Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine
Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book,
Notes to an Actor, was named by the American Library Association an
"Outstanding Book of 2008." For the past five years he has taught a
very popular course on the subject of grief using film, theatre,
literature and oral history as a way to study this often
intimidating subject. He has acted extensively on TV—in everything
from Lost to West Wing to Entourage -and appeared opposite screen
legend Kirk Douglas in the movie Illusion, for which he also wrote
the screenplay. He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an
MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.
Brian Shuff is a writer from Mesa, Arizona, who now lives in Los
Angeles where he is at work completing a book of short stories. His
mother died when he was eight years old, giving him a life-long
interest in the subject of grief. Along with Ron Marasco he has
written a screenplay based on Louise Hay's groundbreaking book, You
Can Heal Your Life that will premiere in 2011. He and Marasco are
also working on a dramatic adaptation of John McNulty's book This
Place on Third Avenue.
A brave approach to the subject of grief. Truthful, practical,
down-to-earth. This book will help a lot of people.
*Philip Zimbardo, Ph.D., former President of the American
Psychological Association, Professor Emeritus at Stanford
University, author of “The Time Paradox” (2009) and “The Lucifer
Effect” (2008)*
There is no other book I know of that comes close to illuminating
grief and all that surrounds it with such a clear and honest
humanity. Marasco and Shuff embark on a rare exploration of the
bone deep truths and unexpected consolations that lie within the
mysteries of loss and healing.
*Beth Henley, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright*
After reading this book I felt like I had landed on a planet with
my own species!
*Lenore Rogers, Founder of Amy's Treat at Seacoast Cancer
Center in New Hampshire*
Marasco (theater, Loyola Marymount Univ.; Notes to an Actor) and
Shuff, who has written a screenplay with Marasco, offer a
down-to-earth book on grief—hard, messy work, which often is not
spoken of in our culture. They first discuss the new normality that
a grieving person will experience and then explore being honest
with oneself, life with the deceased, and the future. In the third
section, the authors identify nine things that can help comfort the
grieving (e.g., rest, sports, nature, indulgence). Finally, they
cover expressing grief for men and women and those of various
religious beliefs, self-expression, and honoring the deceased. The
authors use anecdotes and scenes from movies and literature to help
guide readers down this often lonely path. VERDICT A truthful,
practical, and refreshingly honest look at an often taboo topic.
Though this is a quick read, there is a wealth of information
contained within the pages that will give comfort to the grieving.
For all public libraries.
*Library Journal*
In a mere 198 pages, it unpacks this most universal of events,
evoking deep emotions as it takes the reader on a tour of the
literature of loss while offering straightforward observations,
stories from life (what Marasco calls “these gems”) and practical
advice on coping with the death of a loved one.
*Loyola Marymount Newsroom*
About Grief creates a safe haven for the suffering and their
family, friends, and co -workers. Placing the book in context, Ron
Marasco and Brian Shuff write, 'All the stories and information in
this book are here for one reason: to help you realize that you are
not the only one.' Their language is contemporary, driving the
message home without sugar coating: 'Our aim is to make you feel
less lonely, and frankly, less nuts.'
The authors discovered that 'If you talk about grief openly and
honestly, people will talk back.' This sentence sets the stage for
a book-long conversation about compassionate and insightful
thinking. 'We don’t do grief,' writes Joan Didion. 'Yet grief still
does us,' state the authors. The cultural imperative to put on a
happy face resonates with readers. The implied imperative is to
'act as if,' to pretend that sadness is not part of each minute of
each day.
About Grief is a love letter and a sympathy note validating the
pain of those coping with loss. For family, friends, and
acquaintances of the bereaved the book is a gentle instruction
guide.
*Foreword Reviews*
This is a helpful book for those in the helping professions who
work with people deep in grief. But it is also useful for friends
who need guidance in talking to the bereaved. And finally it is a
comfort for those experiencing the loss of a loved one. I
especially liked the use of poetry and literary quotations. These
are often the language of tears, words that speak more deeply and
compassionately than any other.
*Arthur Dobrin, D.S.W., Professor Emeritus of University Studies,
Hofstra University*
A wonderful, down-to-earth and reader friendly book that discusses
an almost universal human experience in a unique and helpful
way.
*Clifford N. Lazarus, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist; co-founder &
director of The Lazarus Institute*
Finally! A book about grief that combines gutsy and honest language
with depth, humor, and truth. If you’re grieving the death of a
loved one, read this book. If you want to support someone who’s
grieving, read this book. About Grief is number one on my
‘recommended reading’ list for anyone who wants a better sense of
the real journey of grief.
*Donna Schuurman, Executive Director, The Dougy Center for Grieving
Children & Families, Portland, Oregon*
About Grief: Insights, Setbacks, Grace Notes, Taboos is an
honest, down-to-earth and extraordinarily creative contribution to
the popular literature written for those who grieve. Authors
Marasco and Shuff fearlessly delve into subject matter most other
self-help writers tend to avoid like the plague (such as the
not so unusual urge among some who grieve to indulge in promiscuous
sex) while managing to write a respectful, meaningful, and "fun
read" about dying and death. This book is never pedantic. In
fact, the authors proudly profess not to be grief experts. They are
artists and teachers whose understanding and appreciation of the
human condition is informed by their love of Shakespeare, modern
theater and film, as well as popular memoir, literature and poetry.
Their passion for the arts is contagious. The reader is swept up by
powerful scenes from works of great writers, with words that
reassure, challenge and inspire.
*Robert Zucker, author, The Journey Through Grief and Loss: Helping
Yourself and Your Child When Grief Is Shared*
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
