Customer Reviews

Planet Widow: A Mother's Story of Navigating a Suddenly Unrecognizable World

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Gloria's account of being a widow is amazingly honest -- she doesn't romanticize widowhood, but rather, communicates what her life is like just trying to get through each day. She talks openly about financial pressures, family issues, marital issues and especially, concern over her kids' emotional well being. Somehow Gloria manages to keep her amazing strength, perspective and sense of humor. I highly recommend this book!

My husband died 11 months ago at age 34 and I have two young children. I was able to identify with the author that it is like being on a whole different planet. It was comforting to read about her journey through her first year of widowhood. She is very honest and candid about her story, feelings, and struggles. I encourage anyone suffering the loss of a young spouse, especially if you have children to read this book.

This is a frank, moving, and at times even funny account of one woman's experience of widowhood. Jeez, how can that be funny? But Lenhart does provide us with a wry and honest story in which she takes a hard look at herself and those around her. As someone who has survived a painful divorce, I was struck by my familiarity with the emotional turmoil she describes. This is not necessarily a self-help manual for widows, but rather much more an allegory of suffering, self-evaluation, and new beginnings.

I lost my husband about 6 months before I read this book. Reading the book was one of the best therapies. It is so perfect. Gloria really understands the loss and somehow put all the significant emotions into this book. I recommend it for widows as well as anyone who knows someone who has experienced a loss. It is soooooo well written.

I found Planet Widow to be an eye opening piece of literature. It brought me to various levels of emotion, thought and soul searching. What would I do in her situation?...I always mean to be there for family and friends in times of need, but why do I drop the ball?...What really matters the most?... Do I have the same strength as Gloria?... How can I prepare myself for the same or similiar events?... Lenhart's story is so well written, I had to frequently remind myself that this was her story, an account of her experience and not fiction. At the risk of sounding cliche, I cried and I laughed throughout the book as I made connections with my own life and Gloria's life experiences. I highly reccommend this work. Of course it is necessary reading for someone going through a loss, but also anyone in a marriage, relationship or for that fact a blended family. I learned a great deal about myself, family and friends. I thank Lenhart for this gift she has chosen to share.

This book kept my interest and the author explained her feelings very well without being overly morose. It seemed cruel, however, when she wouldn't allow her mother in law to see her own son placed into the ground. And when the husband had pre-arranged to send his mother some valentines day flowers(he died soon after), why on earth did the author tell her mother in law that they were from her and her children?