This year, I’ve read some life changing books for grief (or perhaps they should be called gentle counselors) so I wanted to highlight them for you as your friendly, girl-next-door book nerd, who didn’t even have the capacity to google search grief during those hard days.
I love books.
Books not only entertain, but they often teach me how to handle life, whether the hero is befriending a mythical beast or blowing the whistle at a culturally-accepted injustice (because aren’t they usually just “normal” until someone realizes that it’s not okay). But best of all, they offer escape for a little while.
Six Books for Grief and Loss
The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert
This book spelled out a truth that I had forgotten. We take life for granted, and we expect to have things go exactly our way. That’s how Carmen Hart, Florida’s favorite meterologist, lives her white picket fence life. When she does everything right but doesn’t receive the desired results, she’s forced to the edge of her values. How do you handle disappointment?
Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope by Joan Chittister
This book met me in the midst of a battle for my very being. Chittister shares from her real-life struggle of having her dearest dream and passion shattering at her feet. With a compassionate approach, she illuminates the gifts that come through the gut-wrenching survival tactics of any terrible loss. Have you ever been there?
Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church by Rachel Held Evans
This book freshened a desire for the church right when I was ready to give up. Evans says everything we’ve all thought or felt about the church before, but we’ve not been sure how to say it. She does it with grace, and she raises questions where thoughts ought to be stirred. Do you sometimes tire of the culture of church?
When God Doesn’t Make Sense by James Dobson
This book didn’t make sense of God for me, but it helped. Dobson shared stories of others who couldn’t make heads or tails of what God was doing. I like that Dobson didn’t offer placid platitudes and cliches to make me feel better. He was honest. Chapter by chapter, he highlighted that there may be more going on in the theme of God’s purpose for the world. I found it most helpful as I was coming out of the dark days. Does God make sense to you?
Made For More by Hannah Anderson
This book placed me back at the issue of identity. Although the audience is women, Anderson does a powerful job of showing the importance of rewinding and refocusing on the identity of human beings solely founded as being the image bearer of God. This truth grounded me as I struggled with grief and loss. So where do you find your identity?
The Martian by Andy Weir
This book challenged me to survive my difficulties. With humor and ingenuity, Weir brings a man-versus-Mars story to life. The stranded man could have given up, but then there would be no story of struggle and survival. When I was ready to give up, this story lit a flame of stubborn resolve to persist. Will you bow in defeat to life-altering difficulties?
There is no formula for recovering from loss, difficulty, or heart-hurt. But, we can learn through the experiences of others, and that’s why I think it’s so important that I share these books for grief with you.
Do you have a favorite one of your books for grief that you can share in the comments?
