In the early days following a loss, sometimes the only comfort comes from the turn of a page, the quiet understanding that someone else, somewhere, has felt this way before.
Maybe you want to send a book to a grieving friend who's just lost someone they love, or maybe it's you searching for hope or meaning or comfort in words after the loss of a parent, child, sibling, or best friend.
We all need that connection, that gentle reassurance that what we're feeling is valid, is shared, is part of this shared human experience. Loss leaves us feeling so alone and any hope that we're not alone is all we can reach for.
This is where books on grief, those gentle companions of sorrow, step in. They offer the warmth of shared experiences, the balm of understanding, and the relief of shared burdens.
So, here's a thoughtfully curated list of some of the best books on grief, the kind that can offer comfort when you need it most.
What Are the Best Books on Grief for Adults?
1. "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
Joan Didion's raw, poignant account of the year following her husband's sudden death (writer John Gregory Dunne) is a deeply personal exploration of grief.
It's a book for grieving that doesn't shy away from the messiness of loss, but instead embraces it, unearths it, and ultimately makes us feel less alone in it.
Didion's memoir, which won numerous awards from the New York Times, explores the heartbreaking path of grief with unflinching honesty.
2. "It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand" by Megan Devine
Currently one of my favorite books on grief, this compassionate guide is a balm for those who feel misunderstood in their grieving process.
Megan Devine's approach to grief is a refreshing departure from the usual 'five stages of loss' narrative popularized by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, offering a more realistic and understanding perspective on the meaning of grief.
It's written from a very human and relatable way that validates the grieving journey.
Sometimes it's easier to listen to book instead of reading. Audible is a great way to still have access to great books if you don't quite have the energy to read. Sign up for a 30-Day Free Trial.
3. Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief" by Martha Whitmore Hickman
Sometimes all you can tolerate is one small bit at a time. Baby steps forward is the only way through the process of grief.
This book offers daily comfort and gentle encouragement for anyone navigating the healing process after loss.
It's a book about grieving that reminds us that healing doesn't mean forgetting, but rather, learning to live with the loss while finding personal growth.
4. "A Grief Observed" by C.S. Lewis
Penned by the renowned author C.S. Lewis after the loss of his wife to breast cancer, this is arguably one of the best books on grief ever written.
It's an honest, heartfelt exploration of the pain, doubt, and ultimately, the faith that can emerge from deep loss.
Lewis examines grief from different angles, making it accessible for readers with various beliefs in the United States and beyond.
5. "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
In this deeply personal book, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg explores grief following the sudden death of her husband.
It's a book that offers practical advice on building resilience and finding joy again after a devastating loss, providing ongoing support for those on their own grieving journey.
6. Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom
This beautiful book offers valuable insights into life, death, and love through personal stories.
Through his conversations with his dying professor, Mitch Albom shares lessons on how to live, and how to grieve, in the face of mortality.
It's a fast read and more of a story narrative than a "how to" book on healing from loss, making it perfect for those who prefer the written word in a more conversational format.
What Books Can Help with the Loss of a Child?
7. "I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One" by Brook Noel and Pamela D. Blair
"Since nothing of the future matters, everything in the here and now does. To learn to live in the present, to reap the gifts of the moment, is the best tribute we can give to anyone, much less ourselves."
This compassionate guide is one of the best books on grief for those dealing with a sudden loss, including the devastating loss of a child.
It offers practical advice on navigating the shock, numbness, and overwhelming grief that can accompany unexpected loss, creating a safe space for family members to process their emotions.
8. "The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After Loss" by George A. Bonanno
This book offers an enlightening look at the science of bereavement from Penguin Random House.
It's a book for grieving that offers a hopeful message: we are more resilient than we think. This is for those who are more analytical and are looking to understand the science behind bereavement and not just a run-down of the emotions.
David Kessler, who worked with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, recommends this for those seeking to understand the psychological aspects of grief.
9. Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar" by Cheryl Strayed
"But compassion isn't about solutions. It's about giving all the love that you've got."
I'm gonna be honest. This is one of those books about grief that isn't for everyone. There's language and situations that can be uncomfortable. But her notes on grief are raw and real.
Strayed writes with wisdom and empathy for all of life's struggles, including grief. Her candid and heartfelt advice is a source of comfort and strength for any grieving heart facing a loss.
I've reached for this comforting read time and time again when life has thrown unimaginable curve balls and have never been disappointed.
10. "Grief Day By Day: Simple Practices and Daily Guidance for Living with Loss" by Jan Warner
"The one person I shared everything with, still want to share everything with, is no longer alive."
This practical survival guide offers a compassionate approach to navigating the everyday realities of grief.
It's filled with simple practices and daily guidance that can help you honor your loss, while also taking care of yourself through your personal experience with grief.
Are There Books on Grief for Young Adults and Children?
11. "Normal Broken" by Kelly Cervantes
There are so many new releases about grief being introduced daily, but this is one for young adults I couldn't get out of my head.
In Normal Broken, Kelly Cervantes isn't trying to tell you what to do, how to feel, or the right way to heal.
Normal Broken was born out of this desire to meet people where they are in their grief journeys, to lend a gentle hand, or maybe to just sit in the dark with them.
To acknowledge your brokenness and to feel broken together—never pressured to "move on" or "think positive."
This approach makes it particularly helpful for young widows or those dealing with sibling loss.
12. A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney
A Heart that Works is profound, painful, full of emotion, and bracingly honest.
Delaney's memoir offers solace to those who have faced devastation after the loss of a child and shows us how grace may appear even in the darkest times.
His first book on grief has resonated with many readers dealing with similar heartbreaking experiences.
13. "Notes on Grief" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This powerful meditation on grief following the loss of her father examines the deep river of sibling grief and adult grief when parents die.
Adichie's writing provides a unique perspective on cultural differences in mourning and has become one of the best self-help books for those seeking to understand universal grief experiences through different cultural lenses.
Grief was the celebration of love, those who could feel real grief were lucky to have loved.
14. "Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss" by Pat Schwiebert
This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for young readers and grieving children trying to understand loss.
Using the metaphor of making soup, it helps young children and young adults process grief in an accessible way.
It's often recommended by therapists as the best thing for helping young boys and young girls understand the grieving process.
15. "The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst
This heartwarming children's book helps young children understand that love connects us even when we're apart.
It's particularly helpful for grieving children coping with the loss of a loved one or their own death anxiety.
Alan Durant's gentle illustrations make complex emotions accessible to young readers of all ages.
Can Reading Books Help with Grief?
Each of these books about grief, in its own way, reaches out a hand in the darkness, saying, "I understand. You're not alone."
They remind us that grief is a journey, one that we need not walk alone. Reading about others' personal experiences can validate our own feelings and provide the ongoing support needed to navigate loss.
In these pages, we might find fragments of our own stories, our own losses, and our own healing.
The Grief Recovery Handbook suggests that connecting with others' experiences through the written word can be a crucial part of processing our emotions.
How Do You Choose the Right Grief Book?
So, next time you're searching for a book for grieving, consider one of these gentle companions. They might just offer the comfort you need or serve as a thoughtful gift for a grieving friend.
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to grieve. There's only your way, and whatever that looks like, it's valid.
Whether you find solace in poems of grief, graphic novels about loss, or traditional self-help books, remember that it's okay to grieve in the way that feels right for you.
Where Can You Find Books on Grief?
These are my top picks for books about grief. There are so many ways to enjoy them without buying them.
Local libraries have books on grief you can check out AS WELL as listen to for free on their downloadable app.
For those who prefer physical books, most bookstores have dedicated sections for grief and bereavement, often categorized under self-help or psychology.
What titles would you add to this list? Have you found comfort in any of these books during your own grieving journey?
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Key Takeaways About Books on Grief
Finding the right book matters: Whether you're experiencing the loss of a parent, child, sibling, or friend, there are specific books on grief that address your unique journey and provide the comfort you need during this difficult time.
Different approaches for different needs: From practical day-by-day guides to deeply personal memoirs, the best grief books offer various perspectives—some rooted in psychology like Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's work, others in personal stories that validate your feelings and create a safe space for healing.
Books as companions in grief: The written word can serve as a gentle hand guiding you through the grieving process, helping you understand that your experience, while unique, connects you to others who have walked similar paths and found meaning through their heartbreaking journey.
