Living With Grief

by Kenneth J. Doka (editor)

First published in 1996. This book was produced as a companion to the Hospice Foundation of America's third annual teleconference. The Foundation, begun in 1982, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership in the development of hospice and its philosophy of care for terminally ill people. The Foundation conducts educational programs related to hospice, sponsors research on ethical questions as well as the economics of health care at the end-of-life, and serves as a philanthropic presence within the national hospice community. Close to 90 percent of hospices in the United States reach beyond their own patients and families to become, in a variety of ways, a community resource on grief and bereavement That is part of the hospice mission and an important service which the Hospice Foundation of America encourages and tries to support Our annual teleconference is a major part of our effort and it, like all of our projects, is largely underwritten by contributions from individuals. The Hospice Foundation of America is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign through Health Charities of Americas. The Hospice Foundation of America is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign through Health Charities of America.

Genres: Grief, Counselling

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[Melissa Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not a helpful resource for anyone who is actually dealing with sudden loss. Most of the book details what other people should do if encountering someone who has lost a loved one, which is not helpful, because the person who is going to be reading this is the one experiencing the loss.

The other problem is the title of the book "Living with Grief After Sudden Loss, Suicide, Homicide, Accident, Heart Attack, Stroke".

Given that suicide is the first thing listed, one would think the book would devote a little time to it, however the only reference to suicide in the book is about 8 pages long. Given the fact that it states that survivors of suicide are going to have the toughest time with grief, and face several social stigmas, and not have the support they need.. shouldn't a book designed to provide support not play into the stigma by offering absolutely nothing of import to the survivor of suicide?

The majority of the book deals with what to do if you lose a loved one to a disaster, so if you have lost someone suddenly due to a tornado, or a bombing, or a plane crash, or some other kind of less than likely to happen event, maybe this book would actually help you. But for those of us who have actually lost someone to any of the causes mentioned in the TITLE of the book, it's useless. Better to save your money, I think I'll go stick this under some wobbly piece of furniture and forget I ever wasted my time reading it.

[Renae · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay resource, but a little less applicable then his other book, although there are some specific resources or references in the book that may be helpful to those working in this field. I found his other book, "Grief is a Journey," much more useful, easier to read, more comprehensive, with better examples and just an all around better read and resource.

[Julene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books seems to be one of the leading books for complicated grief. It is a bit dry, but comprehensive and a good resource book to have. In addition it has great questions for facing one's own mortality, and also a great set of questions to consider our remaining time.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice resource for someone who is a helper to others. Not recommended for someone who is currently dealing with any of the books topics.

[WashU Catholic Student Center]

*author listed as J.D. Davidson*