Losing A Parent: Practical Help For You And Other Family Members

by Fiona Marshall

Whether from a sudden accident or a slow, terminal illness, the death of a parent is devastating to adults and children alike. In Losing a Parent , Fiona Marshall helps readers understand the process of coping with a parent's death, from preparing for death to recognizing the different stages of grief, from nurturing the relationship with the surviving parent to harnessing new strength to carry on with life. Wise, compassionate, and practical, Losing a Parent is an invaluable source of support for a time of overwhelming loss.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Marie Stroughter]

Since it's "in progress" I can only review what I've read so far. I've only read the first couple of chapters corresponding to where my mother is in her cancer diagnosis.

Of that, I have found the book to be extremely valuable. In self-help books, I don't like *tons* of "I" statements from the author, or lots of first-person vignettes, yet don't want a book that talks down to me. A tall order I know, but this book makes the grade in that respect, and has insights that have made sense to me in this journey.

[Kari Napier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very helpful book! I lost both parents just 18 days apart a few months back. It was a heck of an adjustment to say the least.

It is truly wonderful to have books to turn to for understanding and advice and a feeling of normalcy. I felt good reading this. The only reason it lost a star....some of the chapters I felt necessary to read just didn't fit my situation. This was at no fault of the author as the chapters im certain were helpful to others. I very much recommend this one.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there really is a manual for losing a parent--and it doesn't seem like there would be--this isn't it. It may be good to read early in the grief process, as it covers every possible situation, but as someone who read it almost two years after my father died, I didn't find it helpful. Despite discussing everything from losing both parents at once to why you probably shouldn't join a cult to ease your grief, it's a short book. There isn't much depth to it. However, it may be useful to pick up and see what you can glean from it. There were a few sentences that resonated with me. The rest I either flipped by or read and immediately forgot.

[Courtney Corvan Alovis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very difficult to read since it's only been 4 days since my dad passed away a lot sooner than we had thought. It's well written and so far has brought me some relief or comfort through this incredibly sad time.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book supportive and an excellent, short guide to understanding the process one goes through after losing a parent, in my case my father to a sudden death. Like many books of this nature, it is practical while remaining sensitive and comforting.

[Jennifer Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recall this book being very helpful for me just after losing my dad. The book touched on favorite parent, guilt, moving on, and ultimately you are not alone, all as topics.

[Danyell Michaels · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was helpful and it wasnt like I missed out if I skipped certain areas that didnt pertain to me. Overall it had some good information and was a quick read.