Whether you want to read something educational or just for fun, we’ve got you covered with this reading list. It’s filled with a variety of books, from funeral directors’ deathcare experiences to self-care techniques and event planning tips.

Check out our list of 10 must-read books for funeral directors below!

1. A Child’s View of Grief — Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

Educator and grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt lays out how children grieve and ways to help them cope. This resource can help expand your knowledge on children’s grief, and it’s something you can share with grieving families. It’s only 45 pages, so it’s a quick and easy read for busy funeral directors.

2. Helping People with Developmental Disabilities Mourn: Practical Rituals for Caregivers — Marc A. Markell, Ph.D., Foreword by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

University professor and grief counselor Dr. Marc A. Markell discusses ways to help people with developmental disabilities create rituals to mourn a loss. Some of these ritual suggestions include drawing, music, writing, storytelling, and more. At only 112 pages, this also is a fast read for funeral directors.

3. Confessions of a Funeral Director: How the Business of Death Saved My Life — Caleb Wilde

Blogger of Confessions of a Funeral Director and funeral director Caleb Wilde shares his experiences growing up and working in the funeral profession. Along with his own experiences, he also discusses the importance of discussing and embracing death. His thoughtful and insightful yet humoristic writing style makes this book a must-read for funeral directors.

4. Talking About Death — Virginia Morris

Award-winning journalist Virginia Morris explains the importance of not avoiding the subject of death and how to prepare for it. Through her own personal stories and preplanning advice, she shows how to accept death but also embrace life. This is an excellent resource for helping families understand the importance of preplanning their funeral.

5. Mortician Diaries: The Dead-Honest Truth from a Life Spent with Death — June Knights Nadle

Funeral director June Knights Nadle shares memorable stories about her 50 years in the funeral profession. Some are heartbreaking experiences, while others are humorous encounters that many funeral directors may relate to.

6. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers — Mary Roach

Author Mary Roach transports readers into the “lives” of our bodies over the centuries. Her intriguing yet humorous writing style makes this an interesting read.

7. The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time — Cheryl Richardson

Funeral directors spend their time caring for families, but they also need to take care of themselves. This book by best-selling author, certified coach, and professional speaker Cheryl Richardson will help you learn beneficial self-care techniques. Funeral directors, more than many, deserve to take time to themselves after spending all their time helping others.

8. Event Planner: The Art of Planning Your Next Successful Event — Andrea L. Mortenson

Funeral directors are more than just deathcare professionals; they’re event planners. With funeral services, holiday remembrance programs, and other community events, you need to know the ins and outs of planning an event. This event planning book by author Andrea L. Mortenson can help you plan and organize all your funeral home’s events.

9. Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief — Martha Whitmore Hickman

Martha Whitmore Hickman, author of more than 20 books, provides daily meditations and tips for coping with grief. This can help you provide your families with ways to grieve in healthy ways.

10. How to Create or Update Your Funeral Home’s Pet Memorial Services — Frazer Consultants

When a family’s beloved pet passes away, they’re grieving not only the loss of a pet but a loyal best friend who loved them unconditionally. Your funeral home can help families grieve and honor their cherished pet by giving them the funeral they deserve. Our free eBook lays out everything you need to start offering pet memorial services or update your current pet services offerings.

Are there any books that you recommend adding to our list? Share your suggestions in the comments below!