Grief is undoubtedly an intrinsic part of the human existence, yet there seems to be a lack of literacy on the subject, and a cultural discomfort surrounding death and grieving. This can lead to people feeling incredibly isolated and alone during one of the hardest times in their lives.
In those times, books can often be an invaluable source of solace, guidance, advice and education on all things grief-related, and can - above all - offer much needed validation of our thoughts and feelings.
Below is a selection of the best books on grief and grieving that cover a wide range of relationships and situations, and which can serve as a great resource when struggling with a new reality in the aftermath of loss.
__________________________________________________________________________
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
by Joanne Cacciatore
This is one of the most helpful books I have read that deal with loss of a loved one. General enough to apply to all kinds of relationships, whether a partner, parent or friend, it offers advice and guidance on how to get through grief, while also removing the perceived need for permission from others in other to grieve. Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore provides invaluable help in the journey of redefining oneself after the loss of a loved one.
__________________________________________________________________________
by Joan Didion
My father passed away while I was pregnant with my eldest daughter. To this day, I still don't think have the words to properly describe that time in my life, other than "hard". Incredibly, numbingly hard. What I do know though, is that this beauty of a book helped me get through it. Different to other books, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion is a memoir which recounts her experiences in that first year after her husband's sudden death. Though her loss was that of a spouse, and mine that of a parent, it is the rawness of the narrative and the layers of grief that Didion describes that made this book so relatable. This may not be a self-help book as such, but is considered by many 'the holy grail' of grief books due to it relatable nature. And ultimately, what Didion conveys is how death changes us and how life must go on.
__________________________________________________________________________
by George A. Bonanno
If you are interested in the science of grief and related research, The Other Side of Sadness by George Bonanno offers just that. Bonanno is a professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University, and in this book he combines his first-hand experience with grief through the death of his father with easy-to-read scientific research, exploring the resilience of the human spirit in the face of trauma and loss.
__________________________________________________________________________
by Therese A. Rando
Dr. Therese Rando is the Clinical Director of The Institute for the Study and Treatment of Loss, an award-winning clinical psychologist, and a pioneer in the field of grief counselling. A comprehensive description of the grieving process, Rando's How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies not only covers the emotional steps required to recover from the loss of a loved one, but also all the practical aspects one must consider, such as managing funeral arrangements etc. A gentle, practical and inspiring read.
__________________________________________________________________________
by Phyllis R. Silverman and Madelyn Kelly
A Parent's Guide to Raising Grieving Children by Phyllis R. Silverman and Madelyn Kelly offers parents advice and strategies on how to best support their grieving children after the loss of a loved one, while also navigating their own grief. This book is especially helpful as it covers all age groups, from explaining death to a toddler to helping grieving teens manage their emotions.
__________________________________________________________________________
by Megan Devine
A great book for people grieving after the loss of a loved one, as well as those supporting them. Devine dispels all the myths surrounding grief, while also offering suggestions on how to provide comfort and care to those who feel judged or misunderstood by others while grieving.
__________________________________________________________________________
by Alexander Levy
Losing a parent as an adult comes with its own challenges, since an adult child may feel pressure to deal with grief more efficiently and quickly. The Orphaned Adult by Alexander Levy is a great source of guidance and comfort during this, sometimes surprisingly, difficult time in an adult's life.
__________________________________________________________________________
by Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner
A very relatable book, Modern Loss by Rebecca Soffer and Gabrielle Birkner is a collection of real, personal essays written by grieving young adults and covers most topics surrounding loss and grief. It can be especially helpful to teenagers as it connects them to a community coping with same circumstances and similar feelings.
Comments