THE ART OF COMFORTING
The Art of Comforting
Book Description
We live in an increasingly “virtual” world in which it can be tempting to skip making a true, human connection with someone in pain. Even though our thoughts are with them, we lack the confidence to reach out, worrying that we will say or do the “wrong” thing.
In this practical, step-by-step guide to what she calls “the art of comforting,” Val Walker draws on numerous interviews with “Master Comforters” to guide readers in gently and gracefully supporting those who are suffering. Interviewees include inspiring individuals such as Alicia Rasin, who, as a victim’s advocate for the city of Richmond, Virginia, has devoted her life to comforting grieving families devastated by homicide, gang violence and other traumatic experiences; or Patricia Ellen, who, as an outreach director at the Center for Grieving Children in Portland, Maine, appears on site to support and comfort children, staff and parents when a school is facing a death, violence or other crises.
All of us will, at one time or the other, be called upon to offer warmth and support to another human being in distress—this book will show you how to answer the call with an open heart.
From the Sacramento Book Review:
“This reviewer did not know what to say recently when a new friend described losing his son to a drug overdose. The Art of Comforting is a book for exactly those situations when a friend or family member is in distress and we long to offer more that trite encouragement. Walker does an excellent job demonstrating common mistakes in the words we use and the actions we take in our faltering attempts at comforting those dealing with a deadly disease or the raw emotion of bereavement. We learn that it’s not helpful to compare one person’s suffering to another’s. Walker uses illuminating tables that list unhelpful platitudes next to phrases that demonstrate better sensitivity. Readers are reminded to put the relationship first, even in our hectic, impatient world. Comforters must get themselves out of the way to help others. It’s often best just to listen and follow what the distressed have to say. A touching instructional for all who aspire to comfort the afflicted.”
–-Grady Jones, Sacramento Book Review
Painting with permission from Robert Selkowitz
Press for Art of Comforting
Penguin/Random House Book Description
Penguin/Random House Featured Titles for Hope, Healing, and Doing Good
Nautilus Book Award Gold Winners, 2011
Media Appearances for Art of Comforting
Coping with Cancer Magazine, The Language of Comforting: What to Say (and What Not to Say) to Someone Facing Cancer. (March/April 2014 and March/April 2016) Keeping Commitments.
TIME.com, Maia Szalavitz interviews Val about the art of comforting, noting how today’s college students may be 40% less empathetic than their predecessors thirty years ago. Mind Reading: The Art of Comforting. (January, 2011)
Good Housekeeping, Help a Friend Deal with Infidelity. Jane Wilde asks Val to weigh in on how to comfort to a loved one or friend who feels betrayed. (October,2012)
Chicago Tribune, How to Offer Comfort Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy’s Q&A with Val. Reaching out can be one of the hardest things to do. Here are some tips from the author of The Art of Comforting. (March, 2011)
Marie Claire Magazine, How Do You Help a Friend Who’s Grieving? by Maura Kelly (May, 2011).
Marie Claire Magazine, How to Cheer Up a Friend After a Breakup by Maura Kelly (May, 2011)
Wall Street Journal, Elizabeth Bernstein asks Val for advice about how to offer support to grieving people in her article, When a Friend Grieves, How to Get Sympathy Right (January, 2011)
Essence.com, How to Help a Friend in Need. Ginny Graves talks with Val about listening when a friend needs comfort. (April, 2011)
USA Weekend Magazine, LiveSmart, Be There, Be All There for Them, an excerpt from The Art of Comforting, (January, 2011)
Good Housekeeping Magazine, How to Help a Friend, an excerpt from The Art of Comforting, offering dos and don’ts for reaching out. (December, 2010)
AARP Bulletin Online, The Author Speaks, Interview with Val Walker, by Christie Findlay Learning to Soothe A Soul. (November, 2010)
Maclean’s Magazine, What Grieving People Need from You-Promising to “be there” doesn’t mean dropping off a casserole, then vanishing. Article about The Art of Comforting by Julia McKinnell (November, 2010)
Whole Living Magazine, How to Comfort Someone in Crisis, an excerpt from The Art of Comforting, (October, 2010)
Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, Listen Closely: A First Person Q&A with Val Walker by Nancy Heiser (October, 2010)
Reviews for Art of Comforting
Publishers Weekly, Review and Praise
Tucson Citizen Online -Shelf Life by Larry Cox
Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success, and Happiness
Bookend Babes, Cordes Psychiatry
Bookin’ It Staff Picks, Little Falls Minnesota Bookstore
Mom Blog Network-Recommendation
Radio Interviews for Art of Comforting
All Sides with Ann Fisher, WOSU Public Media, NPR Affiliate in Columbus, Ohio (Broadcast July, 2011) LISTEN HERE
All Sides with Ann Fisher, WOSU Public Media, NPR Affiliate in Columbus, Ohio (Second appearance in 2012)
Positively Incorrect with Scott Cluthe (Oct., 2010) : LISTEN HERE
Planetary Spirit with host Jeff Ferrannini, Boston, Oct. 2012
Your Money and Your Life with Hosts Amy Wood and Jane Honeck, Boston, Sept. 2012
The Unexpected Caregiver with Kari Barit, KYMN, Minnesota (Two appearances, 2012 and 2011)
The Bill Moller Show WGN Radio, Chicago, Dealing with Grief (Broadcast April, 2011)
Positive Parenting with Armin Brott on Armed Forces Radio (Broadcast March 4, 2011)
The Jefferson Exchange, Jefferson Public Radio, Oregon (December 2010)
AARP Prime Time with Mike Cuthbert (November, 2010)
The Women’s Room with Gina Lemanowicz WGLS-FM, New Jersey and Philadelphia (October, 2010)