Moving Forward

The Widow's Journey

By: Arlene Sacks

Narrated by: Sheila Karls

This best-selling book made the shortlist for the 2022 Selfies Autobiography/Memoir Award and also was a finalist for the Foreword Indies Book Award for 2022.

Through her own personal experience of losing her husband, Arlene Sacks offers insights and guidance on how to navigate the various stages of grief, including shock, denial, guilt, and acceptance. She also shares practical advice on how to deal with life after loss, such as managing finances, making decisions on your own, and handling the loneliness.

Thirteen other widows featured in the book represent a diverse range of experiences, backgrounds, and cultures. Their stories offer a unique perspective on grief and loss and how different people cope in their own way. Moving Forward is not only a source of comfort and solace for those dealing with grief, but also a practical guide for those wanting to support a loved one through their journey. This book is a must-hear for anyone who has lost a partner or knows someone who has experienced this devastating loss.

"Over the years, I came to recognize that someday I might lose my husband, and that it would be a catastrophic loss. What I never expected was that along with the horrific pain, I would also lose a huge piece of my identity and my life as I knew it."

Thus began Arlene Sacks’ journey of loss, grief, and healing after the illness and death of Howard, her beloved spouse of 47 years. As Sacks gathered her thoughts and memories in preparation for writing Moving Forward, she came to see that, although widows might share some common ground, no one story of widowhood could capture the whole of its challenges or provide the widest range of wisdom gained from that experience.

There is no “best” way to move forward after losing a life partner, but this book is filled with the stories of Sacks’ journey interwoven with the experiences and influences of 13 other strong, sensitive, and generous widows.

©2021, 2022 Arlene Sacks (P)2023 Arlene Sacks

A remarkable journey, told by a voice of mahogany.

"A voice of mahogany!" is the first thing that came to my mind while listening to this narrator's rich and soothing tone. The sound of the words flow as this author tells us the story of the day she and her husband learn of his devastating illness and all that follows soon after. The story is delivered with strength, yet melts into equal amounts of tenderness when appropriate. This process kept me sitting silent and eager throughout the entire story. This book takes one on their own journey of emotion and the narrator believably owns every word. The serious parts of the book are delivered with clear, solid tones, while the humorous moments often with a dry wit that represent this multi-dimensional woman going through a once in a lifetime experience. A remarkable journey, told through a beautifully interpretive voice.

A must “read” for women

The topic of the book is really what the title says-moving forward.
Arlene shares her personal story about her life after losing her husband in a very intimate and honest way and creates a tapestry of how to deal with this event thru adding other women’s tales.
I think it also tells a lesson on how to move forward with your life, after losing a person of consequence in your life - by moving forward.
Besides the tough subject, you will find yourself laughing and entertaining! The narrating voice and performance is outstanding!

Beautifully narrated, comforting memoir

This is a lovely, calmly paced, comforting collection of recollections and interviews. I found the stories of loss and renewal relatable, and I appreciated the quiet pacing. The narration was gorgeous, with a rich and textured vocal quality, and gravitas that matched the depth of the story, while never succumbing to sentimentality. A very enjoyable listen!

Great book for all widows

This book has helped me so much after thr loss of my husband. I have recommended it to so many people because it has given me some peace and hope for the future.