A few years ago I was diagnosed with a large mass in my chest - attached to the back of my heart, nestled between both lungs. This was the beginning of several medical conditions that started to pop up year after year. Now in my mid-50s, I know that my time may be limited to do the things I most wish to do in this life. This is Body Grief, by Jayne Mattingly, first caught my eye because of the title. It described how I felt when I was first diagnosed. Reading through the chapters was like I was looking back over the time just following that diagnosis as I struggled to understand what was happening with my body and what it might mean for my future. I found Mattingly's book to be well written and researched, easy to understand, and highly relatable.

"No matter what we are experiencing in our body, we have a right to simply enjoy the experience of being here."

"This is Body Grief" by Jayne Mattingly is an enlightening read for, as the author says, anyone with a body. The book was like a light in the dark, a huge "ah-ha" for me. The author includes activities for the reader that I found to be on point. I recommend reading this book slowly over time to truly digest the concepts. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for providing me a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This Is Body Grief by Jane Mattingly is a beautifully written and deeply compassionate guide to navigating the complex emotions that come with living in an ever-changing body. Mattingly’s honesty and vulnerability shine through as she shares her own experiences alongside those of others, creating a powerful sense of connection and understanding for anyone grappling with Body Grief.

What sets this book apart is its groundbreaking approach to reframing our relationship with our bodies. Instead of fighting against what we perceive as limitations, Mattingly invites readers to make peace with their bodies through self-compassion, grace, and the acknowledgment of grief as part of the healing process. The seven stages of Body Grief she outlines provide a clear, empathetic roadmap for moving from self-blame and hopelessness to eventual body trust.

This book is an essential read for anyone struggling with their physical changes—whether due to illness, aging, or any other challenge. It’s a heartfelt reminder that while healing may not be linear, our bodies are always on our side. Inspiring, validating, and life-affirming.

As someone who is chronically ill and physically disabled — especially with an “invisible illness” — this book felt like it was written to speak to me and my struggles. It put into words so many things I’ve thought, felt, and really needed to hear. The concept of Perceived Body Betrayal really opened my eyes. There were so many lines I highlighted, and the book was constantly making me question my internal ableism and how that affected how I view my body. Genuinely, I think this book will help me change the relationship I have with my body. I also appreciated that this book would be impactful for anybody, because we all have bodies and with that will all at some point experience body grief.

What a vitally important book. This Is Body Grief explores a feeling that so many of us have experienced but may not have had the language for.