Loss Is a Four-Letter Word

A Bereavement Boot Camp for the Widowed--Kick Grief in the Ass and Take Your Life Back

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Pub Date Sep 11 2018 | Archive Date Jan 10 2019

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Description

The word "loss" contains only four letters, but its size belies the amount of fear it produces at even its mere mention. Even more terrifying and enormous is the reality of loss—specifically, the loss of a spouse. For the loved one left behind, the loss of a spouse or partner is frightening, and the ensuing grief can be all-consuming. Regardless of the circumstances, spousal loss devastates on numerous levels and in countless ways. Whether the loss is brand new or decades old, it nonetheless leaves indelible wounds. Worst of all, widowhood has the capacity to keep those affected from moving forward into a new and fulfilling life. The need for relatable and actionable direction and advice remains a very real need for the widowed community.

In Loss is a Four-Letter Word, award-winning author Carole Brody Fleet, who herself experienced the numbing pain and grief as a young widow and mother, shows readers a way out, a way to move forward—not "get over"—their most profound loss in positive ways. Fleet combines no-nonsense, directed advice with specific, boot camp style "assignments" that are framed with compassion and humor. Appropriate for both the newly bereaved as well as those who may have been grieving for years, Loss is a Four-Letter Word is also ideal for those who wish to best support the bereaved through a most challenging life-journey.

The word "loss" contains only four letters, but its size belies the amount of fear it produces at even its mere mention. Even more terrifying and enormous is the reality of loss—specifically, the...


A Note From the Publisher

A compassionate action plan for the widowed to move optimistically into the future without leaving behind the memory of their loved one.

A compassionate action plan for the widowed to move optimistically into the future without leaving behind the memory of their loved one.


Advance Praise

"I really believe in what you're doing. It's an unbelievable testament to survival."

—Nate Berkus, celebrity designer and Emmy Award-winning host of TLC'S "Nate and Jeremiah by Design," "American Dream Builders," and "The Nate Berkus Show"

"Encouraging a smile while tackling tough subjects and providing necessary support and education"

—Lee Woodruff, contributor, CBS This Morning, New York Times bestselling author

"Carole Brody Fleet is changing the face and style of widowhood. It's a very unique look at an unusual problem these days."

—Deborah Roberts, correspondent Good Morning America

"Carole makes you think, laugh, and cry as she guides you on the path to your new life."

—Lisa Kline, celebrity designer, stylist and host, Launch My Line

Carole Brody Fleet is forthright in dealing with many of the difficult issues surrounding widowhood, demonstrating that you do not have to live in your past. It’s not an either-or situation. She teaches the important lesson that you can incorporate your previous life into a new life.”

—Jane Brody, personal health columnist, The New York Times

“Carole Brody Fleet has done it again! In Loss Is a Four-Letter Word, she offers practical, straightforward advice on how to move forward on a positive path after losing a loved one. I’ve had Carole as a guest on the Angel Quest radio show a number of times because of how much she has benefited my listeners with her knowledge. If it sounds like I am impressed with her, it’s because I am. I love this book, and I love Carole!”

Karen Noé, author, We Consciousness: 33 Profound Truths for Inner and Outer Peace and Your Life After Their Death: A Medium’s Guide to Healing After a Loss

“What I love and appreciate is Carole Brody Fleet’s firsthand knowledge and approach on the most taboo topic in society. Having gone through personal loss, I always learn something about how to approach the topic with empathy and how to permit others to comfort me in the worst of times.”

—Lisa Lockwood, crime analyst, author, police and military veteran

“Carole Brody Fleet is the real deal. In her latest act of service, Loss Is a Four-Letter Word, Carole helps the widowed navigate the unknown waters of loss and grief. She does not write or speak from a lofty position but instead from her heart, mind, and soul. She has a personal stake because she, too, has experienced the loss of her husband. In the multiple radio program conversations I’ve had with her, Carole has been articulate, savvy, graceful, and funny, yet she has displayed deep compassion for those who are suffering. This is a book that you can give to a family member, friend, or office associate and know that you’ve selected one of the best there is to help the person find themselves after loss. There is hope, and Carole Brody Fleet embodies that in her compassionate work with those who like herself, have experienced the long dark night of the soul. She pulls no punches and I appreciate her all the more for doing so. Read this book!”


—Scott H. Colborn, host, KZUM FM’s, Exploring Unexplained Phenomena radio show





"I really believe in what you're doing. It's an unbelievable testament to survival."

—Nate Berkus, celebrity designer and Emmy Award-winning host of TLC'S "Nate and Jeremiah by Design," "American...


Marketing Plan

  • Targeted marketing to the nearly 30 million widowed living in the United States.
  • Author is the winner of several awards, including the Books for a Better Life Award,
  • Media connections include Reuters, McClatchy-Tribune, SiriusXM, The Canadian Press, Women's World, BBC News, US News & World Report, Health, and more.
  • To date, author has made over 1,100 radio show appearances. Media appearances in all areas range between 100 and 150 per year.
  • Author has two public-figure verified Facebook accounts, with a professional Facebook page following of almost 11,000, and a Twitter following of over 2,600.
  • First and second serializing, reviews and/or interviews in women's magazines, appealing across all demographics, from prominent monthly and weekly publications
  • Excerpts in newspapers, specifically those section(s) relating to health and family, as well as reviews and interviews.
  • Appearances at book stores, book fairs and festivals, expos and conferences in a motivational and promotional speaking capacity.

  • Targeted marketing to the nearly 30 million widowed living in the United States.
  • Author is the winner of several awards, including the Books for a Better Life Award,
  • Media connections include Reuters...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780757321214
PRICE $15.95 (USD)
PAGES 262

Average rating from 2 members


Featured Reviews

Loss Is a Four Letter Word by Carole Brody Fleet is a solid, instructional, and encouraging “manual” (for lack of a better word) written for people who are grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other. As a widow myself, I feel uniquely qualified to review this book.
Ms. Fleet, herself a widow, completely and frankly addresses the questions and concerns a widow (or widower) who faces the death of a loved one may have---- questions like “Okay God…Now What?” [Chap 3] and “The Inalienable Right to Grieve” [Chap 14]. Further, Ms. Fleet thoroughly discusses and presents positive steps to take in areas that will arise but that one probably never thought about: Why do I feel relief? Or “Loyalty Versus Living Again: Are You Being Disloyal?”[Chap 16]
One of my favorite discussions Ms. Fleet writes about is “grief shaming,” and includes discussion and responses to those people who, never having gone through this most horrific life event, feel ‘qualified’ to ‘suggest’ finality as in “You should be done grieving by now,” followed by the unfeeling statement: “Why are you carrying on; you weren’t married that long….” Or “S/He wouldn’t want you to….” (I remember hearing this and thinking, ‘How would you know what my late husband wanted?’) I wish I’d had this book available to me then!
The author writes well and includes some humor, a real plus for me. I felt like she was speaking directly to me, discussing with me, suggesting things for me. Ms. Fleet’s book is not sermonized; rather she brings out subjects that the survivor can read, reread, ruminate on, and then perhaps even become proactive. I liked that. (Too often I felt numb and I would sit and think “now what?)”
Ms. Fleet delivers wonderful, straight-forward advice. What one does with it becomes another choice, but a necessary one for sure. Indeed, anyone who has “lost” someone will gain valuable insight for themselves from “Loss Is a Four-letter Word.”

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