Books and podcasts about grief offer a sense of companionship, understanding, and validation, providing a source of comfort during one of life’s most difficult experiences. Through stories, expert advice, and shared reflections, these resources can help you process emotions, find new perspectives, and, most importantly, remind you that you’re not alone. This article provides a curated list of recommended books and podcasts on grief, including options for various types of loss and healing styles. Be sure to also visit the Buried in Work Podcast Directory, which offers a dedicated selection of grief, loss, and end-of-life planning podcasts.
Why Books and Podcasts Can Be Powerful Resources
Reading books or listening to podcasts on grief allows you to explore different facets of loss at your own pace. These resources cover a wide range of experiences and insights, from practical coping advice to heartfelt memoirs and guided reflections. Books offer the chance to revisit passages that resonate with you, while podcasts provide companionship during solitary moments, like a walk or commute. Together, they provide both comfort and knowledge to help you process grief in a way that feels supportive.
Recommended Books on Grief
- On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss
By Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler – Amazon
This foundational book by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who introduced the five stages of grief, is a compassionate guide that explores each stage in depth. Co-authored with grief expert David Kessler, it offers insights on navigating the waves of grief and finding meaning amid loss. It’s a helpful read for anyone seeking to understand the grieving process and gain reassurance that their emotions are valid. - The Year of Magical Thinking
By Joan Didion – Amazon
In this intimate memoir, Joan Didion reflects on the sudden death of her husband and the complex emotions that followed. Written with raw honesty and emotional clarity, this book captures the surreal, disorienting nature of grief. Readers often find solace in Didion’s vivid storytelling and unique perspective on moving through unimaginable loss. - Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
By Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant – Amazon
After the sudden death of her husband, Sheryl Sandberg collaborated with psychologist Adam Grant to explore resilience and recovery in the face of tragedy. This book combines personal experience with research-backed advice, offering insights into building resilience and finding strength. “Option B” is an empowering choice for those seeking ways to adapt and eventually rediscover joy. - It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand
By Megan Devine – Amazon
Written by therapist Megan Devine, this book challenges society’s expectations about grief and emphasizes the importance of allowing grief to unfold naturally. Devine’s approach is honest and comforting, particularly for those who feel pressured to “move on.” Her writing provides validation and supports readers in embracing their feelings without judgment. - Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief
By Martha Whitmore Hickman – Amazon
This book offers daily reflections and meditations that help ease the burden of grief. With gentle, thoughtful passages, it’s a comforting companion for anyone experiencing loss, providing small moments of solace each day. Many readers find this book helps them navigate each day with a little more peace and understanding.
Recommended Podcasts on Grief
In addition to the individual podcasts listed below, be sure to explore the Buried in Work Podcast Directory for a curated selection of nearly 50 grief-related shows. The directory includes options covering grief, end-of-life planning, and personal stories of loss, helping you find additional resources that resonate with your experience.
- Griefcast
Hosted by comedian Cariad Lloyd, Griefcast features conversations with guests who share their personal experiences with loss. The tone is candid and often uplifting, blending humor with heartfelt moments. This podcast provides a relatable, human perspective on grief, making it a supportive choice for anyone looking to hear real stories of resilience. - Life With Grief
The Life With Grief Podcast is here to help redefine and challenge your grief. As a Grief & Transformational Life Coach and someone who lost both parents to cancer within six months of each other, host Tara Accardo digs into conversations around the difficulties and layers of heartbreaking loss and navigating life with grief.
- Terrible, Thanks for Asking
In this raw and engaging podcast, host Nora McInerny shares stories of people dealing with difficult emotions, including grief. Terrible, Thanks for Asking doesn’t shy away from the messiness of loss and healing. Listeners often find comfort in McInerny’s honest storytelling and the show’s openness about life’s challenges. - Grief Out Loud
Created by the Dougy Center, Grief Out Loud explores various aspects of grief, featuring guests who discuss everything from the loss of a child to the death of a pet. The podcast provides expert insights as well as personal stories, making it a valuable resource for those looking for both information and emotional support. - The Good Mourning Podcast
This podcast, hosted by Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn, provides a mix of practical advice and personal reflections on loss. The Good Mourning Podcast focuses on topics such as navigating grief triggers, managing self-care, and finding ways to move forward. Listeners appreciate the hosts’ down-to-earth approach and the relatability of their stories.
How to Choose the Right Resources for You
Books and podcasts provide unique perspectives and insights, but finding the right resource depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you select materials that will be most beneficial:
- Identify Your Goals: Consider whether you’re looking for practical advice, personal stories, or daily reflections. Books like Healing After Loss offer a structured approach, while memoirs like The Year of Magical Thinking provide a narrative style that may feel more intimate.
- Experiment with Formats: If you’re struggling to concentrate on reading, podcasts can be a great alternative, allowing you to listen on the go or while doing other activities. Many people find comfort in hearing real voices and stories, which can feel like having a companion during quiet moments.
- Find Resources Specific to Your Type of Loss: Some books and podcasts focus on specific types of grief, such as parental loss, spousal loss, or pet loss. Choosing resources that align with your experience can make the content feel more relatable and supportive.
- Explore the Buried in Work Podcast Directory: Our Podcast Directory includes a wide range of shows on grief, loss, and end-of-life planning. The directory is designed to help you find podcasts tailored to your needs, providing a one-stop resource for curated grief content.
Looking for more resources?
Visit the Buried in Work Grief & Loss Hub and/or Podcast Directory for a curated selection of grief and end-of-life podcasts to support your journey.
