IT WON'T EVER BE THE SAME

Leigh, who has a Ph.D. in transpersonal psychology, offers a calm look at dealing with loss that acknowledges people’s widely varying reactions.

Early on, the author acknowledges many different sources of grief, including divorce, displacement and separation, medical diagnoses, and even environmental concerns, but the book largely presents responses to death. Leigh explains that losses can be ambiguous, intergenerational, or anticipatory. She identifies the different aspects of self that can be affected by grief, including emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and relationships with others. Later portions of the book deal specifically with each of these elements. Brief first-person descriptions of some teens’ own experiences (and even some of their artwork) punctuate the author’s clear, warm, expert voice. She suggests many opportunities for readers to examine and express their feelings and preserve memories. In addition to describing what grief is and how it feels, sections of the book provide both reassurance and practical ideas on how to find meaning in grief, how to redefine yourself and construct a new life following a loss, and more. Small icons indicate recurring features in the book labeled “Reflect,” “Give It a Try,” “Intention,” and “Feel.” Leigh directly addresses grieving readers, although other readers, who might simply be seeking insight on how to support a bereaved friend or relative, will find much to appreciate here.

A useful, jargon-free guidebook to navigating sorrow’s undiscovered country.