Welcome to our list of the best books about grief!
Grieving the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other traumas is never easy, and it's important to have resources that can provide comfort and support during this tough journey. Books can be a great source of comfort, and reading on the topic of grief can help those who are struggling to understand their emotions and come to terms with their loss. In this article, we will discuss ten of the best books on grief that can help you heal from your loss.
So without further ado, pick out a grief book that resonates with what you’re going through.
Best Books About Grief
1) The Year of Magical Thinking - Joan Didion
In 2003, writer Joan Didion's husband of forty years died unexpectedly. The Year of Magical Thinking is her memoir of the year that followed, chronicling her journey through grief and the strange thought patterns that arose during that time.
2) Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy - Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
Following the unexpected death of her husband, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg teamed up with author Adam Grant to write Option B. This book provides readers with practical advice on how to heal from grief and how to build resilience after experiencing trauma.
3) A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis' A Grief Observed is a true classic in the genre of grief literature. In this memoir, Lewis chronicles his own grief experiences after his wife's unexpected death.
4) The Orphaned Adult: Understanding and Coping with Grief and Change After the Death of Our Parents - Alexander Levy
The death of a parent is a difficult loss at any age, and Alexander Levy's The Orphaned Adult is a must-read for anyone who has experienced this kind of loss. Levy explores the many ways in which grief can manifest, and he provides practical advice on how to cope with the emotional fallout.
5) When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air chronicles the journey of Paul Kalanithi, a young neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. This moving memoir is a poignant exploration of grief and death, and it's a must-read for anyone grappling with end-of-life issues.
6) The Death of Ivan Ilyich - Leo Tolstoy
In The Death of Ilyich, Leo Tolstoy explores the experience of death from the perspective of a man who is dying. This beautifully written novella is a powerful exploration of the human experience of grief and loss.
7) PEace in the face of loss - Jill kelly
In the grief book “Peace in The Face of Loss,” journalist Jill Kelly tells the story of the losses she experienced in her life, including the death of her husband and her brother. This book explores how people process grief differently, and it showcases the many different approaches to healing.
8) The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
The Wild Edge of Sorrow is a guide to the transformative power of grief. Author Francis Weller explores the ways in which we can use rituals and ceremony to help us navigate the difficult emotions that arise after a loss.
9) It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand - Megan Devine
In this insightful book, author Megan Devine tackles the societal norms around grief and loss. She provides practical advice on how to deal with well-meaning but ultimately unhelpful comments from others, and she offers a wise and compassionate view of the grieving process.
10) Paradise Road: A memoir - Marilyn Kriete
At the age of 16, Marilyn runs away and becomes emancipated. She has no high school diploma and desires a soulmate. Marilyn falls in love with Jack, her neighbor who is a grad student, and they embark on a bike trip to South America. Unfortunately, Jack passes away before they reach Mexico. Marilyn decides to embark on a solo bike trip as a tribute and test of her life. She travels for two years and finds unexpected peace in Montana's Bitterroot Mountains.
Dealing with grief and loss is something everyone will experience at some point in their lives, and reading books on the topic can be a powerful way to find comfort and healing. The ten books we've discussed in this article are all valuable resources to explore, and each one offers a unique perspective on the experience of grief. Whether you're a recent widow, a person who has lost a parent, or someone who is simply struggling to come to terms with the loss of a friend, there is a book on this list that can help you. We hope that this guide will serve as a useful starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of grief literature.