by Martin Prechtel

Non-Fiction. Themes: Indigenous Culture, Ritual, Spirituality, Psychology

For those seeking an intellectual investigation into grief, the author prompts us to ask: What would it look like to live in a world that valued grief and supported grievers? If we saw our grief as “a spiritual enzyme”, would we collectively mourn and praise in the same breath? Would our world have less violence, less hate, less isolation, less suffering?

Prechtel, a New Mexican Native American by birth and shaman of the Tzutujil Mayan tribe of Guatemala by study, speaks as if we were sitting at the feet of our elders, absorbing and appreciating their hard-earned lessons. By connecting us back to the wisdom of our ancestral roots, he invites us to embrace rituals which honor grief, as well as its twin, praise.

This book is a must-read for anyone who may feel their grief is inappropriate—exceeded social norms. It’s a book that speaks to the gaping hole in our collective chests. It’s also a must read for death and grief workers, those who take part in burying and honoring our dead.

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The Farewell Library is where Jade blends her love of literature with her passion for death literacy and grief awareness.  Jade offers a monthly Death & Grief-focused virtual book club, book reviews of the latest Death and Grief centered books and tips and tricks for aspiring death workers and others standing at the sacred thresholds of death and grief.