Living Through Personal Crisis

This book is great for both people who are experiencing loss (it could be losing your house in a tornado) and for people who want to know how to be a friend to those who are grieving.I keep giving my copy away and ordering more. This is not a "take a warm bubble bath and it'll be all better" book. The book makes several important points; you go through a whole range of emotions, it takes at a long time, you should take it easy on yourself, not expect too much of yourself, and you shouldn't make any life-changing decisions for at least a year.But even more significant is that the book gives you permission to grieve in your own way and time -- there is no right or wrong way to grieve. This should also be required reading for well-meaning friends and family and co-workers and the book gives them permission to be tolerant and understanding of the person who is grieving.It is a quick read, liberally sprinkled with case histories and examples.

I came across this book when I divorced. It not only helped me understand and accept the process of grieving, it helped me through other times in my life when personal crisis led me to heavy grief. I have bought it and given it to friends who also have been grieving for one reason or another. This easy to read book is surely a difinitive guide for those searching to heal.

When my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness at the age of 38, I hit one of what was to prove several low points, filled with rage and self-doubt. During one of those troughs, a friend gave me this simple book and asked that I try to read it with an open mind (something I didn't have often during those times).Living Through Personal Crisis was written, it seemed, to me and for me. I cried as I read nonstop through that first night, as waves of guilt and doubt quietly slipped away. It became 'okay' to grieve this massive change in our lives.When he passed away several years later, I read Stearn's beautiful little book again, and once again found comfort in the calm, straightforward words. No frills, no psychobabble, no rubbing of crystals - just the levelheaded guidance that any of us in a critical situation needs more than platitudes and handwringing.I do not hesitate to recommend it to you - no matter what your faith or belief or feelings about grieving or crisis. If you're in the midst of a crisis, get this book. If you know someone who you fear may be in need of it, give it away and get another copy. It helps.

I have read many books on the topic of death and grief, but no other book talks directly to the reader. It is written in layman's terms and reads very quickly. This book should be used as a source to be returned to. It can help you at different times during your grief and long after- to be able to explain and relate to the feelings that no one else may be able to help you with at that time. Enjoy! Finally a book that sheds some light.

This book helped me at the lowest point in my life, the death of my only child. The book is equally applicable to loss through divorce, job loss, spouse, whatever. I recommend it highly for those who are dealing with loss.