Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One

The loss of a loved one can place a tremendous emotional burden on you and your family. Here is a list of books to encourage you during this difficult time.

The Anatomy of Bereavement, by Beverley Raphael. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson Inc., 1994—Raphael discusses theoretical concepts and supports them with clinical studies. She gives a comprehensive study of all stages of mourning, healing, and coping with grief and loss.

Awaken to Good Mourning, by Mark E. Hundley. Arlington, Texas: Crocker Associates, Inc., 1993—Hundley describes the grief phases that an adult may go through after the death of a loved one. He provides a helpful distinction between good grieving and bad grieving, and a thoughtful discussion of some of the emotional choices people need to make.

Awakening from Grief: Finding the Road Back to Joy, by John E. Welshons. Little Falls, New Jersey: Open Heart Publications, 2000 —Welshons emphasizes taking a compassionate approach, focusing on growth and acceptance.

Beyond Grief: A Guide for Recovering from the Death of a Loved One, by Carol Staudacher. Oakland, CA: New Harbingers Publications, Inc., 1987-Staudaucher's book encompasses all age groups and all aspects of death and grieving. She also includes a list of self-help organizations.

Death: The Final Stage of Growth, by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.  New York: Simon and Schuster Inc., 1975—Readers who are facing death or the bereavement of another person will find this book inspirational. Kubler-Ross presents cultural views of death and dying, and humanizes her subject.

Grief Therapy for Men, by Linus Mundy. St. Meinrad, Indiana: One Caring Place/Abbey Press, 1997—A rare and unique look at the grieving process as it relates specifically to the adult male. This richly illustrated book offers specific suggestions and insight into male grieving.

How to Survive the Loss of a Parent: A Guide for Adults, by Lois F. Akner, C.S.W., with Catherine Whitney. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1993—Written for adults grieving the loss of a parent. The author, a psychotherapist, shares vignettes from group therapy sessions, and offers insights on how an adult can work through grief.

Life after Loss, The Lessons of Grief, by Vamik D. Volkan, M.D., and Elizabeth Zintl. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company (Collier Books), 1993—The authors provide a comprehensive study of the grief and mourning process, interweaving their personal reflections with clinical studies. They also discuss loss as a vehicle for growth.

Living When a Loved One Has Died, by Earl A. Grollman. Boston: Beacon Press, 3rd ed., 1995—Appropriate for adults aged 21 and older. Grollman offers a clear discussion of personal feelings of grief.

Time Remembered: A Journal for Survivors, by Earl A. Grollman.  Boston: Beacon Press, 1987—This book is useful for those seeking an opportunity to personalize their grief and keep a journal to record its stages. It guides the reader through the recognized stages of grief.

When Something Changes Everything: A Companion and Guide for Recovering from Loss and Change, by Peter McGugan. Palm Springs, California: Potentials Press, 1998—Simply written, this book provides individual paths to readers who are experiencing a particular type of loss. It provides a creative approach to dealing with all kinds of loss.

Source: The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company