When Parents Die: A Guide for Adults [Paperback]

Edward Myers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997

This sensitive guide offers both an overview and specific suggestions for coping with the death of a parent. Topics range from the psychological responses, such as shock, depression, and guilt, to the practical consequences, including dealing with estates and funerals.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A practical guide for coping with the loss of a parent, this book was written by a journalist who has lost both. Edward Myers makes it clear that no matter how old we are, the death of a parent can be devastating, evoking intense and complex feelings that have long-lasting implications. Comprised of advice from therapists, practices for self-help groups and first-person accounts, Myers covers the grieving process and differentiates between the impact of sudden death and slow decline. He also offers advice for funeral planning, dividing personal property and resolving feelings such as guilt, shame and isolation. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

"One of the situations you face in grieving for a parent is the likelihood that some people will treat it as a non-event"; well-meaning friends will commonly "ask `how's your mother taking it?' but nothing about how you feel" writes Myers, a free-lance journalist who has experienced the death of both parents as an adult. Relying primarily on interviews and questionnaires, the author covers the grieving process, the difference in impact of sudden death versus slow decline, and some of the practical and emotional issues involved in planning the funeral, dividing personal property, and resolving residual feelings. Although not comprehensive, this book is recommended as a resource for further reading and/or for guidance from social service agencies and as a validation of grief upon losing one's parentsat any age. Suzanne Druehl, Little Rock P.L., Ark .
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 235 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Rev Upd edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140262318
• ISBN-13: 978-0140262315
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Parent & Adult Child

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

156 of 156 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An emotional life-saver for adults who lose a parent!, March 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: When Parents Die: A Guide for Adults (Paperback)

I first came across this book nearly 10 years ago when my 70-year-old father passed away. He had been ill for some time so his passing was expected, and in some ways seemed to be such a relief. No one who loved him wanted to see him suffer any longer and his suffering certainly took its toll on my dear sweet mother; yet, in the weeks following his passing I found myself completely unprepared to experience the grief that followed. I thought I was having a nervous breakdown until I read Myers book. The book literally rescued me from the depths of grief and helped me to move forward with my life. Since then, I have bought perhaps a dozen copies of the book for friends who have lost their parents and they, too, have told me how helpful they have found the book to be. Last October my dear sweet mother passed away and reading the book again has spared me from the agony of grief that I experienced with the loss of my father. By understanding and being so much more prepared for the loss of my mother, I found myself much more able to cherish her life rather than be emotionally devistated by grieving her loss. Sadly, I am purchasing another copy of the book to give to a dear friend who lost her father two days ago.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Bereavement Yet!, June 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: When Parents Die: A Guide for Adults (Paperback)

I lost my mother over a year ago, and it really wasn't until a few months ago that I finally realized that I needed to find some help for myself to realize what I was going through was natural for me. Over the past two months I have purchased at least a half a dozen books on the subject of bereavement and this book by far was able to pinpoint my feelings and emotions to a tee. From the guilt that I was feeling over things that were said before she died, to the grief that I am feeling now. This was the first book that I truly felt like I found some of my answers lying in the pages. I didn't walk away from this book feeling worse than when I started, it was actually a healing presence for me, knowing that what I was feeling was natural and that life does goes on but in a totally different light. This book may not be for everyone, but for me it was my saving grace!

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars helpful and realistic, January 16, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: When Parents Die: A Guide for Adults (Paperback)

I read this book when my father died. I was 21 and couldn't relate to most of the books out there, since they seemed to be geared either toward children or toward middle-aged people who'd lost an elderly parent. I was very grateful that this book addressed adult readers of all different ages, including mine. Myers recognizes the different things people are likely going through at different points in their lives. It was comforting to me just to realize that grieving was a normal, natural process and that, even though I felt at an awkward age to be experiencing this type of loss, I wasn't alone.