I'm looking for book recommendations to help navigate the passing of my dad. He died relatively young (I’m in my 20s) and I was his primary caregiver the past few years.
Our relationship was complex. He was abusive at times during my childhood we’ve always had a strong bond despite phases of estrangement and distance. He had his own difficulties with abuse in his family and struggled with addiction. I loved him very much despite our difficult history and know he loved me too.
I'm struggling with overwhelming sadness, guilt, regret, and traumatic memories from witnessing his decline and death. Also just generally ruminating on the sadness about the different circumstances of his life and how much he suffered.
I'm not looking for the typical grief books that offer platitudes like "it's okay to not be okay" or basic validation that grief is hard. Ideally I’d find something that addresses:
- Processing grief when the relationship is complex
- Caregiver guilt and medical trauma
- Moving through guilt and regret
I’m thinking more about self help books but I’m also open to fiction, memoirs, or anything else I might not be thinking of.
by user63589323