Death Books

I cried, I laughed and I learned from the author what it is like to lose a loved one. The lessons he shared of how to get through a grief experience are tolerant and life-affirming.

I found myself unable to put this book down. I don't think I have ever read a more touching tribute from one person to another. I have never seen someone's love so painfully laid out on pages. I only hope to find someone someday that will care for me as the author cared for his Peg. Wisdom and frankness of the book will help others in this "foreign country" of grief.

Mr. McGee's search for understanding his persistent grief after the death of his wife documents a phenomena that is seldom discussed; he shared the common misunderstanding that grief is a process that we all must endeavor to navigate successfully within an expected range of emotion and time-line. When he continued to grieve with great intensity beyond what his culture had led him to expect was "normal" he then confronted the many myths facing all of us so unprepared to grieve our losses. Refreshingly, he describes survival in the context of his non-belief in God, thereby providing a rare comfort to those of us who are unable to seek consolation in religion. That he reaches the logical conclusion that death is inevitable and all must eventually survive grieving, he displays the very rationality that allows us to face the need and then gradually to make peace with a loss that never ends.

I particularly liked how the author presented the subject matter...extremely human. He weaved memories/recanted experiences with his wife with his present day feelings. It was very touching. If only we could have a marriage like he had....

The author comes to realize as written in his journal that he truly was a lucky man. There should be more books like this one..... For the truly wise person, I believe this book helps us appreciate our present day gifts/experiences.

McGee's book, detailing his grief after the death of his wife, is much more than I thought it would be. The author communicates the poignant and sometimes desperate pain of those left behind. His brief notes in a journal become a map for getting out of bed and going on with life. But more than being a book of helpful insights into a human soul in his darkest moments, this book is a love story. That is more than I thought it would be and that sets it apart from other books on loss and grief. We come to know his Peg, her humor and intelligence, and why he was so thoroughly devastated when she unexpectadly died. The passion of their life together is woven through the author's own grief and gives us a glimpse of their life together. No wonder he mourns her! This book is a must for anyone who loses a spouse.

I was widowed 14 years ago and found, like Elaine, that the journey has been not only well taken, but also the most important of my life. Elaine's account of her coming to terms with her loss will be especially helpful to women who are widowed late in life and who wonder if they will ever find love again. There's no guaranteed happy ending, just the recognition that even if you spend the rest of your days alone, you can still be fulfilled by the self that you have come to know through all the long days of struggle and triumph.

Elaine Williams knows pain, the deep, gut-wrenching pain that comes from great loss. In 'A Journey Well Taken' she tells how she pulled herself up from the depths of despair following the loss of her husband and then discovered the true strength she had carried with her all along. Poignant, often funny and forever wise, this is a guide to finding the happiness within.

I was so touched by the sensitivity of this book and how the author shares her feelings of sadness, despair and at the same time bravery and hope. Her story is a testimony of love, strength and hope. This is a testimony of a wonderful woman who does not stop searching...

As a thantalogist and grief counselor I could see the different stages of grief and how this was transformed into an opportunity of personal and spiritual growth.

I highly recommend this book as a source of inspiration...

Ligia M. Houben, MA, CG-C, CT
[....]
Author of "Transforma tu perdida. Una antologia de fortaleza y esperanza"

Elaine Williams has written a deeply personal, yet universally appealing and boldly honest account of the loss of a loved one that will inspire and motivate the reader to grieve and go on -- to not only survive in the face of loss, but ultimately to thrive. Although her story is a sad one, it is also ultimately an inspiring one. I am pleased to highly recommend it. Pamela D. Blair, Co-author, I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye (Updated Edition): Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One and The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond

The title of Elaine Williams' book, A Journey Well Taken says it all. This is one truly brave woman who has been on a most challenging journey. It is a journey she didn't choose yet has taken with great integrity. The story is Elaine Williams' personal experience of losing her loving husband to cancer while being faced with raising their three sons, maintaining their home, making a living and starting a new life as a single mother. Elaine is a real woman---she shares emotions that range from deep despair to perseverance that keeps her moving forward to create a new life.

The book is a must read for women who have lost their husbands/partners. Actually, it is a good read for "any" woman. The strength of character that shines through every page is inspiring and gives us hope that we can continue to live and evolve in spite of such a great loss.

Julie Molner Co-Author of Your Life Your Way: The Essential Guide for Women, [...], [...]

When Cara Segal looses her mother and younger sister in a house fire, she questions her belief in God, struggles with her relationship with her father, and tries to find ways to hold onto her memories of her family before the fire. With the support of her best friend, her grandparents, and the school social worker, Cara finds fulfillment in continuing her mother's baking business and donating the profits to the local firefighters. She also finds meaning in hanging mezuzot on the doors of her new apartment and realizes that "God works his magic by giving us the strength to handle just about anything that comes our way. And for what we can't handle alone, he gives us friends and family." (p. 148) Like Confessions of a Closet Catholic by Sarah Darer Littman (2005), Birdland by Tracy Mack (2003), and Understanding Buddy by Marc Kornblatt (2001), Julia's Kitchen tackles the difficult issue of death of a loved one and explores how Jewish identity and spirituality helps the character to cope. First-time author Brenda Ferber, winner of the 2004 Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award, authentically captures the voice of a contemporary 11-year-old and despite the tragic premise manages to keep the book up-beat, refreshing, and inspiring.

Julia's Kitchen is an amazing book! It is written for middle grade readers but is just as appealing to adults. Don't let the heavy subject matter fool you. This book is beautifully written and full of hope (although I have to admit- I cried my eyes out!). I'm telling you- you won't be able to put it down! I can't recommend it more.

Just to let you know I am actually 14 I just don't want to put in my email address. I picked up this book at the library one day just looking at the cover thinking it would be a book about a girl that enjoys baking, but when I brougnt it home I couldn't put it down read it all in one night. It is a sad story and i was almost in tears at some parts, but I receieved a very strong theme from this story: Appreciate what you have and try to move on when you lose something important to you. I defnitely recommend that anyone who loves to read will love this book.

Eleven-year-old Cara Segal has a vivid imagination and is always fearful the worst will happen to her family. Just to be safe, she has an ongoing relationship with G-d where she "regularly floats prayers up" to make sure her family is always protected. When she sleeps over her friend Marlee's house, an electrical short in the toaster starts a house fire, which takes the lives of her mom and younger sister Jane. Beside herself with grief, Cara sleepwalks through the week of shiva (Jewish mourning) and the comforting words of Rabbi Newlin as she feels she has been abandoned by G-d. Cara finds strength in her beloved Bubbe and Zayde, her mother's parents, who give her the emotional support that her father is unable to provide, and finds solace in continuing with her family scrapbook. However, the pivotal event is when Cara receives a phone order for her mother's catering business; her mom's cookie recipes are one of the items that escaped the fire and Cara decides, in secret, to revive "Julia's Kitchen". By carrying out the work of her mom, Cara feels a special connection to her and she begins to inwardly heal; she reaffirms her belief in G-d and her Jewish faith as she comes to understand things more clearly. When her father catches her baking, Cara's new self-assurance helps her to stand up to him and to finally discuss the details of the fire. This is a sensitive story and deals with a difficult subject matter in an honest and empathetic way. Winner of the 2004 Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award, this combines aspects of Jewish tradition and details of family life to poignantly address bereavement in a powerful and hopeful manner. A short glossary of the Hebrew terminology used and the cookie recipe that Cara adapts from her mom are included at the end of the book. Ages 9-13.

I have read JULIA'S KITCHEN a number of times, and each time I am moved, heartbroken and healed by this story. It is the carefully and beautifully written story of Cara, who
must rely to a great extent on her own internal resources when a sudden and unpredictable tragedy strikes her family. JULIA'S KITCHEN will take readers into the depths of Cara's feelings - sadness, anger, confusion, and hope - and offer a rich story of her confusion about her faith, her tenuous relationship with her grieving father, and her questions about how to hold
on to the memories of her mother and sister and still move forward in life.

It is a powerful reading experience for the child who wants to be touched and changed by a story, but it is also an opportunity for children, together, to discuss the multitude of issues dealt with in the course of the book - the unpredictability of the world, the unevenness of adults who do not always have children's best interests at heart, the importance of good friendship, the sometimes-confusing nature of faith, and the beauty and importance of inner resilience and hope. JULIA'S KITCHEN should not be mistaken for a book
"about grief". It is a story about the unfortunate, but real, ways children's lives can be shaken - and the exquisite resiliency of the human spirit.

this book made me laugh and cry. the story line is wonderful and the charathers almost feel real. I know just about anyone will love this book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved this book. I laughed and cried. It was tender, mischievous, funny and at times a little harsh...very realistic! It definitely was one of those books that I had to keep reading till I was finished!! The author's words are woven together so cleverly that I found myself wondering how she could spin such a wonderful tale. Bravo.

Others have already mentioned what a fine family tale this is--virtually transporting the story-telling talent of Laura Ingalls Wilder into the early 1960s--but another aspect of this great debut novel I love is the work of Harness the historian, weaving the important events of the era and even the westerns on TV into the fabric of her tapestry of a tale.

I think the age range on this book is off the mark. My daughter read it for Senior honor's English and recommended it to me. I am very particular about what I read and I liked it very much. It is a very real story. My daughter said some students thought it was too sad, but she really liked it because it is so real and it does have a nice ending. I have recommended it to my mom. I sure hope there will be other novels to come. Students can learn a lot about life from this book.

Cheryl Harness' unique voice shines through in this novel. Carmen is funny, sad, kind, confused, and so very honest about her feelings. Readers will immediately identify with this spunky gal.

Very soothing voice, tone and message. She really helps the hurt and I am glad I made this purchase. I will share it with others and recommend it. I only wish there was a bit more insight into the religious side of loss - something that I could know was of God. Still - excellent.

Purchasing "Legacies of Love" was perhaps one of the best things I could have done to help me through my grief after losing my precious dog on 3/7/02. It has only been a few weeks, and I listen to Teresa's soothing voice and comforting words every day to get through this "coping" period. Her validation that deep grieving over pet loss is undervalued by many on-lookers and "supporters", but completely normal to those of us grieving, brought a sense of peace during a time when there are so many emotions. Those who have lost their companion(s) and don't know how they will go on, will find Teresa's tapes a tremendous source of comfort and graceful inspiration. In honor of my beloved Pupster, I have purchased two additional sets of "Legacies of Love" to donate to my veterinarian's office in the hope that someone facing deep grief after losing their animal will find as much comfort in her words and wisdom as I have.

This tape provides important comfort and guidance during one of life's
most difficult experiences. Don't miss it.

For those who have ever loved and lost a beloved, this guide is a great source of comfort. Sensitive and heartwarming, a wonderful gift when words just are not appropriate. The unconditional love of a pet is such a source of joy, but when we lose them, the heartache can be unbearable. Having been there, I understand how paralyzing grief can be. Arlene Millman...

Haveing lost my beloved mare in a tragic, unexpected accedent, I have been lost and confused. It can be difficult to find someone who understands just how painful it can be to loose a close friend that happens to have four legs.

Teresa understands. She knows what it is like, and her voice is like a soothing guide to recovery. The tapes are filled with information and guidence, as well as personal experiences. I found them to be profoundly healing as I began to accept her death, and learn to get past coping. If you have experienced the death of your animal friend, you won't be sorry you bought this.

This would also be a welcome gift for those who have lost their animal friends.

I think that this book will be a bomb! I work in the bookshop and I know that Werber like a people a lot

This is an in-cre-di-ble story of a group of people, the "thanatonautes" who experience the after-life in stages. There are five stages before the soul can reach heaven, and until then, the sould can come back to the body. What are the five stages, and can they see them all? You will find out if you read this book. So creative, and honestly, we all hope it's true.

This book rocks! Get ready for one hell of a ride into the unknown and beyond... and perhaps not that unknown. Don't miss out, READ THIS BOOK! (and if one book isn't enough, vol II just came out... in French for now)

Just an amazing theory about heaven.

If you are the kind of person who thinks every religions agree to say the same thing, this book is for you.

Enjoy it.

Un livre qui vous épatera à coup sûr. Tout le monde s'est demandé qu'est-ce qui arrive après la mort. Bernard Werber a réussi à partir de livre tels le Livre des Morts Égyptiens à créer une explication à la mort. Vous resterez marqué par ce livre, c'est garanti!!!

À lire du même auteur, la suite "L'empire des Anges" ainsi que la très populaire trilogie des fourmis.

Je vous recommande fortement la lecture de ce livre nouveau genre qui traîte d'un sujet délicat d'une manière intéressante et enrichissante.

After my husband died of cancer at age 37 leaving me to raise our 10 and 12 year old children alone, I read every book on grief I could get my hands on. This was one of the first ones I read, and it was the most helpful. It put into words exactly what I was feeling and validated my grief. The pictures were beautiful and comforting. Since then I have ordered multiple copies of this book to give to others who have lost loved ones. Time and again I have heard how this book has helped others through those first few dark weeks after a death. It is a book of solace and hope. I would recommend it to anyone who has experienced a loss.

I was given this book by a special friend following the passing of my beloved husband of forty years. I tried several times to read it and could not, but when the time was right, I found this to be of great comfort in my healing process. I have since given this book to several others who have lost loved ones and will continue to do so. Thank you, Billy Sprague for this wonderful book.

This book is tender and sensitive. I have not experienced grieving a loved one but believe this would be helpful. I have given it twice to people grieving a loved one and have heard back from one that it meant a lot to them.

This is a must have to anyone entering the passage of grief. I will read this book many time as I face my grief and come though it. Thank you Billy Sprague for taking my hand. Hellen Spear

This book was exceptional especially after the loss of my long-time boyfriend. Billy wrote of the grieving process and how it is normal to grieve, even for a Christian. I would recommend this book to anyone who has lost a loved one.

I have always been a fan of Lurlene McDaniels work. She has a gift of making a person realize how wonderful life can truly be. This story has to be my favorite so far. Nathan has been homeschooled his entire life, so he isn't very good in the relationship area. Lisa is a fast girl, who drives a motercycle and does'nt let anyone get in. When the ywo meet sparks fly. I read this book in only a few days. It was very hard to put down. I can't wait for anotther one of Lurlene's books to hit the bookstores.

it was shipped very quick and the book was very good. it was one of those books that you don't want to put down it was so good.

Seventeen-year-old Nathan Malone has led a sheltered life. He is home-schooled by his mother and doesn't spend a lot of time with kids his own age except for his best friend Skeet. Nathan is suddenly thrust into a strange new world when he enrolls in one of Atlanta's largest high schools for his senior year. He has a lot of hard lessons to learn about love and loss during his first year in high school.

LETTING GO OF LISA, a heartwarming novel by Lurlene McDaniel, revolves around Nathan's relationship with Lisa Lindstrom. Lisa isn't the type of girl who Nathan's mother had hoped he'd bring home. She rides a motorcycle, wears leather pants and acts like she doesn't care what others think of her.

Every boy at school wants to know Lisa, but she won't give them the time of day. Nathan manages to crack her tough outer shell by being himself. He shares his feelings with her even if she isn't willing to open up to him.

Nathan sees right through Lisa's tough act when she brings her friend Jodie to his garage to try out for his country band. Jodie is a great singer, even though she's very shy, and Nathan hires her to be the lead singer of The Heartbreakers. He knows that Lisa cared enough about her friend to want to help her; Jodie never would have tried out on her own. Soon after Jodie joins the band, Lisa has an excuse to spend more time with Nathan and listen to his music. As Lisa and Nathan get closer, a romance also blossoms between Jodie and Skeet.

When Lisa starts disappearing from school in the middle of English class, Nathan wonders where she goes. He soon discovers that she has a secret, and he has a choice to make. Will he be able to let go of her?

LETTING GO OF LISA is a touching coming-of-age novel with no stereotypical characters; Nathan and Lisa are both complex individuals with real feelings. Lurlene McDaniel does a great job of making the book sentimental without being sappy and keeps the dialogue believable. It's an enjoyable read for people of all ages.[...]

I love this book! This is so good.

A seventeen-year-old Nathan Malone has been homeschooled his whole life and his mother had taught him everything he had learned. Until Mrs. Malone gave birth 2 twin daughters so she couldn't teach Nathan. Nathan decided to go to high school for his senior year, but his mother didn't want him to go there...but he did go to high school. Nathan met a motorcylce girl name is Lisa. She acted so tough and ignored everyone at school. Nathan tried to act so cool around her. He tried to get her out with him, but she turned him down. Finally they became friends. A strange thing is Lisa keeps miss the school and Nathan wondered what happened to her. So then at school, Nathan followed Lisa to the....the hospital. What was she doing there? Something test? Well go find out. :D

Nathan Malone, 17 has been home schooled all of his life. The birth of his identical twin sisters, Abby and Audrey prompt his overly protective mother to allow him to attend the local high school in a suburb of Atlanta. The boy's father gives this decision his blessing.

Nathan marvels at the life experiences of his peers; he chafes at the sheltered life he has until then led. When he meets Lisa Lindstrom, he is awed by this fearless girl who rebuffed a pompous, popular football star and who rides her motorcycle to school.

In time, the pair bond, along with Nathan's faithful friend and country music collaborator, Skeet. Nathan does a lot of maturing over the course of that school year. He meets Lisa's mother and live in boyfriend, who are genuinely interested in his well being as well; he learns acceptance.

Nathan grows to love the girl and even follows her when she leaves school early. He discovers she is making regular trips to the hospital every afternoon and her medical secret.

Once the secrets are aired, including Nathan's tragic loss of 6-year-old sister in a drowning accident when he was 3, the two realize that they have more in common than their different lifestyles would ever have suggested.

An intense book that might make you cry, but it is worth reading. You will love the indomitable spirit of these two young people and the characters will leave you thinking about them for a very long time. The story makes me think of the 1968 Steppenwolf classic, "Magic Carpet Ride." Lurlene McDaniel is a master at her craft and you won't be disappointed. This book is worth every page.

If a lawyer can go this far to prove life after death and communicating with those who have passed over, then the jury would be in total agreement with him and believe! Case Closed.

This book is terrific! It says what I've been thinking for years and removes any fears I might have anticipated.

i always felt there was something beyond death.but when i read this spectacular book, with pages full of documented evidence, i was absolutely convinced.l loved reading it. this is a must read for anyone on the fence.

I had always questioned life after the death and the presence of spirits in the world. I now know that the answer is that they all do exist. I could not put this book down, which is funny because I usually hate reading. There were many great stories and things in it that really make you beleive in life after death. If you want to know anything in this area, then Life After Death is the book to read. This book is definately on my top 10 ten list of best books ever read. Enjoy!

I finally got to read your book during my vacation last week. No, "read" isn't the right word. How about "feast upon", "devour", or "celebrate"? Yes, that more like it! Your book is wonderful; it will certainly earn you your angel wings on the other side. I was like a kid in a candy store. I was thoroughly entertained and couldn't put it down. My book, Toward Heaven On Earth, covers alot of afterlife proofs but there was much in your book that was new to me. Mr. Freeman, you're the Sidney Sheldon of the afterlife evidence genre! Thank you and God bless you.

Our son just recently passed away (jeremyearnshaw.com) and I have tried to find a book to help. This book my son's fiancee picked up by accident at the Christian book store. Once you start reading the book you can't put it down. When tragedy happens you look for something or someone to relate to...certainly there must be someone out there. This book for us on the tragic loss of our tender hearted son at 23 has been a great help. Our son like his was so loving and kind and wouldn't think twice about walking with his arm over his parents shoulders in a mall. Anyway, a great help and encouragement through the grieving process. Highly recommended.

This book is of the charts when it comes to honestly documenting the effects of grief on a parent who had lost a child. After we lost a son and grandson I searched for several years for someone who could relate to my feelings, emotions and reactions to what I was going through. The fact that Dennis was open, honest and forthcoming about all of his thoughts and feelings made my journey so much easier. Like Dennis, I was also a pastor when my son died. I only wish I could have met Dennis and talked with him several years ago. I have searched and researched for almost ten years and you will not find a better resource for helping you cope with grief. If anyone reading this has lost a loved one, especially a child, you need to get this book.
Norm Standfield
Founder, Grief Fellowship Ministries

As a mom who has buried two children, a stillborn daughter and a 16 year old son, and having a ministry with bereaved mothers, I have read many books on grief and the loss of a child. Yet, I've never read a book that hit the raw emotions and the grief journey I have walked with such open honesty, as this book. Though I read this book in 24 hours, it could not be read in one sitting, as my tear blurred eyes had to recover from the emotions and pains I similarily went through (and still am).

Dennis Apple, the author, and also a pastor, shares with little hesitation,his journey of grief, questioning God, loneliness and despair as he tried to find normalcy. He shares not only his pain but not understanding his wife's depression and his searchings to console her. Sharing excerpts from his journal, Mr. Apple writes of the roller coaster of grief, the unexpected attacks of grief, even many years later. Even with his wonderings at times where God was, he shares how he can see God never left him, and gives hope and understanding to those walking this road now.

This book is not just for bereaved parents, but should be read by pastors, grief counselors, extended family of the bereaved or anyone who wants or should understand the pain after the loss of a child. I invite you to read this book to understand and care for others. Though you will most likely have a tear streaked book when you are finished, it will give you hope and understanding.

This is the first "real" book that I have read about the grief process that was right on the money. Dennis Apple gives a very honest, strightforward truth about what really happens to those suffering from a tragic loss of a child. He helps the reader know that what they are experiencing is normal and that there is hope. Being a mother who has also experienced the loss of a child, I found this book to be very uplifting and very encouraging. My hope is that others will read it and feel the same. I also think this is a great book for those who feel led to be grief counselors. It will give them an honest look at how to approach and not approach those in grief. A very awesome book!

Dennis Apple is a gifted counselor and a thoughtful Christ-follower. Among his many gifts is an honest transparency about the dark places of faith, where questions outnumber answers.

Instead of pretending, hiding or covering his grief, Apple learns from it and then begins to teach all of us in useful ways. He teaches as a fellow struggler, as one who seeks rather than one who 'knows it all.'

This is an excellent book and a great companion for anyone who is experiencing loss. It should also be carefully read by those who believe they are competent to counsel those who grieve.

Wise, insightful, refreshingly honest, and well worth reading.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of: Moving Forward After Divorce: Practical Steps to * Healing Your Hurts * Finding Fresh Perspective * Managing Your New Life