Customer Reviews

Living Through Personal Crisis

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is great for both people who are experiencing loss (it could be losing your house in a tornado) and for people who want to know how to be a friend to those who are grieving.

I keep giving my copy away and ordering more. This is not a "take a warm bubble bath and it'll be all better" book. The book makes several important points; you go through a whole range of emotions, it takes at a long time, you should take it easy on yourself, not expect too much of yourself, and you shouldn't make any life-changing decisions for at least a year.

But even more significant is that the book gives you permission to grieve in your own way and time -- there is no right or wrong way to grieve. This should also be required reading for well-meaning friends and family and co-workers and the book gives them permission to be tolerant and understanding of the person who is grieving.

It is a quick read, liberally sprinkled with case histories and examples.

When my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness at the age of 38, I hit one of what was to prove several low points, filled with rage and self-doubt. During one of those troughs, a friend gave me this simple book and asked that I try to read it with an open mind (something I didn't have often during those times).

Living Through Personal Crisis was written, it seemed, to me and for me. I cried as I read nonstop through that first night, as waves of guilt and doubt quietly slipped away. It became 'okay' to grieve this massive change in our lives.

When he passed away several years later, I read Stearn's beautiful little book again, and once again found comfort in the calm, straightforward words. No frills, no psychobabble, no rubbing of crystals - just the levelheaded guidance that any of us in a critical situation needs more than platitudes and handwringing.

I do not hesitate to recommend it to you - no matter what your faith or belief or feelings about grieving or crisis. If you're in the midst of a crisis, get this book. If you know someone who you fear may be in need of it, give it away and get another copy. It helps.

I came across this book when I divorced. It not only helped me understand and accept the process of grieving, it helped me through other times in my life when personal crisis led me to heavy grief. I have bought it and given it to friends who also have been grieving for one reason or another. This easy to read book is surely a difinitive guide for those searching to heal.

This book helped me at the lowest point in my life, the death of my only child. The book is equally applicable to loss through divorce, job loss, spouse, whatever. I recommend it highly for those who are dealing with loss.

I have a slightly older addition, which is why I'm not giving this book five stars. Some of the references are a little out of date.

Overall, this is a really useful book. Dr. Stearns clearly understands the grieving process. She provides a balanced exploration of what happens to to people during times of crisis, and helps readers to cope. I say balanced in that this isn't a typical 'self-help' book, lacking in depth, yet it isn't an overly technical, dry psychology book. The case histories and the overall writing style make the book very read friendly. Her arguments make sense and are backed up by good research. Readers who've read other work on the subject of grief, death, loss, crisis, etc., will find they may be familiar with some of the ideas already, but the presentation is fresh enough to keep this from being a big drawback. If you've gone through a major loss, or if you are personally or professionally trying to support someone who has, this is a great book to pick up.

I bought this book after seeing Dr. Kaiser Sterns on TV. Her book shows years of research and heart sharing actual events. When I bought this book, I had been so down because there wasn't anything I or my sisters or brother could do to save my Dad's life. He had married again, and before he died, he suffered needlessly. I could ask myself - Did I do everything possible to get him to a more stabled environment and my answer would be yes. Reading this book helped me see that I am not alone in sufferings and was most edifying sharing about how people's lives can get better once we identify that which is bothering us. Once we see the inside scope of what we are really feeling. So many times, I swipe my feelings to the side then I get lost because I am not facing how I really feel about a particular issue. Now I am truly allowing my body to feel the loss of my Dad- and I realize it will take even more time for me to heal. I don't know how to describe this book in one word- but it's definitely worth buying for a sense of understanding and helping you live through personal crisis.
I wouldn't say that Dr. Sterns has all the answers-but she certainly gives you eye opening explanations that help one see situations in a different light- Thanks Dr. Sterns- I sure hope to meet you someday- Janet Lansford

Crisis is something unavoidable in life. "Living Through Personal Crisis: A Compassionate Guide for Triumphantly Surviving Difficult Events and for Helping Loved Ones and Friends" is a guide for meeting life's challenges head on and pushing oneself to live to their fullest in life even when being crushed by adversity. Uplifting and inspiring, "Living Through Personal Crisis" is a fine guide on finding strength when one needs it the most.

Learning to live past the death of a child is the hardest moment in ones life. This book helped us! Read it and let it help you! This book is good for ANY Crisis not just the death of a loved one. Any life crisis is covered. Read it and get better!

All-purpose self help book, gives guidance, hope for the future and practical things you can do right now to survive any difficult situation

I have read many books on the topic of death and grief, but no other book talks directly to the reader. It is written in layman's terms and reads very quickly. This book should be used as a source to be returned to. It can help you at different times during your grief and long after- to be able to explain and relate to the feelings that no one else may be able to help you with at that time. Enjoy! Finally a book that sheds some light.