Finding Comfort in Pages: Three Books to Support You Through Grief

As a grief therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how the right book can be like a trusted friend during life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re navigating grief yourself or supporting someone who is, finding the right words on a page can help you feel less alone. Today, I want to share three books that serve as gentle guides—each offering something unique yet sharing the capacity to make us feel seen, understood, and perhaps a little less alone.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer: Finding Hope in Heartache

Mikki Brammer’s The Collected Regrets of Clover offers a uniquely comforting perspective for those navigating the complexities of grief. This thoughtful novel centers on Clover, a death doula who collects the final regrets of the dying while struggling with her own grief and isolation.

What makes this book particularly valuable is how it gently explores the universal emotions that accompany loss—regret, longing, and the search for meaning—through deeply authentic characters. Brammer creates a safe space to examine mortality without overwhelming the reader, balancing poignant moments with unexpected warmth and hope.

The novel reminds us that grief isn’t just about endings but also about connections—how we touch others’ lives and how they remain part of our own stories. For those feeling stuck or isolated in grief, Clover’s journey toward healing and community offers both validation and inspiration.

Goodreads rating: 4.17 / 5

A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney: Honesty Through Memoir

Rob Delaney, known for his humour and wit, reveals a profoundly different side in his memoir A Heart That Works. Written after the death of his young son from brain cancer, this book is raw, unflinching, and still filled with love.

What makes Delaney’s memoir so impactful is its refusal to conform to any “right way” to grieve. He expresses rage, confusion, deep love, and even moments of surprising joy with equal candour. There’s no sugar-coating, no platitudes—just the messy truth of what it means to continue living when your heart has been broken open.

The book resonates because Delaney doesn’t position himself as an expert or guide—he’s simply a father sharing his experience, sometimes stumbling, sometimes finding unexpected strength. For those who feel pressure to “get grief right” or who worry about the intensity of their emotions, Delaney’s words offer permission to be exactly where they are.

This memoir reminds us that grief is not just something to “get through” but an ongoing expression of love—painful, yes, but also a testament to how deeply we are capable of caring for one another.

Goodreads rating: 4.62 / 5

Nothing to Fear by Julie McFadden: Wisdom from the Frontlines

Julie McFadden (known to many as Hospice Nurse Julie) brings her years of experience and compassionate expertise to this incredibly accessible guide. What sets Nothing to Fear apart from other books about death and dying is Julie’s warm, straightforward approach to topics many of us find difficult to discuss.

This book demystifies the physical process of dying while also addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of end-of-life care. Julie shares stories from her years as a hospice nurse that illustrate how beautiful, peaceful, and even meaningful the end of life can be when approached with understanding and support.

For those anticipating a loss or supporting someone through illness, this book offers practical guidance that feels like having a wise, kind friend by your side. Julie addresses common fears and misconceptions with compassion, helping readers feel more prepared and less anxious about what lies ahead.

Even for those in the thick of grief, Julie’s insights can help make sense of experiences and provide comfort in understanding what a loved one may have gone through.

Goodreads rating: 4.44 / 5

Reading as a Form of Self-Care

What unites these three very different books is their ability to meet you wherever you are in your grief journey. Some days, the gentle escape of fiction provides needed relief. On other days, the unvarnished truth of memoir offers validation. And sometimes, practical guidance helps navigate the concrete challenges that arise alongside emotional ones.

I often suggest keeping all three types of books on your nightstand, turning to whichever speaks to you in the moment. Reading about grief isn’t always easy, but finding words for our experiences can be incredibly healing—a reminder that while our individual journeys are unique, we are never truly alone in our feelings.

Finding Your Own Path

If you decide to pick up any of these books, approach them at your own pace. It’s okay to read a few pages and set them aside, to skip parts that don’t resonate, or to reread sections that bring comfort. Use them as companions rather than roadmaps.

Remember that seeking support through reading isn’t just a distraction—it’s a meaningful way to process your experience and connect with others who have walked similar paths. Books can be powerful tools for healing, offering both a mirror for our own feelings and a window into new perspectives.

Whatever stage of the grief journey you’re in, I hope these recommendations provide some measure of comfort, companionship, and perhaps even moments of unexpected joy along the way.

Above all, be gentle with yourself as you navigate this path. These books will be here when you’re ready, offering different kinds of comfort for different moments in your journey.