Five Excellent Books on Grief

Top Five Books on Grief, Courtesy of Corgenius:

“My hope is that overall this list will prove highly useful to you, both personally and as recommendations to others you encounter or serve who need the resources”. Amy Florian, Founder, Corgenius

 

1.  Recovering From the Loss of a Sibling: When a Brother or Sister Dies

(Katherine Fair Donnelly. 2000.)

Numerous testimonials from surviving siblings of all ages form the foundation of this book. It addresses the unique grief of siblings and the fact that sibs are often overlooked in the outpouring of support for parents. It is insightful and comforting.  Recommended for siblings from age 10 to adult.

2.  What Helped Me When My Loved One Died

(Earl Grollman, Beacon Press, 1982.)

Rather than writing this book himself, Grollman has gathered the stories of bereaved people and let them tell in their own words what most helped them when they were grieving.   Insightful and touching, the book is recommended for those who are grieving, especially in the first 6 months to a year, and for those who deal with the bereaved.

3.  I’m Grieving as Fast as I Can

(Linda Feinberg, New Horizon Press, 1994.)

Largely told through the stories of clients, friends, and her own experience, Feinberg writes for young widows and widowers. They often have small children, they immediately (whether they choose it or not) face issues of dating and sexuality, they feel the burden of the family’s needs, and they struggle with the sense of a stolen or empty future. She sensitively covers issues relating to a relationship that was stormy or abusive, and even the loss of a fiancé.  Recommended for those under 50 who are widowed.

4  Nobody’s Child Anymore; Grieving, Caring, and Comforting When Parents Die

(Barbara Bartocci. Notre Dame: Sorin Books, 2000.)

Through nostalgia, a variety of stories, instruction, and inspiration, Bartocci captures the unique loss and life issues that accompany the death of a parent for an adult child. Unlike most grief books, she starts with the dying process, and then goes on to issues of grieving, caring for the surviving parent, and healing from the loss. This wonderfully-written touching book is helpful to anyone.  Recommended from the time of a parent’s terminal diagnosis through the death and grief.

5.  When Your Spouse Dies – A Widow & Widower’s Handbook

(Othniel Sieden and Jane Bilett. Books to Believe In, 2008.)

This book is co-written by a widowed medical doctor and the psychologist who eventually became his wife. They discuss financial issues and practical concerns while outlining an emotional roadmap to help guide widows and widowers as they heal and rebuild their lives.  Recommended for widowed people from the time of the death through the grief process.

Our Preferred Provider For Grief and Grief Counseling:

Corgenius

 

Corgenius also offers a 20-page version with over 60 recommended books. If you are interested in this comprehensive annotated bibliography, it is available in their “Store” by clicking on their link below. The comprehensive version contains information on books dealing with grief, and covers a range of styles and several situational categories. Some are recent, most were published within the last 10 – 15 years, and a few are old workhorses, published long ago but still well worth reading.

Often, newly bereaved people lack the concentration and desire to read long or complex books. Therefore, several listings consist of short chapters in easy-to-read formats. We also list more substantial books, both for those who desire such information immediately and for those past the initial stages of grief who need more extensive information. It is noted when a book is spiritual or religious, and where a clear denominational focus is present. In absence of such comments, presume the book to be secular in nature.

It is impossible to include every worthy book in a list of this length. Selections are based on our own reading, book reviews, personal experience, and over 25 years of working in the field of bereavement. There are many books that are not included, and more are published every day. This list is therefore fluid and changeable.

How Corgenius Helps:

Grieving people come in all shapes and sizes – widows, widowers, parents, and children.  Sometimes the grief is life’s most devastating kind…the death of a spouse, parent, child or close friend.  Other times, grief comes in the form of a relationship ended or a job loss.  Whatever its form, grief is worth understanding and worth working through.

The founder of Corgenius, Amy Florian, testifies to that with her life.   What many people don’t know is that grief support can be taught.  Everyone can learn excellent ways to support all the grieving people who will cross their path in a lifetime.

Corngenius Offers Valuable Products and Services:

1.  Deliver keynote addresses, workshops, and private corporate training.

2.  Coach and support individuals or small groups.

3.  Draft custom letters and articles for your external communications.

4.  Sell a set of products which enhance our service offerings.