Joanne Cacciatore

Subject: When a loved one dies, the pain of loss can feel unbearable, especially in the case of a traumatizing death that leaves us shouting, 'NO!' with every fiber of our body. The process of grieving can feel wild and nonlinear and often lasts for much longer than other people, the nonbereaved, tell us it should. This book is a companion for life and most difficult times, revealing how grief can open our hearts to connection, compassion, and the very essence of our shared humanity. The author, who is also a bereavement educator, researcher, Zen priest, and leading counselor in the field accompanies the reader along the heartbreaking path of love, loss, and grief. Through moving stories of her encounters with grief over decades of supporting individuals, families, and communities, as well as her own experience with loss, the author opens a space to process, integrate, and deeply honor our grief

Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief

Bearing the Unbearable

Emily B

4.5 STARS:

Before this book, I did not understand grief. I tend to process my grief very quickly. My dog died last year and I was feeling fine in about 2 or 3 days. I loved her with all of my heart, and I mourned her, but I never even shed a tear. Because I this, I did not know how to help someone through their grief. I just knew how my own worked. You can understand that this deficiency would be detrimental to someone studying to be a social worker like myself. 

I understand now. This book helped me to really understand the intricacies of grief. As this book was written by a grief counselor, I also have more ideas for coping mechanisms that can help my clients in the future. I think I would really be able to help someone with their grief. My view of grief has also changed, as I don't view it as a "negative" emotion anymore. 

If you struggle with knowing the right thing to say to a grieving loved one, you don't know how to deal with your own grief, or you just want to better understand, then read this book. You'll understand by the end of it.

Warning: This book details explicit emotions and situations associated with traumatic grief. It will deal with sudden deaths of both children and parents. This can make it triggering for people who have experienced those things. If you are currently struggling with traumatic grief, do not try to substitute this book for professional help. Please seek a grief counselor.

Bearing the Unbearable Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief

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