Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grief book?

It's a very small (2.7" x 2"), hand-made book with words and art designed to provide comfort and support to someone experiencing grief. The text is a set of appropriate expections you can have for yourself in grief, by Dr. Therese Rando. The art is original to the book, created by watercolorist Maggie Orion. 

The books are pocket-sized and made to be read. They are created as a meditation for both the maker and receiver.

Are they free?

Yes.

How can I receive one? 

You can fill out our request form, or if you're local and craft-inclined, you can attend one of our workshops in the Nevada County area to learn how make your own 💜

What are "appropriate expectations"?  What is the text of the book, exactly?

Dr. Rando's expectations are universal, general sentiments that apply to most anyone experiencing grief. They include:

• Your grief will take longer than most people think.

• Your grief will take more energy than you would have ever imagined.

• You may experience grief "spasms", acute upsurges of grief that occur suddenly with no warning.

• You may feel like you are going crazy.

... and other simple, resonant statements about the varied, profound, and nuanced experience of grief.

They're things that you might know, but that you also probably haven't actually been told directly. 

Is the project affiliated with a church or religion?

No; we assure you it's not affiliated with anything particularly organized at all.

Are they really free though?

They are always freely given - but no, of course everything requires some resources to come into existence. We are working to incorporate as a nonprofit so that donations received can go towards covering this cost.

If you request a book and are able to cover the cost of time and materials, we appreciate you! The suggested donation per book is $15. Venmo directly, or reach out to brightsnailpress@gmail.com for donation arrangements.