I bought this book just 1 month after the tragic death of my younger brother even though I had silently sworn that I wouldn't be one of "those people" who roamed the self-help sections in book stores seeking guidance and comfort. How pleasantly surprised I was by the frankness and refreshing honesty of this book. Those of us who've lost someone close know that the last thing you need to hear from friends (or authors) is empty promises of healing and peace. Although the author's experience in the book deals primarily with the loss of a spouse, I found a multitude of information and common ground that hit home with my own confrontations with grief. Long story short, I highly recommend this book to anyone who may have lost a spouse, grandparent, sibling, child, or friend. This book prompted me to write a journal of my own experiences and thoughts during the first year after my brother's death. In doing so, I now have a measuring stick to gauge my progress and recovery. I feel I owe Stephanie Ericsson a debt of gratitude for writing this book. It literally started me on the road to peace and acceptance. The highest compliment I could pay her is that I've given the book to numerous friends who've also lost loved ones.