American Hospice Foundation, Washington DC, USA

Bibliography

For The Professional

Emswiler, James and Emswiler, Mary Ann. Guiding Your Child Through Grief. Bantam, 2000.

The authors are founders and directors of The Cove, a program for grieving children and their families, and of the New England Center for Loss & Transition.  The book is practical, compassionate, and down-to-earth.  It helps families deal with the initial shock; identify typical reactions in age groups; and achieve the "three goals" of family grieving: reestablishing stability, acknowledging the experience of loss individually and collectivelly, and supporting each member in his or her efforts to start growing again.

Garfield, Charles A. Psychosocial Care Of The Dying Patient. New York: McGraw- Hill, 1978.

A collection of articles addressing the many aspects of working with a dying patient and the grief they experience.

Greenwall, Lewis, Paddy. Helping Children Cope with the Death of a Parent: A Guide for the First Year. Praeger Publishers, 2004.

A helpful and carefully prepared book based on the author's many years of working with children and bereavement. It explores how children from infancy through eighteen perceive and react to death, and how adults can guide and support them.

Hyslop Christ, Grace. Healing Children's Grief: Surviving a Parent's Death from Cancer. Oxford University Press, 2000.

The author examines how children aged 3 to 17 cope with terminal cancer and subsequent death of one of their parents.  The first section gives a summary of the literature on this topic and the second section makes use of extensive examples to present findings for five groups.

Johnson, Therese and katz, Renee. When Professionals Weep: Emotional and Countertransference Responses in End-of-Life Care. Brunner-Routledge, 2006.

The authors address the issues surrounding the blending of personal and professional in context of end-of-life care. Topics include spirituality, assisted suicide, the influence of culture and ethnicity, and working with survivors.

Moos, Rudolf. Coping With Physical Illness. New York: Plenum Medical Book Company, l977.

This book discusses how people cope with serious illness and injury. A conceptual model for understanding the process of coping with illness. Basic adaptive tasks and types of coping skills are identified. An excellent reference for a wide range of physical illnesses.

Nelson, Lorna patricia and Rae, Tina. Remembering: Providing Support for Children Ages 7 to 13 Who Have Experienced Loss and Bereavement. Paul Chapman Educational Publishing; Book and CD edition, September 2004.

An easy-to-read book with worksheets that helps children acknowledge the experience of loss, allow the expression of pain, fear and sadness, present the process as a shared experience, encourage communication and facilitate recovery.

Rando, Therese A. Grief, Dying, and Death. Champaign, IL: Research Press Co., l984.

Clinical interventions for caregivers. -----Treatment of Complicated Mourning. Champaign, IL.: Research Press Co., 1993.

A must for any professional working in the field of bereavement.

Redmond, Lula Moshoures. Surviving When Someone You Love Was Murdered. Clearwater, FL: Psychological Consultation & Education Services, Inc., 1989.

A professional's guide to group grief therapy for families and friends of murder victims.

Rubel, Barbara. But I Didn't Say Goodbye: For Parents and Professionals Helping Child Suicide Survivors. Griefwork Center, 2001.

This book is for the professiona or parent trying to help children in the aftermath of suicide. A good list of resources is available at the end of the book.

Trozzi, Maria. Talking with Children About Loss. Perigee Trade, 1999.

The author discusses how children perceive and interpret events such as death, disability, and divorce. She explores children's fears and fantasies and includes age-appropriate responses to children's questions and concerns, as well as talking to children about long-term illness, suicide, and family or community tragedy.

Stroebe, Margaret S, Stroebe, Wolfgang, hansson, Robert. Handbook of Bereavement: Theory, Research, and Intervention. Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Detailed coverage is given to the phenomenology of grief, distinctions between normal and pathological grief, and measurement and assessment techniques. Current theories are reviewed and underlying physiological mechanisms are surveyed, which help explain why the bereaved are highly vulnerable to ill health.

Wolfet, Alan. Companioning the Bereaved: A Soulful Guide for Caregivers. Companion Press, 2005.

In this guide, Dr. Wolfet redefines the role of grief counselor. His model for "companioning" the bereaved encourages counselors and other caregivers to aspire to a more compassionate philosophy. With this model the caregiver learns to support mourners and help them help themselves heal.

Worden, William J. Children and Grief: When a parent Dies. Guilford press, 2001.

A practical, instructive, concise and sensible guide for any caregiver supporting a grieving child.

Worden, William J. Grief Counseling And Grief Therapy. New York: Springer Publishing Co., l981.

A must for anyone working with bereavement. An excellent handbook for the mental health practitioner.

Worden, William J. Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Professional (3rd Edition). Springer Publishing Company, 2001.

Dr. Worden presents his most recent thinking on bereavement drawn for extensive research, clinical work, and the best of the new literature.

When a Family Member Is Seriously Ill

Duda, Deborah. Coming Home. New York: John Muir Publications, Inc., l984.

A guide to home care for the terminally ill.

Fiore, Neil A. The Road Back To Health. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 1990.

Dr. Fiore uses his personal experience with cancer to guide patients and their families through the psychological and emotional consequences of cancer and its treatment.

Garrison, Judith Garrett, and Shepherd, Scott. Cancer and Hope. Minneapolis: Compcare Publishers, l989.

Provides the cancer patient and family members with a resource when they feel most isolated. An excellent "how to survive" book.

Kelly, Orville E. Until Tomorrow Comes. New York: Everest House, 1979.

The late Mr. Kelly was the author of Make Today Count and the founder of a nationally known organization by the same name. This book is for the cancer patient and his/her family. Many resources included.

Lynch, Gail. In Sickness and In Health. Fairview Press, 2002.

The author addresses her journey in a straightforward narrative. The book explains a person's grief and the feelings are raw and real, though it also helps readers realize that people do survive pain.

Martelli, Leonard J., Messina, William, and Peltz, Fran D. When Someone You Love Has AIDS. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1987.

A practical guide for both the professional and family where a loved one has AIDS.

General Grief

Canfield, Jack and hansen, Mark Victor. Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul: Stories about Life, Death and Overcoming the Loss of a Loved One.

A collection of inspirational stories written by authors who have lost loved ones. The vignettes offer comfort, peace and understanding to those who are grieving.

Doka, Kenneth. Living with Grief: After Sudden Loss, Suicide, Homocide, Accident, Heart Attack, Stroke. Taylor & Francis, 1996.

The author examines the subject of abrupt, unexpected death and its effects and implications for survivors. Topics include: after a heart attack or stroke, survivors of suicide, complicated grief in the military, and grief counseling for survivors of traumatic loss.

Fitzgerald, Helen. The Mourning Handbook: A Complete Guide for the Bereaved. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994.

A comprehensive resource for practical and compassionate advice on coping with all aspects of death and dying.

Golden, Thomas. A Man You Know is Grieving- When a Man Faces Grief.

The author, a clergyman, grief counselor and writer provides 12 practical suggestions for men who are grieving, along with 12 practical suggestions for those who want to understand and help men who are grieving.

Grollman, Earl A. Living When A Loved One Has Died. Boston: Beacon Press, 1977.

A book about feelings after the death of a loved one. It is easy to read and to understand during the confusion of bereavement.

Kries, Bernadine and Pattie, Alice. Up From Grief: Patterns Of Recovery. New York: The Seabury Press, l969.

Describes the various stages of grief from the authors' own experiences and those of 300 persons interviewed. Reassuring and educational.

Kushner, Harold. When Bad Things Happen To Good People. New York: Schocken Books, l981.

Helps to understand where God fits into your life following a tragedy.

Neeld, Elizabeth Harper. Seven Choices. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, inc., 1990.

Informative book on general grief, pointing out you have choices along the way.

O'Hara, Kathleen. A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love. Da Capo Press, 2006.

The book explores violent deaths including suicide, drug overdose, and death by vehicular homicide and drunk drivers. The intense feelings related to guilt, anger, and legal ramifications are explored.

Schiff, Harriet Sarnoff. Living Through Mourning. New York: Viking, 1986.

This book by the author of The Bereaved Parent helps one find comfort and hope when a loved one dies.

Rando, Therese A. How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies. New York: Bantam Books, 1988.

In this compassionate, comprehensive guide, Dr. Rando leads the reader gently through the painful process of grieving.

Schiff, Harriet Sarnoff. Living Through Mourning. New York: Viking, 1984.

An excellent guide through grief, looking at the different paths people take. Comprehensive.

Schoeneck, Therese S. Hope For Bereaved. This book must be ordered: Hope For Bereaved, 1342 Lancaster Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13210.

Cost is about $11.00 plus $2.50 for postage. A handbook of helpful articles for all kinds of grief situations. A very practical, "how to" book.

Waterfall, Peggy. Rainbows and Rain: Finding Comfort in Times of Loss. Surge Publishing, 2005.

Readers learn that it is possible to find joy again, but they must first learn how to grieve. Readers will also learn that many are unequipped to express to others what they are experiencing and often find themselves at a loss to adequately convey their feelings. Patience is the first step.

Loss of a Spouse

Ames, Ed. A Handbook for Widowers. Centering Corporation, 2004.

Talks to men openly and honestly about tears, guilt, feelings of anger, depression, isolation and loneliness. The author also explores the survivor's health, job, money matters, living alone, and what to do with a wife's belongings.

Armstrong, Alexandra (Ed.) and Donahue, Mary R.(Ed.) On Your Own. Chicago, IL: Dearborn Financial Publishing, Inc. 1993.

Excellent book for the widowed's passage to emotional and financial well-being.

Bickford, Margaret. Getting a Grip on Grief: A Handbook for Widowers. Author House, 2006.

A candid, specific and user friendly guide to help widowers live through the death of their wives. The book explores the time before the death, such as a terminal illness, as well as after the death, the funeral and beyond to rebuilding a life without the spouse.

Didion, Joan. The Year of Magical Thinking. New York: Random House, 2005.

A woman’s personal story after the loss of her husband.

Elmer, Lou. Why Her Why Now. New York: Bantam Books, 1987.

A man's journey through love and death and grief.

Felber, Marta. Finding Your Way after Your Spouse Dies. Ave Maria Press, 2000.

This book is best for an older widow and consists of two page reflections, advice, a suggested prayer, and related scripture on a series of topics that very roughly reflects the grieving process.

Ginsburg, Genevieve Davis. When You've Become A Widow. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc. 1987.

A compassionate guide to rebuilding your life.

Golden, Thomas. Swallowed by a Snake: The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing. Golden Healing Publishing, LLC; 2nd edition, 2000.

This book is for men and women about the masculine side of healing from loss. It explores how genders differ in their healing, how to garner a greater understanding between partners, and new ways to understand grief.

Kohn, Jane Burgess and Kohn, Willard K. The Widower. Boston: Beacon Press, l978.

A book written especially with the man in mind. It looks at what the widower faces, what he feels and what he needs.

Lindsay, Rae. Alone And Surviving. New York: Walker and Company, l977.

This book emphasizes the problems of widows from ages 35 to 55 who often are faced with financial problems, coping with the day-to-day struggle of raising children, paying off the mortgage, meeting the professional challenges of finding a fulfilling job, and the abrupt and traumatic business of getting back into the "single scene." A general guide for the widowed.

Loewinshohn, Ruth Jean. Survival Handbook For Widows. Chicago: Follett Publishing Company, 1979.

This book explores what is known about a woman's reaction to the death of a husband and offers practical as well as emotional support. It provides hope following one of the most traumatic human experiences.

Nudel, Adele Rice. Starting Over. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1986.

Help for the young widow and widower.

Suicide

Baugher Ph.D., Bob and Jordan, Ph.D., Jack. After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief. Sturbridge Group, 2002.

The authors are two experienced grief counselors. The book is organized chronologically and is designed to provide support and information through the first few days, weeks, months, and years after a suicide death.

Bolton, Iris. My Son, My Son... Atlanta, GA: Bolton Press, l983.

Written by a mother after her son's suicide, this book has been helpful with other types of suicide deaths as well.

Cobain, Beverly and Larch, Jean. Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide for Families After a Suicide. Hazelden, 2006.

This book helps teach readers how to transform suffering into strength, misconceptions into understanding, and shame into dignity. There is a chapter about the "suicidal mind"which can help families not only comprehend their loved ones pain prior to suicide, but also understand why such desperation is so difficult to recognize.

Giovacchini, Peter. The Urge To Die, Why Young People Commit Suicide. New York: MacMillan Publishing Company, l981.

A look into the "whys" when young people think of and commit suicide.

Hewett, John H. After Suicide. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, l980.

Probably the best book on suicide bereavement. Speaks to the emotional reactions of this most difficult death.

Linn-Gust, Michelle. Do They Have Bad Days in Heaven? Keningston Publishing Corporation, 2003.

A practical guide to help sibling suicide survivors help themselves. The book helps survivors, parents, teachers, counselors and friends understand the grief process that sibling survivors endure.

Ross, Eleanora. After Suicide: A Ray of Hope for Those Left Behind. Da Capo Press, 2002.

The author's husband completed suicide and she takes the reader beyond the silence and shame associated with suicide and shatters some of the most pervasive myths surrounding this tragedy. The author reflects on a culmination of 25 years of professional experience and her personal story.  She touches on topics such as addiction, abuse, neglect, and depression, as well as self-examination, spirituality and personal growth.

Sandefer, Kathleen. Mom, I'm All Right. Kathleen Sandefer, l990.

A mother's story about the suicide death of her fourteen year old son and a must for any parent who has a child on some type of long-term prescribed medication.

Smolin, Ann, and Guinan, John. Healing After the Suicide of A Loved One. New York: Fireside, l993.

An informative book that will provide suicide survivors with new insights into the emotional responses they may be experiencing following the self-inflicted death of a loved one.

Stimming, Mary. Before Their Time: Adult Children's Experiences of Parental Suicide. Temple University Press, 1999.

The book offers the perspectives of sons and daughters on the the deaths of mothers and fathers. In another section four siblings reflect on the shared loss of their mothers. Topics including the impact of parent's suicide on adult children's persona and professional choices, marriages and parenting, and sibling and surviving parent relationships are explored.

Swan-Miller, Sara. An Empty Chair: Living in the Wake of a Sibling Suicide. Writers Club Press, 2000.

Sibling relationships are complex, and after a suicide feelings run the gamut and they are often intermixed. Some reactions can also seem shameful or inappropriate. Includes moving accounts of other sibling survivors.

Children

Brown, Laurie Krasney and Brown, Marc. When Dinosaurs Die. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1996.

A book to read to a pre-school child on all aspects of death.

Brown, Margaret Wise. The Dead Bird. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1938.

An excellent picture book to read to pre-school children to introduce them to the concept of funerals and burials.

Fassler, Joan. My Grandpa Died Today. New York: Human Sciences Press, l971.

A book about the love shared by a young boy and his grandfather.

Fitzgerald, Helen. The Grieving Child: A Parent's Guide. New York: Fireside. 1992.

Organized like a book on infant care with detailed cross references. This book provides practical advice for surviving parents and others charged with the care of grieving children. For the parents of grieving children as well as adults with unresolved childhood grief.

Goldman, Linda. Life & Loss-- A Guide To Help Grieving Children. Muncie, IN: Accelerated Development, Inc., 1994.

An easy-to-read, workbook approach to help grieving children.

----Bart Speaks Out: Breaking the Silence on Suicide. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services, 1998.

A book set up in interactive, workbook style to help young children understand and cope with a suicide.

-----Breaking the Silence. Washington, D.C.: Accelerated Development, Inc., 1996.

A book for parents and professionals to use in helping children deal with complicated grief.

Grollman, Earl A. Straight Talk About Death For Teenagers. Boston: Beacon Press, 1993.

A wonderful book for teenagers who have experienced the death of someone they love. This book includes a journal section where you can record your memories, feelings, and hopes.

-----Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child. Boston: Beacon Press, 1990.

A book which the parent can read to the child. It includes a Parent Guide and recommended resources.

Hammond, Janice M. When My Dad Died. Ann Arbor, MI: Cranbrook Publishing Company, 1981.

To be read to a pre-school child when a father has died.

-----When My Mommy Died. Ann Arbor, MI: Cranbrook Publishing Company, 1980.

To be read to a pre-school child when a mother has died.

Hughes, Phyllis Rash. Dying is Different. Mahomet, IL.: Mech Mentor Educational, 1978.

Helps children to see death as part of life. Invites questions and exploration. Focuses on increasing the child's awareness of life and death in its most common forms. It is a sensitive and honest introduction to a serious subject.

Johnson, Joy and Johnson, Marv. Where’s Jess? Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 1982.

A book to read to a pre-school child when a baby sibling dies.

LeShan, Eda. Learning To Say Good-by When A Parent Dies. New York: Avon, l978.

Written for the whole family, this book opens the way to genuine communication between youngsters and adults. In simple, direct language, LeShan discusses the questions, fears, fantasies and stages of mourning that people need to go through.

O'Toole, Donna. Aarvy Aardvark Finds Hope. Burnsville, N.C.: Celo Press, l988.

Aarvy Aardvark comes to terms with the loss of his mother and brother with the help of his friend Ralphy Rabbit. A wonderful story of loss and grief. This story needs a parent to translate the animal story to people, then to the child’s particular situation.

Prestine, Joan Singleton. Someone Special Died. Los Angeles: Price/Stern/Sloan, 1987.

A book to read to a pre-school child who has had a significant person die.

Rofes, Eric E. and the unit at Fayerweather Street School. The Kids' Book About Death and Dying. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1985.

Fourteen children offer facts and advice to give young readers a better understanding of death.

Slater, Dr. Robert C. Tell Me, Papa. Council Bluffs, IA: Centering Corporation, 1978.

Children have many questions about death. This book takes the great unknown of death and tells it as it is through the words of Papa. The feelings that are triggered by death are explained and shared in a loving and caring context. The child will learn that feelings are normal.

Stein, Sara Bonnett. About Dying. New York: Walker and Company, 1974.

An open family book for parents and very young children together. The use of photographs makes death very real. Includes guidelines for parents.

Weir, Audrey Bernheimer. Am I Still A Big Sister? Newtown, PA: Fallen Leaf Press, 1992.

For the pre-school child after the death of a baby sibling.

Wilhelm, Hans. I’ll Always Love You. New York: Crown Publishers, 1985.

A wonderful story to read to pre-schoolers regarding a dog’s death. A good introduction to death.

Parent Grief

Berezin, Nancy. After A Loss In Pregnancy. New York: Fireside, 1982.

Help for families affected by a miscarriage, a stillbirth or the loss of a newborn.

Borg, Susan and Lasker, Judith. When Pregnancy Fails. Boston: Beacon Press, 1981.

For families coping with miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death.

Chilstrom, Corinne. Andrew You Died Too Soon. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 1993.

A mother tells the story of her son's suicide in a simple and straightforward language. It's a good resource for parents grieving the death of a child due to suicide.

Friedman, Rochelle and Gradstein, Bonnie.Surviving Pregnancy Loss. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1982.

This book contains descriptions of reactions to pregnancy loss and practical approaches to coping with the associated emotional problems. A comprehensive discussion of the physical and emotional consequences of pregnancy loss.

Rando, Therese A. (Ed.) Parental Loss Of A Child. Champaign, IL.: Research Press Co., 1986.

A series of articles written by many different authors covering all aspects of this special grief.

Schiff, Harriet Sarnoff. The Bereaved Parent. New York: Crown Publishers, l977.

A book of counsel for those who suffer the heartbreaking experience of a child's death.

For Family and Friends

Donnelley, Nina Herrmann. I Never Know What To Say. New York: Ballantine Books, 1987.

Your friend's wife or husband has died. Your neighbor’s child has died. Your friend is dying. What can you do? This book has all those answers and much more.

Geary, David Patrick. How To Deliver Death News. San Francisco, CA, Compass Publishing Co., l982.

Even though this book carries a heavy title, it is full of information that will be helpful if ever you have the task of informing a friend or neighbor of the death of their loved one.

Grollman, Earl A. (Ed.) What Helped To Me When My Loved One Died. Boston: Beacon Press, l981.

Learn from those people experiencing grief over the death of a loved one what was helpful to them.

Linn, Erin. I Know Just How You Feel -- Avoiding the Cliches of Grief. Cary Il, The Publishers Mark, 1986.

A wonderfully humorous book with practical information.

Wolfelt, Alan. Healing a Friend's Grieving Heart. Routledge, 1998.

Provides 100 practical and fresh ideas for supporting a grieving friend or family member.

Parent Death for Adult Child

Bartocci, Barbara. Nobody's Child Anymore: Grieving, Caring and Comforting When Parents Die. Sorin Books, 200.

Topics include the parent dying, comforting the surviving parent, and finding new meaning.

Edleman, Hope. Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss. Da Capo Press; 2nd edition, 2006.

The author's own grief after her mother's death when she was 17, along with the grief of hundreds of other women is captured in this book.  There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence, supplemented with psychogical research about bereavement.

Gilbert, Richard. Finding Your Way after Your parent Dies. Ave Maria Press, 1999.

A compassionate guide for those struggling with the loss of a parent. It offers practical suggestions for navigating these difficulties.

Myers, Edward. When Parents Die. New York: Viking, 1986.

A guide for adult children.

Myers, Edward. When Parents Die: A Guide for Adults. Penguin, 1997.

A practical guide that relies primarily on interviews and questionnaires. The author covers the grieving process, the difference in impact of sudden death versus slow decline, practical and emotional issues involved in planning the funeral, dividing personal property, and resolving residual feelings.

Smith, Harold Ivan. Grieving the Death of a Mother. Ausburg Fortress Publishers, 2003.

The author draws on his own experience and that of others and guides readers through their grief, from the process of dying through the acts of remembering and honoring a mother after her death

The Death of a Pet

Barton Ross, Cheri. Pet Loss and Children: Establishing a Healthy Foundation. Routledge, 2005.

Details the situations a counselor can encounter with pet loss while helping children grieve the death of a pet. Topics include euthanasia, special types of loss, and types of support and therapies.

Fischer, Arlene and Nieburg, Herbert A., Pet Loss. New York: Harper & Row, publishers, 1982.

This is a book that deals openly and honestly with the impact of the death of a beloved dog, cat or other pet -- often the first experience a child has with death. Thoroughly researched and expertly written, this comprehensive guide can be a valuable educational tool.

Kowalski, Gary. Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet. New World Library, 2006.

Kowalski writes, "Animals enrich our lives in countless ways, with their playfulness, their tranquilty [sic], their constancy, and their love.  The book will help readers mourn and remember their pets.