Our October Books for Grief – New and Upcoming Releases

As the days get shorter and the weather grows colder, we hope you’re taking moments for self-care and warmth. This October, we’ve selected a variety of books to support those navigating the journey of grief. Whether you’re seeking comfort after the loss of a partner, exploring the power of humour, or looking for insights into how grief affects both mind and body, there’s something here for you.

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You may know Jane McDonald as the cruise ship singer who found fame after appearing on docusoap ‘The Cruise’. What you may not know, is that Jane was planning her retirement with partner Ed when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She cared for him at home during the isolation of lockdown, finding strength in being there for him despite her deep grief.

Years previous, Jane penned a song about finding joy in hard times. She named it ‘Let The Light In‘. In this book of the same name, she shares lessons from her experiences of loss and recovery, emphasising the importance of support, self-care, and humour.

Lotte and Ben’s love story was once a picture of perfection. However, their lives took a tragic turn when Ben was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Lotte became his primary caregiver, navigating the complexities of cancer treatment together. Despite the challenges, they refused to give up hope, even traveling abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic in search of a cure.

Bitter Sweet chronicles Lotte’s journey through grief and her resilience in the face of loss. It offers insights into the emotional and practical aspects of supporting a loved one with cancer and provides hope for those facing similar circumstances.

For those grappling with the loss of a loved one, grief can be a complex and overwhelming experience. Meghan Riordan Jarvis, a psychotherapist and grief specialist, offers a compassionate and informative resource to help individuals understand and navigate the grieving process.

Can Anyone Tell Me? The book draws on clinical research to provide a deeper understanding of grief’s impact on the mind and body. It offers actionable steps and strategies to help individuals cope with various aspects of grief.

Written in a clear and approachable style, with easy-to-understand information, this book addresses common questions and concerns related to grief, including emotional responses, physical symptoms, and relationship dynamics.

If you’re seeking answers, support, and a path forward through grief (or supporting someone who’s grieving), “Can Anyone Tell Me?” is a valuable resource.

In The Grieving Body, Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, a grief expert and neuroscientist, explores how grief and other major life stressors affect our physical health. While much is said about the emotional and psychological effects of loss, this book shines a light on how grief impacts the body.

Drawing on scientific research, Dr. O’Connor shares insights into how loss can influence the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems, and what this means for our overall health. Like her previous book, The Grieving Brain, this follow-up combines research with personal stories to illustrate the physical toll of grief.

The Grieving Body answers important questions such as:

• How does grief affect our physical health?
• Why are we more vulnerable to illness during periods of intense stress?
• What changes happen in our bodies during bereavement?
• How does grief influence our behaviour and cognitive health?

This book is a thoughtful and informative guide for those who are grieving, as well as for friends and family who want to better understand the impact of loss. It also includes clear black-and-white illustrations to help explain the research.

Thank you for exploring our October selections for those experiencing grief. For a broader range of recommendations, be sure to visit our main Books for Grief page, where you’ll find many more titles to help you navigate the journey of loss and healing. Whether you’re seeking personal stories, practical advice, or comforting reflections, we hope these resources will provide you with the support you need.