The Grief Survival Guide: How to navigate loss and all that comes with it

by Jeff Brazier

Jeff Brazier has experienced bereavement in many In his childhood, helping his two boys through the devastating death of their mother, Jade Goody, witnessing the anguish of his own mum when she lost both of her parents, and hearing the stories of his coaching clients who are coming to terms with loss.

No one can be an expert on grief, but within this book Jeff provides support and guidance from someone who has been there. Accessible and hands-on The Grief Survival Guide offers practical advice on everything from preparing for the eventuality of death, managing grief, how best to support family and friends, and moving forward. There is no 'one size fits all' approach so instead Jeff teaches us that the best we can do is understand, cope and survive.

Genres: Nonfiction

464 pages, Hardcover

Published October 23, 2018

Reviews

[Brindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having heard Jeff speak on TV about this book a few weeks before it was published and liking the way he spoke about dealing with grief, I decided buy a copy. This book is full of common sense advice that we all struggle to realise that we already know when dealing with loss. It is written in chapters that deal with different circumstances of loss and each chapter can be read independently depending on your situation. It is an easy read on a difficult subject with personal insights in helping children deal with the loss and the potential loss of a parent, how family dynamics can change after the loss of a key family member and so much more. Take a look at the chapter headings and you will find something that you can relate to. As someone who struggles to know what to say when faced with someone recently bereaved I found the chapter on Words that Might Upset Someone in Mourning a real eye-opener in how certain commonly used phrases which are meant to help the bereaved can have the opposite effect and some useful suggestions on what works better. A very useful guide on different aspects of grief.

[Charlotte Falkner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book needs a better title, honestly. It isn't just about grief but mostly like how to deal with a terminal illness of your own, things like whether you should choose burial or cremation. The title and subtitle do not indicate what this book is, at all.

[Jack Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that i found very relatable following the death of my father. Some chapters i read from the perspective of my father, other chapters in the perspective of my mother - but what i read from my perspective i found reassuring and relatable. Thanks Jeff.

[Kiu Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

這本書比較合適有小孩子的人
只有伴侶的人看著看著大多頁數都不管用。

[Melissa Kravetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a school assignment on grief. I, personally, did not find it useful for that purpose. However, for those experiencing grief this book would be an excellent resource as it is filled with stories of people experiencing grief of all kinds and the writer writes with sincere compassion for the readers.

[egoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff is such a likeable author and known personality. His writing is authentic and speaks from experience. He is humble and honest in what he says, not claiming to have all the answers, but sharing the wisdom he has gleaned from his personal and professional life.
This book is like a manual for what to do next after death. There's some frank straightforward practical stuff, and plenty of guidance for how to respond emotionally, and how to support others. Genuine ideas for moving forward in a healthy way.
The underlying message is to talk and share feelings, not suppressing them, which may not be new information but he relays it in practical examples that the reader can relate to.
I particularly like the contents and chapter titles which mean it doesn't have to be read cover to cover. A reluctant reader might just be pointed in the direction of certain relevant chapters. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know how to navigate caring for themselves and those around them after a death.