Bound By Loss | Reading circle 5.8.25
Updated Date May 8th
Bound By Loss is a thoughtfully facilitated book circle for those navigating loss who feel ready to engage with their grief through reading, reflection, and discussion. This circle will provide a supportive, non-pathologizing space to explore grief-related literature — offering insight, validation, and connection outside the structure of formal therapy and with a return to community in mind.
Each month, we’ll read and discuss a selected book, ranging from memoirs and personal narratives to research-based explorations of grief, loss, and meaning-making. Conversations will be facilitated with care, fostering curiosity, self-reflection, and shared experiences. While this is not a therapy group, some may find it therapeutic — offering companionship in the grief journey through literature, connection, and meaningful discussion.
This space is open to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of grief, whether processing personal loss, supporting others, or exploring the ways grief shapes our lives. Participation is flexible; you are welcome to engage as much or as little as feels right, whether by sharing reflections or simply listening.
Come as you are, bring your questions, thoughts, and an open heart. Grief is lighter when we don’t carry it alone.
📖 First Meeting: May 8th, 6–8 PM
📚 First Book: Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur
Accessibility
This group will meet via Google Meet. Auto-generated captions will be available, and I am open to discussing alternative accessibility options as needed. While cameras on is preferred (because we wanna see your beautiful face), no one will be required to do so.
Please note that listening to audio books is reading in this group. Braille is reading in this group.
Sliding Scale & Registration
Participation is offered on a sliding scale of $10, $15, or $20 per session, payable via Venmo. The meeting link will be sent upon receipt of payment. Attendance is capped at ten participants to encourage a juicy and engaging discussion. If cost is a barrier but you’re interested in joining, please reach out to Lori at lori at lorizaspel dot com to discuss options. If you’d like to sponsor another participant’s attendance, please email me directly.
About Your Facilitator
Lori Zaspel (she/they) is a licensed clinical social worker with a deep passion for exploring grief, loss, and life transitions through conversation and community. While Bound By Loss is not therapy, Lori brings their experience as a grief worker, death doula, and medical social worker to create a thoughtful, inclusive space for reflection and connection. But more importantly than any of those educational pathways, Lori is also a voracious reader and a griever themselves. Rooted in anti-racist, anti-capitalist, and abolitionist values, they strive to hold space for honest discussions about grief in all its forms, making room for both tenderness and discovery.
