Melba Colgrove (1930–1999)

I'd be more inclined to do 3 stars because it's pretty basic, but for sentimental reasons it gets a 4. This book meant so much to me when I was a teenager. And maybe it's so simplistic for a good reason - there were pieces of this book that have stuck with me through the years, lines that were so familiar it was as if I'd read it just last week, not 30 odd years ago.

It wasn't the perfect companion for helping me deal with the recent death of my dog, since it's obviously more directed at a break up. But there was still comfort to be had here, and reminders of how to cope through the devastating process of loss and grief.… (meer)

The absolute best book I've ever read for those recovering from a traumatic event -- the death of a loved one, a really bad break-up, the end of a dream. I received a copy after losing my first love and don't know what I would have done without it. This isn't a "traditional" self-help book -- it's not written like a novel. Each page contains one paragraph of information, and the facing page contains a short poem by Peter McWilliams. I don't know how to describe it other than to say it's very powerful -- and very life-changing. Even many years later, I can remember many of those poems. The book itself opens in stating the book is meant to be "used, not read." If you're going through a tough time, get it and use it.… (meer)