Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl SandbergMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a short book on handling grief, or as the author calls it "Option B". That's the plan you have to go with when life takes you off course and on a new path. Sheryl Sandberg is an executive at Facebook and was on a vacation in Mexico with her husband Dave, and their friends. Dave died on that trip while working out at the resort gym. It was completely unexpected. This started Sheryl and her two children on their path down Option B. This book covers the uncomfortable situations that she often found herself in after his death, learning to be strong for her kids but vulnerable enough to let them know it's okay to grieve. Sheryl also talks about becoming resilient and eventually moving on and finding happiness in life.
This is a great book for those who are grieving but also for those who are supporting those who have had a major loss. In particular, I was inspired the chapter on dealing with the "elephant in the room." We are often not sure what to say to someone who has just suffered a loss. Sometimes, that person just wants to talk and reflect and that was the case for Sheryl. It relieves the tension and awkwardness. In the future, I'll remember to ask and to allow the griever to talk if they would like.
Many of the topics covered can be applied to other losses as well. Loss of jobs, homes, relationships, etc. There are different types of grief and our ability to deal with loss means we have to face it head on and adapt if we are going to find joy in our lives once again.
View all my reviews
