This week author, Rev. Leanne Friesen – former pastor and current Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario & Quebec in Canada – saw her first book officially released… I am also very grateful to be her brother-in-law.
Leanne writes from a deep, first-hand knowledge of loss… the kind of loss that leaves a mark. Of course, we know that loss is part of our shared human experience. And it is within this dreaded, shared human experience that Leanne has suffered unto becoming a sage guide along this often lonely and painful journey. Grieving Room unites Leanne’s personal grief journey, together with her years walking alongside others in death and loss; through this book we discover that we are not as alone as we may have feared. I’ve witnessed Leanne moving toward loss, while learning to leave room for grief… I am her student. And I commend this book to you.
At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a couple of interviews with Leanne… take a listen to what people are saying about her new book:
“A rare and wonderful gift: a story of loss that is both vulnerable and strong, raw and wise. I will be recommending this book for years to come.”
Amanda Held Opelt . songwriter & author of A Hole in the World: Finding Hope in Rituals of Grief and Healing
“Leanne Friesen is doing inspiring work by normalizing conversation surrounding grief with this honest, firsthand account of how she made space for her own grief. This book is a great gift for a grieving friend or loved one.”
TJ Jackson . founder of Dee Dee Jackson Foundation
“A poignant and thoughtful must-read for grievers. This book is a gift for anyone traversing life after loss.”
Sally Douglas . author of Good Mourning: Honest Conversations about Grief and Loss
“A rare work that is as emotionally compelling as it is intellectually insightful. All of us will experience grief and will be called upon to help others–which is why I believe everybody reading would benefit greatly by reading Grieving Room.”
Greg Boyd . pastor, theologian, & author
“Take your time with these pages; don’t rush through them. Your heart will steadily open up and receive healing from the chaotic, complicated combination of both intense pain and joy over having lost someone after loving them so deeply.”
Lydia Sohn . writer & United Methodist pastor
“Grieving Room reminds us to take the work of grieving seriously. It is a patient, kind, deeply personal and wise work of spiritual direction through the rooms of grief. Much thanks to Leanne Friesen for this extraordinary gift.”
David Fitch . author & B. R. Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary
“If you are experiencing the pain of loss, you want a companion who understands what you are going through. With honesty, eloquence, and humor Leanne Friesen tells the story of her own grief journey. As a wise and expert guide, she can help you find your own path to healing.”
Mark Scandrette . author of Belonging and Becoming & The Ninefold Path of Jesus
Peace, dwight
