A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love

by Kathleen O'Hara

Book Overview

A Grief Like No Other is the book no one wants to ever have to buy; sadly, many people continue to need it. From 9/11 to Cindy Sheehan's son - from mass tragedies like the recent London bombings to Law and Order type crimes that make the news only to be replaced by another name. As such, more people are left with the aftermath of dealing with the violent death of a loved one. It brings its own special brand of grieving since victim's families can spend years dealing with legal ramifications, guilt, and a myriad of other circumstances that don't accompany "normal" deaths. Kathleen O'Hara knows both sides of this coin. As a therapist, she has counseled hundreds of people dealing with grief. As a mother, she saw her worst fears realized when her college-aged son was brutally murdered in 1999. In the aftermath of Aaron's murder, O'Hara developed the seven stage journey that is at the heart of A Grief Like No Other. Although this is a book for those left behind in the aftermath of violence, it offers concrete and practical steps and stages, allowing family and friends safe passage through this incredibly harrowing journey.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1569242976
• ISBN13: 9781569242971
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Balance
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Extremely helpful!

My daughter recently lost her husband after he was shot and killed. She is left to raise a 5 month old baby without him. At a time of feeling so helpless, giving her a copy of this book was one of the best things I could have done. I bought a copy for myself, so I could help her.

Has helped me time and again

I read this book shortly after my brother was killed a year and a half ago. I continually return to it for guidance and comfort and have used it to help my Mother and Sister cope with the loss too. There are a lot of books about grief but few about the kind of grief that comes with a violent and unexpected loss. This book fills this need.

perfect view of ones sorrow

I recommend this book to everyone, those who have lost and those who have not. She gives insight to a very real approach on how people feel when going through such tragic and painful times. It does not just let the grieving know they are not crazy in their way of thought. It helps the ones around them understand what is going on in the heads of the ones they love. She tells the plain truth on what to say and what not to say. This book was a very large guide in my life, I read this book looking for a way to help my sister go through her grief after my nephew was killed. It not only helped her but me as well.

Thank you

I bought this book for a friend who had suffered the death of two of her children through a tragic automobile accident. I want to thank Kathleen for having the courage to write the book.

My own experience with grief

I would recommend this book not only for those who are experiencing the horrific pain associated with grief, but also for those who love them. Many of my friends and family members have bought Kathleen O'Hara's book and have gained a better understanding of what I and my family are going through. It was just over one year ago that our son was killed in action. Mother's Day, 2005. I have struggled to find the words to write, the things to say, a way to begin working through this terrible pain. After reading and re-reading A Grief Like No Other, I have been given such a gift. The book gives the reader tools to begin writing. Suggestions on how to deal with the overwhelming grief, examples of others who have lost someone to violence and how they feel. It gave me courage and hope. The author writes about her own experience of losing her son to violence. She is an amazing woman. Her book is well worth reading and sharing with others.