A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love

by Kathleen O'Hara, Dan Gottlieb (Foreword)

A Grief Like No Other is the book no one wants to ever have to buy; sadly, many people continue to need it. From 9/11 to Cindy Sheehan's son – from mass tragedies like the recent London bombings to Law and Order type crimes that make the news only to be replaced by another name. As such, more people are left with the aftermath of dealing with the violent death of a loved one. It brings its own special brand of grieving since victim's families can spend years dealing with legal ramifications, guilt, and a myriad of other circumstances that don't accompany "normal" deaths. Kathleen O'Hara knows both sides of this coin. As a therapist, she has counseled hundreds of people dealing with grief. As a mother, she saw her worst fears realized when her college-aged son was brutally murdered in 1999. In the aftermath of Aaron's murder, O'Hara developed the seven stage journey that is at the heart of A Grief Like No Other. Although this is a book for those left behind in the aftermath of violence, it offers concrete and practical steps and stages, allowing family and friends safe passage through this incredibly harrowing journey.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychology, Grief

222 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2006

Reviews

[Niamh]

giving this a rating doesn't really feel appropriate given the topic so i won't, but what i will say is it is a brilliant resource and very insightful especially if you are supporting someone in these circumstances

[Chris Dietzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is targeted specifically as dealing with grief due to the violent death of someone you love, it works just as well for dealing with grief in general. At every stage of the book O'Hara does a good job of reminding readers that each type of grief is different, and each person deals with their grief differently as well, so there is no one-stop-shop for addressing it. Instead, she provides tons of alternatives so that everyone, no matter what type of grief you endure or how you process it, can find something helpful.

Highly recommended for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.

[Susan M Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve tried a lot of books on grief to try and deal and heal with our horrific loss. Not one made me feel heard and understood until this one. Death from violence, and especially guns, is so devastating and traumatic. This book took me the full year because I kept starting and stopping because of the emotions it would invoke. However, it’s the best medicine I’ve had yet if there is such a thing to help one on a healing journey. Loved this book. Pairs well with counseling!

[Sarah Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a light read, but so very helpful if you find yourself losing someone in a traumatic way. Or if you work with or are close to someone in this situation. It is a life preserver when you feel like your are drowning in the emotions and chaos of the grief surrounding suicide, murder or other violent deaths.

[Louisa Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a great book. I recommend it to anyone that has lost someone they love to violent crime... not something I would wish on anyone (it's awful), but Kathleen O-Hara has written a generous, kind, honest, and sensitive book to help us through such a difficult experience. Thank you, Kathleen!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you never need to read this book. But you should be aware that if you do it is an excellent resource. Helpful, gentle, compassionate, and thoughtful, and (possibly most important) written by someone who has lived through it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply, the best book you could read if you find yourself in this situation. Kathleen O'Hara has been there and she gets it. She has the personal experience and the academic credentials to make some sense of the senseless.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful book for people who have lost someone from a violent or sudden death

[Queen Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insight to grief & inspiration.. A must read if you are dealing with a loss or helping someone deal with a loss.

[boat_tiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much needed...very helpful.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book in bits--taking long breaks. I will keep it close for a while.