Holiday Reading List for Widows
The holidays can be an especially difficult time for widows. Traditions and family gatherings can conjure memories and emotions that leave widows feeling exhausted. It’s in these times that leaning on the support of loved ones or cozying up with a good read can really help. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of Northstar recommended reading (and listening) for the special widows in our network who might need a little extra care this season to help them navigate through.
Kristina George recommends:
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. This guide can help you survive, cope, and heal.
The Last Things We Talk About gives readers and their loved ones the opportunity as death approaches to affirm, celebrate, and remember the people and experiences they cherish in life. The author guides readers step-by-step through the process of making aging and death-related decisions. This includes defining personal values and wishes as well as planning for practical medical, financial, and legal considerations, before and after the passing of a loved one.
Rachel Decarolis recommends:
It's OK That You're Not OK is good for both widows and their loved ones who want some guidance on what to do or say.
Podcast – Terrible, Thanks for Asking (Nora McInerny)
Barbara, member of Modern Widows Club, recommends:
Healthy Healing by Michelle Steinke-Baumgard was the one book in the early years of my widowhood journey (besides ‘fluff fiction’ - the equivalent of Hallmark Channel movies) that had a huge impact on me. The first four chapters are filled with heartfelt, personal insights on the author’s own widowhood journey and the remaining chapters, designed as a workbook, underscored the importance of taking care of yourself, nutritionally, physically and emotionally. Advice sorely needed. After reading this book, I began following Michelle’s Facebook page “One Fit Woman” and it continues to be a source of inspiration and insight for me.
A close second is This Is Not The Life I Ordered with a forward by Rita Moreno. Four friends (and the women they interviewed) explain how they not only survived, but thrived during the worst that life tossed at them. An encouraging, easy read, each chapter is loaded with practical, helpful information. There’s so much food for thought and insight in this book!
