A collection of deeply, intense personal psalms of lament.    This book took me on a higher level of grief...a more inspirational and faith-based journey through anger, questioning, and survival of my faith.

This book helped me to remember the stages of grief and that it was alright to feel (or not feel) the rollercoaster of emotions I have experienced.  She specifically speaks to parents and how you lose not only your child, but your dreams and hopes for the future. 

A powerful and heartbreaking book to read!  It's written as Iris travels through the new grief of losing her son to suicide.  This book revealed to me that there is a 'gift' to be found in Wayne's death and how it seems un-natural to think of receiving a 'gift' from the loss of your child.  I cried my way through this book several times and will keep it as inspiration because I can see the places I was in my grief and look towards the places I need to travel.

This book tends to be more of a clinical approach for survivors of suicide.  It's very factual yet reaches into the emotions and grief at the same time. It has really helped me deal with the question of 'why' and the self-guilt.  The following statement opened a 'door of understanding' in my pain and understanding that Wayne's death was an escape...not a choice of death: "More than likely, your family member was a confused and bewildered person suffering tremendous emotional pain.  He or she wasn't choosing death as much as choosing to end this unbearable pain." (pg 30)

I frequently read bits and pieces of this book.  It seems to 'talk' right to me and gives advice and suggestions that are welcomed rather than 'clinical.'  The case studies help me to 'see' others struggling and surviving.  Some of the chapters are broken down into surviving: parent, child, spouse and sibling death by suicide.

This is another book that has helped me as I struggled with my faith and Wayne's death.  David Cox is a survivor of suicide and the book takes you through how you might feel in the beginning and how to survive and regain your life and spirituality.

This book contains meditations for  healing after the death of a loved one.  It is not concentrated on suicide but most pages 'fit' my grief experiences.  It's a good book to pick up and read several pages at random...and still find understanding and inspiration.  The book is divided into 3 categories: Retreating, Working Through and  Resolving.  Each page begins with a quote from a survivor, a short discussion of the topic and a quick meditation or prayer.  It's a great 'companion' book.

A book of comfort and inspiration.  The 'bares his soul' in grief.  There are so many emotions and thoughts that I understood from deep within my own grief.  He is able to put some things into words that I have been unable to explain to others.  After his wife's death (not by suicide), he questions God, friends, love and life..yet manages to survive and become a stronger person.  Although this book is written in a diary or journal fashion...it is one you can pick up and read a few pages and know exactly what he is discussing.  It is another book that eases my mind and reinforces that the thigns I have felt in my grief are normal.