Loss Books

I purchased this book for my daughter. She read and finished the book and told me that it was well written and that it was very interesting reading. I didn't read it so I would be hesitant to recommend.

I loved this book! My heart goes out to Sharon Rocha and the rest of Laci's family.

I was pregnant with my 3rd son when Laci went missing and was so devastated to hear how she went missing. As time went on, and I looked at Scott on TV, I could tell he was guilty. He was blank, cold, and detached looking. I felt so sad for Laci and her son. She was so beautiful and looked to be like such a sweet loving woman. I was drawn to the story, and waited for her mother to write a book about her. I realized it might not happen, but was happy when she finally wrote this book. I read the book by Scott's half sister, and really enjoyed that book. I also read this book and cried like a baby at certain parts. I was confused how Laci could have been so trusting of Scott, as most women (or at least I thought) have women's intuition that would tell them something was wrong. I am happy that her mother wrote this book. I always wondered what went on with Laci's side of the family during this whole tragedy. Even though I cried many tears while reading this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

When the story of Laci broke news, I thought it wouldn't be as sensational as it turned out to be, I mean how many people go missing, or are murdered;my husband thought the same way. I began reading the books about Laci and the investigation, which covered forensic, and mental health issues, but no emotional feelings until I read Sharon's book. It's powerful in its own right. A must read!

This is a compelling book which reads very quickly, as it is hard to put down. Sharon Rocha paints a lovely portrait of her daughter Laci. You can't help be empathetic as evil moves in around her. I have an incredible amount of respect for her and the search-and-rescue fund/foundation she created. This tugs at heartstrings and elicits tears. I can't help but cry.

This book was very appropriate for my 4 year old, colorful pictures, easy to understand ideas about what dog heaven is like. Very positive, but mentions that the dog will miss you and you will miss him, but he is having fun and will always love the child. It had me in tears and it allowed my son to be able to ask more specific questions after reading the book so he was able to understand the loss better. It helped us explain a hard to understand event in a young child's life, thank you!

As an adult a bookstore clerk offered me this book when my dog died, it helped me so much I've often given it as a gift to friends who have lost their animals.

I bought this book to help my 4.5 year old grieve for our 17 year old lab who died a couple of weeks ago. The illustrations are beautiful and the tone is soothing; but, I found myself at an uncomfortable loss to explain where the angel children came from--my daughter wanted to know if they were there because they had died too. This is was much more than I thought needed to be explained at this point. Our family is spiritual but not religious and haven't had long discussions with our daughter about God, other than to explain the existence of different religions and the need for understanding and tolerance of all beliefs. Had I known that God was going to be such a centerpiece of the story, I probably would not have purchased the book. I think for the right family, it is a wonderful story. Unfortunately, it didn't work for us.

We also read Forever Dog which was recommended by my daughter's school and it was perfect for our needs.

I keep two copies of this book on hand at all times. It is the perfect gift for any dog lover when a favorite pet dies. It is appropriate for adults and children alike.

We were given this when our dog died. It made the tragedy of losing our dog a little easier. Our kids' sadness goes away when they think that "Shane" is now in "Dog Heaven" chasing ducks and running and splashing with his dog buddies. Thank you Cynthia Rylant. This is a fun and beautiful book. Great for ages 1-8.

For the hard core dog lover. This is a wonderful dog story; well written,beautiful and heart warming.I own the reincarnation of Meryl. I treasure him more after reading this book. Folks, it doesn't get any bettor than this. Please buy the book!

Merle's Door is not just a book -- it is a gift. It is a gift that you will not be able to put down. It is a gift to have the opportunity to share with Merle and Ted their time together, to read the scientific facts that are added for our edification, and to experience the world through their eyes. If you had never been a dog owner or owned by a dog, this book will make you think that something had been missing in your life, and you will be right.

We all need to make our times with our animals -- dogs, cats, birds, whatever -- as full as Ted and Merle made theirs.

After listening to this book, I talked to my dogs a lot more, I danced with them and sang with them. I listened and looked and noticed every nuance of what they each had to tell me. I paid attention to them and noticed that they pay attention to me.
Not only is the story real and honest and warm, it teaches you all about the canine in your family.
The reader, Patrick Lawlor, had to know and love Merle and I felt every little emotion of his. His reading was superb and heartfelt. The best part were his conversations with his dog, Merle.
Now that I have finished reading, I miss Merle terribly and I find myself looking at other dogs and wondering if that was how Merle was.

This is a must read for anyone who loves dogs.

I laughed, I cried, I healed, I shared. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read in a long time. I fell in love with Merle and Brower... and with my dogs all over again. I learned important information and escaped into the wonderful story. I savored each page resisting its inevitable end. My choices of how I raised and dealt with the aging and death of my dogs were validated. I simply had to share this book with those friends who love dogs, so I have sent them copies. If you love dogs, READ this book.

I borrowed this book from the library before purchasing it for a friend. Anyone who enjoyed the book Marley and Me will love it! Wonderfully written, and it makes you think about your relationships with dogs. Awesome information about studies done on dogs and wolves, just a great book overall for anyone who has a dog. This book also included pictures of Merle and his owner which was a big perk for me. I would recommend this book to anyone.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!! ITS SO POWERFUL FOR YOUR HEART, BODY, AND SOUL!!

This is one of the best Self-Help books ever written! Even though it is a little corny and uses bad poems, I use it every time I have had a major loss and it has served me well. It defines loss and the stages of grief, and helps you work your way through them.

If you experience an end to a relationship....the loss --- it leaves one vulnerable, raw....and this book, written by 3 authors: doctor, poet, counseler....will give instant First Aid!! Amazing! Such a Blessing!! And it is such a small paperback! You just may find yourself carrying it around with you! Jotting down sentences on post-it notes and leaving them around the house to uplift you... Interspersed with poems that are short and very much to the point...you will find they often speak as if directly from YOUR heart!
Quite amazing book which helped me many years ago! Since then I have always made a point to keep a copy on hand in case someone experiences such loss and is in need of comfort and good help! I give them my copy! They may find they do the same whenever they run into someone with similiar sorrow!!

May you never need this book...but if you do....may you be pleasantly surprised to find such deep satisfaction from the Comfort and Hope it brings!

I am a divorce attorney. I order ten copies of this book at a time and give copies out to people who are hurting. You can read this book in one night, and I recommend that you read this book over again during the next days as needed.

When my own girlfriend/partner had a sudden stroke, I was devastated. One of my divorce clients who I had given this book to, told me, Gary, there is this book.... I read this book again that night, and found it to be quite helpful as I supported my Marilee with her stroke and then a painful death from cancer that was discovered.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is experiencing a loss, be it due to divorce or separation, or any other loss, such as a sudden illness of a loved one, or even the loss of your own employment, etc. Also, people who initiate a divorce are also suffering from a loss, albeit a less sudden loss. They are faced with the loss of the dream that they had when they committed to their partner.

This book walks through many of the steps involved with loss, and the three mega-stages of surviving, healing and growing.

But this book! Dollar for dollar, it will be one of the very best investments you will ever make. When you are next hurting due to an unexpected loss, read this book that day, and the next day or days as you need to. And buy a second copy of this book to give to friends who are devastated by loss.

My younger sister gave this to me 15 years ago when I was going through of very painful divorce. She was reluctant to give a book to me and told me so. However, the type of book it is gives you little bits of stuff to hold onto as you go through the emotional roller coaster of losing someone you love, be it from divorce or death.

I have purchsed several copies of this book over the past years to help others. There were days I didn't know how I was going to get out of bed. So, I'd pick it up and skim through it and it really made a difference.

My latest purchase was form the widower of the sister that first bought it for me. She died of leukemia at only age 50 in April 2007. I thought that perhaps if he knew she had bought this book for me, that it would also help him.

I recommend that one keeps extra copies for those times when we don't know quite what to say to someone who is hurting. This book says it for us.

I purchased this book for my Daughter and son in law who lost their infant child. It was a great comfort for them

My family received this book as a gift when my mother passed away. We identified with it so well that when some friends lost a child, I decided to order a copy for them. I ended up ordering two copies and I had only had them a week when another friend lost her mother so I passed on the second copy as well. I imagine I'll be buying more copies before too long. My favorite part is when it talks about the world going on as if nothing happened. I highly recommend this book for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

This book has a very gentle way of describing ways that people experience grief. I bought it for my nine year old son but I got even more out of it than he did. I heard myself and other adults referring to the book when they would recognize a grieving behavior in themselves or others.

After the death of my beloved husband, I read a number of books on the topic of grief. This book was the best. It tells the reader in a succinct manner the healthy way to go through the grieving process. The book is good for all ages (including children). I have bought a number of copies and now give it to any close family member of friend who goes through a major loss in his/her life.

This is a wonderful light-hearted book for anyone going through or one who knows someone going through the grieving process and doesn't quite know what to say to others who try to help. Utilizes a clever metaphor of soup preparation. Makes a great gift.

I am new to the genius of CS Lewis. I read the Narnia series as a kid, but have not read books for years, until recently. This book was deep, and full of the genius Lewis is known for. He expresses the pain of losing his wife, and the questions that those who mourn often work through, but are too guilty to express publically. The work is awesome, and may help some who are going through similar feelings of greif. Skip the aknowlegement at the beginning by Madeline Engle, I am not familiar with her writing, but have heard the name. I am surprised she was chosen to write the aknowlegement, but it is an amusing contrast to Lewis' intellect and spiritual understanding. The aknowlegement exudes an attitude of confidence in spiritual issues, yet reveals a cluelessness and spiritual blindess found largely in todays new age books. It does not belong in a CS Lewis book.

Although Lewis was, of course, a renowned and devout Christian, this book will speak to anyone who's lost someone with whom they shared real love. All of the questions, angers, and doubts that fill the mind during the numbing time following great loss are shared in the first person, generously, by Lewis. This is, I think, a beautiful, powerful, and deeply healing work.

This small book is a blessing to those who have experienced a deep and pressing grief. It shows a bit of the journey C.S. Lewis made through his grief experience. It was a brief, beautiful read.

Originally published under a pseudonym, this short book is a thoroughly reasoned but heart-felt analyzation of grief from the private writing journal of intellectual author and academia giant, C.S. Lewis. The object of his grief is the love of his life, his rare intellectual equal and friend whom he met later in life and fell deeply in love with, making her his wife.

Born Atheist, C.S. Lewis became a committed Christian, but spent part of his journalized pages in honest reflection of his anger at God and acknowledgement of fragile faith while in the throes of traumatic, life-altering grief. He boldly wonders and writes the thoughts and words most familiarly held at some point in the minds of others bereaved over their most beloved and cherished.

From page 23: "Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief. Apparently the faith - I thought it faith - which enables me to pray for the other dead has seemed strong only because I have never really cared, not desperately, whether they existed or not. Yet I thought I did."

After other thoughts about risks and beliefs, this is said, "And you will never discover how serious it was until the stakes are raised horribly high, until you find that you are playing not for counters or for sixpences but for every penny you have in the world. Nothing will shake a man - or at any rate a man like me - out of his merely verbal thinking and his merely notional beliefs. He has to be knocked silly before he comes to his senses. Only torture will bring out the truth. Only under torture does he discover himself."

On page 25, C.S. sees the human side of grieving when others try to console him with spiritual avenues of comfort: "Talk to me about the truth of religion and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand."

The social leprosy of bereavement is also mentioned on a couple of pages, including this: "Perhaps the bereaved ought to be isolated in special settlements like lepers."

At the end, C.S. Lewis seems to reconcile himself to a conclusion about grieving: "For, as I have discovered, passionate grief does not link us with the dead but cuts us off from them," as he tries to go about cherishing his beloved's every memory with gladness, a smile and a laugh. Not for long, however, is this a workable plan as he writes the next day's journal entry more in line with the natural phases of grief: "An admirable programme. Unfortunately it can't be carried out. tonight al the hells of young grief have opened again; the mad words, the bitter resentment, the fluttering in the stomach, the nightmare unreality, the wallowed-in tears. For in grief nothing `stays put.' One keeps on emerging from a phase, but it always recurs. Round and round. Everything repeats. Am I going in circles, or dare I hope I am on a spiral?"

As do we all of bereavement ask ourselves when finding that as much as we try clawing our way up the spiral, we suddenly lose our grasp, totally at the mercy of our humanness and that quality that never dies - love.

Lewis, a confirmed intellectual bachelor, almost comically stumbled into a deeply romantic and erotic marriage late in life. An American poet, Joy Davidman, while visiting him in England was stricken with breast cancer. Her visa expired and she faced a mindlessly bureaucratic forced expulsion which probably would have killed her. Lewis agreed to what he expected to be a marriage of convenience, giving her a right to stay in England long enough to die peaceably. Unaccountably, almost impishly, she recovered and they became man and wife in fact and not just pro forma. Lewis was delighted, swept away and overwhelmed; he became radiantly happy.

This brief moment of joy, was snatched from him, however, as the cancer reasserted itself. Lewis poured out his profound grief at the death of his wife on paper, sharing his thoughts, feelings, longings in a journal which became A Grief Observed. Unlike some of his other works, which are witty, philosophical, almost whimsical at times, this book is deeply personal and profoundly painful, almost raw in its emotional intensity. It is also a deep testament to Lewis's faith. Like all humanity, he faced loss and suffering and death. Lewis, like Job, transforms is somehow able to hand over all this darkness to the Lord in an act of sheer faith.

My own father recently died. I found Lewis's book to be a great comfort and a powerful guide through the grieving process. I strongly recommend this to anyone who has recently lost a loved one.

One note on the edition. This edition contains a foreword by Madeline L'Engle. The foreword enhanced the book, but earlier editions had a longer foreword (or possibly an afterword) by a male friend of Lewis which I found even more moving. I particularly remember a joke in the earlier edition about Lewis being surprised by Joy. If you've read the older edition, know that the supporting material is different.

This is the best daily meditation book I have ever used. Draws from a wide variety of traditions, and not one patronizing entry so far, after half a year.

Because I had purchased the book previously from a local Christian store, I know the product is great. I send the book to friends in need.

I appreciated the prompt response from Amazon.

I bought this book because one of the bad reviews said it was a Christian book. It does have a few mediocre references to the bible as well as many humanistic ideas. There is not any great biblical truth that will give someone purpose in the Christian life and lead someone to a closer walk with God. Anyone from other religions would get the same kind of comfort.

This was given to me after the loss of my husband and I have found it so comforting that I always make sure to have several copies on hand to provide to someone else in the same situation.
The daily meditations very often targeted the feelings that I had. It was used in my bereavement group.

Our daughter-in-law was murdered recently. My wife and I relate to these thoughts on some days right now. With our grief being new we are sure that as time passes we will be able to relate a lot more. It is always nice to here what someone who has been there has to say.

The books came in and it was like brand new....in fact if I hadn't known I ordered it used I would never have known. It was a great gift and the seller is another I would use again. The book came sooner than promised and was in even better shape than described.

Great book that had me actually laughing out loud, tearing up, and also sobbing. You go on Gracie and Dan's journey and live it with them.

It's a great book in so many different aspects. It still brings me to tears when I think of Gracie, and I have been sure to give extra loven to my Zoie, a beautiful and very mischievious Great Dane, everyday. After reading the book, I don't even mind so much now when I end up holding on to the edge of my king size bed for dear life while Zoie is spralled out taking up 90% of the bed snoring away while I haven't gotten a good night sleep in ages. I didn't even yell at her when she ate three pairs of shoes in one week. The book makes you want to be better to your dogs, do more with them and enjoy them every day. I know my life is happy and fulfilled because of my canine family and my skin family. All six of my dogs are rescues, and they are amazing and wonderful dogs just like Gracie!

I have been trying to find dog books that were as good as Marley and Me and had no luck. I read this book in a day... which I never do. I am from KC, and had no idea before reading this book that it was written by the co-founder of Three Dog Bakery right here in KC! On the first page it talked about him griving the loss of his childhood dog Blue; my first dog's name was Blue. As I kept reading I kept finding more and more things that "spoke" to me. I think this book is BETTER than Marley and Me... both books are my top faves. I might be bias as I'm from KC and remember taking my Blue there. But hardly believe I am.... notice no rating lower than a 4 on here! This book was wonderfully written. It will make you think about life,your own animals, and how everything happens for a reason. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. (I checked this book out from the library... but will be buying it so that I may own a copy and have others read it, and proceeds of the book go to the Gracie Foundation... to help neglected and abused animals.) This book is not just about a dog; it's how an animal no one wanted showed him how to live and love, one day at a time.

This is such an awesome dog story. It is full of real life fun and mayhem of owning a dog in a multiple dog family. It was witty and entertaining.

This book really moved me with Rapp's emotional honesty, and I echo the praises from previous reviewers. I rate it as 4 stars because, like a previous reviewer suggested, I feel it tended to drag a bit at the end and could have ended a chapter earlier. I strongly suggest the audio recording, especially for fans of Rent and of Anthony. Hearing him read the story himself (particularly for the small and poignant personal moments, like the frequent "Hi, Mama"--"Hi, Tonio" exchanges with his mother--it broke my heart every time) was an intimate and powerful experience, and when I finished I felt I had just had a long and passionate conversation with a friend--which i was very sorry to end.

Anthony Rapp tells an emotional story about personal life, love, and loss as he describes the years surrounding the phenomenon that is Rent. This is a book no Renthead should be without. Afer reading this book, I feel like I have gotten to know Anthony as a person, and gotten a rare glimpse through Anthony's eyes of the man that was Jonathan Larson.

Anthony Rapp was in on the creation of the masterpiece which became the Broadway sensation "Rent," almost from the beginning. He has written his memoir of that experience with great sensitivity and insight.

This book is a riveting tale about the creative process, how a play goes through its evolution to get to Broadway, and how every once in awhile a theatrical miracle can happen which changes everyone's lives. "Rent" is such a miracle. I just saw the play once again on Broadway this past weekend. I took my teenaged daughters to see it. After eleven years, it is finally closing down some time this year. If you cannot get to New York to see the play, rent the movie. It's not as good, but almost.

I loved this book, and recommend it to anyone who has ever overcome adversity to pursue a dream.

This book is amazing. It's a great read, easy to follow and really hits at your heart. I would reccommend it to everyone.

I am a fan of Anthony Rapp's and a major fan of Rent, so I felt the need to pick up this book. It gives you such great insight into Anthony as a person and there was a lot in here to which I could relate. Plus, you get to follow along with the backstory behind Rent, which I also found very informative and entertaining. But above all, Anthony pleasantly surprised me with his writing talent. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope he continues to write in the future.

I for one grabbed this book because I heard Dr. Nick on "Focus on the family" in an interview and again on another radio interview and held him to be a Christian based diet author with personal experience and a wealth of knowledge about the medical side of getting thin. However, the book came across to me as an attempt to appeal to the masses and sort of put the credit to God on the back burner or off to the side or in the shadows and I can't be as inspired by that as a christian or for that matter, before my salvation. I did learn some great insights from Dr. Nick but I am a believer in the power of God to do everything and that just didn't come accross in this book. So with regret I say this book is a testament to Dr. Nicks' great triumph over the "Idolotry" of food as he said in his interview, but it just didn't get me to go along. I hope he will in the future let his faith be more prominent in his story telling and trust in our Lord for the results more than his publisher. If you would like a good hepful book as a compliment to this one may I suggest,Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength

Not only entertaining but encouraging for anyone who wants to lose weight.
Very good suggestions for anyone no matter what age or genter.

I found the book at a local second hand store on their free pile one morning while taking my walk. I felt drawn to the book and promply picked it up and took it home .As I read I felt a kinship with the author. He knew/knows the heartache of being overweight. I could identify with him and the trials that he has experienced. I found too that the book made me feel that I too could accomplish great things, as the author had done. I too so appreciated the fact that he turned his life over the to Lord and knew from where his success really came. I am sharing the book with a friend and when I get it back I am rereading it.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

motivation, desire, drive, push, ambition,
all are needed in abundance to lose weight. the more you are overweight the more you need them. constantly as your companions for the process of getting your body in good shape to do life.

It is not a diet book. it is not a how to do it book. it is a how i did it and why i did it fast paced, quick fun read.

being fat is sin. it stops you from being that good and faithful servant that the faith requires and God expects. the author leads the way, walks the path, is a real leader for this important insight.

thanks.

This isn't a typical "diet" book, which I like. I've read enough diet books in my life to understand the basic concepts. Instead, this book chronicles one person's journey, including the heartache associated with being obese as well as the triumphs of losing signficant amounts of weight. It has been surprisingly motivational - I find myself thinking of the story throughout the day when I struggle with something, telling myself that if he did it, I can certainly do it too. I would definitely recommend this book to others.