Suggested books: Family grief from a Christian perspective

For children

Daddy's Promise
by Cindy Klein Cohen, Michael J. Gordon, John T. Heiney; Promise Publishing Company, 1997
Answers common questions about death and coping. A small boy is reassured through open interactions with his mom and dream-like interactions with his dead father.

What Happened When Grandma Died
by Peggy Barker; Concordia Publishing House, 1989
This book is about a young girl whose grandma recently died.

For adults

To Comfort and To Honor
by Jeanne Daly McIntee; Augsburg Books, 1998
This guide for planning funerals encourages family involvement. It has suggestions and examples from various Christian traditions.

Don't Take My Grief Away
by Doug Manning; HarperSanFrancisco, 1984
This pastoral perspective explains grief as friend, not enemy.

Getting Through the Night: Finding Your Way after the Loss of a Loved One
by Eugenia Price; Ballantine Books, 1991
Offers inspiration and comfort following loss.

Getting to the Other Side of Grief: Overcoming the Loss of a Spouse
by Robert Devries, Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge; Baker Book House, 1999
A psychologist and pastor collaborated on this book after both were widowed.

A Grief Observed
by C. S. Lewis; HarperSanFrancisco, 2001
First published in 1961 under the name N. W. Clerk, it is the author's journal of doubts, rage and faith journey following the death of his wife.

He Gathers Your Tears: Words of Comfort for a Widow's Heart
by Phyllis Moore; Wynwood, 2002
This candid, unfettered account pairs journal entries with scriptures of hope.

How Many Times Can You Say Goodbye? Living with Bereavement
by Jenifer Pardoe; Liturgical Press, 1991

A Journey Through Grief
by Alla Renee Bozarth, Alla Bozarth-Campbell; Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services, 1994
An Episcopal priest and poet reflects on grief as a journey back to life in this short book.

Life is Hello, Life is Goodbye: Grieving through All Kinds of Loss
by Alla Renee Bozarth, Alla Bozarth-Campbell; Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services, 1994
In this short book, an Episcopal priest and poet reflects on life as a gift.

Praying Our Goodbyes
by Joyce Rupp; Ave Maria Press, 1988
This scripturally based book includes end of chapter questions for reflection and 24 prayer experiences.

A Time to Grieve: Meditations for Healing After the Death of a Loved One
by Carol Staudacher; HarperSanFrancisco, 1994

When Grief Breaks Your Heart
by James W. Moore; Abingdon Press, 1995