Living When a Loved One Has Died: Revised Edition [Paperback]

Earl A. Grollman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1995

When someone you love dies, Earl Grollman writes, "there is no way to predict how you will feel. The reactions of grief are not like recipes, with given ingredients, and certain results. . . . Grief is universal. At the same time it is extremely personal. Heal in your own way."

If someone you know is grieving, Living When a Loved One Has Died can help. Earl Grollman explains what emotions to expect when mourning, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to work through feelings of loss. Suitable for pocket or bedside, this gentle book guides the lonely and suffering as they move through the many facets of grief, begin to heal, and slowly build new lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

If you're far away when someone you care about is in mourning, send this book—it's the next best thing to being there. And if you doubt whether your being there will do any good, read this book, and you will learn how to become the wise, reassuring, and understanding person a good friend is when a loved one has died. —Minneapolis Star

About the Author

Rabbi Earl A. Grollman is an internationally recognized bereavement counselor who has been named Hero of the Heartland and given the Distinguished Human Service Award from Yeshiva University, among countless other awards. He is author of the best-selling Living When a Loved One Has Died (Beacon / 2719-7 / $10.00 pb), among many other books, and articles about him and his work have appeared in USA Today, Harper's, Reader's Digest, Ann Landers, People, and in virtually every major American daily. He lives in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 113 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Press; 3 edition (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807027197
• ISBN-13: 978-0807027196
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.4 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Earl A. Grollman, a pioneer in the field of crisis intervention, was rabbi of the Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, Massachusetts, for thirty-six years. A certified death educator and counselor, he was cited as "Hero of The Heartland" for his work with the families and volunteers of the Oklahoma City bombing. Dr. Grollman has spoken at many colleges, clergy institutes, seminaries, physicians' forums, and hospital nursing associations, and has addressed many support groups, such as Compassionate Friends, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Widows Personal Services. He has also appeared on national television and radio, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Children's Journal, All Things Considered, and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Recently, he was featured on National Public Radio's End of Life series in the roundtable discussion on grief and bereavement.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living When A Loved One Has Died, January 17, 2000

By 

Donna J. Joldersma - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living When a Loved One Has Died: Revised Edition (Paperback)

My husband died at 47 of lung cancer. I went to grief counseling and purchased any book or piece of information I could find to help me through the grieving process. This book, by far, has helped me the most. It was easy to read when my concentration level was at an all- time low. This was written by someone who has obviously been through this experience. I keep several copies of this book on hand to give to friends as the need arises.

This is a book that can be read and re-read many times. It has brought me great peace and comfort over these last 4 years.

Thank you so much Rabbi Grollman!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent; anyone grieving should have a copy, May 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Living When a Loved One Has Died: Revised Edition (Paperback)

My mother died unexpectedly two months ago after fracturing her hip. I was her sole caregiver (she had moderate stage Alzheimer's) and even though I was preparing myself for her first being in a nursing home and ultimately her death years down the road, this sudden passing away left me totally empty and void. I didn't know what to feel except that I had let her down somehow. I had always promised her I would take care of her and not let anything bad happen to her. I found myself emotionless with regard to anything except grief. Then I found this book two weeks ago, took it home and read it. This book touches upon every emotion you go through when you grieve. It is not written as a self-help book. It does not tell you what some professionals think you should be doing to continue living in spite of your loss. It is simple. The sentences are short. It tells you that it is alright to feel the way you do. I have kept my book on my coffee table ever since and have picked it up twice already when I was feeling low. I will definitely be giving this book as a gift to friends as the occasion warrants.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Words I couldn't Say, May 1, 2003

By 

Stephanie Anne "music & book nut" (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Living When a Loved One Has Died: Revised Edition (Paperback)

I bought this book sight unseen, simply because I think he's a terrific author on death. He speaks the language of the commoner regarding death.

I was shocked to find the entire book is written as a series of poems. Originally it threw me off, but as I read the book I was better able to appreciate the impact of using that format for these words. I originally purchased the book for a close friend who was about to observe the 1st anniversary of her sister's death. I hadn't realized how much her sister's death affected me until I read this book and couldn't give it to my friend. I had to buy another copy just for her.

The poems said exactly what I had been feeling through all my grieving stages but hadn't found words to express them. It was a godsend.