Published Aug. 12

Legacy Book Press, LLC

Order through all brick & mortar and online bookstores

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Future Readings

Reading and Conversation with Grief Therapist and Chaplain, Cristina Manzoni

Oct. 16, 7-8:30pm

Port Townsend Friends Meetinghouse

1841 Sheridan St.

Port Townsend, WA

Reading and Conversation on Whidbey Island

February 27, 2-3:30pm

Langley Library

Langley, WA

Reviews of Dialogue with Kelsey

“Barbara Bennett breaks new ground in this memoir, which proves that parenting doesn’t stop after death, but in fact is a relationship that extends in all directions, across time. A tender tribute and beautifully written testament to the fact that love never dies.”

–Emily Rapp Black, NYT bestselling author of The Still Point of the Turning World, Frida Kahlo and My Left Leg, Poster Child, and Sanctuary

“This beautifully written book demonstrates that even after the death of a child, the bond between a mother and her daughter is forever. Dialogue with Kelsey Before and After My Daughter’s Death shows that the relationship continues on after death through memories, signs and dreams, and conversations. Kelsey’s continued presence in her families’ lives is a reminder to embrace the mystery of life and death and remember (as Kelsey said) “we’re on a journey together.” 

–Robin Gaphni, Well-Being Program Manager at Bloedel Reserve and fellow bereaved mom

“A book for anyone who has lost someone, felt loss profoundly, searched for meaning or how to navigate heartfelt devastation. Beautifully written with an unusually skillful and colorfu weave of memories and stories of people, places, and events, the pieces that make each of our lives distinctive yet part of a greater whole. Through an ongoing dialogue with Kelsey and her mother the writer on a wide-ranging journey of the spirit, one gets to know an extraordinary young woman, feel her loss, and how out of shattering experiences one might begin to build life again.”

–Arthur Dorros, Award-winning author of Abuela and other children’s books

“This book hooked me, heart and soul, in the first chapters. Dialogue with Kelsey: A Conversation with My Daughter Before and After Her Death, overflows with compelling storytelling and vivid Mystery. Barbara Bennett writes beautifully, with open sincerity that draws the reader into a loving relationship that didn’t end with Kelsey’s sudden death at 28. Dialogue with Kelsey offers a poignant montage of their history and continuing connection.

It’s important to say that Bennett doesn’t avoid devastating grief; she hammers at the gates of heaven through it. She seeks and finds the threads of love that weave into a shared future with her daughter no matter what. So Dialogue with Kelsey is a spiritual book, even mystical, but written with down to earth clarity. Bennett tells us she prays to, “be open to what is beyond thinking, to what is hidden.” Yes, there are dreams, visions, unusual conversations, and sacred rituals. Yet with a spacious religious perspective, Bennett doesn’t preach. She describes lived experiences that are beyond most words or religious doctrine. Losing Kelsey broke her open. Dialogue with Kelsey invites readers into wonder at the Mystery of life and death through that door.”

–Christine Betz Hall, executive director of Good News Associates, and founder-director of Way of the Spirit, a Quaker retreat and study program.

“In Dialogue with Kelsey, Barbara Bennett records her journey through the shock of learning a bus killed her daughter to ultimately understanding resilience as she explores Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and shamanistic practices, in addition to learnings from her Christian background and love of poetry. When she moves from “why me” in response to grave loss to “why not me,” acceptance comes. I am moved by her understanding that she can stay in touch emotionally and spiritually with her beloved daughter whose words continue to help her see again beauty in nature, family, friendships, and the companioning of others suffering loss. “

–Sheila Bender, A New Theology: Turning to Poetry in a Time of Grief and Since Then: Poems and Short Prose.

“This author turns a gorgeous phrase, again and again. I read the book wondering how a writer like this could at the same time be so tough. She writes about the loss of her 28 year old daughter in an accident to which there were no witnesses. The subject is incomprehensible. It is impossible to understand the loss of a child. Why did this happen? Where did her daughter go? Yet the writer keeps asking the questions. She is tough in that she charges the hill again and again. She is like a boxer, probing her opponent (death) with jabs and hooks, and she keeps getting knocked down. Every time she gets up.
I am not a writer, only a reader, but I know it must be hard to write so deeply without losing clarity. The book is both deep and clear. I was prepared to read a weepy book, but no, this is a courageous book. In the end there is hope and love, and the realization that she will be asking these questions until then end of her days. I hope she keeps asking and writing”.

-Jon Hopeman, Attorney

“Bennett writes a powerful, yet poignant and yes, bittersweet memoir about her path after learning that her beloved eldest child, a daughter named Kelsey, was killed in a tragic bicycle accident on the east coast. Immediately “thrown for a loop,” Bennett achingly details her journey through grief and back into a meaningful and ongoing relationship with Kelsey, who she comes to understand and believe will always be with her. Bennett’s journey takes the reader through a myriad of different spiritual practices and belief systems…some of which help greatly, some of which don’t do much at all—including the realization that her understanding that her own spiritual life upon learning of Kelsey’s death was utterly useless to her. But refusing to succumb to despair (she has other adult children and a loving husband to attend to and who help her as well) Bennett details in beautiful writing and masterful storytelling how she begins to find meaning and purpose and yes, love again in her life, after experiencing a loss that no parent ever should experience. It is a sad story at times…but overall it’s a story of hope, love, and reclaiming joy. Kelsey’s spirit also shines through in the telling. Well worth the read.”

-PJ Sampel, Spiritual Director and author

Beautifully crafted memoir by an exceptional writer. The grief of the tragedy is palpable, as is the transformation of the author. I have to admit I was nervous this book would create anxiety about the loss of a child but instead it gave me the reassurance that even after separation on this human plane the souls of those we love are forever connected with us and the love can flourish and transform.

-J. Goff, Author of Thankful Harvest and nationally-published articles