The Grief Recovery Handbook, 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses including Health, Career, and Faith [Paperback]

John W. James (Author), Russell Friedman (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 3, 2009

Newly updated and expanded to commemorate its twentieth anniversary—this classic resource helps people complete the grieving process and move toward recovery and happiness.

Incomplete recovery from grief can have a lifelong negative effect on the capacity for happiness. Drawing from their own histories as well as from others', the authors illustrate how it is possible to recover from grief and regain energy and spontaneity. Based on a proven program, The Grief Recovery Handbook offers grievers the specific actions needed to move beyond loss. New material in this edition includes guidance for dealing with:

Loss of faith

Loss of career and financial issues

Loss of health

Growing up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional home

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This book is required for all my classes. The more I use this book, the more I believe that unresolved grief is the major underlying issue in most people’s lives. It is the only work of its kind that I know of that outlines the problem and provides the solution.” (Bernard McGrane, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, Chapman University )

About the Author

John W. James and Russell Friedman have been working with grievers for more than thirty years. They have served as consultants to thousands of bereavement professionals and provide Grief Recovery^® Seminars and Certification Programs throughout the United States and Canada. They are the founders of the Grief Recovery Institute^®.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; 20th,Anniversary edition (March 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061686077
• ISBN-13: 978-0061686078
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (150 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Self-Help > Death & Grief > Grief & Bereavement

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 112 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a one-size-fits-all program December 30, 2009

By Alex Hanisch

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The introductory chapters to the book contain an interesting overview of grief in general and offer many valuable insights to those suffering from any kind of loss. However, the actual recovery program, presented as a series of exercises, is founded on two bases which may not be suitable for everyone.

1) You're pretty much expected to work with a partner. The authors take pains to say you don't HAVE to work with a partner, but then each new exercise begins with an invitation to "reconsider" your choice to work without a partner and to "examine your reasons" for choosing to work alone. For people who have turned to books because they lack any other kind of support network, this constant prodding can be uncomfortable and may even serve to add to their feelings of loneliness.

2) The program is designed to help you move past your regrets and/or bring closure to any "unfinished business" that remains since the loss occurred. The primary tools are timelines/charts and communication (written and - if you're working with a partner - verbal). Because unresolved issues do tend to trap many people in their grief, this program would no doubt be of great use to many people. However, there are other sides to grief, issues which may not necessarily have their roots in "unfinished business", and there doesn't seem to be much acknowledgement of those other issues in this book.

Basically, if you're trapped in a cycle of "if only" and it's preventing you from dealing with your grief, this book will probably help you. But if you're at peace with the past and are simply struggling to cope with the future in the face of your loss, this may not be the book for you.

118 of 123 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Saved My Sister's Life September 1, 2004

By Dottie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I first found this book almost 2 years ago. At the time I was looking for something to help my sister who had endured 13 major losses in less than 5 years and was in the depths of hell. She was barely able to get herself dressed every day and was so devestated she was not able to work because she couldn't stop crying. I picked this book up just hoping it held a "gem" of knowledge that I could use to help her. I was so blown away by the book that I asked her if she'd go to a workshop (she couldn't concentrate well enough to read the book). She agreed to go (she would have done anything to get rid of the pain). I put her on a plane to the next available workshop. Four days later she walked out of the workshop with a song in her heart and wings on her feet. She came home and enrolled in college full time and found 2 part-time jobs that worked around her college classes. I sent another sister to a workshop earlier this year. They are both happier than they've ever been in their lives and they tell me how peaceful they feel. They look forward to each new day with joy. I recently attended a workshop and have just been certified to begin an Outreach Program. Because of this book, many of my family members will know what to do whenever a loss occurs. For those people who can concentrate enough to read, this book may be what they need. But if they need more, please encourage them to find a Grief Recovery Outreach Program in their area. The Grief Recovery Institute's website is www.grief.net and they are very helpful to griever's who call them. Thank you John James and Russell Friedman for all the work you do to share your knowledge with grievers.

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book gave me back my life! November 14, 1999

By M. Dian Smith

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Essential for anyone who is experiencing grief, whether from arecent loss or one many years ago. Shows one how to complete theprocess and begin enjoying life anew. I can't recommend it highly enough. Please try it if you are "locked in limbo" and unable to experience real joy in your life.