The Grief Club

Melody Beattie
Hazelden (2006)
ISBN 1592853498
Reviewed by Shannon Bailes for Reader Views (9/06)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it enlightened me to the fact that our lives are full of grief, we just might not see it that way.  The chapter I most related with was the one entitled “Remembering Changes: Facing Alzheimer’s Disease.”  My father died from complications of this disease almost 11 years ago, and I could really relate to all that was written in this chapter.  It is always good to read or hear about someone else’s journey through this dark tunnel where there are so many unknowns. 

Another chapter that moved me was entitled “Time Changes: Empty Nest and Other Rites of Passage.”  While we are not yet there completely, in less than two years the last of our four sons will leave our happy, little nest, and even now I grieve about that passage. 

Throughout the book, Beattie is solid in bringing out the best of all grief situations in our lives.  Her writing shows that even through the worst situations, there is hope in everything, if you choose to find it.  In almost every chapter we read about a seemingly lost and hopeless circumstance, but by the end of the chapter, we feel that the voyage you are on does not have to consume you, it can make you better and stronger.

I particularly enjoyed the statistics at the end of each chapter.  All are enlightening, and added support to the reading of this book. 

I would recommend “The Grief Club” to any person that I know, especially those who are struggling with a grief issue in their life.  It is an uplifting, sometimes heart-wrenching expression of what life really brings—hardships and joys.  The majority of life is filled with joy for most of us.  We find while reading, that some have dark clouds and are not so fortunate.  More importantly, we find between the cover of this book, that at times the only thing you have to grab onto is hope.  Look for it—it is there!

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