2. Feedback on the Book: Through Grief We Grow

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Laura Hattersley is Senior Copyeditor for Focus on Fabulous Magazine and Proofreader for Qbook, International. She has 3 English Language teaching certifications from Cambridge University, and has presented research papers on Linguistic theory and Ethnography at Purdue University (Indiana, USA).

Review source available here.

Through Grief We Grow by Brian Vachon is a beautifully measured exploration of grief, born out of what began as therapeutic writing and evolved into a deeply reflective work of memory, research, and meaning. Vachon traces his emotional journey with grace, weaving together journal-style reflections, his therapy sessions with Laura, and psychological research, to paint a full portrait of loss. These elements don’t feel separate: they are intertwined pathways leading him — and the reader — toward a clearer understanding of how grief reshapes not…

An honest and thorough documented journey through the experience of loss. For anyone who has experienced loss, many of the chapters will likely feel familiar. If you're looking to support someone who is going through loss, this book could offer a valuable new perspective.

Reading this book helped me reflect deeply on how I’ve processed grief—especially the loss of my father. At the time, I compartmentalized my emotions, and only later realized how unhealthy that approach was. The book also made me think about other forms of loss I’ve experienced, like losing my hearing, and how those moments—though not tied to physical death—still carry profound emotional weight.

What stood out most is the reminder that loss comes in many forms. This book helped me recognize and validate those experiences, offering a gentle but powerful perspective on healing.

I was introduced to Brian’s book on the very same day my family lost a loved one through the MAID program, after a long and difficult journey with Lewy body dementia and cancer. The timing felt significant, and I agreed to read and review it without hesitation.

Although I don’t usually gravitate toward self-help or memoirs, I quickly found myself connecting deeply with Brian’s story. His experiences resonated with so many of my own—placing a close family member in a care home against their wishes, feeling the absence of a parent during childhood, and now, navigating the challenges of caring for aging parents.

What stood out most was how Brian’s reflections reminded me that I am not alone in these struggles. His honesty and perspective gave me both comfort and validation, showing me that others have walked similar paths. This book has become not just a meaningful read, but also…