Confessions of a Griever: Turning a Hot Mess into an Haute Message; Laughable Lessons for When Life Just Sucks

by Crystal Webster

Grief sucks, but you don't have to. Part memoir, part self-help, part choose your own grief guide; this cheeky and honest book takes a hard look at society's view of grief and flips it the bird.

If you've encountered a traumatic loss (of any kind) and you want to use your experiences to make yourself better (and less bitter), then the sugar-coated platitudes everyone gives you just won’t cut it.

In Confessions of a Griever: Turning a Hot Mess into an Haute Message, Crystal helps readers understand:

* Why you should 'Go Duck Yourself'
* Why 'You Don’t Get to Call her Husband an @$$hole'
* Why you should 'Do More Good Sh!t'
* How 'You’ll Set Yourself Free'

This book will help you realize that grief is grief—however you experience it. Everyone experiences it differently and everyone feels crazy while living through it. You're NOT crazy and your feelings ARE normal. You just need to embrace the ride and 'Remember. You’re not alone.'

Genres: Grief

274 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading, Crystal Webster's wonderful book, "Confessions Of A Griever: Turning a Hot Mess into an Haute Message (Laughable Lessons for When Life Just Sucks) and frankly I was blown away. Her raw, honest and vulnerable story of loss was poignant and told in relatable chunks with the freedom and whimsy of a choose-you-own-adventure style. I have read a ton of books about grief and this one stands out as one of my favorites because of it's fresh voice and unique approach to this difficult subject. Crystal shares her story with a lot of humor and a few f-bombs, which was what made it so great, real and interesting. She doesn't pull any punches about how badly grief sucks, but at the same time leaves her readers with practical tools for coping with emotions, and with hope for finding goodness in life, even after a life-shaking loss.

[Rebekah Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very easy to read, down to earth book on grief. It wasn't stuffy or technical. It didn't read like homework. It was relatable and it was enjoyable. I loved the "choose your own adventure" styling of the book and how it managed to really encapsulate the feelings of grief, normalize them, and help me [the grieving reader] feel some comfort in just being who I am and where I am in my grief. It's weird to say it that way, but this was just a really good book for my heart right now. Having read this am I less sad or less full of grief over having lost the love of my life, my soulmate, my best friend, my better half? Not all. But Crystal's way with words and approach to grief definitely made me feel more at peace with my grief.

Side note: The chapter titled "Grief is a Broken Rib" was my favorite and did a phenomenal job of hitting the nail on the head when it comes to describing how grief works. If there's anyone in your life who thinks because your loss is no longer hot and fresh off the presses and that you should be once again right as rain, I highly recommend you show them this chapter to help give them some further insight.

[Kellista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I'm not a grieving mother. However, I read this book because a friend shared it and we've all had loss in our lives.

This is different, fresh, and helpful. There are takeaways for everyone and it's an easy, interesting read. The author has a distinct, captivating voice. It is easy (especially on a kindle) to jump around the book or to read it in sequence.

The chapters are not overwhelming but are short, memorable, but to the point...a helpful thing for those who are in the midst of grief.

I found some of the special characters and use of brackets v. parentheses in the book a little distracting but overall a worthy read!

[Jackie Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book meant so much to me! While going through some huge life changes over the past 6 months, I never realized you can grieve something that isn’t the loss of a physical person. This book helped me through my confusing feelings, and allowed me to work through emotions I hadn’t been able to face alone. The author’s fun writing style made this book a breeze to get through. I felt like I was talking to a close friend the entire time I was reading! I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is going through any type of grief or loss in life.

[Kristen Pekarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As a grieving mama (son), I found what Crystal shared very helpful. I love the way she organized the book to be like a grief journey, take this book as your journey takes you. Because it does take you. She writes in a very direct manner. For me it was just right and I am pretty sure we have a similar sense of humor. This book, was to me, like talking with a good friend, within my "kvetching circle of comfort in, b*tch out".

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I have not been through the loss of a child but have watched and supported my three siblings through this loss. This book reads quickly and was exactly how I feel about the grieving process, no matter what your loss is! My heart hurt for Crystal and her husband. Thank you for sharing your journey! God bless!

[Libby Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books about grief, but nothing like this one! This Choose Your Own Adventure style grief guide has a great mix of humor and advice from someone who has “been there, done that, and got the t-shirt”. Crystal’s humor and understanding made this book hard to put down!