Published on April 07, 2026
Most of us associate grief with the loss of a loved one. But grief can lurk underneath all kinds of conclusions: graduations, changing jobs, moving towns.
Every life chapter—even a good one—has an ending.
Books also have endings. Series have endings. And it’s not uncommon for readers to experience a tinge of grief after reading the last sentence of a beloved story.
It's hard to let go of captivating characters, fantastical worlds, or the storytelling itself. And just like any sort of loss, you can choose how you want to move forward.
Here are three choices for you.
Sometimes when we grieve, we take comfort in reminders of whom or what we lost. We might surround ourselves with objects or experiences that invoke precious memories.
Finding a read-alike could be the lift you’re looking for. With your library card, you have access to NoveList Plus—a database for browsing books under very specific parameters. Not only can you find read-alikes for favorite titles, but you can also search by appeal, genre, theme, and more.
If you select a title, NoveList Plus will tell you whether it’s owned at Siouxland Libraries—and link you directly to the item in our catalog.
As always, library staff are more than happy to suggest read-alikes for you. Stop in at one of our branches, tell us what you loved about a book, and we’ll find something similar for you.
Other times, we might choose to avoid the things that remind us of our grief. We might welcome distractions in order to give our hearts a moment of peace.
You might consider reading out of your comfort zone. If you read fiction, try some non-fiction. If you prefer print books, try a different format—like a graphic novel or an audiobook. Hop across the pond to a genre you’re not used to. You could also enjoy a cozy read—a simple, lighthearted book to cleanse the palate.
If you’re not sure where to begin, try Book Butler. Fill out a brief survey about what you’re looking for—whether it’s a read-alike or something new. Our library staff will email you a list of titles curated to your preferences.
The extraordinary thing about books is: you don’t actually have to say goodbye. You can simply read it again.
You might be eager to reread a good book right away. Or you might wait. Time will give you fresh eyes to catch details you may have missed or forgotten.
Stories are meant to be told—over and over again. They are meant to be shared and spoken about. If you’re grieving a book, that means the book did its job. It connected deeply with you—and that’s worth experiencing again.