Understanding Grief
Adult & Child Reading Resources
When searching for answers, understanding and validation, it helps to have a few good resources at hand. We've pulled together some options for you to explore which include both general grief resources as well as those specific to suicide loss. All reading resources listed below are affiliate links.
Grief Resources - Adults
Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore is a deeply moving exploration of grief’s transformative power. Through personal stories and professional insights, Cacciatore challenges conventional views of loss, offering profound wisdom on navigating the pain of bereavement. Her compassionate approach encourages readers to embrace their grief as a path to healing and resilience. This book is a beacon of empathy and understanding, essential for anyone confronting loss or supporting others through it.
It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine is a profound exploration of grief and loss, offering solace and guidance in navigating the complexities of mourning. Devine’s compassionate approach challenges societal expectations of grief and encourages acceptance of personal grieving processes. Her insights are both comforting and empowering, making this book essential for anyone facing loss or supporting others through it. A deeply empathetic read that resonates long after the final page.
The Grieving Brain by Heather L. Servaty-Seib and J. Scott Young provides a comprehensive exploration of how grief affects the brain, offering valuable insights into the neurological processes of mourning. Through scientific research and case studies, the authors demystify the emotional and cognitive impacts of loss, shedding light on how grief manifests physiologically. This accessible yet profound book is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of grief’s profound influence on the mind and body
How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed by Megan Divine is a poignant exploration of navigating life's unfixable challenges. Through heartfelt prose and compassionate guidance, readers are encouraged to embrace their pain rather than rush to find solutions. Her approach fosters acceptance, resilience, and a deeper understanding of grief as a natural part of life. This journal provides gentle yet powerful tools for healing and honoring the complexities of the human grief experience.
Healing After Loss by Martha W. Hickman is a profound guide for those navigating grief. Through daily meditations, Hickman offers gentle yet powerful insights into the emotional journey of loss. Each meditation provides comfort, understanding, and practical wisdom, serving as a soothing companion for anyone experiencing grief. With its compassionate approach and thoughtful reflections, "Healing After Loss" serves as a beacon of hope and healing, helping readers find solace and resilience amidst profound sorrow.
F**k Death by Steve Case is a bold and unflinching exploration of mortality and the human experience. With raw emotion and dark humor, Case confronts the taboo of death head-on, weaving personal anecdotes with philosophical musings. His irreverent yet poignant approach challenges readers to embrace life's impermanence and find meaning amidst loss. Case invites reflection on mortality's role in shaping our lives and is a thought-provoking read that navigates grief with honesty, humor, and a profound sense of humanity
Suicide Loss
No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One by Carla Fine is a compassionate and honest exploration of the unique grief that follows the loss of a loved one to suicide. Drawing from her personal experience and the stories of others, Fine delves into the emotional complexities survivors face, from guilt and anger to confusion and isolation. With heartfelt empathy, she offers solace and validation while guiding readers toward healing and understanding. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the aftermath of suicide or supporting someone who is.
Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide for Families After a Suicide by Beverly Cobain and Jean Larch is a compassionate and practical guide for those grappling with the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide. Combining personal experiences with professional insights, the authors provide a safe space for readers to process their grief, dispel myths, and confront the stigma surrounding suicide. Their heartfelt approach fosters understanding and encourages healing, offering tools for finding hope amid profound sorrow. This book is an essential companion for anyone seeking comfort and clarity in the wake of such a profound loss.
The Gift of Second: Healing from the Impact of Suicide by Brandy Lidbeck is a heartfelt and empowering guide for those navigating the aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide. Drawing from her own experience as a survivor, Lidbeck offers a deeply personal yet universally resonant perspective on grief, guilt, and the path to healing. Through practical advice and compassionate insights, she reassures readers that they are not alone in their journey. This book is a beacon of hope and understanding, offering solace and strength to anyone impacted by suicide.
Grieving a Suicide: A Loved One's Search for Comfort, Answers, and Hope by Albert Y. Hsu is a thoughtful and deeply compassionate resource for those wrestling with the pain and unanswered questions following a suicide. Drawing from his personal experience, Hsu blends heartfelt storytelling with spiritual insights to address the emotional, relational, and existential challenges of grief. With honesty and empathy, he guides readers toward comfort and hope, offering a sense of peace amidst the turmoil. This book is an invaluable companion for anyone seeking understanding and solace after such a profound loss.
Silent Grief: Living in the Wake of Suicide by Christopher Lukas and Henry M. Seiden is a compassionate and illuminating guide for those coping with the unique pain of losing a loved one to suicide. Blending personal narratives with psychological insights, the authors explore the complex emotions of grief, guilt, and confusion that often accompany such a loss. Their empathetic approach validates the reader’s experience while offering practical tools for healing and moving forward. This book is a vital resource for anyone seeking understanding and support in the wake of suicide.
"After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief" by Bob Baugher and Jack Jordan is a concise and compassionate guide that provides practical advice and heartfelt support for navigating the complex emotions that follow a suicide loss. It combines personal stories, therapeutic insights, and actionable strategies to help survivors understand their grief, find validation, and begin to heal. It’s often praised for being accessible and deeply empathetic, making it a valuable resource for individuals and families coping with such a profound loss.
Grief Resources - Children
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is a heartwarming tale that delicately explores the concept of connection and love beyond physical distance. Through enchanting illustrations and a gentle narrative, Karst illustrates how an invisible string connects us to loved ones, even when apart. This poignant story reassures children and adults alike that love transcends any separation, offering comfort during times of loneliness or loss. The Invisible String is a touching reminder of the enduring bonds that tie us together, making it a timeless read for fostering understanding and emotional resilience in both children and families facing separation or grief.
How I Feel: A Grief Journal for Kids by Mia Roldan is a tender and practical resource designed to help children process and express their emotions during times of loss. Through thoughtful prompts and activities, young readers are guided in exploring their feelings, memories, and hopes in a supportive and creative way. This journal provides a comforting space for children to navigate grief at their own pace, encouraging self-expression and resilience. How I Feel serves as a valuable tool for families, educators, and therapists supporting children through the complexities of grief.
The Memory Book by Joanna Rowland is a touching exploration of grief and remembrance for children. Through simple yet profound language, Rowland sensitively addresses loss and the memories that sustain us. The book gently guides young readers through the emotions of grief, offering a comforting narrative and space for reflection. With its heartfelt illustrations by Thea Baker, "The Memory Book" becomes a tender companion for children processing loss, encouraging them to cherish memories and find solace in their own ways. It's a beautiful testament to the enduring power of love and memory in the face of sadness.
Something Sad Happened by Bonnie Zucker is a compassionate guide for children navigating grief and loss. Through gentle storytelling, Zucker helps young readers understand and express their emotions. The book sensitively addresses the complexities of grief, offering practical ways to cope and heal. It's an invaluable resource for families, educators, and counselors seeking to support children through difficult times. Something Sad Happened provides a comforting narrative that encourages empathy and resilience, helping children navigate the emotional challenges of loss.