Books for those in grief:

?”A Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis, Harper, rereleased 2001. This bestseller offers Lewis’ testimony of his struggle in dealing with the death of his wife, Joy, from cancer. While it served as the inspiration for the much later movie “Shadowlands,” the book offers an even more honest portrayal of how a Christian can struggle with his faith in the midst of ultimate challenges.

?”Confessions of a Grieving Christian” by Zig Ziglar, B&H, 2004. From the perspective of a father mourning the loss of his daughter after a prolonged illness, the author relates biblically-based lessons in answer to the questions of those who grieve.

?”From We to Me: Embracing Life Again After the Death or Divorce of a Spouse,” Baker Books, 2010. This book gained the commendation of counselor H. Norman Wright who wrote “Recovering from Losses in Life,” as well as Steve Grisson, founder of GriefShare and DivorceCare support groups, with both authors praising the practical insight on needs and questions that arise in both types of transitions.

?”Let Me Grieve, But Not Forever” by Verdell Davis, 2004, Thomas Nelson. The author shares her perspective on the death of four Dallas-based Christian leaders, including her husband, who were killed in an airplane crash after returning from a Focus on the Family Retreat in 1987. As a widow she was no longer a pastor’s wife and wasn’t sure what she believed to be true. The book examines grief and finding healing in the process.

?”When a Baby Dies” by Ronald Nash, Zondervan, 1999. This book is designed for parents seeking solace after their grief and those trying to comfort the grief-stricken.

?”When There are No Words: Finding Your Way to Cope with Loss and Grief” by Charlie Walton, Pathfinder Publishers, 1996. It is helpful not only to those who have experienced loss, but also those seeking to help grieving friends and family. The author includes practical advice and direction for recovery.

?”When Will I Stop Hurting? Dealing with a Recent Death” by June Cerza Kolf, Baker Books, 2002. The author leads those who are grieving through the stages of grief and eventually the healing process. Updated from an earlier edition, the book now includes a study guide for individuals and bereavement groups.

?”Where Is God When It Hurts?” by Philip Yancey, first penned in 1979 and revised and expanded with a study guide in 2002 by Zondervan, takes a journalist’s approach to the hard questions about pain and develops some thought-provoking insights from Scripture, from history, and from medicine for those disillusioned by pain and grief.

For children who are grieving
?”Grandma I’ll Miss You: A Child’s Story about Death and New Life” by Kathryn Slattery, David C. Cook. This story offers assurance for a child grieving the loss of a beloved relative.

?”Mommy Please Don’t Cry” by Linda Deymaz, Multnomah Books, 1996. Written from a child’s perspective, the author offers comfort for mothers who have experienced the sorrow of losing a child.

?”Tell Me About Heaven” by Randy Alcorn, Crossway, 2007. A boy is taught truth about heaven as a grandfather helps him accept the death of a loved one.

For those ministering to the grief-stricken
?”Helping Those Who Hurt” by Barbara M. Roberts, NavPress, 2009. Step-by-step directions, scripture and tips drawn from the director of a caregiving ministry to assist in times of death and grief, as well as various situations involving illness, crisis, aging, troubled marriages and divorce, addiction, and abuse.

?”The New Guidebook for Pastors” by James W. Bryant and Mac Brunson, B&H, 2007
This comprehensive resource includes a section on conducting funerals and counseling grieving families.