Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grieving and Recovery: 101 Inspirational and Comforting Stories about Surviving the Loss of a Loved One

This book fell just a bit short of what I have come to expect from Chicken Soup books. Usually reading them feels like a precious balm or holy oil is anointing my head, and the tears just run down my face and sometimes I sob and I just can't believe that a mere book can move me so deeply. So I really felt that a book entitled Grieving and Recovery would result in a huge catharsis for me, that I'd cry endlessly and feel united with the writers and their departed loved ones.However, most of these stories, in my opinion, were too close to earth and too far from heaven to stir me. Many of the writers are believers and so they do speak of a better place or an afterlife. Some had miracles to report--butterfly sightings, a beautiful heron soaring at the very moment of a friend's passing. But then there were many stories which were more focused on interests the departed had on this earth--a woman who cooked, a man who golfed--and so the stories would center on a recipe box or golf clubs that brought comfort to the bereaved. I'm truly happy that they were able to receive comfort from these simple objects left behind by their loved ones, but story after story was leaving me dry-eyed. They were pleasant stories, but I wanted more chicken soup! It happens that I just finished the Chicken Soup dog stories which were so moving that they blessed me over and over. I was a teary mess by the final page of that book. So maybe the comparison is just too great.Many of these stories show how the writers achieved some level of peace, but there was nothing special in the story that would help a reader who might be grieving. Other stories do show by example how to achieve peace whether it be by eventually donating the loved one's belongings to needy people, speaking to groups about drunk driving, talking or writing to the loved one as though he/she were still alive, or simply learning to let go and entrust that person to the hands of the Lord.Perhaps if I read this book before reading so many Chicken Soup books about messages from heaven, miracles, answered prayers, and those amazing dogs, I would have liked it better. Obviously, death isn't always pretty. Many times it's sudden and there is no time for goodbyes or words of endearment. Dying people don't always have meaningful final words. I think some of these writers were showing that the meaning of life and love is sometimes in the simple everyday acts of life. As long as you're not expecting too many heavenly events in this book, I think you'll be happy with it. And you may cry a lot more than I did. I tend to need more of the divine, I guess, in order to feel really uplifted. In fact, I was undecided between three and four stars but decided to go with four because, if nothing else, the stories are well-written and heartfelt.

As one who has been widowed almost twenty years, I was suspicious. I had tried to write a story in the requisite 1200 words and just couldn't do it. So I was anxious to read this book and even pre-ordered it.This book contained short stories of grieving. However, in each story I read, I KNEW there was more to the story than what was written. Just this once, I truly wish the stories would have been a few words longer. Sometimes you just cannot say everything in a limited number of words.The grieving process is a long, difficult road. It isn't about healing because you NEVER heal. You learn to live differently and if you are lucky, you evolve to a stronger person. Too many of these stories just didn't make it quite that far.I would hope that the Chicken Soup Editors re-evaluate the guidelines for their submissions. This book could have been A LOT better.

First, the book itself arrived in pristine condition. As to the reading material, the mixture of detailed stories within have truly given me an odd sense of comfort that my grief is understood, and even shared, in this world.

"Chicken Soup For The Soul - Grieving and Recovery" was excellent. I am a grieving widow of 4 yrs. as of March 1, 2014 and the pain is real. My husband was very young when he passed away and there are still so many unanswered questions in my heart. I have also lost a lot of very close loved ones so when I read stories of others who have 'been there' it has a way of healing the Spirit. Jack Canfield is a huge inspiration and the stories inside this book are real and easy to relate to. I was immediately taken in from the very first chapter. It really is like Chicken Soup for the soul and nice to know someone cares.Rita Dunham

I was ready to read this book one year after a loved one died. It was perfect timing because the passing of time combined with this comforting book made me smile. Grief is hard. God provides recovery for the soul through the stories of many people in this book.

All stories in this book are touching, making me feel that I’m not alone. I’ve been grieving after losing my Mom 2 years ago. And sometimes I feel no one would listen about what I feel. I thank you so much for who had compiled the stories...

each story touches you right to your soul. amazing people who have gone through this process. heart warming to see how each one survives and recovers. also each one tells you something that might help you should you need it. very sincere caring stories. Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul: Stories About Life, Death and Overcoming the Loss of a Loved One (Chicken Soup for the Soul)  it was so gripping that i read most of this book already. it also has a family member in it. they went through this process and still are but are helping others to get through it also.

Although I am still partway through the book, it has been a blessing already. Being bereaved myself, I looked for comfort, and I have found it in this book. It is a consolation when one reads how other people tackle their problems of grief, missing those nearest to us.

Got it for a friend whose father passed away recently. Short stories offer many more viewpoints as they are from different authors. If you can't relate to one story then there are many more that you can relate to.

I like this book because it is definitely helpful with grieving

This book is helping me deal with the loss of my Mother. Hearing about other peoples stories comfort me when I'm having a difficult day.

Love these books

Got this for my mom for Christmas. She lost her mom a year ago so I thought this would give her some peace of mind.