The Graveyard Book Review
The novel is particularly poignant in its portrayal of the often isolating feeling of loss, alongside the crucial role that communities, friends and family can play in overcoming this.
H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald
Having just won the coveted 2014 Samuel Johnson prize for non-fiction, we thought we should feature Helen MacDonald’s book ‘H is for Hawk’ here. It tells the story of how her father’s death prompted Helen to follow a childhood dream and become a falconer. She discusses how the experience of working with a bird of prey, being in natural surroundings and feeling her soul sore with the bird helped her to gain a new insight into death, grief and loss.…
Humour as a Salve
Force, N (May 3, 2011) Humor’s Hidden Power: Weapon, Shield and Psychological Salve, Braeden Press It is often said that “laughter is the best medicine,” but this aphorism fails to fully express the power inherent in humor. Humour’s Hidden Power reveals how humor has empowered people to overcome overwhelming circumstances throughout history, how laughter changes brain chemistry and functioning, how the genders use humor differently, and the ways in which comedians have used humor to heal themselves and others through…
Three Pillars of Zen Review
Kapleau, Roshi P (35 Rev Updated Edition, 2013) Three Pillars of Zen, New York: Anchor Books, division of Random House Philip Kapleau (who died fairly recently in his 90s) was one of the first, if not the first, Westerner to qualify as an accredited Zen Master. His book is also one of the first to concentrate on the practice of Zen, rather than the theory and philosophy. Most poignantly he discusses notions of death within the practice of Zen…
Michael Rosen’s Sad Book Review
Rosen, Michael (2004), Michael Rosen’s Sad Book, Walker Books As a trained bereavement counsellor of over three years, I was introduced to this book during a training session about working creatively with the bereaved. I have given the book to several clients to read during our work together and recommended it to many others. To purchase click: The Sad Book
A Grief Observed Review
Lewis, CS (1961, 2013) A Grief Observed, London: Faber and Faber CS LEWIS (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics, the Chronicles of Narnia. Nevertheless, CS Lewis was also a devoted husband who married late in life and like many widowers…
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