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Read & Reflect

Words can
meet us where
we are.

Explore books, journals, workbooks, and stories that can help you understand what you're feeling, feel less alone, and find your way forward.

Books, journal and coffee beside a cozy chair

Where would you like to begin?

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#hersmile Recommended Reads

Eight books chosen for different moments in grief. Not a prescription. Just thoughtful places to begin.

It's OK That You're Not OK book cover

It's OK That You're Not OK

Megan Devine, LPC

★★★★★4.7 out of 5Amazon · 11,000+ ratings

For when you need your grief validated and understood.

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Bearing the Unbearable book cover

Bearing the Unbearable

Joanne Cacciatore, PhD

★★★★★4.7 out of 5Amazon customer rating

For companionship in the reality of living with profound loss.

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The Grieving Brain book cover

The Grieving Brain

Mary-Frances O'Connor, PhD

★★★★★4.6 out of 5Amazon · 1,600+ ratings

For understanding what grief is doing in the brain and why.

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When Grief & Loss Won't Shut Up book cover

When Grief & Loss Won't Shut Up

Dena M Derenale Betti

★★★★★4.7 out of 5Amazon customer rating

A practical #hersmile resource for navigating the waves of life after loss.

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Navigating Intense Grief book cover

Navigating Intense Grief

Emily Vandenberg

★★★★★4.6 out of 5Amazon customer rating

For practical support when grief feels especially intense.

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Finding Meaning book cover

Finding Meaning

David Kessler

★★★★★4.8 out of 5Amazon customer rating

An interactive path for exploring meaning, remembrance and what comes next.

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A Grief Observed book cover

A Grief Observed

C. S. Lewis

★★★★★4.6 out of 5Amazon customer rating

A classic personal reflection on grief, love and faith.

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Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go book cover

Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go

Gina Moffa, LCSW

★★★★★4.8 out of 5Amazon customer rating

A contemporary guide to carrying loss while continuing to live.

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#hersmile Featured Resource

When Grief & Loss Won't Shut Up

Written by #hersmile founder Dena M Derenale Betti, this book speaks to the emotional waves, identity shifts and everyday realities that can follow loss.

Explore the Book
A book doesn't have to have all the answers to help you feel less alone.

Journals for Reflection & Healing

Sometimes reading helps. Sometimes you need somewhere to put what you're carrying.

The Pretty Painful Grief Book journal cover

The Pretty Painful Grief Book

William Hunter Howell

★★★★★4.8 out of 5Amazon · 270+ ratings

For when you need somewhere to be completely honest.

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Echoes of LoveEsther Roseglenn

Echoes of Love

Esther Roseglenn

★★★★★4.7 out of 5Amazon customer rating

For short moments of reflection and companionship.

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How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed journal cover

How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed

Megan Devine, LPC

★★★★★4.7 out of 5Amazon · 1,300+ ratings

For guided reflection without trying to fix grief.

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It Hurts Because It MatteredAsh Merrin

It Hurts Because It Mattered

Ash Merrin

★★★★★4.9 out of 5Amazon customer rating

For writing through loss without judgment.

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The #hersmile Reading Room

Guides, conversations and stories that help you decide what may be useful before you choose a resource.

Featured Guide

The 10 Books I Wish Someone Had Handed Me After Loss

A starting point for the moments when you want something real, useful and human.

Journals & Workbooks

Sometimes you need somewhere to put it all.

How to choose a journal that gives you room to be honest without telling you how to grieve.

Author Spotlight

A Conversation with Megan Devine

An editorial home for thoughtful conversations with grief authors and experts.

A Guide to Walking with Grief

Not ready to choose a book?

Download our free guide: 12 Books for Different Moments in Grief. Thoughtful recommendations for wherever you are today.

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