Life After Loss: Conquering Grief and Finding Hope (Paperback)

~ Raymond Moody (Author), Dianne Arcangel (Author) "The death of a loved one reactivates our very first experiences with separation and grief..." (more)
Key Phrases: death coincidents, life after loss, death education, New York, Centering Corp, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Author of the seminal 1975 Life After Life and renowned expert on near-death experiences, Moody teams up with grief counselor Arcangel to provide a comprehensive and compassionate manual for the bereaved. Personal stories illustrate the short- and long-term effects of the death of a loved one, an event considered life's most stressful. With a clear and empathetic understanding of grief, Moody and Arcangel move beyond Kobler-Ross's stages of mourning to explore the variations in individual experience as influenced by such specific factors as the bereaved's personality and the circumstances surrounding the death, as well as more general factors, like cultural pressure. Arguing that "Grief is not an emotion but a process with a host of emotions," and that "each person is the expert for his or her grief alone," the authors emphasize the fallacy of assigning set timetables and linear phases to grieving. Offering plenty of helpful advice how to cope with stress, how to get sympathy, etc. Moody and Arcangel gently guide mourners through the four tasks of healthy grief (and here their debt to Kobler-Ross is clear): accepting the reality of the loss, working through the emotional pain, adjusting to the changed environment and moving forward. Going beyond loss can lead to "a spiritual rebirth" through increased appreciation, humility, tolerance, passion, clarity, sensitivity, spirituality and love. (Dec.)Forecast: On September 11, the audience for this work grew by the thousands. As of this writing, an author tour to selected cities (though none on the East Coast) is planned for January.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

A perfect companion to Moody's best-selling Life After Life (HarperCollins, 2001), this poignant resource allows the reader to utilize the process of grief, loss, or bereavement in a positive manner and offers pointers on how to offer or receive sympathy. Here, Moody and coauthor Arcangel write from personal insight and experience, incorporating stories of others' dealing with grief or loss that make this seem like a work of caring. Moody's earlier investigation of near-death experiences lends depth to his observations and helps make the steps offered to diminish the pain of grief, mourning, and bereavement practical and hopeful. Arcangel, as former director of the K bler-Ross Center in Houston and a grief workshop facilitator, lends sensitivity to the treatment and discussion. A long section of supportive resources, including books, magazines, articles, newsletters, journals, associations, organizations, bereavement centers, crisis hotlines, support-group leads, and web sites is priceless in locating resources and encouraging follow-up. This powerful title is recommended for all public and academic libraries. [Look for a roundup of current books on bereavement in LJ's upcoming January issue. Ed.] Leroy Hommerding, Fort Myers Beach Lib. Dist., F.
- Leroy Hommerding, Fort Myers Beach Lib. Dist., FL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (November 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062517309
• ISBN-13: 978-0062517302
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #394,767 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, February 15, 2003

By	Michael Way (Monrovia, Ca. United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An excellent resource book for anyone who has gone through or is going through the grief process. Especially meaningful are the real stories from real people to illustrate the points the authors are making. A great book to to add to your library for future reference.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Life After Loss, November 20, 2002

By	Ernestine Townsend (Anacortes, Washington, 90 miles north of Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life After Loss: Conquering Grief and Finding Hope (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book, and I use it to help others who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

I have all of Dr. Moody's books. They have helped me understand an out of body experience I had fifteen years ago.

He is one of our brave authors who dares to write of controversial subjects. Thank you, Dr. Moody

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I agree, December 30, 2004

By	friendlyreader (USA) - See all my reviews

I really appreciated that this book points out that
"Grief is not an emotion but a process with a host of emotions."
Some people think that after a certain period of time that a person should be over their grief. This is a realistic and helpful book.
I also recommend another book I found helpful and healing to use. The title is, Write From Your Heart, A Healing Grief Journal.