A journey through grief
590251
I enjoyed the journey from start to finish as the author shared this personal story with unflinching honesty.  The death of a loved one effects everyone in different ways, and the journey to healing is just as varied.
3398549
The author describes her own sense of loss when her sons move away and her close friend dies. These particular experiences did not match mine. But her subsequent journey to find new meaning in her life was inspiring
and rejuvenated my own search and growth.
1730376
Blessed Grieving is like coming upon the road traveled...our journey in life...it is filled with many "roads { that all of us have taken or will take)  It has brought me to  a gentle healing in so many areas and aspects of my life.  In fact I bought eight "Blessed Grieving", sending the books on to friends of all ages in many different stages/aspects/situations of grieving  It is a quiet book, in that it gave me a place to just be and reflect ... not only to reflect but get up and move again into embracing life and being thankful for having traveled the many different roads in my life that might have been less traveled.
1934710
The Grief Diaries Anthology provides a glimpse into the hearts of those on the darkest journeys of their lives.  The candid, sometimes painful, responses are incredibly authentic, and provide a glimpse into a shattered heart and its healing process.  This insight is a valuable resource, whether you are just beginning this journey or are a seasoned veteran on this road to healing or are a family member or professional attempting to provide loving support to a soul wounded by grief.  The contributors bravery in sharing their stories is heart-warming and a loving gift to those grieving loss on any level.
1165444
A book to comfort those who are grieving, as well as an inspirational read for those looking to be moved by the strength of a single father reclaiming his life after unexpected loss. Eric Vaiksnoras describes an incredible journey about coming to terms with a harsh reality we all face during this life - the death of a loved one. As a young widower, he has a choice to let his loss consume him and to lead him down a difficult road of darkness or to look for the hope in life despite the heartbreaking circumstances around his young bride's death.

Eric proudly pronounces: Love will find a way. He is such a convincing writer. I cried, I laughed, and I smiled with tenderness while reading this story. I was convinced that Love will indeed find a way when we allow it to penetrate our hearts. My hope is that others will read "Honey, I Shrunk the Grief!" and feel the power that our outlook and choices can have on our lives no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
299765
This book is for anyone going through a loss of any kind.  This may include being forced to move and losing a house, losing a job, recovering from an addiction, losing a physical capability or worst, losing a loved one.  'On Grief and Grieving', is a book that helps the reader understand why they grieve and how to cope in a positive way.  WARNING!  I would not read this book if a loss is very recent.  There were portions of this book that made me cry and I would have been unable to cope if it was a recent loss.  However, it is a great book to help anyone understand why we grief and positive ways to look at life even though it may seem bleak.  We all grieve at some point.  Highly recommended.
2261796
A beautifully written, sincere account of personal loss and survival. The author shares her own personal losses in a way that draws you in to what it is like to lose someone you love dearly at this time of year; yet you do not feel overwhelmed by her personal grief. It has a balance of understanding and practical survival steps that help you to identify where you are, and help you move through the grieving process.

The author has been through so many personal losses and yet found the strength to write about it to help others. This book is a wonderful gift that must be shared.
4655122
On the surface "Mother" is a story of foreboding grief, self-healing and family. As an independent, motivated thirty-something who is also contemplating starting a family "Mother", to me, is a deeper story that reflects what many stay-at-home moms must feel daily. The dignity of knowing that raising a family is the single most important thing a person can do, however, feeling at times a sense of loss of one's self while supporting and caring for everyone else in their lives. Rentschler's prose is gripping, taking the reader on a journey deep into the character's soul. I felt for the main character, Mary, as she struggled with finding her true meaning, and I learned from her journey. While I too believe family, in particular "Mothers", are the most meaningful and influential gift, I hope to carry with me the things Mary learned... family first, but do not forget to make time for your own goals and dreams.

"Mother" made me realize how lucky I am to still have my mom with me, and to not take a single day for granted. Spend time with the people that mean the most to you, and tell them daily what they mean to you. For those moving through the grieving process of losing someone you love, you may find solace in Rentschler's words and realize you are not alone.
4118742
A great read for anyone dealing with loss. The author has a real knack for story telling and beautiful descriptions of the world around us.
3174960
Julie Hunt tells her story of finding life and hope again after the tragic, sudden death of her husband. Her faith, though challenged, is indomitable as God coaxes and comforts her to move forward. Her account of her journey is honest and will encourage anyone who is needing to hear the story of someone who "gets it."  Her journey will inspire you to say no to grief whenever it tries to define you, your future, or your faith.  "...my loss would not define me, but it would definitely shape me." - Julie Hunt
837641
This book was released a week prior to a painful tragedy in my life. I am glad I was able to read it because it prepared me for the emotional distress I was forced to face. It also helped me to be appropriately supportive to those who needed me. "A New Normal" outlines the grief process and how it is a personal, unique journey for each individual. I highly recommend reading it.
1371011
This is a very beautiful and heartwrenching book in which author Jene Ray Barranco writes passionately and honestly about her very gradual recovery from the terrible shock of her husband's sudden death. She doesn't mince words about the agony of grief, loneliness, and despair she experienced over the next five years, often quoting from her journal. She acquaints us with her coping mechanisms; notably, prayer, writing, observing each wave of feeling, and when all else failed, finding a safe space to experience and move through the seering pain.

She writes "A grief observed. I observed my grief with a fierce intensity. I tried to write down every detail as accurately as I could...I wanted to learn all it had for me. I took in all its moving parts and tried to create some sense of order by facing the parts one a a time...Soaked, drenched by grief, I kept moving forward...I know that one day,...eventually the waves would subside to the point where I could...gaze back to see a seascape of grief and know that I had made it through the storm."

Barranco's writing is straightforward and convincing, offering much deeper insight into the grief that many of us will face someday as loved ones depart. Though I do not share her exact religious views, I found the book riveting; especially the first half in which she is struggling to find her bearings and care for her 3 children as a single parent. One might argue that many details of parenthood and adjustment to such different circumstances are not covered in the book. The inevitable struggles of guiding 3 young people through adolescence are only superficially mentioned. There is little or no attention to her financial status and any difficulties that may have caused. I am sure that focusing away from these  areas was a conscious decision on her part, and that did not diminish the power of her writing. Also, though this book was not categorized as such, prospective readers should know that it is a Christian book, and prayer is very central to the author's recovery.

This is a relatively quick and easy book to get through, though some may find themselves lingering as I did, to try to learn from Barranco's experiences. Highly recommended to those touched by grief in any way.
2348680
After reading the reviews, and the first chapter of this novel, I was excited to sit down and delve into Caitlin's world.  In short, I was not disappointed.  As I tend to shy away for books which are mostly a character study, I was surprised to find that I barely noticed the minimalist use of supporting cast.  In telling her story, Caitlin's voice is strong and emotional and Nina's use of a small supporting cast adds a layer of depth to a its telling.

This book will touch the soul of anyone who has experienced a loss of any kind, as it explores the many elements of grief.  It also examines the expections we have of others.  Though I spent most of this story reading through misty eyes, I walked away with a tremendous sense of understanding of the emotions and levels of grief I have experienced in my own life.  Nina has accurately conveyed the essence of self-doubt and disconnection we often feel when we lose those we love.  But most of all, as we share with Caitlin the tumultuous year immediately following her best friend's suicide, we discover that there is a life beyond loss.

This is also a must read for teens as it paints an accurate portrayal of the aftermath of suicide.
4767953
One families journey to the other side of grief. After an unspeakable family tragedy this family falters then slowly finds the courage to build a new life together.
2758947
Surprise and grief walk together as Sally Matthews writes her way to life again after her son, Marc, dies in a tragic accident. Told in the heart-broken narrative of recovering memory, Sally's spare language leaves space for our own wonderings about love and loss, and the mysterious realm of life beyond death. Signs of his presence kept coming, and even before I read a single word, the book design drew me in with its rich watercolor washes and whimsical line drawings. It's a perfect choice for anyone in search of hope or faith when old certainties are gone.

--Marjory Zoet Bankson, author of Creative Aging
4142934
Rothert's Bound is a book about a journey back from loss and grief while depicting how each of us travel the journey differently.
171287
This book is a true gift of love from the heart of a mother finding her way through the darkness of the tragic death of one of her children.  A beautifully written book that touches one's soul. This book gives anyone and everyone who is struggling, a gentle push towards healing. Having read many books about grief and loss, this book tops them all. I could relate and understand so much more than ever before.  My heartfelt Thanks to Kathleen D. Hamilton for sharing her journey.