Grief books
Last updated: September 29, 2025
Everyone's grief is different because our circumstances and personalities are different, too. However, there are a few universal things regarding emotions and mindset that could be valuable to all of us. The titles selected here provide guidance on how to deal with grief, both from experts and people sharing their personal experiences.
Lost & Found
What is Lost & Found about?
In "Lost & Found," Kathryn Schulz, a staff writer at The New Yorker, recounts a transformative period in her life when she fell in love while coping with the loss of her beloved father. This memoir is filled with joy and grief that accompany significant life changes. Our experiences shape us, but some we have in common: loss and grief. The task is to keep wonder and gratitude even in the darkest times.
The Year of Magical Thinking
What is The Year of Magical Thinking about?
How can one continue living after losing the closest, most beloved person? Joan Didion, who has lost both her husband and daughter, shares the overwhelming grief she had to face. This is more than a memoir, it's a guiding light for everyone battling grief and trying to keep on living.
When Things Fall Apart
What is When Things Fall Apart about?
You might be wondering how people can remain full of light and joy during the uncertain and turbulent times we live in. In her book “When Things Fall Apart,” Pema Chödrön offers a new perspective on confronting fear, pain, and anxiety. Inspired by Buddhist philosophy, she proves that instead of running away from these feelings, we should look them in the eyes and be open.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
What is Before the Coffee Gets Cold about?
Ever wonder what you’d say if you could travel back in time for just as long as your coffee stays warm? In a cozy, hidden Tokyo café, customers are given that magical chance, but with a rule: nothing in the present can change. "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" combines the charm of magical realism with heartfelt stories of love, loss, and closure. It is a mixture of “what-ifs” that appear with every sip of coffee.
Crying in H Mart
What is Crying in H Mart about?
“Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner, an American musician, singer, songwriter, and author, is a poignant memoir in which the author reflects on her childhood and coming-of-age experiences. She tells stories of her late mother, cooking, music, and the Korean culture that surrounds her everywhere.
Self-Compassion
What is Self-Compassion about?
If constant feelings of guilt and inadequacy are no news for you, check out “Self-Compassion” by Dr. Kristin Neff, where she discovers the transformative power of self-compassion. In her book, Neff uncovers how embracing self-compassion can lead to deeper connections, resilience, and emotional well-being in every aspect of life and offers easy ways to achieve it.
When Breath Becomes Air
What is When Breath Becomes Air about?
“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi describes an autobiographical story about the fight against stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. You will learn how the author has been on both sides of hospital life: as a doctor and a patient.
Radical Acceptance
What is Radical Acceptance about?
“Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach is a unique blend of Eastern mindfulness with Western psychology. Brach explores the concept of Radical Acceptance, encouraging us to confront and release our deepest fears and insecurities. She demonstrates the path to self-love, mindfulness, and inner peace through interesting stories and practical exercises.
Self-Care for Tough Times
What is Self-Care for Tough Times about?
You should care for yourself all the time, and "Self-care for Tough Times" by Suzy Reading is the best source for learning how. Stress, grief, loss, relationship breakdowns, illness, financial strain, or exhaustion are problems that exhaust you. In this book, you will learn why they exist in our bodies and how to release them.
The Fault in Our Stars
What is The Fault in Our Stars about?
Hazel Grace Lancaster’s life is defined by her cancer diagnosis, but everything changes when she meets Augustus Waters at a support group. Gus is charismatic, funny, and just as obsessed with big ideas as Hazel. Their story isn’t just a story about illness — it’s a story about borderless love, loss, and what it means to leave a mark on the world.
Intermezzo
What is Intermezzo about?
After losing their father, two brothers, 22-year-old Ivan and 32-year-old Peter, are figuring out how to deal with their grief. Ivan and Peter are trying to find their way through romantic connections with various women. Peter balances relationships with two different women, while Ivan falls in love with an older woman he meets at a chess club. It's a book about a complex sibling relationship and bereavement.
Man’s Search for Meaning
What is Man’s Search for Meaning about?
“Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl illustrates the human ability to find meaning in all circumstances through real-life examples. Written by a psychiatrist and a survivor of Auschwitz, this book shares a powerful message. You will learn about logotherapy and how it helps in the search for meaning.
The Goldfinch
What is The Goldfinch about?
Theo Decker's life changes forever after he survives a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City when he is thirteen. In the chaos, he impulsively takes The Goldfinch, a painting that becomes both a treasure and a heavy burden. His mother dies, his father abandons him, and he moves between different guardians. Traumatized, Theo starts working in the antique trade, a world that both fascinates and frustrates him.
Option B
What is Option B about?
“Option B” discusses the importance of recognizing common responses to traumatic events, such as hopelessness and sadness. How do we find ways to cope and move forward? Learn methods to build resilience, that will help you overcome even the hardest situations.
Wild
What is Wild about?
“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed tells the story of a young woman who reinvented herself through an ultra-cruising hike. The book is an autobiographical account of a part of the writer's life on the Pacific Crest Trail. You will learn how family, people, and their loss can influence a person and their actions.
A Man Called Ove
What is A Man Called Ove about?
Meet Ove, a cranky, rule-obsessed widower whose quiet life is turned upside down when a lively young family moves in next door. Fredrik Backman’s "A Man Called Ove" is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud story of how unlikely friendships (and a very persistent cat) help Ove rediscover life’s purpose.
Tuesdays with Morrie
What is Tuesdays with Morrie about?
Upon learning that his college professor Morrie Schwartz is facing the final stages of ALS, Albom decides to visit him. Their reconnection turns into weekly conversations on Tuesday, where they share insights on life, love, and death. "Tuesdays with Morrie" is a poignant and heartwarming book that will encourage the readers to reflect on their own life path.
Learned Hopefulness
What is Learned Hopefulness about?
If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness and hopelessness, you may set yourself free from the constraints of your mind with the help of "Learned Hopefulness". This book offers evidence-based exercises and actionable steps to overcome the vicious cycles of thought. Dan Tomasulo's compassionate writing style, brimming with facts, warmth, and storytelling, makes for an engaging read.
Other Topics
Find out how to learn quickly and efficiently with our app!
Incorporate the habit of reading into your daily life.