It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand Paperback – October 1, 2017

I've been gifted, loaned and purchased many grief books in the two years since my son died. I can honestly say that none of those texts resonated with me and the truth of my grief experience more than Megan Devine's new book. She is a credible source of useful information, bringing not only her educational and occupational background to bear but more importantly her own life experience with deep loss and a broken culture. Above all, she is a truth teller and an advocate you'll want in your grief space.The beauty of this book is the universal insights it offers for EVERYONE who has experienced deep grief or desires to genuinely support another in their loss. The author outlines a refreshing take on grief for the reader's consideration, one where acknowledgment and a desire to love better are critical components in supporting ourselves and each other following a significant loss (ie. death, accident, illness, etc.) She adeptly explains the model's concepts in lay terms, provides numerous examples for better understanding, and recommends practical exercises that one can use to help identify and manage the impact of grief. The quotes from her writing students are especially relevant and poignant.I found Megan's work validating and thought-provoking, especially concepts such as her broader definition of "early grief", common platitudes (and why I feel their adverse affect), the critical distinction between pain and suffering (and how to minimize latter), grief as an experiment rather than a problem to be solved, and the vital role of acknowledgment and companionship in creating a way forward. One of my favorite sections is the appendix, an essay on helping a grieving friend, which offers carefully-crafted and readily shareable ground rules for supporting a loved one.I'd recommend reading this book if you or a loved one are in the midst of deep grief and looking for validation, guidance, and honesty in a post-loss world. This book, and especially the associated resources available at refugeingrief.com, are powerful tools for navigating your grief landscape with love and understanding. It's permission to grieve in your way and in your time ... and this has made all the difference in my own post-loss landscape.

What an excellent explanation, guide and interpretation of exactly what grief is, how it causes trauma sensations to your body and mind and how to process and progress through it on a daily basis.Megan Divine has done a magnificent job in compiling all of this information while clearly explaining it.She also has many excellent pod casts, I’ve probably watch all of them and are excellent as well. She also teaches from both technical knowledge and personal experience. I would love to meet her, what a compassionate and understanding person she appears to be and if you are interested in learning more or dealing with your own grief or how to support others who are experiencing grief, you need to read this book.

The best book by far I have read on grief. Ms. Divine writes from her personal experience and from the viewpoint of a professional counselor. She cuts to the chase with actionable advice that is truly helpful. This book is top-notch.

Megan's book is excellent. She covers the grief experience from the moment of the beginning to the future. She addresses the physical and mental changes of being in grief which was very helpful to someone not knowing what to expect. She is very clear that grief will never end, however, she has practical suggestions for how to tend to it and carry it into your future. I have given 4 copies to friends in grief. The conclusion of the book is suggestions for how to support someone in grief. Our culture around grief is broken. Megan explains how and why we can change so everybody can have their grief needs better supported.

This book is heartfelt and real. Very helpful for me after losing my mom to Alzheimer's. I appreciate the wisdom and resources in this book.

This book has been helpful for me in dealing with my grief after a few losses in my life. I first read it several years ago when I lost my stepfather. I have found myself going back to it to bring comfort with recent losses. I have gifted it to a couple of people to help them with their grief as well.

This book should be handed out by every funeral director when a family comes in to make final arrangements for a loved one. After the loss of my husband, this was the most helpful, profound book I read.

Excellent advise about grief. Megan tells it as it is. Knowing what you are experiencing is norman.