I used to shy away from any books that would touch upon any heavy topics. I would read to get away from my regular routine. But I started reading books about grief when I experienced grieving on my own when I was 18, and I started finding comfort in these novels. These books talk about all types of grief, grieving the person you used to be, someone you miss, a relationship, a person. Some of these might seem like a stretch, but I will explain them and how I find the connection. Some of them are ones that just helped me make sense of my own grief, and for that I will always be thankful to these authors.
Hello, I Love You by Katie M. Stout
This was the first book I read that had a strong theme of grief. The main character has enrolled herself in a boarding school in Korea, hoping for a fresh start. She lost her brother and wanted to get as far as possible from the entire mess that has been going on. I bawled my eyes out when reading this one.
2. Flight Season by Marie Marquardt
This is one I read recently and I was able to relate to Vivi, making me feel like I understood her grief.
3. Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
This is one that deals with two types of grief. The grieving of a person who is no longer here and the grieving of a broken relationship, for the person you used to be with. I can relate to both Amy and Roger, feeling like I was reading a story with my two friends.
4. The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
Ezra has been one of my favorites since I read this story for the first time when I was a Freshman in high school. Ezra, to me, was grieving who he was before the car accident and was slowly letting go of who he used to be. I related to that and Ezra made me feel less alone. I still re-read this book often, feeling comforted by Ezra.
5. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Andie. Andie lost her mother a few years before the story takes place, her dad was barely active in her life and she was figuring things out for herself. Until her dad has to stay home for the summer with her and Andie and her dad talk seriously for the first time in years. Andie’s story made me feel at home, there was something comforting about her story and seeing so much of myself in her.
6. Once and For All by Sarah Dessen
Louna lost her first love in a school shooting. This one hits closer to home in today’s world, which disgusts me. Her grief is raw and powerful as we watch her try to figure out how to live her life now that he’s no longer part of it.
7. Come Back to Me by Mila Gray
This was one of my favorite books to read. Jessa grieves for a loved one, for her ex-boyfriend and the love she lost. This was one of the best books I have read.
8. Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Naomi has a difficult time with her grief. She is grieving the loss of the ideal best friend, her relationship with Ely and her relationship with her dad. I hated this book at first, I couldn’t understand Naomi. But the more I read, the more I understood her and loved Ely.
9. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Sydney’s older brother Peyton, was once the perfect son. But after driving drunk and ending up in jail, he’s no longer the role model he was. Sydney is dealing with the after math. Sydney is dealing with the realization that sometimes people we think are perfect are really just human.
10. Fireworks by Katie Cotugno
I was always the Dana. I am Dana. The shadow, the second string, the best friend of someone else which becomes your title. When Olivia ditched Dana, I wasnt shocked. But I felt for her, the way I have felt my whole life. That longing for the person who was once your best friend.
While all these books talk about different types of grief, know that these aren’t the only types of grief. Everyone grieves differently and grieving is personal. But know that you are never ever alone, and the grieving process is sometimes longer than you ever hoped it would be.
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