As Much Time as it Takes: A Guide for the Bereaved, ... (ISBN 1571744541)

Destined to become a Classic in the field!:
Martin Keogh has granted the wish of so many well-intentioned and good hearted people who have felt for their friends suffering a loss and wished they knew what they could say or do for them, but just did not know how they could help or show their care. Martin Keogh has filled the missing niche in books on grief with his treasure of wisdom. I wish this book was around when I lost my husband and young daughter. I know others who have suffered a loss shared my experience of being additionally injured by the words and acts of well intentioned friends when I was most vulnerable in my grieving. Now, I give this kind and wise and beautiful book to everyone I know who is going through grief or has someone close to them doing so. It is a treasure chest of gifts, easy to receive. Do not be concerned that it appears deceptively simple, (all the most essential things are!), for it is written in a style easiest to take in when you need it the most. This is a remarkable contribution to the field and sure to become a classic!

Timeless Voice: Keogh's "As Much Time As It Takes":
I first came across this timeless writing after September 11, 2001. I immediately sent ten copies of the pre-published version "As Much Time As It Takes" to the families of my deceased co-workers and friends who died in the World Trade Center. This book is profound: it gives voice to the wisdom of preceding generations that have experienced loss. The teaching of this book is that the torrents of emotion the bereaved might feel are natural and to be expected.

Grief Counseling Tool - for everyone:
"As Much Time as it Takes" is a wonderful tool for peole experiencing the death of a loved one as well as for people caring for the bereaved. As a nurse and individual therapist I offer the text as a gift when my client has endured loss of a loved one by death. People respond to the book with great enthusiasm. "This book helps me to know it is okay to feel the way I feel." "I sometimes can't think straight...I like how I can open to any page and there are only a few words to help me for that minute." "I like the title the best...so many people think I should be done grieving by now. I didn't know there was a time clock. I like how I can now give myself permission to take my time." Martin Keogh captures the powerful emotions that emerge in the grieving process and offers direct coaching to the reader. The format of "As Much Time as it Takes" enhances the usefulness of the book. The first person singular narrative voice establishes a trusting intimate conversation between the author and the reader each page identifies one point of focus. The simplicity of the page and the openness of the words allow the reader to mediate, reflect, and make a choice to act in order to promote healing and facilitate grieving. Keogh draws on his own life experience, as well as the wisdom of experts in the field of bereavement, to invite healing. Keogh succeeds in a truly innovative way. Those who read this small text are left feeling inspired, affirmed and empowered.

A must read!:
This small gem of a book rings true and offers both those who have been bereaved and those wishing to comfort the bereaved concrete ideas and understandings for navigating the journey of grieving. I know I will use it over and over and will recommend it to my friends.

Provides advice in short sentences with large print, making them easy for grieving eyes to see.:
How can you support those who have lost a loved one - or how can you yourself survive such a loss? Other books on bereavement focus on either one or the other question or consider specific types of loss - most commonly, that of a partner. AS MUCH TIME AS IT TAKES: A GUIDE FOR THE BEREAVED, THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS offers a wider-ranging approach than competitors, and provides advice in short sentences with large print, making them easy for grieving eyes to see. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch