An easy to read, solid book for grieving young people. I will certainly be adding this to my school counseling shelves. My only caveat, is that I would only recommend this to students who openly ask for something with a Christian perspective as this relies heavily on Christian teachings and scripture. For others, this book could come across as preachy. That being said, is does an admirable job of speaking to its target age group. I especially appreciated the short, also most bulleted sections in the book. Easily digestible for a teenager to pick up and sit down as needed.

This book is an incredible resource for teens and young adults navigating life after death through their faith. There are tips, personal accounts, validating passages, and faith-based healing throughout.

Like Clarissa Moll's <i>Beyond the Darkness<i/>, <i>Hurt, Help Hope<i/> is very companionable, and the best thing I have discovered for grief <i>is*<i/>companionship. Fiona and Clarissa are also intensely practical, and I especially appreciate their acknowledgement of the physical component of grief. They give directions like: "This is how it might feel, this how to take good care of yourself, this is what to do when people ask these awkward questions, this is how to have a rhythm of engaging with grief and engaging with life, here's what to do when you have big questions for God..."

One excellent piece of advice: If a parent or caregiver frequently asks how you are, use another word besides "fine" to describe yourself, and they may ask less often. Being communicative with a loved one can really help in processing grief. I would happily hand this book off to loved ones, and in fact, I have anticipated its arrival since I first heard about it, and quickly pre-ordered two copies of the book so I can share one with my bereaved nephew's family.

*Hurt, Help, Hope: A Real Conversation about Teen Grief and Life after Loss* by Clarissa Moll and Fiona Moll is a deeply moving and insightful book that addresses the complex emotions and challenges faced by teenagers dealing with grief. The authors, drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, create a compassionate and practical guide for navigating the tumultuous journey of loss.
Strengths

1. Authentic and Relatable Voice:

The book excels in its authentic and relatable tone. Clarissa and Fiona Moll manage to speak directly to the hearts of teenagers, making the content accessible and engaging. Their personal anecdotes and honest reflections provide a sense of companionship and understanding that is crucial for young readers dealing with grief.

2. Practical Advice and Strategies:

The authors offer practical advice and strategies for coping with grief. From mindfulness exercises to journaling prompts, the book is filled with actionable steps that can help teens process their emotions and find a path forward. This hands-on approach is particularly valuable for readers who may feel overwhelmed by their feelings.

3. Comprehensive Coverage:

The book covers a wide range of topics related to grief, including the different stages of grief, how to handle anniversaries and holidays, and ways to seek support from friends and family. This comprehensive coverage ensures that readers have a well-rounded understanding of the grieving process and the tools they need to navigate it.

Areas for Improvement

1. Depth of Content:

While the book is comprehensive, some readers might find that certain sections could benefit from a deeper exploration of specific topics. For instance, the discussion on seeking professional help could be expanded to include more detailed information on how to find a therapist and what to expect from therapy sessions.

2. Visual and Interactive Elements:

Given the target audience, the inclusion of more visual and interactive elements could enhance the reading experience. Illustrations, infographics, or even QR codes linking to online resources and support groups could make the book more engaging and useful for tech-savvy teens.

Conclusion

Overall, *Hurt, Help, Hope* is a valuable resource for teenagers grappling with grief. Clarissa and Fiona Moll have created a heartfelt and practical guide that offers both comfort and actionable advice. While there is room for deeper content and more interactive elements, the book's strengths in authenticity, practicality, and comprehensive coverage make it a highly recommended read for anyone dealing with loss.

Hurt Help Hope is an original story about the one who is grieving and it is really encouraging another teens. It is beautiful that our pain can be such a blessing for others.

Thanks for the ARC! Grief conversations are so necessary and teens need support more than we realize in loss. This is a Christian faith driven book, so it would not be appropriate as a grief resource for anyone outside of this particular faith practice. The conversation around faith and conclusions with grief are more gentle and open than the majority of Christian grief works, which is crucial. I appreciate the willingness to embrace gray space in many instances.