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Readings for Remembrance: A Collection for Funerals and Memorial Services
An thoughtful, reflective selection of readings for the bereaved brings together scripture verses, hymns, and writings and poetry by authors ranging from John Milton to D. H. Lawrence, all uniquely suitable for funeral or memorial service gatherings. By the creator of Wedding Readings. Original.
- GenresPoetry
Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 27, 2023
You know you are getting old when you are considering readings for your own memorial service. Kristi & Abby Tabby
November 30, 2008
I'm the first person to rate or review this book. At this point I don't have anything to offer comparison because it is the first of its kind I have read, and perhaps, comparison would be the best method of review for a compilation that is intended for such a purpose as this one: to aid those in mourning and to offer quotations that may be used at funeral and memorial services, or which might simply serve as a reminder that one is not alone in grieving.
As far as presentation is concerned, the book does an excellent, tasteful job by using simple illustrations of flowers on every few pages. The manner of organization was helpful, and made sense, complete with an index as well as a "recommended reading" selection which specifies which poems/passages may be particularly helpful to those suffering from a specific loss (such as the loss of a mother, father, sibling, friend, etc.). In addition, there is a rather thoughtful introduction and a brief explanation before each chapter. I was particularly grateful that most of the Psalms and religious poems were given a chapter of their own, because it allowed me to easily skim/skip them. While I respect the comfort religious texts offer to some, I have no personal appreciation of them.
The selections as a whole are varied, and some are questionable. I don't see much benefit in some of the more outdated passages that were very specific works of mourning for famous people or literary characters. I prefer quotations to which more people can easily relate, and believe those should comprise the majority of such a book. There were quite a few poems in particular that did not seem at all relevant to death or grieving, and these prevent me from rating the book higher. The choices were very hit-or-miss, but I suppose that varied reactions are a given; people will feel differently depending upon their religious beliefs, personal reading preferences, and the nature of their loss.
Perhaps after reading more books with the same purpose, I will adjust my rating and opinion so that it is more helpful.
As far as presentation is concerned, the book does an excellent, tasteful job by using simple illustrations of flowers on every few pages. The manner of organization was helpful, and made sense, complete with an index as well as a "recommended reading" selection which specifies which poems/passages may be particularly helpful to those suffering from a specific loss (such as the loss of a mother, father, sibling, friend, etc.). In addition, there is a rather thoughtful introduction and a brief explanation before each chapter. I was particularly grateful that most of the Psalms and religious poems were given a chapter of their own, because it allowed me to easily skim/skip them. While I respect the comfort religious texts offer to some, I have no personal appreciation of them.
The selections as a whole are varied, and some are questionable. I don't see much benefit in some of the more outdated passages that were very specific works of mourning for famous people or literary characters. I prefer quotations to which more people can easily relate, and believe those should comprise the majority of such a book. There were quite a few poems in particular that did not seem at all relevant to death or grieving, and these prevent me from rating the book higher. The choices were very hit-or-miss, but I suppose that varied reactions are a given; people will feel differently depending upon their religious beliefs, personal reading preferences, and the nature of their loss.
Perhaps after reading more books with the same purpose, I will adjust my rating and opinion so that it is more helpful.
December 13, 2013
I always return to this book everytime I feel hopeless. These are great collections of works about the pangs of losing someone one loves and numerous works of literature to deal this unavoidable reality that every human being on earth must endure: death.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews