I Didn't Know What to Say

Being a Better Friend to Those Who Experience Loss

By: David Knapp

Narrated by: Ken Solin

Knapp draws on his own experience of losing both his first and second wife to cancer to provide insight into some of the unhelpful responses we often make, and presents a repertoire of ideas on how to be a genuine friend and helper to a grieving person. Various chapters in the book deal with different kinds of losses, including the trauma of losing a spouse or child, divorce, loss of pets, and other losses that we sometimes fail to recognize need to be grieved over if healing is to occur. A veteran teacher, Knapp supplements his chapters with practical lists of responses that may be helpful at different points in the grieving process. His book is a wonderful tool for preparing ourselves for the inevitable human experience of dealing with others' grief, or our own. A student of life and processes, David Knapp "leans into" the situation at hand. Whether raising four children, or blending a family with eight teenagers, running a small business or teaching fresh-faced college students, he knows how to communicate effectively. He does not write from theory, but from experience and study.

©2015 David Knapp (P)2016 David Knapp

One of a kind

What did you love best about I Didn't Know What to Say?

This is the first book I listened to because it's the only one that directly indicated that it was for the grievers supporting network.
I'm the mother of a daughter who lost a husband that she had for less than 1 year of marriage; she is grieving hard and I'm as lost as she is.
To Mr. Knapp: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing this. I'm not a religious practicing person and could not relate to the bible chapter on the help you found, and appreciate that you kept the religious aspect to a minimum through the rest of the material, as it was invaluable help and so appreciated.
It helped to hear the griever's perception on certain lines of comments. I will no doubt still make mistakes but at least I have some help to be better.

Very helpful in assisting a bereaving friend or family member.

Often people don't know what to say and so avoid conversation regarding someone's grief. David Knapp candidly shares his journey of his own grieving process offering helpful advice for anyone to learn to be a support in word and deed to another's grief as well as understanding a grieving person's own feelings. Excellent source.

New Ideas to Say and Do for Grievers

I greatly value the information I gained from this well written book. The author honestly shares his journey through loss in his life and clearly explains what's not helpful and what is the most loving way to support the bereaved. It also will help me know how to ask for help when I am grieving in the future.
Cathy Cheshire, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist