In September 2020 a call went out across social media for people to write about their experiences of grief. The invitation was open to all and people were asked to discuss what grief meant to them and how it has affected their lives to date. This project became 'The Grief Collective: Stories of Life, Loss & Learning to Heal.' The idea for this book originally came from the author's own experiences when her Father was palliatively unwell. It was during this time that she informally considered she had a 'Dead Dad Club.' The Club comprised a group of friends and colleagues who understood grief. Their messages and validation were such an invaluable source of support to her that she wanted to recreate the same for people who didn't have ready access to such empathic, supportive, grief-informed people in real life. The Grief Collective is exactly that - an opportunity for readers to learn about grief and be supported with it by the experts - the people who have experienced it. The Grief Collective: Stories of Life, Loss & Learning to Heal is a collection of personal, real life stories from people who have grieved or are grieving. The stories depict grief, bereavement and even the most difficult aspects of grief including complex / complicated grief, whereby the grief response extends beyond typical clinical expectations. The narratives describe how grief can be an entirely destabilising experience to endure. Each story is told in the unique style of the person who wrote it. The 54 story contributors talk about what helped them to cope at the time and since. They also describe helpful resources such as therapies, support groups and books. The Grief Collective includes a wide variety of grief themes including; cancer, dementia, stroke, suicide, loss of a relationship, miscarriage / stillbirth, accidental death, death of pets and the death of people whom relationships were difficult when they were alive. Some people discuss that their grief caused them to see life differently and / or to take positive steps to reduce stigma or raise funds to support and benefit others. We all have differing responses to grief. It seems society often has set ways to respond to people who are grieving. Recurrent themes include people being offered initial condolences but then being somewhat left to 'get on with it' as people don't want to upset them. This just isn't the reality of grief, there are many layers and stages to it and talking really seems to help even if the 'problem' can't be fixed. This book is for people who are grieving, have grieved, or for people who would like to learn more about how to support those who are grieving. It has a broad appeal and could be used by health professionals too. The Grief collective builds a truly modern and diverse picture of grief and allows readers to feel validated and normalised in their experiences. If you're struggling with grief or know someone who is then it is highly likely that some of the things you're feeling are also described within this book. Themes discussed include juggling family life, mental health and COVID-19. The contributors range in age from late teens to 70's and are from across the U.K and internationally too. The author, Dr Marianne Trent is a Clinical Psychologist in The NHS & in Private Practice. She specialises in Trauma, Grief, Anxiety & Depression. This is Marianne's first book although she also appears in Amy Brown's 'Let's Talk About The First Year of Parenting' book. Marianne is a regular blogger, writing about mental health related topics and concepts. She has been interviewed live on the BBC News and written for The Guardian, Platinum Magazine and Grazia Daily.