This week I got these books in the mail, and I’m so excited.

I read An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination in two sittings. I couldn’t put it down. I loved it. I think I might just read it again. Books have been such a lifeline for me since losing Lucy. There is a drastic difference in my emotional wellbeing when I am not reading a good book. My Mom once heard someone say, “Ten years from now you will be exactly the same person except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Of course, that’s assuming your baby doesn’t die, which changes you into a completely different person. But there’s truth in that thought. Reading can truly alter your way of thinking and change who you are.

When you go through something traumatic your world is turned upside-down and it can be easy to lose sight of the truth. These books have anchored me while I grieve. They have reminded me that I’m not alone. Other people have also suffered huge losses, and they have survived. Here are the books that have helped me the most since losing my daughter:

The Bible

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser

I Will Carry You by Angie Smith

An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

Holding on to Hope by Nancy Guthrie

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot

A Path Through Suffering by Elisabeth Elliot

Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

       Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, M.D. (This one was a little weird, but it was interesting to hear his account of heaven.)

The God of All Comfort by Dee Brestin

I’ll Hold You in Heaven Remembrance Book by Debbie Heydrick

Also, for those of you who have living children, I think it’s good to read encouraging books on parenting. Many days it’s all I can do to meet my children’s physical needs, but they have so many other important needs that must be met. I feel energized to focus on loving my children better when I’m reading helpful books. Here are the two I’m reading now:

How to Really Love Your Child by D. Ross Campbell, M.D.

You Can’t Make Me- But I Can Be Persuaded by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias                       (Such a great book for anyone with a strong-willed child)

For those of you who have lost a baby or suffered any huge loss, which books have been helpful for you?