A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love [Paperback]

Kathleen O'Hara (Author), Dr. Dan Gottlieb (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 20, 2006

A Grief Like No Other is the book no one wants to ever have to buy; sadly, many people continue to need it. From 9/11 to Cindy Sheehan's son – from mass tragedies like the recent London bombings to Law and Order type crimes that make the news only to be replaced by another name. As such, more people are left with the aftermath of dealing with the violent death of a loved one. It brings its own special brand of grieving since victim's families can spend years dealing with legal ramifications, guilt, and a myriad of other circumstances that don't accompany "normal" deaths. Kathleen O'Hara knows both sides of this coin. As a therapist, she has counseled hundreds of people dealing with grief. As a mother, she saw her worst fears realized when her college-aged son was brutally murdered in 1999. In the aftermath of Aaron's murder, O'Hara developed the seven stage journey that is at the heart of A Grief Like No Other. Although this is a book for those left behind in the aftermath of violence, it offers concrete and practical steps and stages, allowing family and friends safe passage through this incredibly harrowing journey.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

From mass tragedies like suicide bombings to sensationalized crimes that make the news only to be replaced by yet another victim, more families and friends are left with the aftermath of dealing with the violent death of a loved one. Violent death (including death by vehicular homicide and drunk drivers, suicide, and drug overdose) brings its own special brand of grieving: Victim's families can spend years dealing with the legal ramifications, guilt, and myriad other unique circumstances.
Kathleen O'Hara knows both sides of this coin: As a therapist, she has counseled hundreds of people in dealing with grief; as a mother, she saw her worst fears realized when her college-age son was brutally murdered. In the aftermath of Aaron's death, O'Hara developed the seven-stage journey that is at the heart of A Grief Like No Other. O'Hara offers concrete, practical steps and stages for those who are left behind in the aftermath of violence, allowing family and friends safe passage through this harrowing journey.
Praise for A Grief Like No Other:

"A book of comfort for losses that seem unfathomable, a hug of hope along a journey that seems impossible, a map of what lies ahead from a kindred spirit who knows every twist in the path." --Rachel Simon, author of Riding the Bus with my Sister
"Kathleen O’Hara’s telling of her own story forms a pathway of healing for herself and a guide to the difficult journey that must be traveled by anyone who suffers the trauma of a violent loss. A Grief Like No Other should be required reading for victim service providers, therapists, and all those who can only imagine what it must be like to experience traumatic loss. A valuable and important resource for victims and survivors." —Linda Burkett, Victim Witness Coordinator, Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy, Camden County, New Jersey
"A Grief Like No Other is a landmark contribution to the field and should be read by all therapists and those touched by the violent loss of someone in their lives. This remarkable, beautifully written, yet practical guide evolved out of Kathleen’s own horrendous loss of her son and her unremitting quest for knowledge, spirituality and transformation. She has transformed the unbearable pain in her life to understanding and peace and offers it to us who are searching for answers—and healing." --Dr. Bonnie Kellen, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, New York, New York

From the Back Cover

"A book of comfort for losses that seem unfathomable, a hug of hope along a journey that seems impossible, a map of what lies ahead from a kindred spirit who knows every twist in the path."
--Rachel Simon, author of Riding the Bus with my Sister

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Marlowe & Company; 1st edition (April 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569242976
• ISBN-13: 978-1569242971
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My own experience with grief, May 30, 2006

By 

Elizabeth A. Belle (Fairfax,VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love (Paperback)

I would recommend this book not only for those who are experiencing the horrific pain associated with grief, but also for those who love them. Many of my friends and family members have bought Kathleen O'Hara's book and have gained a better understanding of what I and my family are going through.
It was just over one year ago that our son was killed in action. Mother's Day, 2005. I have struggled to find the words to write, the things to say, a way to begin working through this terrible pain. After reading and re-reading A Grief Like No Other, I have been given such a gift. The book gives the reader tools to begin writing. Suggestions on how to deal with the overwhelming grief, examples of others who have lost someone to violence and how they feel. It gave me courage and hope.
The author writes about her own experience of losing her son to violence. She is an amazing woman. Her book is well worth reading and sharing with others.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, June 21, 2008

By 

Andrea Hafele (Cape May Court House, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love (Paperback)

I bought this book for a friend who had suffered the death of two of her children through a tragic automobile accident. I want to thank Kathleen for having the courage to write the book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely helpful!, May 4, 2009

By 

Chris "Grateful Mother" (Maine USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love (Paperback)

My daughter recently lost her husband after he was shot and killed. She is left to raise a 5 month old baby without him. At a time of feeling so helpless, giving her a copy of this book was one of the best things I could have done. I bought a copy for myself, so I could help her.