LOSING IKE TO GOD and How God Comforted Us by Indira Onwuzurike

 

This is a very easy to read biography/ semi-autobiographical book which celebrates the life of a young man who died at the age of 18. It is 360 pages with mostly words from those who were impacted, positively, by the young man known as Ike, pronounced Ee-kay.   Ikechukwu was the first born child to Nigerian parents who lived in Michigan, he loved the Lord God and lived his life accordingly.

Unlike most biographies or autobiographies this book reads more like a testimonial than a from life to death story. It begins shortly before his mother learned of her son's death which leads to her responses, which included prayer, and emotions. I would say about 70%, more or less, of the book is testimonials of others and there are quite a few pictures. 

It is important to note that the family has created a foundation on behalf of their son WWID Foundation, The monies earned from the sell of this book go directly to the non-profit charitable organization. 

I admit to skipping over much of the testimonials, which is how I read the book in a day and absorbing the biographical part. I was very much interested in how this mother endured the sudden loss of her first born child.  Her emotions were pure and detailed, as a mother who lost a child from a terminal illness I cannot imagine losing such a gift at such a blessed time- high school graduation. Yes, I cried.

THIS IS NOT A BOOK TO PURCHASE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS LOST A CHILD RECENTLY. I feel this warning is important. As I stated above, my son died at the age of 28 but, he had a terminal illness and I was able to prepare for his death. I cannot imagine someone just loosing a child and someone handing this book to them- it will not help. BUY THE BOOK TO SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION and if a grieving parent wants to read it after seeing your copy by one at that time.

I would suggest that this is a good book to read as a church leader, grief counselor or support person for someone who has lost a loved one. 

The one thing, as a Christian, I did not like is the title: We do not lose our children to God. My son graduated from earth to eternity and will always be a part of my life; he is not lost, I will join him again someday.

written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. 

DEAR MOM by Denise Guidice

I am glad I had the opportunity to read DEAR MOM- A Guided Journal As We Go Through This Journey In Our Grief by Denise Guidice. I was asked to review this book because I am a book reviewer, I am glad I am the one reviewing it because I am a mother who lost a son.

Every one goes through the grieving process differently, this ‘journal’ will help the bereaved walk through the process at her own pace.  Even though this book was written from the perspective of a person of faith, those who do not believe will benefit from it.

DEAR MOM could be easily be entitled: Dear Son, Dear Daughter, Dear Aunt or any other loved one who has graduated from earth to eternity. Although the book is written from a feminine perspective  I believe that anyone experiencing a loss, male or female would benefit from the words found on each page.

The format is simple: A Topic, a Scripture(s), a letter / note to Mom which expounds upon the emotions and thoughts the bereaved may be experiencing and a place for the reader to write his/her thoughts.  There are 44 (if I counted correctly) “Topics” which revolve around the emotions a person experience, triggers.

Triggers are things that happen that remind you of your loss: Christmas, family gatherings and other memories. The Bible verses included are words of comfort to let the reader know that He sees and knows. In no way does the author suggest that your feelings are not real. Having experienced the loss of her son she would not dare.

My story includes the loss of a son and a mother within 30 days of each other, both who had terminal illnesses. It is because of my dual losses that I can tell you that it is not just a child that we miss.

If I could I would place copies of this book in every church store and recommend that every leader of people read this book. I most certainly recommend anyone who has experienced a loss read DEAR MOM.

                                                    written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

EXPERIENCING THE LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER by H Norman Wright

I chose to review EXPERIENCING THE LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER because I am the Bereavement Support Group Leader in my church, I am always interested in information that will help me do what I do better. I am a Bereavement Support Leader because I know what it is like to loose a loved one, for me it was my 27 year old son and my 70 year old mother within thirty days of each other. No one understands grief like the bereaved.

EXPERIENCING THE LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER Discover the Path to Hope and Healing by Norman Wright is a very relevant book for those who want to know when the pain will go away. No, there is no set date in which a person will be completely “pain free” however there is a way to put the loss of a loved one in perspective.

This book has something for everyone. There are chapters dedicated to the loss of: a spouse, a child, a parent, sibling, friend and, yes, the loss of a pet. There are two chapters dedicated to the loss of a parent, one which addresses a woman and her mother and another which discusses a man and his father; great information. Chapter four, a must read for anyone who has to talk to children regarding a loss, “Helping Children in Grief”.

I would say this book is appropriate even if you have not experienced death because you probably will some day. Chapter 11 “Helping Others” makes this book necessary for people who want to be there for a friend or family as they grieve. Every person who has ever experienced a loss can share with you at least five (I am being generous) dumb things a person has said thinking it was appropriate.

This book is filled with information that I have not shared only because this review has already surpassed my 200 word standard. I recommend you purchase this book if not for yourself then for someone you know who has experienced the loss of someone they love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BETHANY HOUSE book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

SUNDAY GRIEF M.D. by Renee Sunday MD

    I did it again! I received a book for review, glanced at the first few pages, and started reading it ahead of schedule! The book: “Sunday Grief, M.D. ”  written by Renee’ Sunday M.D.  is an 82 page biographical discussion about grieving with faith.

 Each chapter is a meditation of different aspects of the authors’ experiences during the process of bereavement.  Though a unique experience  in terms of her:   personality, faith, family dynamics and knowledge of medicine;  the information she shares  is beneficial in that it addresses the physical and emotional processes we encounter after the death of a loved one.

      I read “Sunday Grief, M.D. ” as a person who experienced the death of a son and a mother within 30 days of each other.  Unlike Dr. Renee’ Sunday I had a few months to get use to the idea of their no longer being here on this earth with me. Like Dr. Sunday, it was my faith that has allowed me to cope with the loss.

    One thing is very clear as I read this book it is evident, from page one, that Dr. Sunday is a woman of faith with a personal and trusting relationship with Father God. Her faith began long before her brother died and it was her faith that has strengthened her in her weakest moment.

I recommend this book.  Though this is an excellent book for anyone who has experienced grief timing is everything, please do not go out and purchase this book for someone who has recently experienced a loss. I would suggest you READ THIS BEFORE you experience the loss of a loved one. PURCHASE THIS BOOK for a friend but read it yourself first, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to when to share Dr. Sunday’s testimony.  This book was not scheduled to be read until July- oops!  Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of which I have done.