St. John’s Library Recommends "Grieving Room"

A book Review by Rev. Dena Thomas

Leanne Friesen writes this beautifully honest memoir of her journey through bereavement with the loss of her sister, at the very time she was beginning vocational church ministry. Leanne interweaves her faith and experience of being a grief educator and ordained minister into topics rarely discussed in today’s culture, or church congregations.

This book gives words to articulate the vast range of emotions that we might experience when grieving – including those that we might have difficulty allowing ourselves to feel and express. This book is designed for a small group book study and includes a robust appendix containing reflections, practices, and prayers for each chapter in the book. It is ideal for those who are working through the death of a loved one, anticipatory grief, displacement, or other losses in one’s life. Grieving Room is a practical book and offers great insight, but it is also surprisingly hopeful and even inspirational!