Introducing Anna's award winning book...
My New Friend, Grief: Reflections on Loss and Life
(from the back cover) "I force my mouth to form a smile, but it is hard to look people in the eyes. I hear my dad’s voice whispering, “Eye contact, Anna.” But making eye contact means seeing and being seen. I try to avoid it. My head is nodding while my heart screams in disagreement with what is being said, “NO HE IS NOT IN A BETTER PLACE. THIS IS WHERE HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE. THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE THAN RIGHT HERE. WITH US…"
With extraordinary honesty, Anna shares how she experienced grief after the sudden death of her father. My New Friend Grief: Reflections on Loss and Life divulges how Oginsky’s previous life experience had shaped her beliefs about death and loss. As she sifted through the broken pieces of her heart, she discovered that befriending grief would allow her to move through life in richer, more meaningful ways.
My New Friend Grief brings to light the feelings and fears we all experience in grief, but hesitate to express. As Oginsky reveals her personal insights into loss and life, we find a friend who affirms for us that, as we too grieve, we are not alone.
My New Friend, Grief provides a candid, personal reflection on loss and life, as well as an affirmation for the transformational power of embracing grief.
Anna had the opportunity to be a guest on bright new voices: the balboa press hour with Diane Lay. Grab a cup of something warm and listen in as they discuss my new friend, grief...
Also listen in here as Anna speaks with author, artist, mentor, guide, and all-around inspiration, Christine Mason Miller as a guest on her podcast, The Conscious Booksmith. Christine and Anna talk about making space for writing, writing as healing, and My New Friend, Grief.
My New Friend, Grief is making its way into the world with high acclaim
Indie Reader Discovery Awards: Winner in Aging/Death & Dying
Independent Publishers Book Awards: Gold Medal Winner in Aging/Death & Dying
The National Indie Excellence Awards: Finalist in Grief
The Great Midwest Book Festival: Honorable Mention in Non-fiction
The Beverly Hills Book Awards: Winner in Grief
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING...
"Anna's honest, soulful book cracked my heart wide open. I found myself nodding yes, laughing, crying and feeling incredibly grateful for her willingness to share her stories and her truth in this book. Thank you Anna Oginsky!!!!"
-Christine Mason Miller, Author and Artist
I finished reading My New Friend Grief by Anna Hodges Oginsky last night. I have many dog eared pages with passages I want to reflect upon. This book is heartfelt and very honest, taking you through the many different stages of grief and healing. I would highly recommend this powerful and uplifting book to anyone, at any point.
-Albert B. Hanner, Author
"My New Friend, Grief is balm for a grieving heart. It is feeling seen and saying “Me, too!" in a journey that so often feels so lonely. To grieve is brutal — to grieve in solitude is unbearable. Anna shines her wise, warm light of honesty and truth into the darkest corners of loss and what is illuminated is a map. A map with many different paths that all lead to the same place —comfort, connection and ultimately, peace. I am so grateful for this book.”
—Libby Nelson, life coach
Anna's writing touches my heart like nothing ever has. I’m halfway through the book, cried my eyes out most of the time and feel a little lighter and a little less alone today.
– Tiffany Mazurek, Psychotherapist
"Loved this easy to read, amazing book! Anna (author) has given me a voice for my feelings....feelings which I didn't know how to understand nor explain, even to myself. This is by far, the best, most candid, book on grieving that I have ever read! It can apply to grief of any loss....I am forever grateful to dear, sweet Anna for sharing her perspective with me. As I read, I thought again & again, "That's it!" Anna really "gets" how I'm feeling..." -Judi (Amazon Review)