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The Bestselling Classic on Love, Loss, and Letting Go
In Necessary Losses, Judith Viorst turns her considerable talents to a serious and far-reaching subject: how we grow and change through the losses that are an inevitable and necessary part of life. She argues persuasively that through the loss of our mothers' protection, the loss of the impossible expectations we bring to relationships, the loss of our younger selves, and the loss of our loved ones through separation and death, we gain deeper perspective, true maturity, and fuller wisdom about life. She has written a book that is both life affirming and life changing.
United Press International The kind of book that belongs in every household. It is simply healthy to have around.
Rabbi Harold S. Kushner author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People One of the most sensitive and comprehensive books about the human condition I have read in a long time.
Anonymous
Posted October 12, 2003
This book allows us to understand that letting go of some things is part of a maturation process in life. Though many people commonly feel like letting go is like giving up and being a loser, we also know that the most important lessons in life are learned from our losses. This author sheds some light on the important difference between these two things by providing us with interesting examples from her experiences. I think this book is excellent for people who are at the brink of letting go of something important to them. It gives them an extra bit of inspiration to let go and move on with their lives. For people who are not near this stage, this book may not make much sense simply because they are not yet emotionally ready for the next step. Another book that is excellent in explaining the emotional process of letting go and how that relates to personal development is 'The Ever-Transcending Spirit' by Toru Sato. It explains these seemingly complex things in such a simple way that it is absolutely stunning!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 10, 2007
This book was not only enjoyable reading but illustrative of the many types of losses experienced by an individual, each one unique in its impact on individual growth through loss. Judith Viorst gives good perspectives on the notion of loss. This book was recommended reading for social work and research class.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 24, 2003
I would like to disagree with the slightly irresponsible reviews given this book by LIBRARY JOURNAL and PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY. Though their over-all reviews were positive, they implied that Judith Viorsts'work is well written and interesting for the most part but that it's been said before. I may not be as well-read as those reviewers but I read plenty of books of all kinds -- literary and or philosophical novels, philosophy and psychology books written for the layperson of which I am. I have also read a few textbooks of these types. Viorst doesn't write down to her readers. She writes as though we are her dear friends. After I've read anything written by her, whether it's a short essay, poetry, children's book or her other books like Necessary Losses, I come away from the reading feeling heartened, more knowledgeable and as though there is at least someone who has experienced the trials and happinesses that I have. There are answers in her expert weaving of words. I'd say that her book is like an answer-quilt -- one has to read and enjoy it and then when finished, re-read it in again in one's own mind, stand back and view it as you would a quilt. I think many will be astounded if they read any of her work with an open mind, always ready to receive information, knowledge and wisdom. Joy Lackey / p.o. Box 508 / Summersville, WV 26651
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Way2Mellow
Posted March 3, 2011
I'm ordering a used paperback of this edition today. I want to read her introduction, and to look where I believe I'll find a positive way to look at moving on to this next chapter of life.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 24, 2012
I have been reading this book for over 20 years. This is my comfort
book. Making sense of life loss and tragic loss inparticular is
difficult but I have sought comfort and understanding through this book
and the lessons learned. Instead of sending flowers, I buy this book
for people in my life who are experiencing difficult emotional times.
It is a wonderful life resource that should be shared. I am purchasing
two more today.
Anonymous
Posted January 23, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
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Posted August 12, 2010
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Posted January 15, 2010
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Posted December 19, 2010
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Posted January 26, 2011
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Posted December 5, 2011
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Overview
The Bestselling Classic on Love, Loss, and Letting Go
In Necessary Losses, Judith Viorst turns her considerable talents to a serious and far-reaching subject: how we grow and change through the losses that are an inevitable and necessary part of life. She argues persuasively that through the loss of our mothers' protection, the loss of the impossible expectations we bring to relationships, the loss of our younger selves, and the loss of our loved ones through separation and ...