Good Grief

by Granger E. Westberg

For fifty years Good Grief has helped millions of readers find comfort and rediscover hope after loss. Now this classic text is available in a new edition, with an afterword by the author's daughters telling how the book came to be. In Good Grief, Granger E. Westberg uses gentle wisdom and acute insight into human nature to guide readers through the ten stages of grief: shock, emotion, depression, physical distress, panic, guilt, anger, resistance, hope, and finally, acceptance. Recognizing that grief is complex and deeply personal, he defines no 'right' way to grieve but rather offers valuable insights on the emotional and physical responses we may experience during the natural process of grieving. Whether mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, the loss of a job, or other difficult life changes, this comforting resource will help renew our faith in a loving, ever-present God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Grief, Christian, Self Help, Religion, Christianity, Christian Living

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Westberg, born in Chicago in 1913, received his bachelor's from Augustana College in 1935, and later graduated from Augustana Theological Seminary . He served a short time as a parish pastor then became a full time chaplain at Augustana Hospital in Chicago . After that his writing and career focused on a team approach to health care .

In 1951 Westberg became Chaplain of the University of Chicago Clinics. In 1956 he started a joint appointment in both the Chicago Divinity School and the school of medicine at the University of Chicago.

In 1962 Westberg's interest in the grief process resulted in his writing Good Grief which enjoyed popular success.

Later in 1964 he became Dean of institute of Religion at Texas Med Center in Houston providing a graduate program in pastoral care and counseling through a program for seminaries . Later he would serve as Professor of Medicine and Religion in the Department of Psychiatry of Baylor College of Medicine, and at Hamma School of Theology now Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Ohio.

In Hamma Westberg began what would become the model for a "neighborhood church-based clinic", where physicians, pastoral counselors, nurses, seminarians and medical students and community volunteers provided needed care. He continued this sort of work when in the early 1970s he moved to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he worked with a team to create several "wholistic health centers" focused on prevention, whole-person care, and the church as a healing community.

In the mid 1980s at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, with support from a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Westberg launched a parish nurse project in which nurses and others in congregations promoted health, prevented illness, and cared for those in need. This approach is now known as "faith community nursing" (FCN) where there is an intentional integration of the practice of faith with the practice of nursing so that people can achieve wholeness in, with, and through the population which faith community nurses serve.

Westberg lived in Willowbrook, Illinois toward the end of his life and died in 1999. By the time of his death in 1999, sales of his popular work, Good Grief, would reach more than 2.4 million copies.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD GRIEF, by Granger E. Westberg is essentially a short novella about the "ten stages of grief", and how many go through some--not necessarily all--of these in stages. Though heavy on the "Christian" side in parts, the stages themselves make sense. Some of these did resonate with me very well, religious beliefs aside. Overall, I believe it was designed for people with all kinds of beliefs/non-beliefs, but the references on Christian beliefs was probably meant to appeal to the "majority" of readers at the time this was written.

[R.J. Rodda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was grieving an unexpected and painful loss, this book really helped.

[Speedy Tee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the most overwrought, ridiculous, and even dangerous tripe! I'm a professional in human services, psychology, sociology, and please -- don't follow this book. At one point it even suggests the very harmful idea of ignoring the grieving person's wishes to privacy.

This is one of the worst things I've ever read.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wounds are fresh and feel as though they will never heal. I cry every hour, on the hour... even 11 days later. This book helped me to understand that I'm not crazy and it's ok. This short little book gave me hope that I'll get better. Way more hope than I woke up with. It's broken down into different stages of grief for easy reference. If you're grieving, for the price, I recommend it. It's a fast read and it helps you feel less crazy with all the emotions you may be feeling.

[Janis · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published over 50 years ago, Good Grief was based on a 1961 sermon given by Lutheran pastor Granger E. Westberg. He describes ten stages of grief (similar to Elisabeth Kubler Ross' approach) along with his observations and recommendations. This short book has mostly aged well and contains words of wisdom which would definitely help anyone struggling with their own grief or trying to help someone else.

[Hollyn Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for positive, healthy ways to process grief and extremely helpful for someone walking through grief with another. This book helps rewrite the current Christian script for grieving and provides proof that grieving is necessary. Biggest take away is that we can do all the grieving we need to; however, it's not without hope!

[Taryn Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really quick and easy to understand book on the stages of grief while also coming from a Christian point of view. I will read this over and over as I found so much similarities in each stage to not only where I am now with grief of a parent but the book touches on grief that we experience day to day. Grief isn’t just about death it can just be the way things once were and I never really thought about it that way.

[Shelby Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

practical, timeless advice for caring for ourselves and those we love when walking through life’s toughest times

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and to the point. My step mom read this a week ago and suggested I read it as well. My father passed away almost a month ago. Hence, why we read it.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very good book to break dowj each stage of grief, and it did it in a helpful and brief manner. It helped me understand where i was in each stage and that it was normal. It also explained how each stage could become unhealthy. What wws more helpful is that the grief this book talks about is not just of the loss of a loved one, but of any loss that impacts our lives. I see this book being very helpful, i am glad i got it as a gift and will remember that it could be a very good gift for others to help them exerience good grief.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short. Clear. Helpful! Will pass it on to others.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this small book up because it says on the cover More than 2 million copies sold. I actually got it before I lost my father last month. But I thought it would be appropriate to read even though I am doing quite well dealing with the loss of my father.

I was disappointed that it didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know or even comfort me at all. It listed slightly different Stages of Grief but I wouldn't recommend this for someone who is grieving. It is only 64 pages long, but I don't understand the popularity over the last 35 years.

The only useful thing that I noticed in the book is that if shock or depression persisted for years or even prolonged months that the grief stricken should seek professional help.

Stages of Grief:
Stage 1: We are in a State of Shock
Stage 2: We Express Emotion
Stage 3: We Feel Depressed and Very Lonely
Stage 4: We May Experience Physical Symptoms of Distress
Stage 5: We May Become Panicky
Stage 6: We Feel a Sense of Guild about the Loss
Stage 7: We are Filled with Anger and Resentment
Stage 8: We Resist Restarting
Stage 9: Gradually Hope Comes Through
Stage 10: We Struggle to Affirm Reality

[Alyssa Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, affirming little book about grief. I especially love that the author talks throughout about different kinds of grief, from moving to not getting an expected promotion. Of course, grief associated with death is included, too, but all types of grief are acknowledged and validated without being sanctioned off as an afterthought or as second-class and lesser.

Being such a simple and thoughtful read, this is absolutely going to be moving up into my grief related recommendations. I'll recommend this both to the person grieving and also to anyone who loves or cares about a person who is grieving.

The book is faith based, but doesn't rely on faith so heavily that it would put-off anyone not steeped in church culture, Biblical lexicon, or "Christian living." I wouldn't recommend it to someone averse to religion, but I do think most people could easily gain something even if they ignored the occasional Biblical reference. Those who do find meaning in their faith (like myself) will just appreciate it all the more.

[Caitlin Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should state I’m not particularly religious, but I went looking for a book on grief because I’m writing a book in which the main character experiences several kinds of grief and must work through all of it. This book helped a lot in areas where my knowledge was incomplete. Most pointedly allowing yourself to go through it. That’s not something I’m good at, and I’ve even been told I should work on. Logically I know it's right, but I forget it easily. What surprised me most about this book wasn’t the fact it was religious, but that as it described different situations where grief made people sick, it mirrored a lot of the things I’ve learned through my studies in neuroscience and anatomy. And while the reasoning might differ a bit, it makes sense to me now how their conclusions on dealing with grief are so effective. Because I was able to understand it through both logic and emotion I’ve grown slightly more confident in my abilities to help this character through the difficult times ahead.
Thank you for the story.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift after my Father passed on 2/14/18. I have looked at this so many times but was never ready to read it until now. This book will assist not just in the loss of a person but of a pet, job, divorce, changes resulting from a move, etc... I never thought before that even a routine change in habits can trigger feelings of grief! I now have a different perspective of some of my reactions in situations I also realized after finishing this book that my instinct was right to read it now. There are many references to faith. My faith has deepened since the passing of my Dad. I can see the correlation between my faith and the grief process in this short but potentially powerful book. To anyone picking up this book or to whom it has been given, I’m very sorry for what you are going through. The stormy clouds will move on. That sun that you can’t see right now above those stormy clouds is still shining.

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My pastor gave me this book as in less than a year, my last two siblings died. I wish I had had this book when my mother died about 40 years ago. This book is simple and straightforward. It is easy to understand. I agree with the stages of grief as presented as I have gone through all of them through the years. A couple of his examples are a bit dated but the message still comes across. Grief does not necessarily mean death. Almost 30 years ago now, my husband's job took us from our home in Florida to Nashville -- where we had never been and knew no one. I see now that I went through a long grieving process. I plan to send a copy of this book to a couple of nieces as one is grieving the death of her mother (my sister) and the other grieving over the death of her husband -- both in the last couple of months. There is a companion journal which I will slowly work my way through.

[Samantha Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it is a cornerstone of grief literature, I found Good Grief to be beneficial but overall lacking for me due to its deeply religious ties. That is, Good Grief is a deeply religious grief text and as a non-religious person it therefore did not speak to me as deeply as perhaps it could have. Regardless, I did still find it useful and do recommend it to those seeking help after a loss. At a minimum, in my most intense grief period I read books from lots of different authors and perspectives and found it soothing to see my emotions mirrored in all texts, even those which did not exemplify my own belief systems, such as this one.

[Kathryn Egly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all grieve - whether it’s simple like your plans getting cancelled or much bigger like divorce or death. Every person can benefit from reading this book.

The author discusses the stages of grief and gives helpful information for moving through each stage.

He talks about how we can come through grief as stronger and wiser.

He says that having faith won’t keep us from grief, but will help us through it! People of faith often come out stronger, with aN even deeper faith and trust in God.

Loved every page! Will read again and buy more to pass out to friends!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not crazy about the title, because people who are grieving do not see it as a good thing, but I guess that is the point. Granger E. Westberg discusses the 10 stages of grieving. Although everyone doesn't have to go through all of them it helps to know that you aren’t going crazy and that what you are going through is a normal part of the process. It is when we can not move on from one of the stages that we will need help. I will keep one or a few of these around to offer friends when they loose a loved one. Beware, there are other books with the same title.

[Barb Andreas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book if you are going through grief from; losing a job, you recently moved, empty nest, or a loss of a dear loved one. This book helps you put one foot forward. Clearly shows we are NOT alone in such a difficult time but share the same thoughts and feelings as others. It’s easy to read even when you’re in a cloud of grief and confusion. It helps you come up for air and see the sun again. 👍👍

[Jane Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less than 100 pages in length, but full of such helpful wisdom on dealing with grief.

More than anything, it is such a relief to learn that what one is feeling is quite normal, manageable and survivable.

Non-judgemental and sympathetic, but with pointers on how to get through this, this little gem is the best book I have read on grief so far and I am sure I am going to be dipping back in for weeks to come.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read short read and well worth reading. It has a Christian theme about grieving that I think is great in that it explodes the myth that Christians don’t grieve at least that’s my opinion. It also expands the concept of grief to include things like divorce, job loss, and other things many don’t traditionally view as grief. Shaped around the 10 Stages if grief. I think it’s worth a read.

[Audra Gayle]

My dad recommended this book to me when my uncle passed away. He said it was a straightforward approach to the grief cycle and that it would help me see that my feelings were normal. Good Grief is a gem! I love to give books away and this one just became my go-to book to give to grieving friends who need a helping hand.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really consider myself to be as religious as the writer of this book, so it wasn't a big help to me, but there are lots of things here that could help others. This book isn't just about the grief of losing someone close, but also the grief of losing jobs, marriages, etc. Not really what I was looking for but I'm sure that some will find it comforting.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The classic 1971 text on ten stages of grief, based on popular radio sermons by the author, pastor Westberg. The order of the stages didn't always make sense to me, and the advice often Bible-centric, but there's enough wisdom here to make it worth reading for anyone who lost a loved one. (My dad recently passed.) It's also a very quick read - 90 pages with big font.

[Caitlyn Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical and grounding book examining the stages of grief. Granger E. Westberg discusses the presentations of grief and how individuals progress through their grieving experience. He also discusses grief from a Christian perspective, reminding readers that grief is a normal part of life and is not a result of weakened faith, but rather a result of the human experience.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know about you, but one of the hardest things to face in life for me is grief. It's true both personally and professionally, and I'm always looking for good resources. This little book of only 80 pages is one of the best guides through grief that I have seen. No wonder it's sold so many copies and been around for years! What a simple but thorough overview of the grief experience.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick dove into grief and moving forward. It is barely 65 pages but it isn't too simple. The grief defined isn't for losses or deaths only, as is true and fine, but it isn't designed to get too specific and raw. It is like a reassuring pat on the back.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful yet somewhat dated booklet (especially regarding women) about grief. There is timeless wisdom in it too about the universality of grief that is individually experienced. The awareness of "I'm not alone in feeling this way" is powerful.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some ways in which this book is dated; the language and some of the illustrations feel old to me. But the basic content, the ten steps of grieving, the necessity of grieving and acknowledging our struggles as people of faith, are still relevant.