When dealing with grief, loss, and trauma, it can be comforting to read the stories of others. Books can allow readers to feel like they are part of a group, and to learn from the experiences of others. They can provide perspective and comfort. Here are some books that may be helpful in your grief.
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The Sun Still Rises by Shawn Doyle, CSP. In this book, Shawn Doyle shares his personal story of loss and gives the reader tips, tools, and techniques to help them deal with their own loss.
My Husband Is Not a Rainbow: The Brutally Awful, Hilarious Truth About Life, Love, Grief, and Loss by Kelley Lynn Shepherd comes the comedian’s own story of love and loss. Lynn shares her story of falling in love, suddenly losing her husband, and dealing with the “grief tsunami” that came with it. This book is written through the use of Facebook posts, journal entries, grief counseling sessions, and letters to her dead husband. This book brings hope to those who are grieving.
Widows Wear Stilettos: A Practical and Emotional Guide for the Young Widow by Carole Brody Fleet artfully weaves in the author’s experience with widowhood along with a discussion of many practical topics that can be overwhelming. Some of the topics include raising children, finances, and health. While providing some guidance on how to move life forward as a widow, Carole also gives widows some hope for the future.
Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief by Claire Bidwell Smith addresses a component of grief that is often ignored. Often, anxiety is not seen as a part of grief; however, in this book, the author shows how loss and grief can often result in increased anxiety. Smith provides the reader with an understanding of what anxiety is, along with tools and strategies for tackling anxiety.
It’s Okay to Laugh: (Crying is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort is a book made for those who are learning to grieve and adjust to their new life following loss. It’s a book that admits that there are no easy answers about how to grieve, and everyone wonders if they are doing it right. Through this book, readers are told it’s ok to struggle with life and it’s ok to laugh in grief. A book that will leave you with tears in your eyes and laughter in your heart.
Radical Survivor: One Woman’s Path Through Life, Love, and Uncharted Tragedy by Nancy Saltzman follows one woman story through the grief of cancer and losing her husband and two sons in a tragic small-plane crash, and that doesn’t include a number of other tragic losses. Saltzman uses humor and honesty to show how she was able to find the strength to become a radical survivor.
The One Thing: 100 Widows Share Lessons On Love, Loss, And Life by Kerry Phillips is a coffee table style book that includes the advice and suggestions of 100 different widows on how to navigate being a widow. There is no guidebook for surviving widowhood, but this book can give you resources that may help.
Swimming with Maya: A Mother’s Story by Eleanor Vincent documents a mother’s loss of her 19-year-old daughter and the healing process of organ donation. Through it she also dives into her past traumas in search of healing.
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