Widowed

by Joyce Brothers

In a book written after the death of her husband, the renowned psychologist writes about her own personal tragedy, its effect on her life, and how she feels others might benefit from the insights she gained

Genres: Memoir, Self Help, Grief, Nonfiction

273 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Joyce Brothers was a psychologist well known for her TV appearances. She also wrote a daily advice column in newspapers from 1960 to 2013.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone returned this book to a mutual friend who had given it to her to read. After two years there are still times that are very hard. Reading this has brought some further insight and comfort to my present self.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been widowed recently, I was very interested in reading this book. I'm glad I did.
Many of the problems and emotions that Dr Brothers had when she lost her husband I also have. Knowing that women who are widowed go through this nightmare helps me to feel like I'm not such a freak. They battle many of the same emotions and doubts.

[Mary Anne Shew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most memoir and partly self-help, this 1990 book by Dr Joyce Brothers chronicles her journey through grief in the first couple of years following the death of her husband, Milt.

Brothers shares the good, bad, and ugly of her days trying to cope without her best friend. She admits with honesty that she never invested time in other friendships, which exacerbated the devastating loneliness now part of her life.

Even though it was written over two decades ago, the book is still helpful to widows and widowers to let them know their own grief isn't crazy, that everyone's path is unique, and that ultimately grief lessens and life begins again.

Towards the end of the book (chapter 16), Brothers offers specific advice on how a widow can help herself, most importantly, to stay in charge of your own life. In fact, a lot of that advice would work for most women, whether single or married, divorced or widowed.

In chapter 17, she provides great advice to family and friends who want to comfort and help the widow, including the big question NOT to ask, the golden rule of comforting, and more.

I've never been widowed, but if I were, I would recommend this to anyone who, with the best of intentions, thinks my grief should subside on some timetable, or that crying only makes things worse, etc.

If you or someone you know has been widowed and is struggling, giving them this book might be one of the most thoughtful things you can do.

[MARGIE KRUEGER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great help to me and I'm really sorry that I'm done with it. She had a lot of good advice since she went through the experience.

[Ilena Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all of her books. Always thought this was the best.

[Georgia Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was most helpful to me after my late husband died in 2002. I have recommended the book to others in the same situation, and given copies to other widows and widowers.

[Celia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me about a month to read this book. I finished it about a week ago (forgot to add it to my
goodreads when I started). As I read this book, I cried at her anxiety about her husband's illness and her sorrow at his death. I felt like she and I were on the same page most of the time. I appreciate her loving counsel and her focus on action or "being" to heal from the terrible loss of one's husband. Dr Brothers offered practical suggestions as well, but she also spoke to the spirit of loss. I found this to be an extremely consoling and helpful book.

[Betty Doo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this book is really good--She describes the experience of becoming widowed with clarity and emotional truth. Then the book gets kinda bogged down in details. Also, its a bit outdated--though she is a noted celebrity and professional, she describes her main job as serving her husband. It is probably a better book for an older widow, (60s+) than younger one and someone from today's generation may have a hard time relating to much of the book. She ends with a few tips/advice which I think are unnecessary, and I found less than helpful.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the famous psychologist's husband, Milt, died from cancer in 1989, she became her own grief counselor. In this book, Dr. Brothers details her journey through the grief of widowhood and advises orther on coping with loss. She does an outanding job of making the process understandable and normal. I highly recommend this book to anyone going through losing a loved one.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read this book I truly had a better understanding of what my mother was going through as a widow. I recommend this book to everyone. It is an honest, sad, scary and uplifting true story of Dr. Brothers widowhood.

[Mary Etta]

I read this in the 90s. Some parts I didn't agree with, but for the most part I'd like to read it again.

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me know all things were normal and it is a joruney.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this for my mom after my dad died this past week and we both read it on the same day. It is exactly what we needed.

[Melinda]

Highly Recommend if Needed.
Very many similarities in emotions et al.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 152.4 BRO

A gift from Beverly STURM.

Available.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast read but not an easy read. However, it was worth the effort it helps on more than one level.