Surviving Grief ... and Learning to Live Again

by Catherine M. Sanders and Thomas Sanders Jr.

Book Overview

An insightful, compassionate account of the grieving process thathelps us through the pain and isolation experienced with the lossof a loved one.. We're never really prepared for the loss ofsomeone we love. Thrown into a state of emotional chaos weexperience rage, guilt, anxiety, and intense sadness all at once.It's the oldest story in the world, we tell ourselves -- millionsof people have had to cope with this before -- and yet, we alwaysbelieve...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471534714
• ISBN13: 9780471534716
• Release Date: April 1992
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

I was stuck in one phase!

I am so thankful for finding this book and reading the reviews about it. There are many books about grief, but this got me through the phase I was stuck in. I had lost a husband, mother and sister in a short time, and kept telling people I had an "insecure" feeling that I couldn't shake. Your friends don't know how to lead you out of your misery, but this author does. She has been through more than I have and pointed out to me what a frightening place the world can be when your whole life has been turned upside down. I thought I should be able to handle anything and had gone through all the phases but she pointed out how I needed to go back and really "grieve". I did and feel so much stronger now! I recommend this book for everyone who really wants to get on with the rest of your life and not be stuck like I was.

an amazing book

This book is incredible. It has been my lifeline - twice! Once with a death that was a shock, once with an expected death. The author explains what grief is and what is happening to us as we go through it. She helps you understand why you are feeling the way you are... and understanding WHY and knowing it is normal - even good! - really helps you cope with it. At first the book got me through grief, and then later on, it helped me even appreciate the grief experience - if you can believe that.If you are in grief, buy this book and let it hold your hand for a while. It will help. If you were once if grief but the immediate trauma is over, buy this book - it helps you reflect and understand what you went through and how it shapes you now. If you know someone who is grieving - buy this book for them! And if you are supporting someone who is grieving, buy this for yourself, so that you know what is going on with the grieving person, how you can help them, and how there will be times where you can't help and just need to stand by them silently and let them grieve.This is a practical, realistic book and it is friendly and warm to read. BUY IT! Honestly!

Best handbook on grieving I've read... & I've read alot

Most of the books I've read on grieving were personal accounts which are somewhat helpful, however this book actually helps you handle your grief and dealing with living again which I'd been having a problem with since the death of my husband years ago. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has lost a loved one to death and wants to understand what is happening to them. This book makes grief make sense. And is written in an extremely understandable and readable style. The only problem I had getting through this book was I had to keep putting it down because I was crying. The book lives up to its title.

Talks about the real suffering after the death of loved one

This was the first book I ever read that discussed the aspect of grief that caused me the most trouble. Although I looked like the same person on the outside, after experiencing the deaths of my brother and mother, inside I was NOT the same & had a very difficult time tying to step back into my life and this book is one of the few that deals with that. I have bought copies for friends coping with loss and grief and they have benefitted from it as well. If you or someone you know is dealing with the death of someone, do yourselves a favor & buy this book!

Very Readable

A concise but thorough look at surviving grief. The author is well-aware that one doesn't "get over" grief..but survives it.Dr. Sanders' "Self-Profile of Bereavement" beginning on page 19 offers a thumb-nail sketch of "where you are" in your grief. Although there could be a cautionary note: "In the first days/weeks/months you may feel all of these things and if you seek professional help, that shows strength not weakness."Perhaps I was drawn to this book because the author, like me, lost a son named "Jim."