A fresh take on the loss memoir, Piece by Piece follows a middle-aged mother forced to reconcile the theft of precious keepsakes with the memories and people the items represent.

If things are “just things,” why does it hurt so deeply when we lose them?

When a home burglary strips Kim Danielson of heirlooms and other special keepsakes, she loses more than the items themselves. She is also robbed of tangible connections to her history, and physical reminders of loved ones who have died—igniting grief both old and new. Feeling the weight of disappointment for future generations who cannot inherit a piece of her family’s legacy, Kim creates a new and lasting heirloom, one that can never be stolen.

Perfect for anyone who has ever lost anything of meaningful value, this book provides solace and a new perspective on material possessions. A practical template for preserving a legacy with or without artifacts, Piece by Piece offers a unique take on loss through the lens of stolen objects and invites readers to tell the stories of their lives by telling the stories of their things.

KIM DANIELSON practiced law on both ends of the spectrum, first as a public defender and then as a corporate attorney. In 2019, she founded a nonprofit organization to support teachers impacted by cancer. In all her work, she has witnessed countless examples of transformation stemming from loss. This restoration is a major undercurrent in her writing and life. She lives in Denver with her family.