Death Books

The Fafhrd and Gray Mouser series is a great find for the fantasy reader. I highly recommend all the books in this series. Fritz Lieber is a fantastic writer, if you have never read his books you are in for a treat.

The Lankhmar series has two main characters Fafhrd the Barbarian and the Gray Mouser. Fafhrd is a barbarian and thief. The Gray Mouser is a small quick-witted thief and sometime wizard. They are best friends and go on many fantastic adventures together, which are told as a series of short stories. This book is a reprinting of two books: Swords and Deviltry (The First Book of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser); and Swords Against Death (The Second Book of Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser).

The first book describes where Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser come from and how they meet. In the second book Fafhrd the Barbarian and the Gray mouser lose their first loves to death, and they set forth on a quest that leads them throughout Newhon on a series of adventures where they finally steal the mask of death from Death himself.

To sum up, if you like fantasy, you'll like this book.

This book is the earliest adventures of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, their early lives, how they met and adventures. The novellas are rich in detail of the surroundings and show that the world of Nehwon is well-developed. Fafhrd and The Grey Mouser's interactions are realistic (except perhaps for the high-flown language) and kept me turning pages eagerly. Lots of hack'n'slash as well as intellectual puzzles, a few moments of hair-raising suspense and some definite sizzle. Classic swords & sorcery with very little mumbo-jumbo and no complicated explanations.

Fritz Leiber is without a doubt one of the the most over-looked of a group of authors that are basically the fathers of the modern Fantasy genre. Ill met in Lankhmar is an excellent collection of short stories detailing the meeting and early adventures of the two most renowned Heroes/Rogues in the fabulous world of Nehwon Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. What is most enjoyable about the stories is the crisp action filled pace Lieber sets while still managing to describe everything in a way that gives you a feeling of immersion in the rich, exoctic world of Nehwon and the vast City of Lankhmar which is the Heroes main base of operations. The main characters are exceptional creations. Two lovable never do wells who usually emerge from there various adventures victorious but with little or nothing to show for it. There is a comic bent to their various escapades that is very enjoyable. Overall, just a great collection of short stories.

The book reads like a series of short stories. Cele Goldsmith commissioned Fritz Leiber to write a series of Fahrd and Gray Mouser stories for Fantastic Stories pulp (one of the two early plups edited by Cele Goldsmith). That says it all. They are a fast read with plenty of action and very little of the long, dreary and seemingly endless descriptions of scenery etc.. found in many other books. The stories revolve around characters and the deeds of those characters. Unlike Jordan's Wheel of time series, which provides pages and pages of explanation of the types and colours of curtains found in each room of a house, something happens on every page.

Fahrd is like a Viking big, lustful and not scared to kill. Gray Mouser is an apprentice wizard that is not scared to use the black arts to get revenge eg. burning enemies to a crisp. Forget political correctness which is expected in so much of the literature these days, you will not find it in this book. It is like the old Star Trek (kill anything that gets in your way) and unlike the Next Generation (lets us open up the lines of communication so we can have meaningful dialogue).

If you like short stories that are well written, do yourself a favour and get a copy of this book.

Poor Fritz Leiber. He has never truly received the credit he deserves for fostering the fantasy genre. Along with the old Conan stories and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, this is amongst the most influential works of fantasy fiction.

Fascinating worldbuilding, intrigue and exciting characters abound in these tales, all told with Leiber's exceptional artistic skills. Not only are the plots and personalities compelling, but Leiber has a magical rhythm to his storytelling and descriptions. This is one of the few stories that is on my "reread" list.

Pick this up and you'll love the stories--and when you look at the copyright date of these tales, you'll come to appreciate just how much Leiber has affected the fantasy authors that have come since.

At the age of 19, David Oakford overdosed on PCP and had what he refers to as an NDE--near-death experience. While he says he is not a religious person, the experience caused him to see Jesus as a "Master Teacher," and set out to emulate him. Oakford says his NDE put him at "the crossroads of crisis and opportunity" and showed him that "life, death, and rebirth were about the use, abuse and recycling of life force energies." This is heady subject matter, but Oakland tells his story in a way that makes you feel as if you were listening rather than reading.

Candid, fascinating personal account of one man's life changing near death experience. Loved it.

This is a short book, but quite interesting. The author's writing style is casual & enjoyable. There are many parallels between his experience and the experiences related in Michael Newton's books Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls. The information in this book rings true and provides good food for thought.

David Oakford bravely welcomes each person into the emotional, spiritual and physical hardships of his personal life. Like a painting, he creates a visual image through emotional expression while allowing individuals to relate to his deep and moving experiences.

"Journey through the World of Spirit" is a heart felt story of spiritual movement that tells the tale of life, death and rebirth. It shows us, in a positive and real way, the effects of our actions as well as a grander purpose for all that we chose while on Gaia.

His words are no less than pure poetry. His goal to share his story not only supersedes his lessons of wisdom, but also inspires us, in such a way, to change the negative patterns in our life.

Journey Through the World of Spirit
God, Gaia, and Guardian Angels
By David L. Oakford

Interesting read. I was fascinated by this man's depiction of otherworldly realms outside this world. Sometimes I felt it was a bit farfetched, but I kept reading because I was compelled to find out what happened next. Interspersed were bits of humor, keeping the reading light. Who would have nicknamed an angel "Bob"?

Our Mother recently passed away peacefully in the care of Hospice and my Brother. We had opted for Hospice in the final stages of her long and wonderful life. Last Rights gave us so much useful and comforting information during this time. We Highly recommend Last Rights!

This book is excellent for elderly persons and for those with serious illnesses. Kiernan's main point is that death in America is increasingly gradual rather than sudden, and is typically preceded by a long period of illness. Yet most doctors have almost no training at all in the care of terminal patients. The result is that patients frequently suffer unnecessarily. Be warned that some of the stories Kiernan tells of patients' last days in ICUs are nothing short of horrifying. I was stunned to find out that it is common practice for patients who are clearly already dead to have their clothes cut open and their hearts defibrillated and injected with adrenaline.

The American medical system is presently in a state of ever-diminishing returns. Costs keep rising, but health is not substantially improved; in fact, in many cases health is worsened by the aggressive medical interventions so common today. My husband and I spend a substantial chunk of our incomes on insurance for ourselves and our son. Are we getting our money's worth? I don't think so. Kiernan's book makes clear that a large part of the reason is that doctors are too cowardly to face a patient and admit that there isn't much more they can do. The fact is, though, that everyone dies sooner or later. I certainly hope that when my own time comes, I will die pain-free in peaceful surroundings, with music playing and someone there to hold my hand.

As a lawyer myself, I felt that Kiernan had too little to say on the contribution of lawyers to the problem of terminal illness and quality of care at the end of life. I think that one important change that needs to be made is a simple state or federal law that forbids suing a doctor for malpractice if he chooses not to implement certain treatments. I would propose that this list include: all forms of open-heart surgery, including cardiac bypass; heart defibrillation after cardiac arrest; CT and MRI scans; chemotherapy for persons who are over age 70 or who have other serious illnesses; and ICU treatment for persons over age 70 or who are terminally ill. Doctors would still be free to order these treatments if they felt that they were clinically necessary or desirable, but they would no longer have to live in fear of being sued if they don't take every step imaginable.

If you are considering surgery or other high-tech medical treatment, I would suggest pairing this book with The Last Well Person: How to Stay Well Despite the Health-Care System.

Everyone should read this book, especially those who like me, have had lifetime careers in the medical system.

This book was just what was needed to reassure our family that our decision for Hospice care was the right course for our elderly parent's end of life. It contained so many good suggestions that we were able to act upon. It helped us all cope with our loss, both before and after the actual death.

I recommend this book HIGHLY if you are facing a similar situation. The constant focus is on Quality of life and comfort during one's last days, just what my father wanted! Very reassuring!

This is a "Must Read" for everyone! As an R.N with 32 years experience (12 yrs critical care & 7 yrs In-Patient Hospice) it is my privilege to endorse this book. Mr. Kiernan has clearly and accurately documented what is a reality that will ultimately affect every single one of us. In both scope and depth Mr. Kiernan has spoken the truth. He has not embellished, exaggerated or dramatized any detail of his book. Every human being deserves to die in peace (spiritual and emotional) and free from pain. This is a goal which is attainable but I can assure you that your chances of experiencing this are not good in any of today's modern acute care hospitals or nursing homes. (There are always exceptions). Hospice care is the only option and that is primarily because hospice is not a place but a philosophy of care. All physicians can manage the care of an acutely ill person but only a few physicians are qualified to manage your care if you are dying because the vast majority of physicians do not recognize or they refuse to accept that there is a difference. Please read this book. It could be one of the most important things you ever do both for yourself and for those whom you love.

Barb Lyons, R.N.

My father died suddenly 44 years ago, shattering the illusion of security that nearly every other child takes for granted : the ongoing presence of a loved and caring parent.I was almost seven years old, but it has been the single most determining experience of my entire life. No other book I have ever read on the subject (and there are regrettably few) has offered as much illuminating information or insight into this under-researched,too-often- unacknowledged life changing loss.This author leaves no stone unturned, no question unanswered.She deftly gets out of the way of the 66 individuals
telling their poignant stories of early parental death and allows the details to emerge, vividly evoking both the internal and external realities of the event as well as its aftermath.Her interpretive narration provides more insightful observations and accurate conclusions than I have received from decades of psychotherapeutic intervention, all conveyed with a tone of deferential respect.

This book is a must-read not only for anyone who has endured the overwhelming trauma of losing a parent through death
in childhood, but also for those therapists who accompany them on their lifelong journeys of emotional healing. We need more informed professionals, who can recognize the particular
lifelong shockwaves that this kind of loss entails. Maxine Harris
has provided the most definitive and comprehensive resource available for adults who cannot imagine what it would be like for your parents to die and have no-one send you a sympathy card-
or even act as if anything significant had happened at all!A friend in her 40's called me to relate the recent death of her father and the funeral gathering, during which she was surrounded
by friends and family, consoling her as she scattered his ashes over a canyon near her childhood home. Then she sighed and remarked,"Öh, you know how it is...we're the age when our parents die..." I replied, "No, actually, I don't know how that is...but there is this book that will tell you what MY experience was like.It's called THE LOSS THAT IS FOREVER."

I was one of the people initially interviewed for the book when it was being written. After the book was published I was so deeply affected by the overall effect of all the lives that Ms. Harris had so beautifully interwoven. For the first time in my life I no longer felt so alone having been a child who lost a parent at an early age. I think this is must reading for anyone of any age who has gone through this experience or knows others who have had this experience.

This book is a must read for anyone who has lost a parent in their childhood. I was talking about it today at my book club meeting where four out of seven us lost a parent at a young age. We all agreed with a lot of what was written in this book. Three of us had tears in our eyes as we described our experiences. We all had tears rolling down our cheeks when one of us told about going to elementary school and the other kids could have their mothers be the room mother and how she didn't have a mother to do this. This woman is in her 40s. Realistic look at those of us who were so unforunate to lose a parent and how it defined our lives.

My 45 year old husband died suddenly of a heart attack. He was a very thin, active person who never smoked and had NO family history of heart disease. Besides dealing with my loss I was distraught at this staggering blow to our three children, 18, 15, and 10. This book gave me hope that our children could go on to live whole and happy lives in spite of this loss. Eight years later, our children have, for the most part, thrived. I recommend this to anyone dealing with this tragedy in their lives.

This book was a life-saver for me some 10 years ago when my husband, at age 40, died from cancer. We had two children - ages 5-1/2 and 20 months at the time - and this book helped me empathize with their plight and grief at their daddy's death.
As hard as his death was for me personally, I understood after reading this book that the experience was at the time -- and would be in the future -- far harder for them. It let me shift focus away from myself and to something far more important -- helping guide their little hearts and minds into stable, secure and productive adulthoods.

Quentin is such an amazing little pooch! And Randy's honesty and sense of humor really comes through in his writing. And I enjoyed seeing all of the photos of Quentin in action. It really is a miracle that Quent survived and that he ended up in the hands of Randy Grim! Every dog lover needs to read this book and spread the word about all of the dogs who are needlessly euthanized while puppy mills continue to crank out thousands of sick, unsocialized pups. It's a quick read - I started and finished it yesterday.

Although a sometimes difficult read, this book brings hope and inspiration to any dog-lover or rescuer. For those not blessed with the companionship or love of a dog, this book will move you to open your heart. Making a difference doesn't have to mean bringing a stray into your family. This book shows help for these loving beings can take many forms - petitioning for changes from 'owner' to 'guardian', donations to local organizations, becoming educated on your city's animal control policies - Read this book and you will be moved to help in whichever way you can. Be moved to do small things with great love....

This was an excellent book. Randy Grim is an amazing person to be able to rescue and save so many dogs and I applaud him for "telling it like it is" even though so much of the abuse is very hard to read, even harder I'm sure for him to see and deal with. Quentin is truly a miracle dog, not only from a survival standpoint but in the way he lives and inspires everyone he meets, including other dogs. I would highly recommend it to everyone - we should all become guardians of our dogs and regard their care as a lifelong commitment.

The book was well written and definitely shows the horrors of what goes on behind the shelters in this country. Quentin was a miracle and how Randy saved him is nothing short of amazing. Through their events a change was made with the shelter orginizations throughout the country. Quentin and Randy were definitely meant to be together and their cause for animal rights is undying. I don't think one could of done what they did without the other. Very comical in many parts and hearbreaking in others. Worhtwhile reading. It opened my eyes.

Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row is the heart warming story of Quentin and his guardian Randy Grim. Quentin is a very unique dog for a variety of reasons, perhaps surprisingly the least of which is that he miraculously survived fifteen minutes in the gas chamber while watching his fellow inmates die. Quentin's crime: his family moved to a home that didn't allow pets.

Upon his reprieve, Quentin didn't choose to retire happily to a big backyard to dream about chasing rabbits. Instead, Quentin decided to become a spokesperson for all animals with the help of his guardian Randy Grim. Randy, as the president and founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, had always tried to do his part to protect and save animals where and when he could. However, as is so very common in such crusades, there were never enough funds for every helpful project or space to save every animal. That Randy hated the spotlight, made fundraising even more difficult. Quentin saw a true love, caring, respect, and passion for animals in Randy. Quentin also saw that, if pushed and prodded appropriately by just the right miracle dog, this man could help deliver Quentin's message that would save animals from the fate he almost shared with his cell mates in the gas chamber.

Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row reminds us of the importance of a respect for life. Far too often, we forget what our animal friends do for us on a daily basis: greeting us happily after a hard day at work, wanting our company regardless of our appearance or financial situation, and urging us to play when we start to take things too seriously. This book reminds us of this gift of unconditional love and affection. After reading this book, you will definitely feel the intense urge to run to your nearest animal shelter and become the guardian of a new animal. Just be sure to really think out your decision, spay or neuter your new addition, and always remember to love and respect your new friend as he or she will love and respect you.

A Promise to Remember is a story of two families in crisis and especially two women who are dealing with a terrible loss. Cushman is particularly skilled at building tension gradually as the situation worsens for both women. She details the choices each family must face, and the fact that each family has the courage to eventually make the right choices makes for a satisfying ending. I found the characters very real and sympathetic and wanted to see how the story would end. Even though I knew that it would probably be a relatively happy, everything-works-out-OK ending as is typical in Christian fiction, I found it poignant and moving as each woman/family came to that point.

Cushman's writing reminds me very much of books by another one of my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury; both authors write very real tales of flawed people growing in faith through difficult circumstances. I find both authors to be compelling reading.

Reviewed by Lisa Kisner for Reader Views (3/08)

Andie Phelps is married to a successful businessman, has a wonderful son and is active in her community. Melanie Johnston is a hard-working single mother of a son and daughter. A tragic accident claims the lives of each of their sons. What follows is a heart-wrenching journey as each woman tries to come to grips with the tragedy. Although from different worlds, each is gripped by grief, which consumes their personal lives and reaches into the community. Both women must undergo a journey of discovery about themselves and their faith, facing adversity every step of the way.

Kathryn Cushman's debut novel is well written and engrossing from the first page. This book depicts a realistic account of lives torn apart by tragedy and dealing with the repercussions. I felt each woman's raw pain and anger as if I knew them personally. I found myself nodding as each woman made choices, realizing I would have made the same decision should I be in her shoes. There was no clear "right" or "wrong" in this book, only choices made in the wake of devastating heartache. "A Promise to Remember" is a book about loss, forgiveness and renewal of faith should be on everyone's must-read list. I am looking forward for more from this gifted author.

I sobbed when I came to the end of this beautifully written story. I haven't cried when reading a book in a long time.

The book starts in the middle of a difficult subject--the death of two teenage boys--so it took me a while to keep reading past the first chapter; the grief of the two mothers was so well described I could not stop thinking about how awful I would feel if anything happened to my children. Fortunately, I pressed on and read the entirety of this very compelling story. I enjoyed how she portrayed each mother's story sympathetically; "the truth" is never as simple as it first seems.

A wonderful story; and so realistic! Even though the parents of Chad may have been at fault we still need to forgive and forget. When an accident occurs, there's always a reason for it. It brought two woman together who both loved their sons and made them realize that their sons wouldn't have wanted them to hold anything against each other. I hope Kathryn Chushman continues to write Inspirational realisic stories like this one.

I'll add my voice to the growing number of accolades. A Promise to Remember is a must read. It is one of those books that can touch a reader no matter what your preferred genre. Yes, the main characters are women, but men play a prominent role. It's not a shoot-em-up story, but it is ripe with real life drama. Men will "get" this book, too. And readers who don't pick it up will miss out.

I would wager that more than a few adults who favor science fiction or fantasy were set on that path as youngsters by the works of Daniel Pinkwater. Speaking for myself, Pinkwater instilled in me an interest in fiction that was reflective of more than just the ordinary world me (or, more than likely, awakened an existing, but dormant, interest in such literature). In the case of Avocado of Death, we are presented with aliens posing as realtors, a supercomputer fashioned out of a single avocado, and an international criminal mastermind who employs orangutans to do his dirty work, just for starters. And Pinkwater's books are without a doubt offbeat, zany, absurd, and certainly whichever other such adjectives the critics proffer. But their zaniness is beside the point, or at least it is subordinate to a larger point.

Though Pinkwater's books have a wide appeal, I can say from experience precisely who they're aimed at, and to whom they appeal the most: the kid who's bored with school, who looks in vain for something new or unusual to engage his interest; the kid who knows how much he doesn't know, who knows that there are things that his parents and teachers aren't telling him and is almost certain that there's a great deal that adults don't know either. Pinkwater's protagonists slog through the mundane world of the everyday, until some circumstance allows them to catch a glimpse of what's behind the curtain and have some idea, for the first time, of What's Really Going On. Generally it involves conspiracies, outlandish coincidences, and general wackiness, and generally none of it makes any less sense than what we normally think of reality. In fact, it occurs to me that a reader of Pinkwater's could graduate to Douglas Adams without too much trouble.

I'm not sure that Avocado of Death is Pinkwater's best work; if I were to make a recommendation, I would start a kid off with Lizard Music. But whichever you begin with, I have to recommend giving a kid who enjoys reading a Pinkwater novel; there's no telling what kind of imagination you might unlock.

I first saw this book in my school library . I was in middle school and was not into reading very much. We were required to check out a book so this one caught my attention with the colorful jacket. The first page pulled me in and I was able to see the characters in my head. I have been an avid reader for 24 years since this book. My kids are "lovin' it", too.

I did not discover this book until I listened to it this week at the ripe old age of 23. As such, I did not feel the book was long enough.
Pinkwater is engaging beyond my understanding how he does it, although the absurd characters and their stranger actions are a sure start. Take Uncle Flipping Hades Terwilliger who has not missed a late night movie in 17 years despite being kidnapped numerous times, or Walter's mother who is paranoid of communists beyond all rationality, or the fellow with the painted on sideburns. A few of Walter's exploits were things I did as a kid. Others were opportunities I wish I'd had. Except for the orangutan wrestling. I frown upon that. The silly care-free writing, and the flawless speaking performance by Pinkwater had me wishing my commute were longer.

I've been meaning to sign up for bookcrossing and this is a prime first candidate. Or maybe I'll send it to my silliest friend.

My "hippie" aunt and uncle, in New York City, sent me this book, and Fat Men From Space, when I was about eight. I loved it!
I am now almost thirty; yet I remember these books with great affection. Mind you, what you remember and what was true are two different things; but a book that can make you smile more than ten years later is worth the investment.

I remember reading (and rereading) this zany, gripping, urban adventure when I was in third or fourth grade (and its worthy sequel, The Snarkout Boys & the Baconburg Horror). On a whim, some twenty years later and with a law degree to my name, I tracked down a copy at the public library and ... wow! I enjoyed it every bit as much. Daniel Pinkwater deserves major kudos for such a book--someone buy that man a Napoleon or twelve.

The fast-paced story is told from the viewpoint of Walter Galt. Walter is a teenager on the verge of dying from boredom at Ghengis Khan High School, until he meets Winston Bongo, another suffering student and the self-proclaimed inventor of 'snarking out'. The boys' late-night snarkouts eventually bring them into contact with a smorgasbord of oddball characters (such as Ms. Bentley Saunders Harrison Matthews, aka Rat) and places, from Blueberry Park to Lower North Aufzoo Street to Beanbender's Beer Garden and beyond. Ultimately, with the help of the world's greatest living detective, Walter, Winston and Rat must locate the world's largest avocado and save the world (or at least the nations' realtors)--but watch out for stuffed Indian fruit bats!

Pinkwater is a true original and writes this surreal, comic yarn simply, cleanly, and hilariously. Highly recommended for kids, parents, avocado lovers ... and even lawyers who used to be kids. Five stars!

I thought this book was really great, it made me cry. It touched my heart!

It is such a gift when we have the opportunity to see life through the eyes of a child. This book gives us that gift. Such simple words with such powerful images.... Thank you Jack, for sharing yourself with all of us.

This is a truly wonderful book for both siblings and parents who have experienced loss. The thoughts expressed both warm and break your heart all at the same time. Jack's innocence is touching and very realistic. Bereaved children will certainly see themselves in his story. It is a beautiful tribute to grief and loss.

I recently read this book, published in 2000, written by Annette Simon's son Jack, age 5 (and illustrated by Annette). The rather lengthy title of the book is "This Book Is for All Kids, but Especially My Sister Libby. Libby Died..." The book chronicles Jack's comments and questions to his mother after the death of his younger sister from a rare disorder. Despite the sad topic, the book is surprisingly upbeat and filled with humor, though it brought tears to my eyes, too.

Even more so than in Mocking Birdies (Annette Simon's other book, which I also reviewed), the fonts and colors and illustrations make the book really stand out. Some words are in a huge font, like shouting, while others whisper from a tiny font at the bottom of the page. Clever touches abound, like the question mark that has a picture of the Earth for the period beneath it (on a page with oversized text asking "In heaven, are you as big as you were on Earth?").

Jack's questions and observations range from the mundane ("And when you die, you don't even have food"), to the humorous, to the profound ("And when you die, you're set free"). Overall, the book is uplifting and positive. The Amazon reviews are all highly enthusiastic, too.

I think that this book could help any child to understand and deal with loss. Though the book is focused on the loss of a sibling, I think that it speaks to anyonewho has lost a parent or grandparent or other loved one. And I think that the simplicity and faith of Jack's responses will help adults, too. Which is a pretty remarkable achievement for a 5-year-old.

This review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on February 18th, 2006.

This book is wonderful. We are sharing them with all of the children at our grief and loss camp and we hope it gives them comfort during such a difficult time. It is important for children to know that they are not alone in their grief and we will use this book to open up dialog so they can begin to understand. We will keep copies of the books at our hospice for all of our families to read.

The image evoked by the words on Nomi's gravestone led me into long ruminations about the ways to comprehend, and ultimatly tranform the sadness of, the death of a young life. How many of us have warded off the searing emotion of imagining the loss of a child? This is Fein's personal story as he tries to cope with his loss, honor his daughter's memory, and move foward with his life forever altered. The book is filled with a personal wisdom that is both deeply philosophical and searingly personal. To read this book is to vacillate between crying one's own tears for the loss of Nomi and being inpired by her own unique and powerful spark. The book is Fein's personal journey, but the story he tells is deeply and movingly universal.

I picked up Fein's book yesterday at the library and sat for an hour reading it without putting it down. Although I was familiar with Fein's writings within the Jewish community, I didn't know anything about him personally. I thank him for writing such a deeply personal story about such a tragic loss. I feel sorrow for his and his family/friends' loss, but also for all of those who never had the opportunity to know his daughter.

Leonard Fein's story of a parent's unspeakable loss of a grown child and the grieving that follows it begins as his personal story, gradually becomes our universal story, and remarkably by its end even fills us with hope.

The power of Fein's book was felt by me most deeply as a parent. To be presented with the portrait of this daughter, to consider the poignant relationship she had with her father and with her community, is to be called to reflect anew on the way one cherishes one's own children and the unique contributions they make to their world. The book is a nuanced, searching presentation of life and loss and love. I am augmented for having read it.

Leonard Fein finds words to express what I had thought were unexpressible thoughts and feelings. By doing so, he allows us to look at ourselves intimately, but without fear. His honesty with himself helps the reader consider and confront the difficult and painful. In the end, this book is extremely comforting.

This is a wonderful book that puts hand and feet to people's caring, sympathy and empathy toward those who are hurting. So helpful in many instances - deaths, divorce, miscarriage, loss of job; this job will tell you practical ways to help, what is helpful to say and do - and what is not. A must read!

Easy to read advice for occasions when one is at a loss for words and how to be truly helpful.

Not knowing what to say or not to say at the right or wrong time is very vital. This book is more of a reference book to minister to others in their time of need. It is especially great if you are talking to others in need on the phone because you can actually read it in your own words what they suggest you say without becoming tongue-tied. It is a great book and that is why I purchased 10 of them for my Bible Study group and they too, all love the help they now have at their fingertips.

This is a must-have book for everyone, but especially every church library. It's a goldmine of information and I include in every chronic illness ministry start up kit because it's so valuable. It's perfect for all of us who want to help but don't know how. Now we know how... we just need to do it!

It's broken down into sections, so is great for a quick reference for any situation. It also includes some of the lesser-talked about losses in life, such as the loss of a pet, or the loss of an unborn child.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to the section on chronic illness a great deal, but still find myself flipping to that chapter for some fresh ideas when my reaching-out ideas have run dry.

Often in a difficult situation such as divorce or infertility or with elderly parents or any type of loss, the right words don't seem to be there. You are trying to write a brief note and have nothing to say. What do you do? You want to reach out to this friend or neighbor or family member but you are stuck.

Here's the perfect reference tool. Get this book and have it on your shelf for these types of situations. Everyone needs a copy of Lauren Briggs' book. She will help you know what to do--and what not to do in these key situations of life.

I highly recommend this book.