11 Best Books for Grief for Adults
At Washington Psychological Wellness, a psychotherapy center in Gaithersburg, MD, we get asked the question all the time. What are the best books for grief? Well, we asked our mental health clinicians and put together this list of recommended readings!
Want more recommended mental health book options? Check out our Books We Love section to discover a list of hand-picked resources!
It’s OK That You’re Not OK
by Megan Devine
Best Books for Grief
Summary
Megan Devine’s It’s OK That You’re Not OK challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding grief, offering a refreshing and compassionate perspective on what it truly means to grieve. Devine, a psychotherapist who has experienced profound personal loss, writes with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that grief is not something to be “fixed” or “overcome.” Instead, she encourages readers to allow themselves to fully experience their grief and to find their own path to healing. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking permission to grieve on their own terms.
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief
by Martha Whitmore Hickman
Best Books for Grief
Summary
Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman is a gentle guide for those navigating the daily challenges of grief. The book offers a year’s worth of daily meditations, each designed to provide comfort, reflection, and hope. Hickman, who wrote the book after losing her own child, understands the complexities of grief and offers wisdom that resonates deeply with those who are mourning. Whether you’re in the early stages of grief or further along in your journey, this book provides a source of solace and peace.
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief
by David Kessler
Best Books for Grief
Summary
In Finding Meaning, David Kessler, a renowned grief expert, introduces a new stage of grief: finding meaning. Building on the five stages of grief first introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Kessler explores how finding meaning in the loss of a loved one can help bring a sense of peace and purpose. Through personal stories, professional insights, and practical advice, Kessler guides readers toward a deeper understanding of their grief and how they can find meaning in the midst of pain. This book is an invaluable resource for those looking to move forward after loss.
I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One
by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair, PhD
Best Books for Grief
Summary
I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair, PhD, is a compassionate guide for those dealing with the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one. The book offers practical advice and emotional support for navigating the shock, anger, and grief that often accompany sudden loss. Noel and Blair, both of whom have experienced sudden losses themselves, provide insights into how to cope with the overwhelming emotions that can arise and how to begin the healing process. This book is an essential resource for anyone facing the unique challenges of sudden grief.
Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child
by Gary Roe
Best Books for Grief
Summary
In Shattered, Gary Roe offers support and comfort to parents who have experienced the devastating loss of a child. Roe, a grief counselor with personal experience of loss, writes with compassion and understanding, acknowledging the profound pain and lifelong impact of losing a child. The book provides practical advice for navigating the grieving process, while also offering hope and encouragement for finding a way to live with the loss. Shattered is a deeply moving and helpful resource for parents coping with the unimaginable.
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet
by Gary Kowalski
Best Books for Grief
Summary
For many, the loss of a beloved pet can be as painful as losing a family member. In Goodbye, Friend, Gary Kowalski offers gentle guidance and comfort for those grieving the loss of a pet. Kowalski, a Unitarian Universalist minister, provides a spiritual perspective on pet loss, helping readers honor the bond they shared with their animal companions. The book includes rituals, prayers, and meditations to help with the grieving process, making it a valuable resource for anyone struggling with the loss of a pet.
Healing After the Loss of Your Mother: A Grief & Comfort Manual
by Elaine Mallon
Best Books for Grief
Summary
Healing After the Loss of Your Mother by Elaine Mallon is a heartfelt guide for those grieving the loss of their mother. Mallon, who wrote the book after losing her own mother, offers practical advice and emotional support for navigating the complex emotions that arise after such a significant loss. The book includes personal stories, reflections, and exercises to help readers process their grief and find comfort. This book is a valuable resource for anyone mourning the loss of their mother.
Comfort for the Grieving Spouse’s Heart: Hope and Healing After Losing Your Partner
by Gary Roe
Best Books for Grief
Summary
Gary Roe’s Comfort for the Grieving Spouse’s Heart is a compassionate guide for those who have lost a spouse or partner. Roe, a grief counselor, provides practical advice and emotional support for navigating the unique challenges of losing a life partner. The book addresses the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of grief, offering readers a path toward healing and hope. Roe’s gentle guidance makes this book a comforting companion for anyone grieving the loss of a spouse.
Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion
by Theresa Burke and David C. Reardon
Best Books for Grief
Summary
In Forbidden Grief, Theresa Burke and David C. Reardon explore the often-overlooked grief associated with abortion. The book provides a compassionate and non-judgmental space for those who have experienced abortion to process their feelings of loss and pain. Burke and Reardon, both experts in post-abortion healing, offer insights into the emotional and psychological impact of abortion, as well as practical advice for finding healing and peace. This book is an important resource for those grappling with the complex emotions surrounding abortion-related grief.
Dementia and Caregiving: Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
by Jo Anna Kelly
Best Books for Grief
Summary
Dementia and Caregiving by Jo Anna Kelly addresses the unique grief experienced by caregivers of loved ones with dementia. The book explores the gradual loss of the person as dementia progresses, as well as the emotional toll of caregiving. Kelly offers practical advice for managing grief while caregiving, as well as strategies for coping with the eventual loss. This book is an essential resource for caregivers seeking support and understanding as they navigate the challenges of dementia-related grief.
Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief
by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, with Foreword by Jeffrey Rubin
Best Books for Grief
Summary
In Bearing the Unbearable, Dr. Joanne Cacciatore offers a deeply compassionate and personal exploration of grief. Drawing on her own experiences of loss, as well as her work as a grief counselor, Cacciatore provides readers with insights into the profound pain of losing a loved one. The book emphasizes the importance of honoring grief, rather than trying to “move on,” and offers practical advice for living with loss. Bearing the Unbearable is a powerful and moving resource for anyone struggling with deep grief.
About Washington Psychological Wellness
At Washington Psychological Wellness, our therapists have extensive training, experience, and insights to help clients navigate the complex emotions that come with grief. Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, a major life change, or any other form of grief, our therapists are here to provide compassionate support. We understand that grief can deeply impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Grief counseling at Washington Psychological Wellness often includes creating personalized strategies to help you process your loss, cope with the emotional pain, and find ways to move forward while honoring your grief journey. Our treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and narrative therapy, are tailored to meet your unique needs and help you find healing and hope in your life.
Ready to seek grief counseling?
Contact us now to schedule your complimentary 15-minute initial consultation. Telehealth (online) therapy options are available.