A Space in the Heart should be read by every member of the world’s most unlucky club. Larry Carlat succeeds not only because he’s a fantastic, plain-speaking writer who delivers his hard-earned wisdom in an accessible way, but because he does so without a hint of lecture, therapy-speak, or overpromise. His beautiful book reveals that even after suffering the greatest loss, there are ways to live a rewarding life despite—and even in a way propelled by—the space in your heart.

Steve Rissman, international lawyer. His son Gabe died of an accidental overdose in 2021. He was twenty-one.

OMG! This book is beautiful! Larry Carlat is a gorgeous writer and his book is overflowing with love on every page. It made me cry; it made me laugh; it made me remember. A Space in the Heart is filled with hope, kindness and practical advice for anyone dealing with any type of loss.

Nancy Aronie, author of Memoir as Medicine and Writing from the Heart. Her son Dan died of MS in 2010. He was thirty-eight.

A Space in the Heart serves as a compassionate guide through the depths of grief, offering wisdom and solace like an old friend. Carlat extends a gentle hand through the pages to guide the reader while allowing them ample space to grieve in their own way. Through empowering dialogue and profound insights, Carlat gives voice to the reader’s journey, facilitating a truly transformative experience.

Rachel Brenner, MSW, ASW, clinical coordinator, Our House Grief Support Center

When my daughter recently asked me how my generation learned to handle life’s punches, I responded flippantly that we’d find a sad song, listen to it on repeat for a week, and that usually did the trick. A Space in the Heart hits the exact same way. Larry Carlat walks through his loss with the honesty, vulnerability, and humility of a master lyricist, turning his deeply personal journey into our shared story of becoming Extraordinary Parents—from the moment everything turns black to the moment we discover we may just be able to enjoy the rest of our lives after all. Also: Wow. I loved it!

Jason Seiden, co-founder of Comfort Communications. His daughter Elle died of suicide in 2018 after suffering from a long-term illness. She was fifteen.

Rarely does a book elicit emotions the way A Space in the Heart does. Having gone through the death of my son and having read a lot of advice and personal histories on grieving, this book spoke to me more than any other. It felt like Larry was inside my head and heart. If you know anyone who has experienced this particular type of loss, his book will help strengthen your empathy and understand what otherwise seems beyond understanding.

Vic Rauseo, Emmy-award winning TV writer. His son Sam died of an overdose in 2018. He was twenty-seven.

Larry Carlat does an impeccable job of telling the heartbreaking story of his beloved son’s battle with alcohol, drugs and mental illness, a story that ends in the horror of suicide. He does an equally compelling job of showing there is a way back from what feels like an endless nightmare and pain almost too great to bear. In a no-nonsense way, Carlat walks the griever down the long road that ultimately can lead a broken parent to once again find hope and joy in life.

Susan Tick, retired studio executive. Her daughter Molly died in 2020. An autopsy found no cause for her sudden death. She was twenty-nine.