When a new book is released, it’s customary to plan some kind of launch party, because a new book is something to celebrate. Many people have said congratulations on the publication of Hope Beyond Our Sorrows, and I’m grateful for all those positive responses.
But they also make me feel uneasy. Because this book has come out of a place of deep loss, and more than any of my other books, this one holds my heart between its covers.
Two years ago, when my publisher contacted me about writing a book on my grief journey, I wasn’t sure that I could—or even if I wanted to. Even now, with Hope Beyond Our Sorrows in print, I still think of it as the book I never wanted to write about the life I never wanted to live.
Yet the book is here. I am here. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to share some of my journey with grief and some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Not that I have all of the answers. Some days I don’t think I have any answers at all. I know that for too many in this world, grief is unbearable. Life is unbearable, and they sink under the weight of it. I’m at a loss for what to do or say or write that might make a difference. Yet I pray God’s comfort for all who are weary and weighed down by grief. I pray God’s rest for body, mind, soul, and spirit. I pray God’s goodness and mercy to raise up those who are struggling, encourage the downcast, and work healing and renewal for all. This book is part of that prayer.
Thanks be to God. And thanks be to the many people who have contributed so much to this book and so much to my life.
Last night’s book launch included special music by Mel Bowker (piano) and Lorin Friesen (violin).
When I told a friend that they would be playing, she immediately said, “How did you get them to play for you? They do concerts!”
“I know,” I said to her. “They’re wonderful musicians, and also friends in my church and very generous.”
Joining them for last night was Lora Dijk, a beautiful singer and another good friend in the church, who sang “Healer of Our Every Ill”—one of my favourite worship songs that I now think of as the title song for my book because of the refrain:
Healer of our every ill,
Light of each tomorrow,
give us peace beyond our fear
and hope beyond our sorrow.
—Healer of Our Every Ill by Marty Haugen
In between the music, I read a few excerpts from my book, we heard a few words on behalf of my church that hosted the launch, and gave away some door prizes, including a mug that said “bless this mess” (since life can be messy!), a chocolate survival kit, and a signed copy of Hope Beyond Our Sorrows. Then, of course, there was a book table, some fruit and cookies and coffee/tea/water, and connecting with so many people who had come.
I’m very glad to report that there were books available for purchase last night, and I don’t take that for granted. The books for the launch were sent to me directly from the printer and arrived in plenty of time. But the books from the printer to the publisher got lost somewhere along the way. Not just a box or two, but the ENTIRE print run of books! The shipment was being tracked, until suddenly it wasn’t. As a result, the printer and the carrier are submitting claims, and the printer is re-printing all of the books and re-shipping them.
That means that the book will be late to Amazon and to every other online or brick and mortar bookstore. So if you’ve pre-ordered, I’m sorry that you will have to wait a little longer.
On the bright side, as one of my writer friends pointed out, now I can say that my book is already in its second printing, before it’s even launched!
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be giving away some books, sharing the Hope Beyond Our Sorrows playlist, and other freebies, so please stay tuned.
April Yamasaki 
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