Survivor Book

In her second book on twin loss, Lynne Schulz skillfully weaves together poignant anecdotes and professional advice to guide parents in raising surviving multiples. Schulz fills a critically unmet need, as no existing books address in detail the challenge of nurturing survivors' emotional health while keeping the memories of equally desired siblings alive. She includes comments from bereaved parents and adult surviving multiples throughout the book. After reviewing parental grief, the author presents a thought-provoking survey of behaviours observed in young survivors. Strengths of this volume include creative advice for remembering the enduring relationship with deceased co-multiples, advocacy for survivors' special educational and social needs, and the oft-overlooked surviving triplets and higher-order multiples. Recurring moments of sadness, inevitable when survivors reach major milestones, are viewed from the positive perspective of celebrating the survivor while understandably remembering those who are missing. A discussion of non-Western ideas of twinship illustrates the universal recognition of the uniqueness of multiples and the special attention sometimes paid to their death. Resources and recommendations for parents and professionals round out a well-researched book that is essential reading for parents of surviving multiples and professionals or educators who work with them. - Beth Pector M.D.