Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simple, Straightforward and Profound, 26 Oct 1998
By A Customer
The title words "action program" and "recovery" accurately depict what this book is all about. It is simple. It is straightforward. It is profound. We all experience loss. Loss of people, jobs, beliefs etc., are all common human experiences. What is not common, however, is how these losses specifically affect us. We each have our own ways of internalizing and coping. And, some of the ways we cope can weigh heavily on us for many years following the loss experience. Friedman and James do a beautiful job of laying out a plan for identifying, understanding, and moving beyond the loss experiences that still weigh us down. They hold our hand and walk us through, step-by-step, a journey into the inner areas that we have previously avoided due to discomfort and lack of processing skills. Taking their clear direction, pen in hand, I followed their suggested writing exercises to begin the journey. Upon completion, I learned things about myself that have had a deeply profound impact. Most important, I freed myself of unresolved emotional garbage that was clouding my ability to grow. To say that this is the most important book I have ever read is an understatement.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Usually I scan books - this time I read every word. LM, 23 Jun 1998
By A Customer
My name is "Laurie" Murphy. I am one of the golf buddies acknowledged in the back of the book by co-author Russell Friedman. On Tuesday, a couple of weeks ago Russell gave me a signed copy of the book as a gift. While I was thrilled to receive it, I had no urgent need to read it, not having experienced any major losses in the past several years. On Tuesday night, out of a sense of courtesy to Russell, I sat down to "scan" it, so I could at least tell him that I had looked at it. I am normally a person who reads full length books in a couple of hours, as I tend to scan-read. Imagine my surprize, when I found myself reading every single word. And, even though I had no recent losses, I could not put the book down. I noticed almost immediately that the book was comfortable to read, that is, I didn't feel "talked down to." Later, as the book started giving examples and instructions, I found myself participating in the exercises, if not unwillingly, at least unwittingly. The book had gently induced me to participate in a process of discovery. I found myself thinking about events and people that I hadn't thought about in many years. I am now going to do as the book suggests, and not rest on just reading; I am going to take the actions outlined in the book. The other major awareness I had was about many of the things I have said to grieving people that may not have been helpful to them, even though my intentions were honorable. At the same time, I remembered how many times I had not appreciated some of the comments made to me following my own loss experiences. I found the information in the book to be very illuminating, and I already feel more comfortable, knowing that I am a little better prepared when I talk to someone who has just experienced a loss of any kind. To sum it up; I was reading the book out of a sense of obligation to a friend, and wound up reading it for myself. I found it eye-opening and heart-opening in the most positive sense. I have no dou! bt that anyone who has recently experienced a loss will benefit from the book and actions it will help them take. LM 6-24-98.
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential before or after losses of all kinds., 17 Mar 1999
By A Customer
"So much of life depends on how well we deal with the inevitable losses that occur. It is wonderful to know that something as helpful as The Grief Recovery Handbook exists to help those who are dealing with death, divorce, and other losses." Jane Seymour, Award Winning Actress, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman."You don't know me, but you probably knew of my Dad, Michael Landon. I have known and been helped by John W. James and Russell Friedman, in seminars and through the incredible process outlined in The Grief Recovery Handbook. Whether your loss was recent or a long time ago, this book is invaluable in dealing with all of the feelings caused by significant losses of any kind." Leslie Landon Matthews, Ph.D. "I am familiar with the life affirming work of Russell Friedman and John W. James at The Grief Recovery Institute. I am pleased to recommend theri new book, The Grief Recovery Handbook. While we all know how to grieve, completing the pain caused by loss is essential. This book is the toolkit for recovery." Tom Campbell, United States Congressman. "The Grief Recovery Handbook is an oasis for anyone who finds themselves wandering in the desert of grief and loss. It is refreshing water to a thirsty soul." Rev. Bob Sands, Hollywood, FL. "I have referred many congregants to The Grief Recovery Handbook, they have all found it helpful. I will continue to use it in my counseling sessions." Rabbi Mel Glaser, N. Brunswick, NJ "As the bereavement care director for a mortuary, I find The Grief Recovery Handbook an invaluable resource. One of the strong points of the book is its respect for widely varying religious and professional principles when dealing with unresolved grief issues." Agnes Lestico, Lompoc, CA
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