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Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal
Harriet Hodgson is well-acquainted with grief. She is a bereaved mother, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, wife, and friend.
After so many losses, she decided "Death will be the loser; life will be the winner. I will make it so."
Winning is all about healing - a story of love with surprise laughter, useful tips, personal growth, and a path for creating a new life. Winning can help you embrace the life that is waiting for you.
After so many losses, she decided "Death will be the loser; life will be the winner. I will make it so."
Winning is all about healing - a story of love with surprise laughter, useful tips, personal growth, and a path for creating a new life. Winning can help you embrace the life that is waiting for you.
Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 30, 2023
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a moving memoir that delves into the author's intensely personal journey. Hodgson's brave narrative offers readers a raw exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies profound loss, but it also showcases the human capacity for resilience and healing.
Hodgson's storytelling is both heartfelt and compelling, drawing readers into her world from the very first page. Her ability to convey the depths of her grief is nothing short of remarkable, making it easy for readers to empathize with her pain and sorrow. The book's strength lies in its authenticity. Hodgson doesn't hold back when describing the most challenging moments of her grief. She candidly discusses the physical and emotional toll that grief takes on her, from sleepless nights to the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her willingness to share these personal experiences is both courageous and reassuring for those who may be navigating their own journeys of loss and grief.
The title, Winning, aptly reflects the resilience and determination she displays throughout the book. One of the book's outstanding qualities is the way Hodgson weaves practical advice and insights for those dealing with grief into her personal narrative. While I enjoyed the book, I feel that there were moments when the narrative felt somewhat repetitive, and some readers may find the pacing a bit slow. While the book offers an intimate look at the author's journey, I would have loved to have had more insight into her emotional and psychological evolution.
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a heartfelt memoir that offers a powerful portrayal of one woman's journey through the darkest moments of her life. Hodgson's openness about her grief and the steps she takes to reclaim her life provide valuable lessons for anyone dealing with loss and searching for hope. This book is a must-read for those looking for a genuine and inspiring account of the human capacity to heal and find renewal in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Hodgson's storytelling is both heartfelt and compelling, drawing readers into her world from the very first page. Her ability to convey the depths of her grief is nothing short of remarkable, making it easy for readers to empathize with her pain and sorrow. The book's strength lies in its authenticity. Hodgson doesn't hold back when describing the most challenging moments of her grief. She candidly discusses the physical and emotional toll that grief takes on her, from sleepless nights to the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her willingness to share these personal experiences is both courageous and reassuring for those who may be navigating their own journeys of loss and grief.
The title, Winning, aptly reflects the resilience and determination she displays throughout the book. One of the book's outstanding qualities is the way Hodgson weaves practical advice and insights for those dealing with grief into her personal narrative. While I enjoyed the book, I feel that there were moments when the narrative felt somewhat repetitive, and some readers may find the pacing a bit slow. While the book offers an intimate look at the author's journey, I would have loved to have had more insight into her emotional and psychological evolution.
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a heartfelt memoir that offers a powerful portrayal of one woman's journey through the darkest moments of her life. Hodgson's openness about her grief and the steps she takes to reclaim her life provide valuable lessons for anyone dealing with loss and searching for hope. This book is a must-read for those looking for a genuine and inspiring account of the human capacity to heal and find renewal in the face of overwhelming adversity.
January 28, 2024
A person once told the author, "Harriet, you really can write." This was meant to be a compliment considering she has written thousands of articles and published forty-five books. However, when coming to grief and caregiving, Harriet has walked the walk and should be recognized as an expert in both areas.
A quote in the preface sums up this book, "Winning is a story about coping with multiple losses, living with them, believing in a future, and creating a new life. Each chapter includes tips for coping with grief. If you're at the start of your journey, or you have been grieving for a long time, my story may be helpful. At the end, I hope you believe you're capable of winning and will think of yourself as a winner."
There is so much to learn in WINNING: A STORY OF GRIEF AND RENEWAL. Harriet's mantra throughout is "Death will be a loser. Life will be the winner. I will make it so." This book is filled with a wealth of information. For instance, ever heard of "Grief Brain?" How about "Anticipatory Grief?" Did you know that for every "Primary loss," there is a "Secondary loss?" How do you take a break from grief? And finally, what in the world is "Grief Bubble?" These and many more will be fully explained by the author. The book does not read like a textbook, instead, readers will accompany the author on her chronological journey of loss; she explains the various stages and provides us with tools to overcome and win.
This author lost her daughter in a car accident, father-in-law, son-in-law, friends, and a husband of many years. When her son-in-law died, her twin grandchildren became orphans - Harriet then adopted and raised them as her own. Through these losses, she learned to understand grief, and this is what she shares with readers.
This story is captivating, easy to read, and without errors. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. Although her story is primarily about grief relating to the loss of a human, Harriet’s many tips can also be used for the loss of a pet, a special thing, or opportunities. Don't pass this one up!
A quote in the preface sums up this book, "Winning is a story about coping with multiple losses, living with them, believing in a future, and creating a new life. Each chapter includes tips for coping with grief. If you're at the start of your journey, or you have been grieving for a long time, my story may be helpful. At the end, I hope you believe you're capable of winning and will think of yourself as a winner."
There is so much to learn in WINNING: A STORY OF GRIEF AND RENEWAL. Harriet's mantra throughout is "Death will be a loser. Life will be the winner. I will make it so." This book is filled with a wealth of information. For instance, ever heard of "Grief Brain?" How about "Anticipatory Grief?" Did you know that for every "Primary loss," there is a "Secondary loss?" How do you take a break from grief? And finally, what in the world is "Grief Bubble?" These and many more will be fully explained by the author. The book does not read like a textbook, instead, readers will accompany the author on her chronological journey of loss; she explains the various stages and provides us with tools to overcome and win.
This author lost her daughter in a car accident, father-in-law, son-in-law, friends, and a husband of many years. When her son-in-law died, her twin grandchildren became orphans - Harriet then adopted and raised them as her own. Through these losses, she learned to understand grief, and this is what she shares with readers.
This story is captivating, easy to read, and without errors. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. Although her story is primarily about grief relating to the loss of a human, Harriet’s many tips can also be used for the loss of a pet, a special thing, or opportunities. Don't pass this one up!
September 11, 2023
As someone who has lost two of the most precious people in my life in the last few months, I find myself reaching for books like Harriet Hodgson's Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal in the hope that they will provide me with some measure of solace.
Reading about others who have experienced profound and brutal grief, and found their way through it, is the only thing that gives you hope that you will get through it too.
When it feels as if one is drowning in sadness, books published by psychology experts are all very well, but advice that's grounded in personal experience is far more meaningful. And the techniques, tips and practical strategies - as Harriet Hodgson provides aplenty in this book - are lifesavers. I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
Reading about others who have experienced profound and brutal grief, and found their way through it, is the only thing that gives you hope that you will get through it too.
When it feels as if one is drowning in sadness, books published by psychology experts are all very well, but advice that's grounded in personal experience is far more meaningful. And the techniques, tips and practical strategies - as Harriet Hodgson provides aplenty in this book - are lifesavers. I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
October 22, 2025
I've read a few books about grief and was pleased to have had the chance to read Harriet's. It was very good! I enjoyed her raw and honest explanations of grief. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews