Grief is a natural reaction that is different for each of us. Reading books on grief can provide comfort by reflecting on other people's stories, validating our feelings, and forging new connections. It can also offer practical ways of dealing with the complexity of grief and facilitating healing.

Learning about the stages of grief and seeing how others cope with their loss may be a helpful guide and give us hope in times of grief so we can support each other. Nevertheless, it is equally necessary to pair reading with professional counseling or family support if required because literature alone might not be adequate in facing profound grief.

Here are some of the best books on grief. 

Sad Book by Michael Rosen

This book gives a heartbreaking and honest picture of the author's sorrow for his son Eddie, who died from meningitis at the age of 19. The book delves into the depths of sorrow with honesty and simplicity.

The narrative acknowledges sadness' unavoidable and irrational nature, crafting a moving exploration of complex emotions. Quentin Blake's illustrations, particularly the depiction of Michael Rosen trying to appear happy amid sorrow, enhance the book's emotional impact. While not strictly for children, it beautifully captures the universality of grief's profound language. 

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Time Lived, Without Its Flow by Denise Riley

Denise Riley's book is an intimate exploration of grief, born from the harrowing experience of losing a child, which also inspired her renowned poetry collection.

Divided into two parts, the first consists of diary-like entries capturing the raw immediacy of maternal loss. The second, concluding, is a philosophical search for the foundations of sadness and the way to tranquility.

Riley's descriptive style, enhanced with Max Porter's thought-provoking introduction in this revisited edition, creates a learning tool for those trying their best to overcome the pain of loss. 

Late Fragments: Everything I Want to Tell You by Kate Gross

Former Downing Street worker and charity CEO Kate Gross confronts life's profound questions as she battles advanced colon cancer. The brave narrative of Gross, diagnosed at 34, transcends the typical cancer memoir, avoiding medical intricacies for a focus on creating meaning amid the devastation.

The book, written as a gift to herself and a guide for loved ones, imparts wisdom on embracing wonder, cherishing everyday moments, fostering friendship and love, and finding hope and joy even in the shadows of tragedy. Gross' untimely departure amplifies the urgency of her reflections, urging readers to savor life's beauty. 

You Are Not Alone by Cariad Lloyd

In "You Are Not Alone," inspired by her "Griefcast" podcast, Cariad Lloyd candidly explores grief, offering a compassionate guide through its complex terrain. Having lost her father at 15 in a culture where death was taboo, Cariad felt the need to break the silence surrounding grief. The book becomes a roadmap for anyone navigating loss, filled with suggestions on understanding, embracing, and evolving with grief.

By sharing the raw truth of tears, laughter, and pain, Cariad dismantles the societal hush around grief, reassuring readers that, although it changes and lingers, they are not alone. It is a calling to build a life around grief, recognizing it as something terrible but transformational.

Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter

After his wife's unexpected passing, a mourning husband and father struggle with immense grief. At the same time, his two sons must live in the London apartment they now call home. This is when Crow shows up, the wild and tender creature calling herself 'a sentimental bird.' Crow will appear more multilateral: the antagonist, the protector, the therapist, and the babysitter.

The book weaves a poignant tale of recovery, blending novella, fable, and grief essay. With angular wit and profound truths, Porter crafts a haunting narrative that explores the transformative power of memory and the resilience within grief's depths. 

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