What Cannot Be Lost

Amanda Bible Williams

An unexpected combination of biblical truth and literary commentary, "What Cannot Be Lost" exposes the rawness of loss and longing while, at the same time, applying the only effective salve. Simply put, it’s one of the most honest books on grief I’ve ever read.

Karen Swallow Prior

The things that happen to us in life—whether things of gain or loss—become meaningful through the stories we tell about those things. The story Melissa Zaldivar tells in these pages finds meaning through the frame of the beautiful stories she has immersed herself in: the stories of Louisa May Alcott, the stories of people she knows and loves, and the truest and best stories of all—those of the Bible. "What Cannot Be Lost" is a beautiful testimony to the power good stories have to make our lives better, even (or especially) when we face great loss.

“I laughed, I cried. I couldn't put it down.”

This was such an honest look at grief in the Christian life. Melissa Zaldivar shares her personal story of losing her best friend and writes it in parallel with the story of Louisa May Alcotta’s writing of Little Women.

A short read that I couldn’t put down. I stayed up late just to finish it because I was captivated at the way Melissa navigated through grief, pushing through everything that can be lost to what cannot be lost, which is saving faith in Jesus.

This is one of those “I laughed, I cried” type stories that is sure to encourage anyone who reads it.

“I laughed, I cried. I couldn't put it down.”

This was such an honest look at grief in the Christian life. Melissa Zaldivar shares her personal story of losing her best friend and writes it in parallel with the story of Louisa May Alcotta’s writing of Little Women.

A short read that I couldn’t put down. I stayed up late just to finish it because I was captivated at the way Melissa navigated through grief, pushing through everything that can be lost to what cannot be lost, which is saving faith in Jesus.

This is one of those “I laughed, I cried” type stories that is sure to encourage anyone who reads it.

“I laughed, I cried. I couldn't put it down.”

This was such an honest look at grief in the Christian life. Melissa Zaldivar shares her personal story of losing her best friend and writes it in parallel with the story of Louisa May Alcotta’s writing of Little Women.

A short read that I couldn’t put down. I stayed up late just to finish it because I was captivated at the way Melissa navigated through grief, pushing through everything that can be lost to what cannot be lost, which is saving faith in Jesus.

This is one of those “I laughed, I cried” type stories that is sure to encourage anyone who reads it.

“An Honest Look at Grief”

As a big fan of Little Women, both the book and the movies (especially the 1994 movie), I was eager to read Melissa Zaldivar’s debut title, What Cannot Be Lost. The book takes readers through Melissa’s journey with grief as she suffered the loss of her dear friend Jill. While working at Orchard House, the home where Little Women was penned, Melissa began to see parts of her grief story in the grief that author Louisa May Alcott experienced throughout her life.

No stranger to grief myself, one of the aspects of What Cannot Be Lost that I most appreciated was how it is a resource that gives language to how grief feels. It really encouraged me to read the account of someone who is also a Christian who grieved with hope and remained committed to Christ even in the midst of incredible pain. I really appreciate how Melissa shares honestly about grief. I know that grief is uncomfortable, overwhelming, and confusing which makes people want to move past it quickly. This makes it especially difficult for the one grieving and I am grateful for Melissa’s story which acknowledges that grief is a process.

The past few years have brought about various kinds of grief for me and my family so I found comfort in Melissa’s words. I appreciate that she didn’t shy away from the honest thoughts and feelings grievers have. I know it is painful and difficult to share your grief story with others but I believe that doing so encourages others to not bear their pain alone and I am so grateful to Melissa for bravely sharing her story. If you’ve experienced grief or have wanted to better understand it, I think you will enjoy What Cannot Be Lost.

I received What Cannot Be Lost compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

“An Honest Look at Grief”

As a big fan of Little Women, both the book and the movies (especially the 1994 movie), I was eager to read Melissa Zaldivar’s debut title, What Cannot Be Lost. The book takes readers through Melissa’s journey with grief as she suffered the loss of her dear friend Jill. While working at Orchard House, the home where Little Women was penned, Melissa began to see parts of her grief story in the grief that author Louisa May Alcott experienced throughout her life.

No stranger to grief myself, one of the aspects of What Cannot Be Lost that I most appreciated was how it is a resource that gives language to how grief feels. It really encouraged me to read the account of someone who is also a Christian who grieved with hope and remained committed to Christ even in the midst of incredible pain. I really appreciate how Melissa shares honestly about grief. I know that grief is uncomfortable, overwhelming, and confusing which makes people want to move past it quickly. This makes it especially difficult for the one grieving and I am grateful for Melissa’s story which acknowledges that grief is a process.

The past few years have brought about various kinds of grief for me and my family so I found comfort in Melissa’s words. I appreciate that she didn’t shy away from the honest thoughts and feelings grievers have. I know it is painful and difficult to share your grief story with others but I believe that doing so encourages others to not bear their pain alone and I am so grateful to Melissa for bravely sharing her story. If you’ve experienced grief or have wanted to better understand it, I think you will enjoy What Cannot Be Lost.

I received What Cannot Be Lost compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

“An Honest Look at Grief”

As a big fan of Little Women, both the book and the movies (especially the 1994 movie), I was eager to read Melissa Zaldivar’s debut title, What Cannot Be Lost. The book takes readers through Melissa’s journey with grief as she suffered the loss of her dear friend Jill. While working at Orchard House, the home where Little Women was penned, Melissa began to see parts of her grief story in the grief that author Louisa May Alcott experienced throughout her life.

No stranger to grief myself, one of the aspects of What Cannot Be Lost that I most appreciated was how it is a resource that gives language to how grief feels. It really encouraged me to read the account of someone who is also a Christian who grieved with hope and remained committed to Christ even in the midst of incredible pain. I really appreciate how Melissa shares honestly about grief. I know that grief is uncomfortable, overwhelming, and confusing which makes people want to move past it quickly. This makes it especially difficult for the one grieving and I am grateful for Melissa’s story which acknowledges that grief is a process.

The past few years have brought about various kinds of grief for me and my family so I found comfort in Melissa’s words. I appreciate that she didn’t shy away from the honest thoughts and feelings grievers have. I know it is painful and difficult to share your grief story with others but I believe that doing so encourages others to not bear their pain alone and I am so grateful to Melissa for bravely sharing her story. If you’ve experienced grief or have wanted to better understand it, I think you will enjoy What Cannot Be Lost.

I received What Cannot Be Lost compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

“An Honest Exploration of Grief and Faith”

This is a raw, honest, and encouraging read as we hear the story of Melissa's loss and how Christ sustained her. If you're going through a tough time or are supporting someone who is, this could be a really helpful read, especially if you're looking for something that is a little more gentle than a full-on Bible study. Instead, there are Bible passages woven throughout when appropriate, so that the book feels like it's on a really solid biblical foundation.

“An Honest Exploration of Grief and Faith”

This is a raw, honest, and encouraging read as we hear the story of Melissa's loss and how Christ sustained her. If you're going through a tough time or are supporting someone who is, this could be a really helpful read, especially if you're looking for something that is a little more gentle than a full-on Bible study. Instead, there are Bible passages woven throughout when appropriate, so that the book feels like it's on a really solid biblical foundation.

“An Honest Exploration of Grief and Faith”

This is a raw, honest, and encouraging read as we hear the story of Melissa's loss and how Christ sustained her. If you're going through a tough time or are supporting someone who is, this could be a really helpful read, especially if you're looking for something that is a little more gentle than a full-on Bible study. Instead, there are Bible passages woven throughout when appropriate, so that the book feels like it's on a really solid biblical foundation.