel, these meditations are a healing balm for a wounded heart.  Melody Beattie's clear and simple writing addresses the difficulties of living, loving, caring, surviving, being gentle with one's self, making mistakes, learning to detach with love, and finding balance.
During a year in which I experienced major loss, and mounting stress, caring for several family members with major illness, and coping with my own, "The Language of Letting Go" was my lifeline.  This book helped me regain a sense of perspective. In times of great despair, it has been a lifeline.
Imagine reading one book for five minutes each morning or night, and literally having it change your life for the better.  This is that book. "Language of Letting Go" is clearly written, accessible, and direct.  I recommend it to anyone experiencing pain, confusion, despair, depression, loss, anger, frustration, and grief. It will help you find your way.
A personal aside to anyone put off by use of the word "God" in books about recovery.  For many of us, the word "God" was used to shame us as children, when hearing it or seeing it, we still cringe.  A fixed belief in the limited view of God we received in childhood is not necessary to understand and  benefit from the meditations.  I use a phrase that has meaning and relevance for me: wherever a book says "God", I use "The Assembly of Higher Powers as I Understand Them".
"Language of Letting Go" is appropriate reading for anyone desiring greater clarity of thought.  I suggest that you will rediscover yourself within its covers, being loved, and recovering long-lost hope.  This book can help you find peace of mind, and restore your courage to face each new day.
2374155
Subtitled: New Understandings of Loss

Striking a tone that is neither clinical nor maudlin, author Tom Ellis does a good job of explaining grief in his book, This Thing Called Grief. With factual information about the grieving process, poetry and some personal examples of individuals and families taking this journey, Ellis draws the reader in without bringing them down.

As a grief counselor myself, I know that when people are deep in the grieving process they are highly sensitive. Using this awareness Ellis has fashioned a book that sketches individual profiles without resorting to graphic descriptions that might be painful to readers.

With one of the main components of grief being an inability to concentrate for extended periods, Ellis has also shown his sensitivity to readers by writing a book less than one hundred pages long. The author gives enough information to be helpful without giving so much that it feels either overwhelming or discouraging. While the book in itself is short, Ellis has compiled an amazingly comprehensive list of resources for the reader that includes many books not only addressing grief and loss, but trauma and miscarriage, as well as books for children dealing with these same issues.

However, two factors set this book apart. The first is that while many books see grief as a burdensome part of life meant to be endured, This Thing Called Grief paints a portrait of grief that includes coming out on the other side of grief and being transformed and healed by the process. Although hope is in scarce supply during periods of grief, Ellis presents this view so gently it's bound to be gratefully received by many readers.

The second factor is that this book gives the reader permission to feel what they feel no matter what loss they are suffering. In our American culture, where you bury your father on Tuesday and are expected to be back at work and over it on Wednesday, this message is good news indeed.

Armchair Interviews says: A good book to give to someone grieving, even if you just gift yourself.