The Only Way Out is Through provides a compelling analysis of the seriousness of grief, especially grief over the loss of a special loved one. In her opening chapters, Dr. Gross thoroughly examines the life threatening, relationship destroying aspects of grief as well as the beginning of a potential transformational process which can lead to a more purposeful, more complete life. It is the danger that grief poses that should cause us to take its condition seriously and guard ourselves against much conventional wisdom. Dr. Gross writes about the subject with both a deep sensitivity, as someone who has felt the depths of grief, as well as with a beautiful understanding which comes from an inspired intellect. The Only Way Out if Through is her journey as she seeks an answer to the mystery of a sudden loss of someone who had so much to live for and so much living to do. She examines the breadth and depth of religion, philosophy, social conventions and customs, and psychology, as Dr.

Gross is well regarded and sought after for her expertise in dream analysis. However, it is her discussion of what we make of ourselves and our grief, a new self and its potential, and her recommendations for living through our grief and suggestions of how to live with our grief by facing a new reality, which speaks to a broad audience. Her advice speaks to both those who grieve and those who want to help the griever with very practical and productive methods of not only avoiding the potential dangers of grief but to use our grief to empower and lead us to a better place and a better life. In a sense, Dr. Gross' book ends where it begins but on the other side of a way out is through. Deeply personal, intellectually challenging, rich in suggestions for getting though the grief process, The Only Way Out is Through ends as it begins as a testament to love, vulnerability and self-discovery.