Grief can affect us in many different ways, and there is no set timetable for how long it should last or how we should feel. When we experience the loss of someone we love, it can be difficult to know where to turn or how to begin making sense of the emotions that follow.
Our Grief Support Lending Library Book of the Month for September 2026 is The Courage to Grieve by Judy Tatelbaum — a compassionate and practical book written to support people as they navigate the difficult journey of bereavement.
Tatelbaum recognises that grief is a natural and necessary response to loss and change. Rather than encouraging readers to rush through their grief, the book gently explores the importance of allowing ourselves to experience and express our feelings.
Through thoughtful guidance and reassurance, The Courage to Grieve encourages readers to work through their pain at their own pace, helping them understand that feelings such as sadness, anger, loneliness and uncertainty can all form part of the grieving process.
The book also offers a message of hope. While grief may change us and life may look different after a loss, there can eventually be opportunities to rediscover meaning, connection and hope.
A book to return to when you need it
Everyone experiences grief differently, and sometimes finding the right words or resources can make a difficult experience feel a little less lonely. A book can provide a quiet space to reflect, understand what you are feeling and take things one day at a time.
The Courage to Grieve is available to borrow free of charge from Austin’s Lending Library, alongside a range of supportive titles for both adults and children.
You can find the Lending Library at:
Austin’s Bereavement Centre
74a High Street
Stevenage
Books are also available at Harwood Park Crematorium.
If you or someone you know is experiencing bereavement, we hope our Lending Library can provide a helpful source of information, comfort and support.
Discover our September Book of the Month, The Courage to Grieve, and explore the other supportive resources available through Austin’s Lending Library.
