Book cover of Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief

Book description

If you love, you will grieve—and nothing is more mysteriously central to becoming fully human. 

A 2017 Indies Finalist from Foreword Reviews.

When a loved one dies, the pain of loss can feel unbearable—especially in the case of a traumatizing death that leaves us shouting, “NO!” with every fiber of…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Bearing the Unbearable as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book expertly explains the need to actively grieve, as opposed to avoiding the pain of grieving.

Dr. Cacciatore shares stories from grievers she has helped and she beautifully explains the complicated emotions we all go through as we grieve. I mailed copies of this book to my entire family right after my children were killed. It opened up the conversation of grief and made it clear that we were going to talk about Ruby and Hart and our grief openly.

From Colin's list on helping cope with grief and loss.

I learned about Joanne Cacciatore from a close friend of mine, Lori, who unfortunately learned about traumatic grief when her husband died in his early fifties. Joanne (AKA Dr. Jo) started a respite center/care farm for grievers on her land in north central Arizona, where she specializes in grief after loss of a child; Dr. Jo lost a baby herself in 1994. This was another un-put-down-able book. Chapters are typically 4 pages long, each one introducing a different loss scenario, real people she has worked with, real losses, all of them horrifyingly unfair. The stories Dr. Jo tells are potent,…

From Melanie's list on inhabiting unthinkable loss.

If you love Bearing the Unbearable...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Bearing the Unbearable?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Bearing the Unbearable.

Browse books like Bearing the Unbearable

Book cover of Man’s Search for Meaning
Book cover of Men We Reaped: A Memoir
Book cover of Wave

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,277

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Bearing the Unbearable, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!