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.

“Very great book”

I have to admit, I didn’t even read the synopsis before diving into this book—I grabbed it purely because of the cover, as usual. 😂

Melissa’s writing is absolutely beautiful. She has this incredible way with words that pulls you right into her story. I found myself feeling so many emotions—encouraged, heartbroken, and thankful that she chose to write something like this.

If you’re a fan of *Little Women*, you’re going to love how she weaves that classic and her experiences at working at the Orchard House into her own journey of grieving a friend.

Fair warning: this book is heavy on grief. If you’ve recently lost someone, it might be a tough read, but Melissa’s grace and hope throughout the book is evident.

“Helpful Insights into Grief”

Sometimes, grief can feel intimidating if you've never walked through it or walked through it differently than a friend has. In this book, Melissa graciously opens up about the loss of a dear friend. She points the process back to the Bible at each step. I can imagine pulling this book off the shelf in the future, whether for my own encouragement or to pass along to a friend in need. (As an added bonus, she shares some parallels to her work at Orchard House, the home of Louisa May Alcott. Can't go wrong with a healthy dose of stories about beloved authors!)

“Helpful Insights into Grief”

Sometimes, grief can feel intimidating if you've never walked through it or walked through it differently than a friend has. In this book, Melissa graciously opens up about the loss of a dear friend. She points the process back to the Bible at each step. I can imagine pulling this book off the shelf in the future, whether for my own encouragement or to pass along to a friend in need. (As an added bonus, she shares some parallels to her work at Orchard House, the home of Louisa May Alcott. Can't go wrong with a healthy dose of stories about beloved authors!)

“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 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 and hopeful book about loss and hope”

I felt so encouraged reading this book by Melissa. She has a way with words that connects you immediately to her life and also into the life of the Alcotts. If you're a fan of Little Women and/or experienced loss and grief in your life, this book is a refreshing and vibrant approach to the every day life that continues on. It is funny, hopeful, and endearing.

“Honest Faith”

In What Cannot Be Lost, Melizza Zaldivar shares honestly about the losses in her life and how her faith was powerful through it all. It's a great book for those who need encouragement in a season of hurting or someone who needs a reminder as they are on the other side of the season.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“Compassionate Truth”

I’ve read many books about grief and loss over the years. I’m drawn most to ones that allow readers to peer into the heart and mind of the author and glean insights and perspective from what they see there. What Cannot Be Lost does this on two levels: Melissa Zaldivar reflects on losing her dear friend while also recounting the experiences that led 19th-century author Louisa May Alcott to pen Little Women.

When her friend died, Zaldivar was working as a guide at Orchard House—Alcott’s home in Concord, Mass., where she was living when her beloved children’s classic was published in 1868. With this poignant combination of past-meets-present as a backdrop, Zaldivar speaks with the compassion of someone who has grieved deeply, while never veering from truths about suffering and loss that are sometimes hard to hear.

Among other topics, she writes about the fallacy of trusting in our plans, the importance of friends who help us put words to our sorrow, the necessity of loving all of God’s words, and how Jesus is near and good through the entirety of life, not just the parts on the highlight reel.

I received a media copy of What Cannot Be Lost in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.