Books on Grief and Loss
Being a bookworm, I turn to books for solace, company and pleasure. Sometimes it’s hard to fully express our experiences. These are times when reading about another persons experience can help us to feel less alone and give words to our feelings. Here are some recommendations on books about grief and loss.
A compassionate book by an expert grief counsellor, with stories from bereaved people. Her podcast is also worth a listen.
With the End in Mind : How to Live and Die Well by Dr Kathryn Mannix
Dr Kathryn Mannix is a palliative medicine doctor and this book tells stories from her fascinating career and helps to make death less of a mystery.
Not That Kind of Love by Clare Wise and Greg Wise
This starts off being a tale by Clare Wise as she goes through cancer treatment, and is finished by her devoted brother Greg Wise after she becomes too ill to continue writing.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
A deep and poignant book from a neurosurgeon who receives a terminal diagnosis for lung cancer. Beautifully written.
Chase the Rainbow by Poorna Bell
I can’t recommend this poetic book any more highly. Poorna makes the topics of suicide, addiction and mental health lighter and warmer than you would ever expect.
H is for Hawk - Helen McDonald
The Year of Magical Thinking - Joan Didion
A Grief Observed - CS Lewis
A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness
The Wild Edge of Sorrow: The Sacred Work of Grief by Francis Weller
Wild- Cheryl Strayed
A Manual for Heartache- Cathy Rentzenbrink
The Smell of Rain on Dust by Martin Prechtel
When Death Takes Something From You Give it Back by Naja Marie Aidt
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron