Good Grief: Heal Your Soul, Honor Your Loved Ones, and Learn to Live Again

by Theresa Caputo

The star of TLC’s Long Island Medium and New York Times bestselling author Theresa Caputo provides a guide to overcoming grief, filled with inspiring lessons from Spirit and astonishing stories from the clients who have been empowered by Theresa’s spiritual readings.

After more than a decade of being a practicing medium, Theresa Caputo brings the powerful lessons she has learned about grief, healing, and finding happiness in the wake of tragedy. In almost every reading she gives, Spirit insists that people begin to embrace their lives again. Easily said, but not everyone knows where to begin, and putting back together the pieces of a life marked by loss is never easy. Sometimes, you need spiritual guidance—that's where Theresa comes in.

With her energetic, positive, and encouraging tone, Theresa uses the lessons from Spirit to guide you through grief toward a place of solace and healing. Each lesson is grounded in her clients' stories as they share the experience of losing their loved ones, their encounters with Spirit during readings, and the ways in which they’ve been able to heal and grow. Each chapter is filled with activities to help you find your “new normal”—including journal entries, individual and group exercises, meditations, and moments of reflection—based on the truths that Theresa has gathered from Spirit. Good Grief will help you to feel stronger and more optimistic about what the future has in store for you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Grief, Audiobook, Metaphysics

224 pages, Hardcover

Published March 14, 2017

About the author

Theresa Caputo was born and raised on Long Island and lives there with her husband and two children. She is the star of Long Island Medium, which airs on TLC. After suffering anxiety for most of her life, Theresa met with a spiritual adviser who helped her realize her ability to communicate with Spirit. Theresa has been a practicing medium for more than ten years and is a certified medium with the Forever Family Foundation. Her first two books, There's More to Life Than This and You Can't Make This Stuff Up, became instant New York Times bestsellers. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The View, The Dr. Oz Show, and Ellen and has helped countless people heal and find the closure to embrace life without their loved ones. For more, please visit TheresaCaputo.com.

Reviews

[Tanya Boivin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have suffered a lot of loss in my life. Most recently, I lost someone tragically that I was extremely close to. This book has been a huge eye opener and provided me with a lot of guidance. I would highly recommend this book to anyone suffering with a loss.

[Krista Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this very helpful. After losing my Father last month, I was in shock, and very depressed. Reading this has helped my heart and put my mind at ease. I've always loved The Long Island Medium. My soul is happy and content after finishing this book!

[Kendall D · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first things I read in this book basically said, “Don’t zoom through. Read these pages when you’re ready & feel called to.”

A friend gave me this book shortly after my mom passed away, & it’s been my companion for several months now. As hard as it was to take the advice about “being called to read the pages”, it was so worth it. There were days when I felt capable of reading 2-3 chapters. Other days, when 1 (or none) was all I could manage. But each time I picked it up, the chapter’s contents matched exactly what I was feeling. They said exactly what I needed to hear. I truly felt my mom’s spirit every step of the way, guiding me back when I was emotionally ready.

Not too long ago, if you’d told me a book from the Long Island Medium could conjure up these feelings, I probably would’ve chuckled (then done an extensive Wikipedia search about the LIM). But now that I’m 8 months removed from my loss, I can’t imagine how my healing would look without it! My grief journey is pointing me towards resources & paths the old-me never would’ve encountered. But I’m very very grateful for the tools this journey is placing in my path. 💜

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After more than a decade of being a practicing medium, Theresa Caputo brings the powerful lessons she has learned about grief, healing, and finding happiness in the wake of tragedy. In almost every reading she gives, Spirit insists that people begin to embrace their lives again. Easily said, but not everyone knows where to begin, and putting back together the pieces of a life marked by loss is never easy. Sometimes, you need spiritual guidance—that's where Theresa comes in.
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There are many facets to this book. Definitely good for getting through any grieving.
She also delves into ways to bring loved ones closer to you and the many ways they reach out to us in our daily lives.
I was a little surprised because I feel like on her show, she is really gruff and kind of mean to her family, and I don't like that.
But this book touched me on several levels, and I guess that when the student is ready, the teacher will come. 💜

[Stay Fetters · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I think one of the scariest things about death is that it introduces you to ugly emotions you've never felt before- devastation, jealousy, fear, betrayal, abandonment- and they hit you like a ton of bricks. To experience a death that's so close to you might even force you to confront your own mortality for the first time. Grief is especially hard because it's not every day that a situation demands you walk the line between feeling your heaviest feelings so you can heal and try to protect yourself from getting stuck in a negative place."

Theresa is our guru to life, laughter and the spirit world. With her huge personality, lovable attitude and her sky high shoes that only she can pull off. We accept her into our lives and ask her the burning questions of how to cope.

As humans, we all dealt with the one thing that makes us a whole. And that's that we all had to overcome a difficult passing and learn to live again after. Every one of us has had to deal with losing someone so close to us that we forgot how to live life. This book came at a weird point in my life. Recently lost an Aunt who was super close to my sisters and I. We learned to accept the fact that she's in a better place beyond, that it's okay to cry and celebrate the good times we all shared.

Another odd thing about the time release of this book is that I was catching up on Bates Motel. Norman is feeling a little dressy lately and craving the love of Mother. I feel that he would learn a lot from this book...... well, maybe not.

Theresa knows all and sees all and can tell when someone is in need of a hug from their spiritual guides. Spirit come and talk to her to let people know that it's okay to grieve and it's okay to move on with your life without them. We know that it's tough, but we all must push through and find strength in one another.

In her new book, she lays down some rules to help us live the life we want while also grieving. Gives life-saving tips to remember the good times and not dwell on the bad. Forgive those who wronged you and they will know that you did. We are all here to live, laugh and learn and we can't do that if you're holding a grudge.

If I had to compare her other books to this one, this one wasn't my favorite. I like second-hand stories more than trying to uplift the dead. I want to know other peoples stories and how she helped them. But people want closure and this is the closest thing to it.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Theresa Caputo! I went to a live show of hers and it was amazing and so are all 3 of her books! she's funny, down to earth, but also takes her job very seriously. I was grateful that my departed son actually came through during her show! This is a venue of I don't know...a thousand people or more and she can only do so many in the couple hours. I have never been so lucky and thankful. ANY skeptic out there should be ashamed. This woman actually physically FEELS how these souls passed to the other side. You know what she goes through in a night physically and mentally just to bring peace to as many people as she can? I can't imagine the torture she endures. Her books are great. If you know Theresa and how she talks with that Long Island accent and her personality, you can just hear her and see her saying the things in the book as if she were reading it. As a matter of fact, I purchased her audible versions and listen at night to sooth myself to sleep. She brings so much peace to me and makes feel like my son really IS with me and he's ok. She told me he loved taking his little sister kayaking, about signs he sent, and many other things nobody else knew or could find out via internet! She is simply amazing and would give my right arm to spend more time with her....and I am right handed!

[Ruby Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I experienced a huge life changing event that left my family and I at a huge loss. This book had some great techniques for dealing with the loss of loved ones, like being mindful, practicing self soothing, contributing to others, and being grateful. In this book, she talks about souls, Heaven, Angels, and God and brings hope and faith to anyone who believes in an afterlife with their loved ones. She seems to have a Christian view of what happens to souls after they pass. Then she reveals that she also believes that some souls reincarnate, like children to be with their parents again. This book is a supernatural experience as Ms. Caputo claims to have insight into the world beyond and the behavior of departed souls. Whether you believe in what she's saying, she has some excellent suggestions how to deal with loss and how to create a new normal in your life.

[Brian Cluster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last three chapters of this book are really helpful for those in grief that is learning to move forward. Moving forward is not forgetting but it is rather honoring your loved one and really embracing life now and into the future. We are not here to endure life but to really live it up.

One of my favorite quotes was in chapter 29 ( Search your Soul) and it reads, " Become living proof that life should be embraced, not simply endured."

For some reason, that quote really hits home. Some of us shrink our lives when challenges happen. It is like we become defensive and reclusive. Trust me, your relatives that have passed on, wouldn't wish you to live like that.

Theresa Caputo writes in a way that is digestible and each chapter has a section that is called 'healing moments' that are little activity boxes for homework to be done based on the topic. This makes the lessons more actionable and aids in the healing process.

Recommended for folks going through some grieving.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so thankful for this book. I am familiar with grief, unfortunately, and strive to find an end to the isolating pain and heartbreak. This book offers so many wonderful ways to embrace life, honor your loved ones and love the people in your life, whole-heartedly.

[Brooke Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about grief that I have read. Theresa is an honest, engaging, and FUNNY author...it was nice to laugh while reading a book on grief. This was the first book I read after losing my grandma and I am so glad I found it on my library shelf as parts of this book comfort me often.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful combination of a practical book for grievers, and something for those seeking answers about the afterlife.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have consistently enjoyed listening to Theresa's books on audiobooks. I like how she used examples from her experiences as a medium with clients to make her points about healing yourself while grieving. She didn't fill the book with stories of her connection with spirit just for the heck of it. They had value within the topic related to the grieving process. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is grieving as she includes exercises at the end of each section/chapter to help you process things and give you a different perspective on your healing. I especially liked that throughout the book she emphasized how we all heal and grieve differently. I also thought highly of her giving recommendations and recognition of what persons grieving may not want to hear such as "It gets better" or "....is in a better place" or "..I know what you are going through." In saying that, she isn't saying those who say that to persons grieving are bad, simply that it might not be an appropriate thing to say because you don't know what stage the person is in their grieving process.

[Kimberly Hageman Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not 100% sure why this book caught my attention. I'm not grieving or have recently lost anyone that I'm close too. There was an aha moment that helped me come to peace when my grandma past in 1996. The book has a lot of coping ideas and good advice! It also gives another perspective on life, when it ends and how spirit continues.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought most of the tips and advice in this book were good, but her writing style and speaking on behalf of "spirit" was a big turn-off for me. "Spirit wants -- spirit says -- spirit intends -- spirit tells us ..." Blech! Humans cannot speak for God/Spirit. The book was also a big ad for her fan club. Like reading an infomercial.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a great book full of insights and answers to questions that I had. A great book full of comedy, reality and also empathy. I recommend this book if you'd like to learn a bit more about pieces of what happens to our spirits when we die, or when your loved ones die. :-)

[Allison Prietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Theresa Caputo. This is the first book of Theresa that I have ever read. She really lets you know that when you lose a loved one, you didn't really lose them. Your loved ones, that passed away, are still with you in the spirit would and communicate daily with you.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you lose a loved one your world breaks. Nothing looks the same anymore and you find yourself trying to rebuild the pieces and that they don't fit where they used to. I read this book in conjunction with a book about grief written by psychologists. I found both helpful for separate reasons. The book written by psychologists helped me to understand, logically, what I was going through and that I am not alone in how I was feeling, acting, interpreting my situation. That was so beneficial as you can sometimes feel crazy with the dramatic mood swings and deep sadness. Teresa's book helped me at a soul level somewhere deeper.

Prior to my brother's passing I didn't hold space for spirituality. As a scientist I only believed in tangible, evidence. When you lose someone and they just disappear you find it difficult to understand. Where did they go? What was the spark that animated them? How can that just disappear? This book helped bring me peace. My brother is still with me, he didn't disappear he is just in a different room. My view of spirituality has been completely rearranged. I've learned what it means to have faith.

I'm definitely still putting the pieces back together. I have a lot to learn, and to move through. This book was a huge help for me. I am grateful that I gave it a try. If you are on the fence, I recommend you take the plunge.

[Stacey Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa Caputo is a pyschic/medium who can see and talk to people who have died. She reveals messages to loved ones who are looking for guidance and reassurance. And brings messages to loved ones who might need help while grieving the loss of someone close to them.

"Good Grief" gives another glimpse into the sadness one feels after a loved one dies. The book explains how one might be feeling like they are when they lost a loved one. One thing that I liked about this book amongst many others is how Theresa gives exercises at the end of each chapter that might help with the terms of losing a loved one. I noticed when reading these exercises that I have done some of them for example, I always talk about my nana who has passed a few years now. We were close but talking about her and the memories we shared just brings me a sense of happiness. And when my family talks about nana, I can just feel her presence around us joining us, listening into the conversation.

This book is a good coping mechanism when you're in the grief process. 😊

[Nicole Locker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought when I started listening to this book - I have to do the audio, because it's not quite the same if you don't have Theresa's voice giving it all to you - I thought I was in a pretty good place emotionally. Of course, she had me bawling before the first chapter ended. You don't realize how much grief you carry with you when you get numb or desensitized from bearing the burden all the time. I found this book to be a lot of help. Cathartic at times, but this book really brought out some raw emotions I thought I had buried away and moved on from. I've recommended this book to others now who have recently lost loved ones and bought a copy for a friend just a few days ago at the time of this review. If you're open to the healing messages within, I think you can get a lot out of this book.

[Kendall Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book when I saw Theresa Caputo on the cover and thought it would just contain a lot of stories from her various reading. I probably should have read the title 😅. I mean, not to toot my own horn, but I think I’ve got the whole “grieving” thing down and I handle it pretty well. But…my toxic trait is that once I begin a book, I HAVE to finish it 😝 and I’m glad I did. While Theresa wrote about some things that I don’t necessarily believe in (ex. reincarnation), the book also helped me feel closer to my Daddy. There are times when I feel like Daddy is close by and near me and, often, when I feel that way, I also feel a little crazy. This book helped me realize that I’m NOT crazy. Daddy is close by and with me. He’s watching over me. So now when I feel Daddy close by I tell him hey and that I love and miss him 🥰.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my best friend just rcently lost her son and I wanted to see if it might offer some help to her and to me. This book is so spot on. It takes you through the highs and lows of death and teaches you how to cope. She suggests that you start a journal and write some of what you are feeling down. It helped me realize things that were happening to me to help me remember my father who passed many years ago. It also helped me to cope with the feelings I am having now. Everyone who has lost somone must read this book. it will offer you things that will help you and others arond you. Death is never easy but this will help you live again without guilt.

[Alex Meeks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone I work with loaned me this book when I was having a hard time grieving. It was a very kind gesture of her. There were some helpful little nuggets in here. I would never have chose this book for myself, and I'll likely never read/consume her work in the future (I've never seen her show and I don't even know if she's written anything else), but I'm glad I got a few good things from it and it was a quick read so the parts that didn't do much for me were easy to speed through. I imagine her fans would get the most from this.

[Jennifer England · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, another wonderful book. I cannot say I grieve often but in March I had a cat that I lost unexpectedly to cancer, had to make that tough decision, that ripped my heart out. I was sad for about a day or two. And then began to feel him. I lost two within 10 days. One was much older and had health issues we had been dealing with for some time. They both came together and found my newest baby for me. Great story. I enjoy these because I feel guided to read them to not only help myself but to help others. Thanks Theresa.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I did not realize this was a book about dealing with loss of a loved one. I assumed it was like Teresa’s previous books about readings she had done. Well, a couple of months after purchasing this book a close friend passed away and it did provide some insight and help. If you’re like me and were looking for a book based on what you see on the show, you need to skip it but if you’ve lost someone close it’s a good read.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Read it in a month instead of 8 months like it recommends at the beginning and I only did one exercise. I was able to highlight/take note of a lot of things in this book that coincided with what I was going through at the time and stuff I can reference in the future as a reminder. I will be passing along this book to my mom as I believe it will help her to deal with her grief too.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my husband passed away a couple of months ago I wanted so badly to be able to connect to him. I watched Theresa's show a few times before but knew of her well and felt I could trust her and her books to help me. They did, I go back to them and have re-read them or certain parts when I am struggling. It is not easy, but I am doing my best to remember that my husband is still with me. Reading Theresa's books has given me some hope.

[Holland Ford Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4th time thru this book, and I’m so thankful it was suggested to me. Theresa has a practicality about her believes of life and death, all while maintaining true to her experience as a medium. Whether you believe in that kind of thing or not, she will change the way you view your own future after you’ve suffered loss. I owe my first year without my loved one to Theresa. I wouldn’t have made it without you.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come for the woo-woo, stay for the good advice on how to manage grief and grow as a human. Caputo couches her advice by reminding readers that she is not a therapist, but she is arguably still an expert as a medium who has helped countless grieving families with her unique gifts (whether you believe in mediums or not, one must admit that she has gift for what she does). Caputo's fun Long Island accent makes the audiobook extra fun.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many wonderful tips!

I lost my mom last August and just started going to a grief support group. I wish I'd read this book sooner, but I know all happens in divine timing. My soul was ready for this message now, and I discovered so many wonderful new ways to honor my mom and work through my grief. Thank you.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some books have the author's voice so precise that you can hear them as if they are having a conversation with you. Whether Theresa Caputo can really speak to the dead I don't know. This book is a mixture of her readings and ways to combat grief. I suppose I am a skeptic yet a believer that there is an afterlife. It was an interesting read.