Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult situations we have to face as human beings. Coming to terms with grief is a task that we must face sooner or later, and one way to do so is by reading stories and experiences of those who have managed to continue with life despite the absence of a loved one.

Below, we recommend a series of books that can help you through your grief or prepare you emotionally to deal with it in a balanced and conscious way:

What has no name – Piedad Bonnett

In this novel, this Colombian writer tells her own story: the loss of her son. Each page of What Has No Name is a tribute to a loved one who she loved and who will always have a place in her heart to be remembered and loved. Moving forward, with the best memories and without hiding nostalgia, is the option that Piedad Bonnett finds at the end of her book.

The Trail of Tears – Jorge Bucay

The author of this book is a psychologist. From a medical perspective, but also from a sensitive and human perspective, Jorge Bucay emphasizes the need to see death as an unavoidable part of life and how, despite the pain of absence, death can also teach us great lessons to appreciate the present and what we still have left.

Say his name – Francisco Goldman

This book is born from a real-life case: the death of the author's wife. After the loss of his partner, Francisco Goldman builds a novel in which he shows that love after death is possible and that it is in every detail that we remember about our loved one who is no longer with us. A reflection on seeing death as a possibility of remembrance and valuing every moment that we can continue to live.

This too shall pass – Milena Busquets

The story behind this book is based on its title. This will also serve as a life motto to remember that no matter the pain that absence leaves, life goes on and death will also become a memory. A story that is born from an absence and from the narration of an invented tale that ends up being a real solution to heal the pain.

The Violet Hour – Sergio del Molino

Perhaps the death of a child is the greatest pain that any parent must face. This was the case of Sergio, writer of La hora violeta. After the death of his child, he only found relief in writing and wrote what many have recognized as a great love letter. Coping with grief is also about finding something that gives us refuge. For Sergio it was writing, but it is likely that when we lose a loved one we must look for an activity that helps us heal our soul.

Living through grief. The loss of a loved one – Christophe Fauré

Asking ourselves questions might not seem like the best way to cope with a loss. However, the author of Living the Grief builds a guide that will allow us to face this moment with more tranquility and acceptance. It is possible that terminal illnesses or circumstances that we see close by indicate to us that we are close to losing a loved one. This book can help us to be aware of the presence of death and to prepare for when it arrives.

The ridiculous idea of ​​not seeing you again – Rosa Montero

This thought, not seeing our loved one again, is one of the strongest impacts that comes with death. This book allows us to recognize the two ways in which human beings grieve: first, expressing emotions; then, thinking about what comes next. The author of this text does not limit the expression of melancholy, but sets limits to make way for what comes with our lives. A reflection to not judge the ways of grieving because each person has a different one and finds refuge when they let out their pain.

A house for grandpa – Grassa Toro

This is a children's book specially written to share with the children in your home. Through a story that mixes fantastic characters and places with life, children will understand that the departure of a loved one can be remembered with love and that following life will be part of the tribute to those who were with them since they were children: their grandparents.

When the End Approaches: How to Face Death Wisely – Kathryn Mannix

Although in most cases death comes without warning, there are situations in which we know it is about to arrive. Preparing for a departure is not easy, but just as we prepare our luggage for a trip, we can prepare ourselves emotionally and as a family to face the absence of someone who has accompanied us with their love.

Letting Them Go With Love: Accepting Grief – Nancy O'Connor

Learning to say goodbye is not an easy task. It is important to know that each person must assume their own grief and let their emotions appear without feeling guilty: it is okay to cry, it is okay to remember, it is okay to want to be alone at times. The most valuable thing after these moments will be the way in which we assume that our life has changed and that we have many reasons to continue.