World Book Day recommendations from The Loss Foundation community
For many people, grief can make it difficult to concentrate or absorb long pieces of information. In the early weeks and months after a loss, even reading a few pages can feel like a lot.
But sometimes the right book — the right words at the right time — can make us feel a little less alone.
For World Book Day, we asked members of The Loss Foundation community to share books that supported them during difficult times. If you’ve arrived here after watching our video, here are the recommendations we mentioned.
We hope one of them might bring you a moment of comfort.
Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times and Poems to Live Your Life By in Uncertain Times
Recommended by Sarah, Chairperson of The Loss Foundation
Sometimes poetry can be easier to return to during grief than longer books. Sarah shared that these collections meant a lot to her during the early months of loss.
Sarah said:
“I found concentration really hard in those first few months of grief. A couple of girlfriends sent me these books and I didn’t know I needed them.”
Poetry can offer short moments of reflection, comfort and understanding — something to dip into when longer reading feels overwhelming.
When Things Fall Apart — Pema Chödrön
Recommended by Erin, Founder and Director of The Loss Foundation
When Things Fall Apart is a compassionate guide to navigating uncertainty and pain. Rather than offering quick solutions, it encourages readers to approach difficult emotions with curiosity, kindness and patience.
Erin shared this book because of the gentle way it speaks to people going through difficult moments.
Erin described it as:
“Incredibly beautifully written… designed to help people better look after themselves in difficult times.”
The Five People You Meet in Heaven — Mitch Albom
Recommended by Shereen, Service Delivery Lead
Through the story of one man reflecting on his life after death, the book gently explores how even small interactions can shape us and the people around us.
Shereen chose this novel because of its powerful reflection on human connection and the meaning of our relationships.
As Shereen explains:
“It’s all about human connection and how significant it is when you’re meeting different people at different times of your life — and that we meet everyone in our life for a reason.”
Good Mourning — Sally Douglas & Imogen Carn
Recommended by Vicky, Trustee of The Loss Foundation
Written by two friends who both lost their mothers, Good Mourning offers honest reflections on grief, friendship and rebuilding life after loss.
Vicky discovered this book during a particularly difficult time in her life.
Vicky shared:
“I was in Australia when my dad died and this book was released there around then. Sal and Im were so helpful when navigating those first weeks, months and year of loss.”
Finding comfort in words
Everyone experiences grief differently. Some people turn to books immediately, while others may not feel able to read for a long time.
Both are completely normal.
If reading does feel helpful, the books shared here may offer moments of understanding, reflection or simply the reassurance that others have walked similar paths.
And if reading isn’t for you right now, that’s okay too.
If you’re navigating grief after cancer loss and would like support, you can find out more about our work and services at The Loss Foundation.
You’re not alone.
(If you click and purchase, Amazon may make a small contribution to support our work, at no extra cost to you.)
Explore more reads that may support you in difficult times over on our ‘Books for Grief’ hub
