Books It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand  by Megan Devine (Author)

"It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand" by Megan Devine is a transformative book offering a fresh, compassionate perspective on grief and loss. Megan Devine, a psychotherapist and grief advocate, draws from her own profound personal experience—the sudden death of her partner by drowning—and her professional work to challenge the cultural norms around grief.

Key points include:

Society often misunderstands grief, pushing people to "move on" or "get over it," which can isolate and invalidate the intensely painful experience of loss.

The book encourages honoring grief as a natural response and reframes the experience as ongoing rather than something to be cured or fixed.

Devine introduces the concept of the "wild howl at the center of grief"—the deep, raw pain that remains and cannot be silenced.

It offers practical guidance for those grieving and those supporting the bereaved, emphasizing empathy, presence, and authentic listening over clichés or platitudes.

Grief is described as a personal journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and permission to feel whatever arises without shame or judgment.

Devine also provides insights into how to navigate complicated emotions like anger, guilt, and despair while maintaining connection to life and love.

The book advocates for creating safe spaces where grief can be expressed freely and encourages reshaping cultural responses to loss.

Throughout, Devine blends professional expertise, heartfelt storytelling, and advocacy for better understanding to help readers embrace grief as part of healing and love.