Books about grief from a religious perspective
Most of the links from the book titles below will lead you to Amazon.com, where you can learn more about the book, read reviews about it, and order it if you'd like. Most of these books can be purchased through other book sellers, as well, or found at your local library.
From a Christian perspective
For children
Daddy's Promise
by Cindy Klein Cohen, Michael J. Gordon, John T. Heiney; Promise Publishing Company, 1997
Answers common questions about death and coping. A small boy is reassured through open interactions with his mom and dream-like interactions with his dead father.
What Happened When Grandma Died
by Peggy Barker; Concordia Publishing House, 1989
This book is about a young girl whose grandma recently died.
For adults
Don't Take My Grief Away From Me
by Doug Manning; HarperSanFrancisco, 1984
This pastoral perspective explains grief as friend, not enemy.
Getting Through the Night: Finding Your Way after the Loss of a Loved One
by Eugenia Price; Ballantine Books, 1991
Offers inspiration and comfort following loss.
Getting to the Other Side of Grief: Overcoming the Loss of a Spouse
by Robert Devries, Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge; Baker Book House, 1999
A psychologist and pastor collaborated on this book after both were widowed.
A Grief Observed
by C. S. Lewis; HarperSanFrancisco, 2001
First published in 1961 under the name N. W. Clerk, it is the author's journal of doubts, rage and faith journey following the death of his wife.
He Gathers Your Tears: Words of Comfort for a Widow's Heart
by Phyllis Moore; Wynwood, 2002
This candid, unfettered account pairs journal entries with scriptures of hope.
A Journey Through Grief
by Alla Renee Bozarth, Alla Bozarth-Campbell; Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services, 1994
An Episcopal priest and poet reflects on grief as a journey back to life in this short book.
Life Is Goodbye Life Is Hello: Grieving Well Through All Kinds Of Loss
by Alla Renee Bozarth, Alla Bozarth-Campbell; Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services, 1994
In this short book, an Episcopal priest and poet reflects on life as a gift.
Praying Our Goodbyes
by Joyce Rupp; Ave Maria Press, 1988
This scripturally based book includes end of chapter questions for reflection and 24 prayer experiences.
A Time to Grieve: Meditations for Healing After the Death of a Loved One
by Carol Staudacher; HarperSanFrancisco, 1994
When Grief Breaks Your Heart
by James W. Moore; Abingdon Press, 1995
From a Jewish perspective
For children
A Candle for Grandpa: A Guide to the Jewish Funeral for Children and Parents
by David Techner and Judith Hirt-Manheimer; Urj Press, 1993
An 11 year-old boy recognizes the first anniversary of his grandfather's death. This book is listed for the kindergarten to third grade levels.
Mourning & Mitzvah
by Anne Brener
Saying Goodbye to Grandpa
Saying Goodbye to Grandma
by Mosha Haleni Spero, PhD; Pitspopany Press, 1997
Written for ages 4 to 8, both books explain the Jewish mourning process and include pages for parents.
Tikun Olam: Fixing the World
Anne Lobock Fenton; Brookline Books, 1997
In this poignant story, a good-natured handyman tries to fix his sick friend.
The Ugly Menorah
by Marissa Moss; Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1996
During the first Hanukkah after her grandfather's death, Rachel comes to value the homemade menorah and its history.
When a Grandparent Dies: A Kid's Own Remembering Workbook for Dealing with Shiva and the Year Beyond
by Nechama Liss-Levinson, PhD; Jewish Lights Publishing, 1995
For adults
The Death of Death: Resurrection and Immortality in Jewish Thought
by Neil Gillman; Jewish Lights Publishing, 1997
A professor of Jewish philosophy with excellent knowledge of history comes down on the side of bodily resurrection.
The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning
by Maurice Lamm; Jonathon David Publishers, 2000
Although highly recommended, one reviewer noted it is limited to American Ashkenazi Jewish law and customs.
Mourning and Mitzvah: A Guided Journal for Walking the Mourner's Path Through Grief to Healing
by Anne Brenner; Jewish Lights Publishing, 2001
This journal for walking the mourner's path through grief to healing includes over 60 guided exercises.
The Orphaned Adult
by Marc D. Angel; Insight Books, 1987
The author confronts the death of a parent from a Jewish perspective.
So That Your Values Live On
by Jack Riemer and Nathanial Stampfer; Jewish Lights Publishing, 1991
This collection of ethical wills comes with a primer on how to write one.
Speak to Me: Grief, Love and What Endures
by Marcie Hershman; Beacon Press, 2002
The author shares a personal account of her brother's death.
A Time to Mourn, A Time to Comfort: A Guide to Jewish Bereavement and Comfort
by Dr. Ron Wolfson; Jewish Lights Publishing, 1995
Written from a layperson’s perspective, this guide includes a three-page bibliography.
What Happens After I Die? Jewish Views of Life After Death
by Rifat Sonsino, Daniel B. Syme; Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) Press, 1990
This book describes and analyzes six classic Jewish views: nothingness, Sheol, resurrection in an afterlife, immortality of the soul, reincarnation, and immortality through deeds of value.