I have a close friend who lives in a different state. Her father passed away over the summer and her only daughter recently married and moved away. Both of her cats died this week. She is trying to support her son who is having a very difficult time with his sister moving as they are very close. She is also continuing to support her mother who is grieving the loss of her father. Her birthday is coming up soon. She loves to read. I thought it would be good to get her a book, or something lighthearted to cheer her up. I appreciate any suggestions anyone has.
Hi S.,
How nice of you to think of your friend while she goes through this difficult time. I read a book recently called "Your Best Life Now". It's by Joel Olsteen. It's not about loss, but about gaining many things through Christ.
It was awesome for me, and really lifted my spirits. It might be something to consider for your friend.
Good luck to you,
M.
I found the book "Eat, Pray, Love" to be very inspirational and lighthearted. I don't get much time to read, but I couldn't put that book down and I didn't want it to end.
I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but there is a wonderful book called "The Next Place" that describes a really beautiful place you go after you die. I am not religious, and both of my parents died last year, and I got the book for myself and loved it. It might help her in terms of her cats and father, but it is kind of sad (although really nice). You might want to check it out first. I found mine on Amazon. It is short and illustrated, but not necessarily for kids. That is nice of you to think of her. I'm sure she will really appreciate it.
A really fantastic book is "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo. Yeah, it's a children's book, but it deals with some really deep issues. And the entire book really is about learning to love, and lose those we love, and learn to love again over and over during the course of our lifetimes. It's an absolute masterpiece and the message isn't too heavy/preachy/simple.
