Review of An Original Grief Guide

[Rajnee Varma]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An Original Grief Guide" by Rachel Marie Rabatin.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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An Original Grief Guide by Rachel Marie Rabatin is a nonfiction book to help the reader understand and manage grief. The author was motivated to write it by her own experience of grief when her mother expired after a long illness. The author discusses grief from various perspectives under different headings. She analyzes grief and describes its five stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. She also discusses grief due to reasons other than death, like a lost relationship or job, a major change in life, or the death of a pet.

The author describes the physical and psychological symptoms of grief and suggests how to navigate through life in a state of grief. Grief is a blend of emotions like sadness, fear, love, anger, hope, and longing. Unresolved grief leads to complications, so she guides the reader through tools for grief management. She talks about handling the practicalities of funerals, etc., the role of appropriate clothing, and the proper style and color of clothing. The main tools she describes are breathing exercises, meditation, music, and different types of grief therapy. She emphasizes the importance of keeping a journal and not refraining from crying, as crying is good for managing grief.

I liked the contents on faith, God, and understanding and accepting death as reality. The author discusses the beliefs in the five major religions of the world about life, death, and life after death in relevance to Christianity. She suggests various ways and common practices to communicate with the dead, like writing to them, lighting candles and talking to them in private, praying, and also communicating through a medium, but with caution. The author has talked about her mother, her dad, and her close relationship with her stepmom. She has focused on her mother and her stepmother, but she also remembers her grandmother with passion. She has included a few photographs and a favorite recipe from her grandmother. The author’s tips on honoring a departed loved one are very helpful and practical. The religious thoughts on life and death are quite motivating.

Author Rachael explains that grief is unique for every person and has to be handled accordingly. It is to be remembered that relationships and love never die. Death is inevitable, and it is not possible to go back in time, so we must move forward. She urges the reader to take care of body, mind, and spirit, to stay active, and to develop kindness, compassion, and respect for the joys of life. The quotations, references, and meaningful poems are valuable parts of the narrative. I found the book very useful, and it helps one understand grief. I did not notice any negative aspects of the book. The editing is excellent, and there are no errors at all. I am happy to rate the book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

The book is comprehensive and deals with various aspects of grief and ways of managing it. It is written with a clear understanding, deep knowledge, and a positive approach to life. The book urges the reader to value the little reminders of eternal love in life and to honor life through the healing process. I would recommend the book to readers struggling with grief, although it will benefit and prepare others as well.

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An Original Grief Guide
View: on Bookshelves

[Singh Rakesh]

This book sounds really helpful. It's great that the author shared her personal experience with grief. The tips on coping and finding peace seem practical. It's comforting to know there's a book out there that can guide people through such a tough time.

[Enkay Favour]

“An Original Grief Guide” by Rachel Marie Rabatin offers a compassionate and thorough approach to understanding and managing grief. Through a blend of personal experience, practical advice, and diverse perspectives, the book provides valuable tools and insights for navigating the complex emotions of loss. It stands out for its holistic approach, covering not only the stages of grief but also offering practical tips and religious reflections to help readers find solace and meaning.