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Information and Knowledge
Karen R Smith-Racicot, CLC
Rebecca K LaChance, PhD Author Interview
Widows Among Us: Stories and Insights is part memoir and part guide for preparation, support, and community; offering readers invaluable insights into navigating life before and after the loss of a spouse. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Becoming a widow was a very different experience for each of us, and we reacted very differently. However, we realized our experiences also had many similarities. We were surprised by the realization that we actually had not known what to expect. No one ever talked about widowhood, the amount of work to be done by the widow, or how to cope with unexpected situations. We want to make widowhood a topic that is discussed among women and families. We believe that the trauma of becoming widowed can be reduced by information and knowledge.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Everyone grieves differently, and that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to adhere to what society ‘expects’ of you if it doesn’t resonate with your feelings.
Prepare yourself BEFORE a life event happens.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
It really is to your benefit to be prepared for life events. You can never know when a life-changing event is going to happen. Your way of managing grief and recovery is entirely your choice. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel you want it, but trust your inner voice. You have the ability and power to create your new future.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
There is life beyond widowhood, and it can be beautiful.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
unsure about how to support widows in their lives. The authors illuminate the realities of
widowhood by exploring its unique and often overlooked aspects. (Search for the Large Print Edition using B0DSG1SJRD in the Amazon search bar.)
Every day, over 2,800 American women become widows. The average age of these widows is
59. You might know one of the eleven million widows in the United States. You may be one
yourself, or you could find yourself in that situation one day.
This inspirational and enlightening book offers valuable insights. The three authors write
candidly and emotionally about their unique experiences as widows and their determination to
create new beginnings after loss. Each author’s voice distinctly reveals different yet similar
aspects of grief and rebuilding a life.
They have collaborated to create a spirit guide and a handbook designed to assist women and
those who wish to support them in navigating the challenges of widowhood. The book offers
explanations that ease the discomfort of preparation and provides practical lists for getting
ready. It reassures widows with logical, comforting, and valuable insights into their experiences
and their tasks. The book concludes with advice and suggestions on how to help and support
the widows in the reader’s life.
A quiet, welcome voice of calm and encouragement emerges from the pages. This book has the
power to comfort many.
Widows Among Us: Stories and Insights
Widows Among Us: Stories and Insights is an enlightening book that navigates the complex, emotional, and often isolating experience of widowhood. Written by three women—Rebecca LaChance, Karen Justice, and Karen Smith Racicot—this book blends memoir, practical advice, and heartfelt wisdom. The authors take turns sharing their individual journeys, exploring not only their losses but also their resilience. The book also serves as a guide for preparation, support, and community, offering invaluable insights into navigating life before and after the loss of a spouse.
What stands out immediately is the raw honesty in the storytelling. Karen’s story, for instance, opens with an ordinary Monday, one that quickly transforms into a nightmare as she receives the news of her husband’s sudden death. The details are gut-wrenching—the disbelief, the shock, the immediate practical concerns of running a business and comforting her daughters. The way she describes the moment the police officers entered her office is particularly striking. This kind of straightforward yet deeply moving prose is what makes the book powerful. It doesn’t sugarcoat grief, nor does it drown in it. Instead, it lays out the pain and the struggle in a way that feels relatable.
The second part of the book shifts from personal narratives to a more practical approach—preparing for widowhood before it happens. This section is invaluable, not just for widows but for any woman in a marriage or long-term partnership. The book breaks down financial planning, legal documents, and the importance of knowing everything about household mechanics. The “Black Book” concept, a place to store all essential passwords and critical documents, is one of the best takeaways.
Another incredibly poignant section is Part Three, where the emotional and psychological aspects of widowhood are explored. It’s not just about sadness; it’s about struggling to remember things, making mistakes, feeling overwhelmed by small decisions. There’s a beautiful passage that compares grief to a swirling storm, with moments of calm that trick the widow into thinking she’s okay before another wave crashes down. This depiction resonated with me. The chapter on reframing guilt also stood out, as it acknowledges the self-imposed pressure widows feel to grieve “correctly.” The book reassures readers that whatever they are feeling is valid, and that healing doesn’t follow a set timeline.
The final section is a must-read for anyone who has a widow in their life. “How to Help a Widow” is full of practical, compassionate advice for friends and family. One of the most touching ideas is the suggestion to “remember with her”—to share stories of her spouse, rather than avoid the subject out of discomfort. It’s a reminder that grief doesn’t disappear after the initial shock, and neither should support.
Widows Among Us is a book that should be on the shelf of anyone who wants to understand the impact of losing a spouse. It’s heartbreaking, yes, but it’s also hopeful, full of wisdom, and deeply human. The mix of personal stories and practical advice makes it both an emotional read and a useful guide.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B0DS6JP4DH
LITERARY TITAN 