• Aiken, Lisa, Why me, GOD? A Jewish Guide for Coping with Suffering. 1996 Jason Aronson Inc.
  Randy's Review: If you susbscribe to Jewish ideology, then you will feel enjoy Aiken's understanding bereavement in a Jewish context. If you only have time to glance at this book, then read the 10 or so pages headed by "Death of Children" which is a basic summary of the book.
  
  
• Arnold, Joan Hagan, Gemma, Penelope Buschman, A Child Dies. A Portrait of Family Grief. 1994 The Charles Press.
  Randy's Review: This book will be appreciated by anyone who has lost a child along with professional child bereavement caregivers. I especially liked the chapter titled, "For Caregivers Working With Grieving Families" that addresses the need to provide specialized training for bereavement caregivers in the field.
  
  
• Bennett, Saul, New Fields and Other Stones. 1998 Archer Books.
  Randy's Review: As a memorial to his daughter who died suddenly at the age of 24, father/author Saul Bennett provides the reader with some insight into his grief experience through his poetry collection. His thought-provoking poetry is full of colorful imagery as he takes you through the subways and supermarkets of New York. I think you will find "New Fields and Other Stones" an interesting and thought provoking read.
  
  
• Bereavement Services, The Grief of Grandparents. 2000 Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation.
  Randy's Review: A guide to help grandparents support their grieving children while attending to their own feelings of grief resulting from the loss of their grandchild. Small in size but it packs a lot of pertinent information for bereaved grandparents.
  
  
• Bernstein, Judith R., When the Bough Breaks. 1998 Andrews McMeel Publishing.
  Randy's Review: Bernstein's study of the long-term effects of losing a child is both informative and comforting for those parents embarking grief's long road ahead. Of particular reading interest is that the author dispels the popular misconception that marriage breakup is common following the loss of a child. A book that keeps your interest that you will want to read through to the end.
  
  
• Biebel, David B.,Jonathan. 1981 Flemming H. Revell.
  Randy's Review: "Jonathan" chronicles the story of little 3-year old Jonathan Biebel who died in the fall of 1978 following a one month battle against a mystery illness. A heartbreaking story of how Jonathan's father, a minister, comes to terms with both his loss and his religious faith. Containing a lot of Christian religious content, if you still believe in God after the loss of your child, then you will find this book inspiring. I found David Biebel's account of events in "Johnathan" both touching and spiritual.
  
  
• Blowey, Carla, Dreaming Kevin, The Path to Healing. 2002 Infinity Publishing.com.
  Review: Accompany the author on her journey of self discovery and spiritual growth as she confronts the pain of losing her five-year old son in a bicycle accident. Experiencing a foretelling dream just prior to the accident that results in her son's death, she seeks understanding, forgiveness, and the return of her faith through the many dreams that surround her loss. While this book will help you understand the pain of losing a child like no other, Dreaming Kevin will inspire the return of your faith and help you reconcile the loss of your child.
  
  
• Bramblett, John, When Good-Bye is Forever: Learning To Live Again After The Loss Of A Child. 1991 Ballantine Books.
  Randy's Review: On first glance, this book is the story of a grieving father coming to terms with the loss of his two-year-old son Christopher. I think to understand the pain of a parent who has lost a child; you must walk a mile in their footsteps. As a father bereaved from the loss of a young child, I can tell you that no one walks you down this heartbreaking path any better than author John Bramblett. This story is informative, insightful, hopeful, and painfully realistic. Read at great risk of learning and feeling a little of the plight of the bereaved parent. A great guide for friends and relatives of the bereaved who are looking to offer their assistance.
  


• Caplan, Sandi, Lang, Gordon. Grief's Courageous Journey, 1995 New Harbinger Publications Inc.
  Randy's Review: This book provides a guide for bereaved individuals alone, or in a group, to help themselves move through the healing process following a loss. The authors set out a 10-step process that allow bereaved individuals to share their stories and express their feelings thereby completing what Caplan and Lang refer to as "grief work". While I didn't complete all of the written exercises, the questions raised in these exercises gave me a lot to think about. This would make a marvelous textbook for bereavement group leaders and facilitators.
  
  
• Cave, Anne Good, Balloons For Trevor. 1998 Concordia Publishing House.
  Randy's Review: Balloons is a beautiful children story that introduces children to death by describing a young boy's experiences with the loss of his best friend Trevor. Heartwarming and moving, "Balloons For Trevor" helps children deal with death and offers hope through a Christian religious theme. While the religious learning will mean it is not suited for everyone, the realism of having the child confront the death of his friend brought tears to my eyes.
  
Author's Note: "Based on the experiences my family went through after the death of our son's best friend, 'Balloons for Trevor' is a children's book designed to help parents help their children grieve. I found that so many books about death end right after the ceremonies are over, but the grief process really takes a lifetime. That is why I always say that 'Balloons for Trevor' is not about death, but about grief. It follows a child through his bereavement for about a year, exploring the confusing and conflicting emotions he experiences, as well as offering simple, Christian-based explanations for common children's questions. A list of suggestions for parents is included." -- Anne Good Cave


• Coburn, John B., Anne and the Sand Dobbies. 1964 Andrew Wyeth.
  Randy's Review: Anne and the Sand Dobbies tells the story of the death of 20 month old Cynthia Anne and the struggle of a family to come to terms with her passing vacationing on the shores of Cape Cod. A story that will tickle your imagination.
  
  
• Coloroso, Barbara, Parenting Through Crisis. Helping Kids In Times Of Loss, Grief, And Change. 2000 HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
  Randy's Review: Award-winning author Barbara Coloroso lends her wisdom to help bereaved children navigate their way through the trauma of grief. Coloroso brings her unique parenting style and anecdotal humour to inspire parents to walk their children through grief's passage. A necessary book for parents.
• Conrad, Bonnie Hunt, When a Child has Died. 1995 Fithian Press.
  Randy's Review: Offering such simple advice as putting your arms around a grieving parent, the author provides some good advice for friends trying to console a grieving friend or relative. Simple and practical information for you and your friends.
  
  
• Crider, Tom, Give Sorrow Words. 1996 Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
  Randy's Review: Follow Tom Crider as he writes about his personal saga after losing his only daughter Gretchen in an apartment fire in her junior year at college. In this very touching story, Tom tells how grief, agony, anger, and desperate fantasies make for strange and comforting bedfellows connecting him with his deceased daughter. I felt a true empathy and sympathy for Tom as he attempts to confront his grief.



• Davies, Phyllis, Grief Climb Toward Understanding. 1996 Sunnybank Publishers.
  Randy's Review: While I enjoyed the poetry that begins this book, the real value of "Grief Climb Towards Understanding" can be found in the numerous checklists that adorn the last third of the book. There is a wealth of topics covered in this appendix from questions to ask a funeral director to a holiday survival checklist. While all of it makes for interesting reading, I think the majority of the checklists are directed at people who are looking after dying people and preparing for their eventual death. A great planning guide for some and a source of comfort and relief for others.
  
  
• Davis, Deborah L., Empty Cradle, Broken Heart. 1996 Fulcrum Publishing.
  Randy's Review: "Empty Cradle, Broken Heart" answers many of the questions that newly bereaved parents have following the death of their baby. If you find reading bereavement material difficult, then skip to the summary following each chapter titled "Points to Remember" that is more to the point and especially useful. I found myself returning to this summary even weeks after reading the book. If you read this book for only one reason, then speed read through to the "Friends" section in Chapter 12. Then make all your friends read it.
  
  
• Linda DeYmaz, Mommy, Please Don't Cry
  Reader's Review: This is a beautiful picture book that takes about 3 minutes to read. It is a wonderful book that is reassuring of what life is like in Heaven. I look to this book many times and feel comforted with the pictures and the words. My daughter is happy and no longer hurting in Heaven. I recommend this book to all parents as a quick comfort for those dark moments. -- Karli Lintner
  
  
• Dodd, Robert V., Helping Children Cope With Death. 1984 Herald Press.
  Randy's Review: A small booklet on bereavement that might go unnoticed if it were not for two particularly helpful chapters titled "What Not To Tell Them" and "What We Should Tell Them". The lesson learned in these two little chapters is that as parents and caregivers, we speak directly and truthfully to children about death. It has a Christian leaning but the core advice applies to all parents and caregivers dealing with bereaved children.
  
  
• Donnelly, Katherine Fair, Recovering From The Loss Of A Child. 1994 The Berkley Publishing Group.
  Randy's Review: The author follows the lives of a number of bereaved families through the different ups and downs following the loss of the children. To be sure you don't lose track of who is who in this book, it is best read over a short period of time. Interesting follow-up of the families ten years after the first writing of the book. Good reading for both young adults and parents who are grieving the loss of a child.
  
  
• Donnelly, Katherine Fair, Recovering from the Loss of a Sibling. 1998 Dodd Mean, & Company.
  Randy's Review: Bereaved siblings enjoy unique grief following the loss of a brother or sister. This book answers questions specific to sibling grief and thereby acknowledges an often minimized and ignored segment of the grieving population. A well written guide for teenage children and their parents.



• Fahy, Mary, The Tree That Survived The Winter. 1989 Paulist Press.
  Randy's Review: An inspiring book for adults and children of all ages that speaks to hope and survival through dark, cold, and lonely times.
  
  
• Fein, Leonard, Against the Dying of the Light. 2001 Jewish Lights Publishing.
  Randy's Review: Author Leonard Fein chronicles the sudden death of his 30 year old daughter and opens a window to the grief, desolation, and despair of a father letter go. A moving story about a father's struggle to understand his daughter's sudden death. Keep a facial tissue handy to dry your eyes.
  
  
• Fox, Sandy, I Have No Intention of Saying Good-bye. 2001 Writers Club Press.
  Randy's Review: One question that comes up again and again from bereaved parents is what is it going to be like for them 5, 10, or more years after the loss of their loved one. This book serves to answer that question as 25 families get together to share their stories and bear their souls 5 or more years after their. I found the author’s observations following the stories to be very insightful. Something all bereaved people will be able to relate to.
  
  
• Finkbeiner, Ann K., After The Death Of A Child - Living With Loss Through The Years. 1996 The Free Press.
  Randy's Review: As a bereaved parent, you won't feel so alone when you hear your own sentiments reflected in Finkbeiner's firsthand encounter of grief surrounding the loss of her child. It kept my attention from beginning to end.
  
  
• Galinsky, Nadine, When a Grandchild Dies. 1999 Gal In Sky Publishing Company.
  Randy's Review: A complete guide for grandparents on how to mourn the loss of a grandchild. With friends and family focused on the feelings of the parents, the grandparents and their grief are often ignored. "When a Grandchild Dies" offers practical advice for grandparents mixed with stories and quotes from those who experienced a similar loss. You will find it a light read with interesting and different subject matter than you might expect.



• Gambill, Andrea, Food for the Soul. A "Best of Bereavement Poetry Collection. 1996 Bereavement Publishing Inc.
  Randy's Review: This book features some of the best and most popular poetry that have appeared over the years in Bereavement magazine. It is the hope of the authors that the poetry will provide hope, and new insight and perspective to the bereaved and I quite agree. Each poem has a different story to tell and my only regret is that there were not more of them to read.



• Golden, Thomas R., Miller, James E., When A Man Faces Grief., and Miller, James E., Golden, Thomas R., A Man You Know is Grieving. 1998 Willowgreen Publishing.
  Randy's Review: These two books focus on a proposed masculine mode of healing from loss characterized by action instead of interaction, and healing the future instead of talking about the past. I can see that these books would be a really good gift for a grieving male to give his wife or significant other so that she may better understand his grieving process. I found that my wife understood very little of why I kept everything inside and forged on following the loss of my son. The generalizations of male grieving may not identify all males and their grieving behaviors, but it is an interesting look at proposed gender differences on coping with loss. These two books are sold as a set and are exclusively available through Tom Golden's web site at www.webhealing.com.
  
  
• Golden, Thomas R., Swallowed by a Snake. The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing. 1996 Golden Healing Publishing.
  Randy's Review: Swallowed by a Snake explores the masculine side of grief and evaluates the gender differences of how men and women deal differently with loss. Tom Golden discusses his theories blended with his personal experiences to provide a great resource for both men and women. Don’t forget to follow up your read of this book with a visit to Tom’s award winning website at http://www.webhealing.com.



• Goldman, Linda, Life & Loss, A Guide To Help Grieving Children. 2000 Taylor & Francis.
  Randy's Review: A wonderfully educating guide for understanding the differences, in both definition and application, between grief, bereavement, and mourning. A resource guide for educators and parents alike with outstanding resource and bibliography information.



• Grant, Julane, When Your Friend's Child Dies. 1998 Angel Hugs Publishing.
  Randy's Review: This book is so valuable that I would almost recommend handing it out at the funeral. Important and necessary, this small handbook provides advice for all of our dear friends who just don't know what to say or do when their relative or friend experiences the loss of a child. Your friends will thank you when you lend it to them.



• Grollman, Rabbi Earl A., Living With Loss, Healing With Hope, A Jewish Perspective. 2000 Beacon Press.
  Randy's Review: A thought provoking guide for Jewish mourners that will help them cope with the trauma of grief. "Living With Loss" draws you into facing your own mortality and eventually letting go of your loved one. And while the book is certainly aimed at Jewish mourners, there are lessons here for us all.
  
  
• Harris-Hendriks, Jean, Black, Dora, Kaplan, Tony, When Father Kills Mother. 1993 Taylor & Francis Inc.
  Randy's Review: A child who is bereaved by the death of one parent at the hand of another, effectively suffers the loss of both parents. When Father Kills Mother explores the psychological impact of familial homicide upon the children providing a valuable resource guide for parents, grief professionals, and emergency responders alike. A heavy read but an invaluable resource for those affected by this unique psychological trauma.



• Hipps, Richard S., When a Child Dies. 1996 Peake Road.
  Randy's Review: With a collection of powerfully moving stories, the author pleads with the reader to not lose hope and faith in light of the loss of their child. "Keep hoping and trusting in something better than you are and bigger than the world" says the Reverend Hipps. While the book is full of references to Christian scripture, I think that "When a Child Dies" offers comfort and inspiration to us all.
  
  
• Horchler, Joani Nelson & Morris, Robin Rice, The SIDS Survival Guide. 1994 SIDS Educational Services.
  Randy's Review: A great source of comfort and information, this book appeals to anyone who has ever lost a child, or anyone who has been associated with the loss of a child. Don't be confused to believe that you have to have suffered a SIDS death to gain benefit from this book. I couldn't wait to finish reading it so I could begin reading it again. A must read for anyone connected with the loss of a child.
  
  
• Huntley, Theresa, Helping Children Grieve. 1991 Augsburg Fortress.
  Randy's Review: As a grief- stricken parent suddenly having to explain death to a young child, then you will aided by this bereavement guide. "Helping Children Grieve" is well categorized for specific age groups and is presented in an easy-to-read format. Very helpful in understanding a child's grief.
  
  
• Ilse, Sherokee, Leininger, Lori, Grieving Grandparents. 1985 Wintergreen Press Inc.
  
Randy's Review: When a grandchild dies, grandparents carry the added burden of supporting their bereaved children while mourning their own loss of their grandchild. "Grieving Grandparents" offers bereaved grandparents straightforward information and advice on how to offer support to their grieving children. The information presented in this booklet is so necessary that bereaved parents might consider buying it for their parents and in-laws.


• Ilse, Sherokee, What Family and Friends Can Do. 1990 Wintergreen Press Inc.
  
Randy's Review: A small booklet that provides practical information for anyone looking to lend support to a friend or family member who has suffered the loss of a stillborn or newly born infant child. Consider it a "how-to" guide for how for dealing with the bereaved.


• Jenkins, Bill, What To Do When The Police Leave. 1999 WBJ Press.
  
Randy's Review: A much needed and valuable resource tool for people bereaved as a result of violent crime and the professionals who are involved with them. The author, a victim himself, provides helpful insight into medical & legal matters, practical advice, and hope to people affected by the homicide of a love one. I especially liked the little hidden gem at the back of the book past the bibliography entitled, "How To Help A Friend In Grief". While I hope you never have to deal with the consequences of a homicide by violent crime, keep this book in mind to refer to someone who has. They will be glad you did.


• Kagan (Klein), Henya, Gili's Book. 1998 Teacher's College Press.
  Randy's Review: Gili's Book was written by mother/author Henya Kagan (Klein) as a memorial to her daughter Gili, who died at age 11 in a car accident. Gili's Book is moving, inspiring, and very very sad. An intensely personal story of a mother's love for a child that is guaranteed to make you cry.
  
  
• Kight, Marsha, Forever Changed. 1998 Prometheus Books.
  Randy's Review: Chronicling the memories of the survivors and relatives of the survivors of the April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, Forever Changed will forever change how you view the horror of urban terrorism. Story after story of sadness, anger, courage, and heroics paints a picture of an entire community bonding together to heal their grief. Don’t sit too far from a box of tissues as you read the gripping tales of these brave souls.



• Klich,Barbara, In My Thoughts. A Handbook for Families Who Have Lost a Child In Death. 1994 Bereaved Families of Ontario.
  Randy's Review: A compelling account of what it feels like to suffer the loss of a child from bereaved mother and author Barbara Klich. I was impressed by the author's ability to describe her feelings and emotions so clearly during what was a very difficult period of her life. Honest and insightful writing that appeals to anyone who has lost a child.
  
  
• Kolatch, Alfred J., The Jewish Mourner's Book of Why. 1993 Jonathan David Publishers.
  Randy's Review: This book will help you understand the Jewish rites and rituals surrounding death burial and mourning. Written in a clear and concise manner, this book, appropriately titled "The Book of Why", has an easy-to-read question-and-answer format. Coming to terms with your faith after the loss of a loved one is often a very difficult undertaking for bereaved people; especially for those who have lost children. A very interesting and informative read.
  
  
• Kolf, June Cerza, Grandma's Tears. 1995 Baker Books.
  Randy's Review: Grandparents carry a double burden when a grandchild dies; the loss of their grandchild along with the sorrow of their bereaved and grieving child. There are many forgotten grievers when a child dies, and those on the periphery such as grandparents, are often left to suffer in silence. Without the proper guidance, grandparents risk being more of a burden to their grieving children than a support. The author, a grandmother herself, offers suggestions of how a bereaved grandparent can be both supportive to their grieving child while mourning the loss of their grandchild. I think that this book will help bereaved parents and grandparents establish a mutually beneficial dialogue so they can be supportive of one another.
  
  
• Kroen, William C., Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One. 1996 Free Spirit Publishing Inc.
  Randy's Review: Don't let the friendly appearance and large print fool you into believing that this is a children's book. This is a hands-on practical reference guide to help parents and other caregivers approach their grieving children. The advice is easy for parents to follow in helping children of all ages come to terms with a loss.
  
  
• Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth, On Children and Death. 1997 Simon & Schuster. Randy's Review: One of the pioneers of death and dying research, Kubler-Ross's "On Children and Death" offers a little bit for everyone but not everything for any one. Like me, you will probably find yourself scouring the book reading some chapters while overlooking others. Speaking as a bereaved parent, I found this book lacking the soul and compassion you get from authors who are also bereaved parents. I think this book is a fabulous resource for parents soon to be bereaved more than the already bereaved. Great bibliography.
  
  
• Kushner, Harold S., When Bad Things Happen To Good People. 1989 Avon Books.
  Randy's Review: As a bereaved parent and believer in God, Kusher helps bereaved parents re-establish their faith in God. While this book is an acclaimed bestseller, I, as a bereaved parent will warn you that this is a book that you will either love or hate. It will either restore your faith, or make you feel even more angry and conflicted than before. Read at your own peril.
  
  
• Lagorio, Jeanne, Life Cycles. 1997 Empowerment in Action.
  Randy's Review: "Life Cycles" offers valuable insights and instructions to assist children in the process of facing the issues of death, grief, and moving on with life. Well suited for child educators and child bereavement counsellors alike, "Life Cycles" helps all children who have experienced a loss complete the grieving process. I particularly enjoyed the "Discussion Questions" and "Possible Answers" of one of my favorite children's bereavement books, "The Fall of Freddie the Leaf".
  
  
• Levang, Elizabeth, When Men Grieve. 1998 Fairview Press.
  Randy's Review: Through the essays of 11 men, "When Men Grieve" identifies a unique male grieving style different from the more commonly discussed female approach to grieving. It appears to be the hope of the author that identifying this unique grieving style will help the spouses, friends, and relatives cope with their male grieving counterparts. You will find "When Men Grieve" an interesting read whether or not you accept a uniquely male grieving model.
  
  
• Levitt, Stacey, I Am a Rose. 1996 Privately Published.
  Randy's Review: The collection of poetry in "I Am a Rose" was written by Stacey Levitt throughout the 18 years of her short life. The book was published posthumously by her father Ned following her tragic death in 1996. Perhaps it is unfair to review a book that is almost unavailable as it is distributed privately through the Levitt Family in Toronto Canada. This little treasure collection of poetry continues to motivate and inspire people throughout the world who are touched by Stacey's love and appreciation of life. The book also contains some truly touching sentiments from Stacey's family who are still coming to terms with her absence.
  
  
• Limbo, Rana K., Wheeler, Sarah Rich. When a Baby Dies. 1998 Bereavement Services.
  Randy's Review: As a bereaved parent, you will be moved by the stories from other bereaved parents and bereavement professionals. There are some great checklists to help bereavement professional caregivers assist parents and families experiencing the death of a child. Something for everyone in this bereavement handbook.
  
  
• Limbo, Rana K., Wheeler, Sara Rich, Gensch, Bonnie K., Family & Friends. How You Can Help When a Baby Dies. 2001 Bereavement Services.
  Randy's Review: A pamphlet for family and friends looking to offer support and encouragement for parents bereaved following the loss of a child. A great handout for funeral and mourning venues.



• Lord, Janice Harris, No Time for Goodbyes. 1987 Pathfinder Publishing.
  Randy's Review: No Time for Goodbyes is written to the unique grievers who have lost loved ones to violent crimes. This book is filled with touching and tragic stories combined with suggestions and techniques for surviving the tragedy of losing loved ones to violent death. There is a great resource section at the back of the book containing the addresses and phone numbers for organizations connected to surviving a death resulting from crime. Well organized with especially tragic story content.
  
  
• Lothrop, Hannah, Help, Comfort & Hope after Losing Your Baby in Pregnancy or the First Year. 1997 Fisher Books.
  Randy's Review: The inclination of a cruel society to deny grief from mothers experiencing a miscarriage, stillborn, or neonatal death necessitates a book such as "Comfort & Hope after Losing Your Baby in Pregnancy or the First Year". This book serves to comfort and guide this particular group from the bereaved community as they combat often unfeeling and insensitive friends and family who do not see them as genuinely bereaved. The format of the books lends itself well to being a workbook as much as a reading book for people suffering a miscarriage, stillborn, or neonatal child death.
  
  
• McCracken, Anne & Semel, Mary. A Broken Heart Still Beats: After Your Child Dies.
  Randy's Review: This book takes your back and forth through history providing a fascinating collection of stories, poems, and essays from the likes of William Shakespeare, Anne Murrow Lindbergh, and Robert Frost. I found the stories within the book both shocking and insightful as the various personalities discuss their thoughts on grief. The sheer numbers of contributors and volume of materials suggests that as a grieving parent, you are part of a very large and horrible club.
  
  
• McGrath, Eileen, Limited Life Lasting Love. 1998 Resources for Christian Living.
  Randy's Review: This booklet is intended to aid crisis intervention workers or laypeople in confronting mothers who are newly bereaved following the loss of a young child. The author identifies the common feelings and emotions associated with loss and provides blank spaces for the reader to share her feelings. Short and to the point, "Limited Life Lasting Love" is comforting and a therapeutic resource to the newly bereaved mother.
  
  
• Mehren, Elizabeth, After The Darkest Hour The Sun Will Shine Again. 1997 Simon & Schuster.
  Randy's Review: Check out this book if only to read Chapter 15 entitled "Baby Steps" where the author gives credit to all the little healing steps bereaved parents take on the road to healing. Every parent grieving the loss of a infant or child will identify the sentiments touched on in this chapter.
  
  
• Menten, Ted, After Goodbye. 1994 Running Press.
  Randy's Review: After Goodbye tells the story of people who have found to live again following the loss of a loved one. A touching and serious story that inspires hope.



• Miller, Sukie, Finding Hope When A Child Dies. 1999 Simon & Schuster.
  Randy's Review: The author introduces a number of enlightening ethnic and cultural perspectives to answer some of the more common questions of bereaved parents suffering the loss of a child. The healing stories from other non-western world cultures offer hope and inspiration for the bereaved. There is such a variety of material that you will find this an interesting read unlike anything you have seen before.



• Morgan, Terry, Cunningham, James, Goldstein, Ray, and Katz, Earl, Fathers Grieve, Too. 1985 Centering Corporation.
  Randy's Review: While Fathers Grieve, Too is a small pamphlet, it speaks to the very important issue of fathers being the neglected grievers. The authors encourage men to express their feelings of grief and overcome their natural instinct to suppress them. A little pamphlet that makes a big point in reminding us to not forget our male grievers following the loss of a child.
  
  
• Morrow, Judy Gordon, Gordon, Nancy, Silent Cradle. 1998 Light and Life Communications.
  Randy's Review: Judy Gordon Morrow lets women know they are not alone in grieving in sharing her own story of personal loss. Judy's story narrative is followed by Nancy Gordon's journal questions that summarize and reflect on the chapter just discussed. If you have suffered a miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn loss, then you will find "Silent Cradle" medicine for your broken heart. This may be a good gift for someone you know who has experienced such a terrible loss.
  
  
• Palatnik, Lori, Remember My Soul. 1998 Leviathan Press.
  Randy's Review: Well-suited for anyone wanting to understand Jewish doctrines around death, Remember My Soul is a book you will have trouble putting down. This book is clearly designed to teach and not to preach taking you through the Jewish mourning rituals. Inspiring, insightful, and spiritual for Jews and Gentiles alike.
  
  
• Peppers, Larry G., Knapp, Ronald J., How To Go On Living After The Death Of A Baby. 1985 Peachtree Publishers Limited.
  Randy's Review: This book outlines the textbook stages of the grief process including stories from people who have suffered losses resulting from mainly stillborn and neonatal death. If you are interested in hearing another take on what to expect when you are bereaved, then this book does it well. Unfortunately it lacks the soul of a book written by a bereaved parent who has is able to reflect direct experience of being down in the trenches of grief. Professionals may benefit from the chapter entitled "Mothers, Doctors, and Hospitals".
  
  
• Rando, Therese A., Parental Loss of a Child. 1986 Research Press Company.
  Randy's Review: Rando brings together many of the foremost grief researchers in an in-depth literature Randy's Review of the research surrounding the loss of a child. While the book is well written and comes together nicely, it is definitely a book for professional child-care workers and grief researchers. While full of information, Parental Loss of a Child is heavy reading resembling a textbook on child loss.
  
  
• Rosof, Barbara D., The Worst Loss. 1994 Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
  Randy's Review: As a clinician dealing extensively with the bereaved, the author attempts to answer many of the questions people have about grief. Providing a healthy mix of families' own stories, "The Worst Loss" provides people the tools they need to fix a family fractured as the result of the death of a child. This book taught me a lot about how and why people grieve.
  
  
• Rothman, Juliet Cassuto, The Bereaved Parent's Survival Guide. 1997 The Continuum Publishing Company.
  Randy's Review: With so much literature on the subject of bereavement, few guides are as detailed and complete as The Bereaved Parent's Survival Guide. This reference guide does a wonderful job at addressing the painfully difficult questions a bereaved parent may need to answer in the days, weeks, and years following the loss of a child. I especially liked the section entitled "Some People Don't Know What To Say" which reminds us of the need to educate our family and friends on how to speak to the bereaved. Unlike a lot of reference books on bereavement, I found The Bereaved Parent's Survival Guide a comfortable read.
  
  
• Sanders, Catherine M., How to Survive the Loss of a Child. 1998 Prima Publishing.
  Randy's Review: A good instruction book for the newly bereaved who find themselves overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of grief reactions. Saunders frames her advice to the bereaved in a context of her own grief as a bereaved parent. The whole book kept my attention and some of the stories are sure to make you cry.
  
  
• Sarnoff Schiff, Harriet, The Bereaved Parent. 1978 Penguin Books.
  Randy's Review: The lessons taught by Sarnoff Schiff are as true today as they were in 1978. A book for the ages, "The Bereaved Parent" addresses many of the expectations of bereaved parents in their role as parents to surviving children. Through the use of personal anecdotes, Sarnoff Schiff shares her life as a bereaved parent and stresses that there can still be joy in life following the loss of a child. An excellent book for teens and adults alike.
  
  
• Schaefer, Dan, & Lyons, Christine, How Do We Tell The Children. 1993 Newmarket Press.
  Randy's Review: The best explanation about what this book is all about is stated on the book cover. It reads, "A Step-by-Step Guide for Helping Children Two to Teen Cope When Someone Dies." The author draws on his more than 25 years of experience as director of a New York funeral home to provide parents the insight and language to address the subject of death with their children. The quick reference guide towards the end of the book entitled "Crisis Section" might come in handy in an emergency when you are suddenly faced with having to explain death to children for the first time. Well worth the read.
  
  
• Schwiebert, Pat, A Grandparent's Sorrow. 1996 Perinatal Loss.
  Randy's Review: A booklet that will help grandparents better understand and support their bereaved children following the loss of a child. Grandparents suffer a dual loss and "A Grandparents Sorrow" will help mend fences and build bridges between bereaved parents and their children. A thought and discussion provoking read that includes topics such as discussing grief with children, grandchildren, friends, and God. A must read for bereaved grandparents.



• Spitz, Rabbi Elie Kaplan, Does The Soul Survive. 2000 Jewish Lights Publishing.
  Randy's Review: A scholarly yet candid discussion of the Jewish point of view on near-death experiences and reincarnation. Citing the Jewish texts of the Torah, Talmud, Mishnah, along with his own anecdotal accounts, the author produces a thought provoking argument in favour of a Jewish afterlife. Don’t forget to seek out the glossary at the back of the book to help explain the Jewish terminology.



• Strommen, Merton, Strommen, A. Irene, Five Cries of Grief. 1996 Augsburg Fortress Publishers.
  Randy's Review: The Strommen’s story takes you on a journey of strength, insight, and renewal as they come to terms with the loss of their child. A very interesting writing style as the story is told from the individual perspectives of the mother and the father in alternating chapters. Both an interesting an inspiration read for a general reading audience.



• The Doughy Center, 35 Ways to Help a Grieving Child. 1999 The Doughy Center for Grieving Children.
  Randy's Review: In the span of 51 short pages, this powerful guidebook might contain the most useful information I have ever read on helping a grieving child. 35 well though out suggestions to address the grieving child’s physical and emotional needs. Children’s drawings and pictures are provided to help the reader understand the different ways that children communicate their grief. A necessary book for parents, counselors, and educators.



• Van Praagh, James, Heaven & Earth. 2001 Spiritual Horizons Inc.
  Randy's Review: In this latest book from best selling author James Van Praagh, we are encouraged to make a psychic connection with the spirit world towards a greater understanding of our own innate psychic abilities. Peppered with his personal accounts of communications with the departed, Van Praagh continues to provide the hope that death is not the end of existence. "Heaven and Earth" is an inspiration towards a journey of self exploration towards establishing a psychic connection to other spiritual realms.



• Van Praagh, James, Reaching to Heaven. 1999 Spiritual Horizons Inc.
  Randy's Review: On the second leg of your spiritual journey beyond Van Praagh's award-winning first novel, "Talking to Heaven", you are taken on a journey through the spirit world beginning at death and ending at reincarnation. "Reaching to Heaven" teaches you how to develop your own psychic connection with the spirit world. Not as many anecdotes as in his earlier book but a good read just the same.
  
  
• Van Praagh, James, Talking to Heaven. 1997 Penguin Books.
  Randy's Review: This was probably one of the hardest books I've ever had to read, never mind review. Talking to Heaven answers to prayers of every bereaved person that dreams of seeing their loved one again. If you subscribe to the belief of an afterlife, and even if you are still on the fence, James van Praagh makes a convincing argument for life after death. I so wanted to believe it was true, that I must admit I fell in love with hope and for a moment abandoned my objectivity. A New York Times #1 Bestseller that I found a thoroughly enjoyable read.
  
  
• Vanderveen, Vicki W., The Music in Your Brother’s Name. 2001 Writers Club Press.
  Randy's Review: A mother recounts her experiences and offers her insights into grief following the death of her child. The book is an open letter to her 5 surviving children explaining how their brother’s death has impacted on their lives. This story comes right from the heart without a hint of pretense and serves as a demonstration of honour to the memory of a departed son. A must read for bereaved parents that is hard to put down.
  
  
• Weiss, Brian L., Many Lives, Many Masters. 1988 Simon & Schuster Inc.
  Randy's Review: When I finished reading this book, I turned to my wife and remarked that "Many Lives Many Masters" will either cause you to scoff in disbelief, or cause you to rethink everything you ever thought about life after death. I respect Weiss in that he offers up his experiences and does not taint our reading experience with his own personal opinion. There are some serious things for bereaved parents to think about after reading this book. Even as a non-believer, it has given me a reason to evaluate my own beliefs.
  
  
• Weiss, Brian, Messages From The Masters. 2000 Warner Books Inc.
  Randy's Review: Brian Weiss has tapped into the human soul and spirit as he continues to prop open the door he first edged ajar in "Many Lives, Many Masters". In "Messages From The Masters", Brian provides hope, inspiration, and the wisdom of the everlasting teachers. Of special interest is Appendix A entitled "Shared Spiritual Values" which demonstrates the commonalities and unities of the major religions when you strip aware the surface rituals. Brian toasts immortality through love. If you enjoyed "Many Lives Many Masters", you are going to love this offering.



• Weizman, Savine Gross and Kamm, Phyllis, About Mourning - Support & Guidance for the Bereaved. 1987 Human Science Press.
  Randy's Review: This book is a good handbook for the general bereaved population. Bereaved parents with living children may want to read Chapter 6 entitled "Helping Children and Adolescents to Mourn where a good overview of child and adolescent grieving is provided.
  
  
• Wezeman, Phyllis Vos, Wezeman, Kenneth R., Finding Your Way after Your Child Dies. 2001 Ave Maria Press Inc.
  Randy's Review: You can run into your grief in so many of your daily routines from the familiar faces in the mall, grocery store and schoolyard. Many of these commonplace occurrences and moments are discussed with a format of reflective overview, ritual exploration, scripture passages, and Christian prayer to better prepare you for life after your loss. This book ministers the reader to form a closer tie with God to survive the loss.



• Wiersbe, David W., Gone But Not Lost. 1992 Baker Books.
  Randy's Review: Using the Bible as a source of comfort, pastor David Wiersbe provides answers and hope to the thoughts and feelings of parents bereaved following the loss of a child. If you subscribe to the Christian religious ideology presented by the author, you will find comfort and direction in Gone But Not Lost.



• Wolfelt, Alan D., Healing the Bereaved Child. 1996 Companion Press.
  Randy's Review: Designed for caregivers of bereaved children, "Healing the Bereaved Child" suggests caregivers embrace a more holistic view of the necessary and natural process, which is grief. This book appears to be a wonderful instructional guide for child bereavement counsellors, but too academic for the general child bereavement community.
  
  
• Wolterstoroff, Nicholas, Lament For A Son. 1987 William B. Eerdman's Publishing Company.
  Randy's Review: The honest expression of a bereaved parent saying goodbye to his departed son. Reaching into the depths of his grief, Wolterstoroff will help others articulate their own pain an suffering. A very intense story of a man coming to terms with his Christian faith in light of the extreme circumstances of his loss.
  


• Wunnenberg, Grieving the Child I Never Knew. 2001 Zondervan Publishing House.
  Randy's Review: A Christian resource and journal for those suffering the loss of an unborn or newly born child. A guide to help you seek forgiveness from yourself, others, and God for the loss of your child. This book has a heavy religious leaning that can provide comfort and promote healing for the bereaved.

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