Happiest Girl in the Room

How to Successfully Overcome Loss and Grief -A Review of Ayodele Alabi’s Happiest Girl in the Room
Author: Ayodele Alabi
Year of Publication: 2023
Number of Pages: 218
Category: Memoir

Grief has the power to completely transform an individual. Some may retreat inward, while others undergo significant shifts in their personalities, whether for the better or worse. The outcome of this transformation often hinges on one’s perspective on life following the loss of a loved one.

Dealing with grief becomes even more challenging when considering that losing one loved one is not the same as losing two. Ayodele Alabi has personally grappled with the unique emotions that accompany losing a loved one twice, earning recognition for her bravery in openly sharing such experiences, a courage not commonly found.

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Experiencing widowhood at the age of 32 is certainly not something any woman desires. Nevertheless, the author exudes strength and optimism, aspiring to instill the same in her readers. She underscores the importance of continuing to live and finding joy when life takes unexpected turns. Despite acknowledging the difficulty of this process, the author shares her personal struggles and, having emerged on the other side, encourages readers not to linger in pain, offering practical tips.

While the title of her book may seem more aligned with a children’s book than a memoir, the content within is abundant and substantial.

As you progress through the book, you embark on an emotional rollercoaster. There are moments when the narrative evokes a profound sense of sadness, and if you’ve experienced loss yourself, you can deeply relate to the array of emotions the author navigates. For those who haven’t undergone the loss of a loved one, this book serves as a guide on expressing empathy toward those who have.

The book is packed with numerous stories. The author’s skill in weaving together her past and present narratives is truly commendable, ensuring that the reader remains engaged without becoming lost in the stories. However, there’s a deliberate suspense, with the author holding back on revealing many details about her husband’s death. Nonetheless, she gradually opens up, allowing readers to piece together the events chapter by chapter. As you immerse yourself in her narrative, she returns to the purpose behind writing the book and imparts valuable tips on navigating grief more effectively.

The author also incorporates poems, some written before the book’s publication and others possibly penned during its creation, adding a delightful touch. The poems provide a preview of what’s to come in each chapter, creating a two-in-one experience – a blend of poetry and memoir.

For those currently grappling with loss, the author doesn’t leave you alone; instead, she guides you and shares in prayer at each chapter’s end. These prayers serve as a comforting resource to revisit during moments of distress.

Upon completing this book, you’ll feel invigorated, realizing you’re not alone in this struggle. Others have faced similar challenges and emerged stronger, signifying that you, too, can overcome them.

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While it’s true there’s no universal solution for handling grief, this book undeniably holds value for anyone navigating through a loss.

About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial