MY TOP BOOKS ON GRIEF AND LOSS
In the dark hours and days/weeks after someone dies we often lay in the actual dark not able to shut off our minds, only wanting to sleep so the pain is not so real; physical.
Or in the literal, as it is such a mental stress load in those early days. Consumed with anguish, grief and loss.
We search endlessly for books, articles, websites to help us understand what we are feeling, to know we are not alone, to help up cope.
I have since read many books on grief in the 8 short years since my daughters death, the ones that helped me cope were actually the fictional stories of parents suffering though a tragedy, in a very morbid way I was comforted.
I read books that were supposed to help you cope, or teach you to let go.
I preferred first hand books, but enjoyed fictional grief as a release and comfort as well.
8 years ago I would have loved to have stumbled upon a list of grief books, I didn’t, so I will share the top 13 that helped me then and the ones I have read more recently.
#1 – “no death, no fear” , (2002) by Thich Nhat Hanh
Teaches you how to deal with and accept death.
#2 – “A Grief Observed”, (1961) by C.S. Lewis
A classic, that unravels the journey through loss.
#3 – “Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief”, (1994) by Martha Whitmore Hickman
Offers meditations and actions to help grow through your grief
#4 – “The Bereaved Parent”, (1977) by Harriett S. Schiff
A first person account, heart wrenching read.
#5 – “No Time To Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One”, (1996) by Carla Fine.
A very hard read but one with love, hurt and compassion that aims to teach growth through learning and acceptance.
#6 – “The Trauma of Everyday Life”, (2013) by Mark Epstein
A unique insight into the understanding of how we all survive trauma in daily life.
#7 – “Wave”, (2013) by Sonali Deraniyagala
A true story based on the horrific tsunami that took thousands in Japan in 2011
#8 – “Option B“, (2017) by Sheryl Sandberg
A true story of perseverance of a woman who learns to cope with the death of her husband.
#9 – “A Gift of Hope“ (2012) & “His bright Light: The story of Nick Traina” (1998) by Danielle Steele
Famed author writes of the death of her son in a memoir.
#10 – “Its ok that your not OK” (2017) by Megan Devine
A great insight into accepting our feelings, while dealing with grief.
#11 – “Her”, (2013) by Christa Parravani
A twins memoir of her sisters struggle in life and ultimate suicide. A very hard read.
#12– “A Wind from the East” , (2016) by Wendy Dartnall
A memoir from a widower.
#13 – “Letters to Loved ones” (2020) By Jennifer Rickard, Amberly Wilkes, Sheri Hall, Cecelia Jensen, Tanya Winder, Jenise Williams, Matt B, Courtney Glafke, Vicki Catucci, Mary Kendig.
Based on true losses, letters written after death.
I hope these find you solace as they did me.
Thanks for reading,
Sheri