Surviving Sibling Loss

The Invisible Thread That Connects Us Through Life and Death

By: Dawn Diraimondo PsyD

Narrated by: Lynnda Nelson

When author Dawn DiRaimondo, PsyD, lost her brother in 2004, she found only one book on sibling loss. So, she wrote the book she wished she had then.

Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread That Connects Us Through Life and Death is the gold standard of grief books, helping not only people who are grieving but also their therapists, partners, and friends better support their loved ones. The chapters are deliberately short and full of easy-to-find resources, and the book can be listened to again and again. This structure aids those who are struggling, who fatigue and lose focus easily under the weight of their grief.

Dr. DiRaimondo is a clinical psychologist whose specialties include working with clients who have experienced significant loss, including the loss of children, siblings, spouses, grandchildren, and young parents. Surviving Sibling Loss interweaves her personal and professional experience and knowledge of bereavement, as well as the perspectives of fourteen individuals she interviewed who also lost siblings.

©2020 Dawn DiRaimondo, Psy.D. (P)2023 Dawn DiRaimondo, Psy.D.

Extremely helpful

Having just lost my older brother unexpectedly, trying to grieve something so unimaginable that words can’t truly describe. This book does an excellent job of expressing much of the pain and providing resources in a situation that feels so overlooked by society. Going to be listening over and over again.

My brother and best friend died suddenly

This book helped me so much, that I read it 5 times. It helped me realize that what I though was craziness was just normal grieving.

The fact that this addresses grieving the loss of siblings, which is difficult to find.

I liked that it was written by a psychologist who actually went through the process when she lost her brother. She was able to look at it both from a sister perspective as well as a professional in behavioral health.
I am 72 and lost my only sis one year ago after she turned 80. She was my best friend, my sister, and a mother figure. And she was my last living relative from my family of origin. We were very close. she knew more about me than I did. It's been a difficult time because my husband of 45 years then passed away 3 months after she did, 2 days before Christmas.
This book touched on nearly everything I was feeling and experienced through this complicated grieving process. It validated that I'm okay even though, at times, I feel like I'm not.
This book also is easy to read and not overly technical. It's practical.

Great book for sibling grievers

I lost my brother tragically and unexpectedly in September. I have purchased a few books on sibling loss and grief in general, but this is the first book I couldn’t put down and actually finished. If you’ve lost your sibling or are living with a significant loss, I highly recommend it.

Much needed book

Everything this author said was a feeling that I have. I just lost my only sibling, my brother Chris, to ALS. I have had every emotion possible and I feel very validated by this author, knowing that they are all normal and expected! I felt very seen, heard and understood. If you’ve lost a sibling, this is an invaluable source for you.