Welcome to the Grief Club: Because You Don't Have to Go Through It Alone

After losing a number of close friends/relatives to different types of cancer and old age I was stuck in my own world of grief. It's hard to explain the feelings. This book, even though it's small, helped me in a huge way. I'm sure I will read multiple times. It helps to know I'm not alone in how I grieve.

Having somewhat recently suffered a great loss, I have become very well acquainted with pretty much ALL the grief books, workbooks, etc; and out of all of them, this is the one I have found myself both buying for and recommending to others. It has an almost light feel. Not frivolous in any way, but when you are grieving so many resources are understandably...heavy, and sometimes you need that. Sometimes, however, you just need to remember that you're not alone and that however you are going through this is acceptable. Some books and workbooks felt like a good cry, some felt like a funeral, but this one felt like a friend going through it with you and letting you know you're not alone, and that is an amazing thing.

Lets you know that you are not the only one feeling the way you do after losing someone you loved very much. Very well written, and down to earth.

I lost my fiancé unexpectedly in March of 2022. I haven’t even finished the first chapter and can tell this book is brilliant. There are other grief books I’ve turned to (purchased and let sit on my shelf without reading a single word; purchased, read some and decided it was too optimistic about the future; some are still in my Amazon cart because how many books about grief does a person need?), podcasts, shows, whatever…this book is kind without being patronizing, understanding & empathetic without platitudes. I can hear my fiancé reading this book to me and that brings me at least a little comfort. I intend to use this book and a flashlight (you’ll understand after reading the intro) as my own “welcome to the grief club” welcome package that I share with others to encourage connection and unity. Grief is so very lonely, but it is really nice to know some people get it.

If you don't know what to say when a friend loses a spouse or loved one, this book is a perfect gift. An easy read, a comforting compendia of what grief feels like and how to navigate it."Welcome to the club that no one ever wants to join but so many of us end up needing. We’re so sorry that you’re here." Will you cry? Yes. As you should. Grief is the price we pay for love.Highly recommend it.

This isn’t a self-help grief book and it’s not full of platitudes. It’s a relatable books that reminds you that although byline facing the worst, the feelings you feel are normal. Checking on all your loved ones constantly because you’re afraid of losing someone else, losing friends, feeling like time is weird, realizing you’re not just grieving the loss but also secondary losses, all of these things are sometimes not spoken on, but common for those grieving. It does have a little cussing in it, I find this makes it more relatable, but fyi. When I am feeling frustrated because of something I’m dealing with in the aftermath of losing my loved ones, going back to the book helps me to remind myself I am not alone, my feelings are valid and normal, and it’s not something I’m just making up. I would literally recommend it to everyone and bought it for a few of my other loved ones, who said it was very helpful for them too. One of the first things I’d gift someone who has lost, and the illustrations help to make it a easy read.

This beautiful collection of insights & reflections is comforting and heartwarming. I love how relatable and accessible it is. It helped me and, the more I read, the more I thought of treasured friends who have each had their own different losses, and who might find comfort in these pages. I have sent it to people who are in the early days of grieving and also to friends who have journeyed through grief over many seasons. Janine Kwoh does a powerful job of expressing ideas in words and graphics that help us feel less alone, even as we travel the most personal of paths. Gentle, graceful, creative, powerfully vulnerable, and with such a lovely touch of humor just when it's needed, this work is worth a read. If you're anything like me, you may find yourself sending this book as your next gift of sympathy and love to someone in your life who is also suffering a loss. Thank you, Janine. We needed this in our world.

I ordered this book on the advice of my husband. He thought the book was written the way I think. I sent the book to my friend whose young granddaughter just passed away from cancer. She sent me back this note, "I received your package yesterday for the family. After dinner, I sat and read the book. This morning I went back and read parts again. What a relief that book brings to anybody going through a loss and are grieving. Lots of tears last night! I really wanted to take a yellow highlighter and mark up pages, but didn't, so I ordered my own copy this morning."This book helps us grieve and also helps us forgive those who might say the wrong thing!Thank you for helping me find the right words to send to my friend.

The best book on grief that I have read. I was provided an e-copy of the book to read for Netgalley in 2021 and immediately pre-ordered a hardcopy for its release date in the UK. This book is so beautifully illustrated and written for all people of all ages. As it says in the opening- the grief club is open to all. The short passages and diagrams are full of support and advice and just validation of whatever it is you are feeling. It is a simple hug in a book telling you that everything you are feeling is okay. This is perfect for me, and for my kids, to help us all process our grief as individuals and united. I love the fact that it can be read in one sitting as well as constantly referred back to a little at a time. The multiple pictures and short spurts of text make this easily accessible at a time when your mind may not want to deal with reems of information and text. Indispensable. This book should be recommended to everyone who experiences loss. #welcometothegriefclub #janinekwoh #netgalley #Indispensablereading #grief #whenyoulosesomeone #thegriefclub