The Widower's Journey: Helping Men Rebuild After Their Loss

by Herb Knoll, Ph D Deborah Carr, Robert L. Frick

As a bank executive, Herb Knoll was known as a man who could get the job done. But when Knoll lost his wife to cancer he found few resources that could help him recover. And the more he learned about the plight of widowers, from high suicide rates to physical and emotional problems, the more he became motivated to write a book with fellow widowers, for fellow widowers. Knoll’s The Widower’s Journey tackles tough questions and provides advice on many topics, Knoll breaks down barriers that block men in their journeys to recovery. He encourages men to seek out the fellowship of other widowers, and he provides resources that men need to move forward. He also identifies how society fails widowers, and spells out how institutions need to change so widowers can receive the support they deserve.

228 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2018

Reviews

[Dh Triplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for widowers

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s chock full of good information and helpful advice. I gain some valuable insight into my own situation and recognize some of the mistakes Along this journey. Most importantly, I found out that I’m not alone as a man struggling with the loss of his wife or significant other. At the end of the book are some helpful advice on finances and estate planning and also a great selection of books to purchase to further one’s understanding in navigating this journey. I highly recommend this book.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found this book largely helpful in the midst of the recent loss of my wife, it demonstrates the continued lack of support for young widowers. My wife and I were both 30 years old when she passed away and we have young children. While advice regarding dealing with the complex feelings following loss was helpful, hearing largely from a set of contributors located in retirement communities or empty nests throughout the country left me wanting more.

[Chris Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently lost my wife, and This book was extremely helpful. I would highly recommend it to any man whose wife has a terminal illness because the section on care giving would have been extremely helpful. It is not a deep dive into the grief process, but the stories that he shares in some of the wisdom is extremely important for a new widower.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid book for anyone going through widowhood. Reads like a go to guide. Very straightforward with real-world, practical advice.

[Rob Perschau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and hopeful information for widowers. If you don't have it figured out yet, this (and time) will help.

[Joel Bruneski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did find this book helpful after the sudden loss of my wife. While the author spoke to men "through the world" his info and resources were completely American.

[Dan Copelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read the widower’s journey and was touched by the depth of feeling of the story. The book brings out the pain we widowers endure on this journey, but it also gives us hope. And I was enlightened by the amount of practical information in the book for widowers. Every widower could benefit greatly by reading this book.

Herb Knoll's "The Widower's Journey" is a touching story about his raw feelings and life-changing events after the death of his beloved wife. This moving story takes readers on a journey of grief, healing, and searching for a new sense of purpose.

Knoll brings out love, loss, coping, and personal growth themes through interesting stories and talks with other widowers. He says that community, taking care of yourself, and being open to vulnerability are all critical parts of the healing process.

"The Widower's Journey" is a kind and inspiring book that gives comfort and advice to widowers and anyone who has lost someone close to them. It pushes people to go on their journeys of discovery to uncover hope even when things look bad.