Best Grief & Bereavement Books of 2025

Crying in H Mart is an exceptional memoir by Michelle Zauner, the indie rock sensation known as Japanese Breakfast. It tells the story of growing up Korean American, of family, food, grief, love, and loss. Zauner's writing is honest, lyrical, and plainspoken as she shares her intimate anecdotes that will resonate widely. The book is a celebration of her mother's life and legacy, and how food helped her cope with her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis. Crying in H Mart is a must-read for anyone who enjoys memoirs and wants to understand the complexities of identity, loss, and family.

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson, 25th Anniversary Edition is a heartwarming story of an unforgettable friendship that teaches timeless wisdom on loss and grief. Mitch Albom's book is a magical chronicle of his rediscovery of college professor Morrie Schwartz in the last months of the older man's life. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live. Albom shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world, making this book an extraordinary contribution to the literature of death. This book is a must-read for anyone searching for inspiration on how to live a meaningful life.

The most helpful grief book to read when you're ready to start healing after the loss of a loved one.The grief book that just "gets it." Whether you're grieving the sudden loss of a loved one or helping someone else through their grief, I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye offers a comforting hand to help guide you through the grieving process, from the first few weeks to the longer-term emotional and physical effects. It then reveals some of the myths of the grieving process and what really happens as you navigate through the pain.Top-rated within grief books, topics include:Grieving the loss of a child, partner, parent, sibling, friend, or petThe physical and emotional effects of griefNavigating difficult days such as holidays, anniversaries, and birthdaysHelping children cope with griefUnderstanding the grief recovery processWritten by two authors who have experienced it firsthand, this book has offered solace to over one-hundred fifty-thousand people, ranging from seniors to teenagers and from the newly bereaved to those who lost a loved one years ago. An exploration of unexpected death and its role in the cycle of life, I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye provides those people coping with grief with a rock-steady anchor from which to weather the storm of pain and begin to rebuild their lives.For further step-by-step support, the I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye Companion Workbook offers a combination of self-exploration questions, visualization activities, and journaling to help readers through the grieving process.Praise for I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye:"I highly recommend this book, not only to the bereaved, but to friends and counselors as well."― Helen Fitzgerald, author of The Grieving Child, The Mourning Handbook, and The Grieving Teen"This book, by women who have done their homework on grief... can hold a hand and comfort a soul through grief's wilderness. Outstanding references of where to see other help."― George C. Kandle, Pastoral Psychologist"Finally, you have found a friend who can not only explain what has just occurred, but can take you by the hand and lead you to a place of healing and personal growth…this guide can help you survive and cope, but even more importantly... heal."― The Rebecca Review"For those dealing with the loss of a loved one, or for those who want to help someone who is, this is a highly recommended read."―Midwest Book ReviewNamed a Best Book on Losing a Parent for 2022 by Choosing Therapy.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner is a bestselling book that offers comfort and hope to readers dealing with grief and tragedy. Kushner, a spiritual leader, shares his personal experience of losing his three-year-old son to a degenerative disease and his struggle to find answers from God. The book provides a humane and moving approach to understanding life’s hardships and offers clear thinking and consolation in times of sorrow. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone dealing with grief and loss, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Seeing Beautiful Again by Lysa TerKeurst is a collection of 50 devotions that encourage readers to find redemption in every part of their story. Through personal notes, prayer prompts, and Scripture, TerKeurst provides a roadmap for those struggling with pain and change. She reminds readers that with God, there is always something good and true to hold onto. The book is perfect for those seeking a healthier way to process their pain and find hope again. Overall, Seeing Beautiful Again is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is always at work creating something new and more beautiful than we could ever imagine.

The Grief Recovery Handbook, 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition is a classic resource that explores the effects of grief and provides ways to complete the grieving process and work towards recovery and happiness. The authors draw from their own experiences and others' to illustrate how it is possible to regain energy and spontaneity. This edition includes guidance for dealing with various types of loss, making it a groundbreaking handbook that everyone should have in their library. Overall, this book provides a proven program to help grievers take specific actions to move beyond loss and is an essential read for anyone dealing with grief.

Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss is a must-have book for anyone experiencing grief. The book is not only an affirmation of the bereaved but also educates the un-bereaved, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the grieving process. The book's Grand's Cooking Tips section provides concrete recommendations and wisdom to help those who are grieving. The book is beautifully illustrated with 56 full-color pages, making it an excellent tool for children to understand the grieving process. Overall, Tear Soup is a unique and valuable book that provides comfort, support, and guidance during the difficult grieving process.

Like a River is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Granger Smith's journey of finding the strength and faith to move forward after the tragic loss of his son. The author shares his personal struggles with grief and how he found hope and healing through faith in God. Smith's story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This book is a must-read for anyone who is going through a difficult time and needs inspiration and guidance to keep moving forward.

Every Moment Holy, Volume II by Douglas Kaine McKelvey is a book of liturgies for seasons of dying and grieving. The book features over 100 liturgies, including "A Liturgy for the Scattering of Ashes" and "A Liturgy for the Loss of a Spouse." The leather-bound hardcover includes over 20 illustrations by Ned Bustard, a silk bookmark, and gilded edges. The author, Douglas Kaine McKelvey, is a songwriter and author, while Ned Bustard is a graphic designer and illustrator. This book is a valuable resource for those experiencing grief and seeking comfort.