Revised July 25, 2025 (originally published April 17)
Are you looking for some great books to guide and inspire you? The ones I am about to share have been life changing for me. My hope is that they will make a difference in your life too. Although I didn’t see a therapist in my pathway to healing, I did read many books. Not all were meaningful for me, but the ones mentioned here have made a strong impact. People ask me often for book recommendations, so I’ve republished this from a previous post and then added to it.
I wish someone had given me a list of book suggestions because I had no idea what to turn to. Grief support, healing after loss, and how to reclaim happiness aren’t exactly festive topics to research.
Well, the universe had my back and helped me to get started. A good friend of mine from college came to visit shortly after the funeral. She brought along some books to give me for our upcoming trip to Hilton Head Island so that I had something to read at the beach or at night before going to bed. At first, I was hesitant to go on the trip so soon after the funeral, but everyone insisted that we still needed to go in order to escape the chaos.
She was very thoughtful in choosing a variety of books for me. I will never forget how she gave me the books, one by one, explaining why she chose them. The most impactful one, which I have suggested to many people, is Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant.
She told me she had read it herself, but that I should read it when I’m ready whether it’s during the trip, a few months from now, or next year. Something drew me to it. Perhaps it was because I remembered the story of Sheryl Sandberg (who was the COO of Facebook at the time), when the news broke back in 2015 about how her husband suddenly died while they were on vacation.
Option B was the very first book I read in my journey to recovery. It still resonates with me to this day. Yes, it’s that powerful. That’s why I want you to read it! The book talks about the importance of accepting that your option A is gone so you now have to kick the shit out of your option B. Wow, right?
Another friend suggested Resilient Grieving (Second Edition) by Lucy Hone, who lost her daughter in a terrible car accident. This book gave me the reassurance that everything will be okay, with research-based evidence that we can heal and move on. She talks about how important it is to get back into a routine because it tells your mind and body that you are no longer in a ‘fight or flight’ mode. She also stresses the significance of putting your intentions on what you still have and the positive aspects in your life, rather than focusing on your loss. I hope you will find it as helpful as I did.
If you’re like me, you are wondering or have wondered about the afterlife. Are our loved ones still with us? Can they see us? What about all the red cardinal sightings? This title by Laura Lynne Jackson will move you. The Light Between Us is a compelling book with messages from the other side. It has helped me to realize that I need to live a beautiful life in the ‘here and now’ on earth. There are many books out there about spirits and heaven. Some are hard to believe and even sound corny, but this book feels solid and real. If you’re looking for the one book to read about the afterlife, this is it!
Although Mel Robbins has been in the spotlight lately with her book The Let Them Theory, I have actually been a fan of hers for a while. I’ve listened to her countless podcasts, ranging from women’s health to being a better communicator to living your best life. She is very open and candid about the topics she covers and has a realistic view on life.
The Let Them Theory has helped me to deal with other people. My friends can attest that I used to care way too much about what other people think. My insecurities, combined with my focus on always trying to please people and do a good job, really took a nose dive when forced to deal with my husband’s death. Oh, the thoughts that were spinning in my head. I wanted to run away and move. What will people think? How are people going to view me and the kids? I don’t want their pity, but are they going to feel sorry for us? How will they act around me?
You know what? Let them. What they think, do, or say is out of my control. They’re going to talk anyway, whether it’s good or bad! SO LET THEM. I was wasting my precious energy worrying about other people’s behaviors and actions. WHY? FOR WHAT? I am now happily living my own life, doing what I want to do. This book will cause you to wake up and realize how much energy you are wasting on other people!
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss is a wonderful book for adults, kids, and all ages in between. Tear Soup is moving, heartwarming, and touches the soul. This book was recently introduced to me, and I loved it so much that I wanted to share with all of you. It has a unique approach which is easy to read and comprehend, yet it is so relatable that you’ll be thinking “yes, that’s me” and “I feel like that too.” With colorful illustrations and powerful messages, I found myself eagerly turning each page. Grandy has just suffered a huge loss, so she is cooking up her own batch of tear soup, blending special memories, all her emotions, many tears, and everything else that gets stirred into her unique soup. I promise that many of the pages will resonate with you. It has become one of my favorites!
Also, you’ll find it helpful to follow me on Instagram @sincerelyjulie_joyful_living. I post several times a week and share stories daily. You will find messages of motivation, positivity, as well as advice on health and wellness. It’s all done with the goal of inspiring life after tragedy.
What have you read that has helped? Let’s share our resources to help one another. After all, we are in this journey together. Please comment below, email me at inquiry@sincerelyjulie.com, and follow my daily inspiration on Instagram @sincerelyjulie_joyful_living.