Lost Fathers: How Women Can Heal from Adolescent Father Loss

by Laraine Herring

Lost Fathers is a healing, authoritative guide for adult women who, during adolescence, lost their fathers to death, divorce, or addiction. With gentle expertise, Laraine Herring addresses how adult behaviors and relationships can be shaped when one loses her father at such a pivotal developmental stage--particularly relevant are issues related to commitment, trust, intimacy, self-confidence, and independence. Features guided writing exercises.

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

Laraine Herring holds an MFA in creative writing and an MA in counseling psychology. Her short stories, poems, and essays have appeared in national and local publications. Her fiction has won the Barbara Deming Award for Women and her nonfiction work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She currently directs the creative writing program at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. She is a member of the Author’s Guild and the American Association of University Professors, and she volunteers with Hospice Family Care.

Reviews

[Ker Metanoia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains comforting anecdotes and tough writing exercises. I didn’t like the last 4 chapters as much as the first 7, but it’s still a helpful companion in the grieving process.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful examination that I will keep in my permanent library. Herring speaks to fatherless daughters with refreshing honesty and compassion.

[Beth E · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by my therapist.
However, the title is rather inaccurate. It focuses mostly on the loss of a father due to death and has very little discussion on emotionally absent fathers.
I found it disappointing.
My mother, who lost her father at age 21, also did not find this book helpful.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book, as it's a work book, to try to work through some of the feelings I still can't let go of or work through concerning the death of my father.

I am not a big fan of telling total strangers my problems on an in depth scale (social networking ha!) so I thought I'd try this route... I've had this book for years, keep looking at it, and have never finished it. It's harder than it seems....

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly learned a lot about myself while reading this book. I think it is one I will think about for awhile and then take out again and read parts that I connect the most with and study them. Maybe it can be cheap therapy.