What People are Saying About 'Navigating Hell'

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"This book was written in real time as a journal and made into a book. It gives the reader insights into McKenna's private thoughts through multiple losses and navigating relationships at the same time. The book reads like a novel with doses of humor throughout. It is a must read if you are experiencing any type of loss or supporting someone through. Anything said or done in the midst of grief should be forgivable and is survivable. Everyone should be afforded a little cup of grace.... Once you get started you won't be able to put it down."

-AM

"I lost my best friend of 23 years to breast cancer in 2009 unexpectedly and was not able to say good bye, then my dad (best friend) in 2013 ... it was a difficult time but the memories are such a blessing. So, in parts of your story, I related and cried and remembered my own memories."

-SH

"Finished your book while flying from DC to Phoenix. You definitely have a gift for the written word. Although the subject matter was hard to get through, as it made me remember what I went through after my first wife passed away from cancer many years ago. ... It’s not often I can read a book from cover to cover without losing interest along the way. Great job writing about a very difficult topic and an extremely difficult time in your life. Two thumbs way up, and a perfect 5-star rating!"

-WC

"I lost my husband a couple of months ago, and I am so invested in this book! Walking this path with McKenna has been helping me walk my own and I don’t feel so alone.”

-SKR

“I was looking for a book to read this summer that would grab and keep my attention. Being described as 'novel- like' piqued my interest, so I gave it a shot. I had no idea I would be so drawn in and it would help me understand so much about what I’ve been through in my life. This book was way more than expected.”

-GM

"I didn't expect this book to be so intense and descriptive even though it is about grief. Thanks for getting into the messiness of loss in a way that readers can relate to and envision as they read. I feel like I lived this with you. I love the honesty and transparency." 

-YM

"Compelling and riveting. Can't put this book down. Whether you've experienced loss, or helped someone find a way to navigate loss, this is a must read for anyone and everyone."

- LO

"Since recently suffering a devastating loss, I have been really harsh with myself over my thoughts and feelings. Reading this book has helped me realize much of what I've judged myself for is just part of the grieving process. Understanding what it means to 'pour myself a cup of grace' (as you put it) has been a game changer for me. Seeing your process play out in your life by example reminds me to be honest about my own process and journey."

-CB

"Even though the type of loss I’ve been grieving for years is not one that McKenna suffered in her book, I was utterly shocked how her emotional and mental descriptions surgically addressed my scars. It helped me see where I’ve healed and where I still need to." 

-FR

"The tragic events that took place; a life of happiness vanished in a blink of an eye and the rollercoaster ride through grief. A heart wrenching read about love, loss & faith; as well as many struggles she had to overcome, so she could begin rebuilding her life. She exposes her deepest, darkest and most vulnerable thoughts and experiences of her journey. I admire her strength, determination to be all she was created to be. I feel her experience can give hope to others who are dealing with any kind of loss. It’s a story of reflection, being stripped down to the core, fully exposing yourself and looking at your strengths and weaknesses and choosing not to give up."

-SJ

"This book is a must read! ... McKenna’s real time emotions, thoughts, and struggles during the grieving process are incredibly moving. She skillfully weaves in moments of humor as she delves into the complexities of grief, exploring the profound impact it has on her life. This is not a book to give advice on how to cope with grief, but a book that reads like a novel and tells a real life story. The end of the book is filled with the Bible verses that played a role in McKenna’s healing. It's a great read, whether you are personally grieving and want to feel like you are not alone, if you know someone who is grieving and want to better understand their emotions, or if you just want to read a story about resilience and the healing power of human connection."

-KM

"I had to force myself to put the book down and slow my reading . I found myself skipping forward and trying to read other pages because I was so anxious to find out what was happening in the next chapter . I love that McKenna's writing and her thoughts were done in 'real' words. Real emotions. I don't like when an author writes a book and feels the need to use over the top nouns and adjectives as if they referred to a thesaurus. I felt McKenna's pain. I went through a wave of emotions reading through her journey. Her experience made me reflect on some things I have gone through. It was an eye-opener for me in certain situations. The book is well written and had me interested and curious through every chapter I read! Kudos to McKenna, a real survivor!!"-SK

"As a guy who was raised to be tough in every sense, honestly tapping my emotions has never been particularly easy for me. Since losing my brother a few years back, I've been operating as the rock of my family. As willing as I've been to be strong for everyone else, sorting through my own grief has been hit and miss.  Believe me when I say I understand what you mean by 'navigating hell.' A friend recommended your book, and I read it over the course of a few days. So much of what I've been trying to find words for, you did. Thank you for publishing your story and including so many raw details. I finally feel like I'm making progress."

-WT

"In a world full of grief retrospectives and books made up of coping 'steps,' Navigating Hell is surprisingly unique and refreshing, mostly because of the stark detail and full disclosures in a real-world, real-time context. It is easy to feel you are living it and not just reading it. I've read a lot of self-help oriented true stories, but this feels completely different. Such a captivating read that I was halfway through the book when I realized I had started subconsciously working out some of my own past losses along the way."

-BL

"Thank you for this book. I have been struggling to understand and help my best friend ever since his daughter was killed in a car accident in March. Not knowing what to do to help has been terrible. You describe it so well in your book... what that's like while at the same time explaining what it was like to be the person everyone was trying to help. It is so easy to make mistakes, and I've made plenty trying to help him cope. Your 'inside baseball' explanations have helped me examine many of my words and actions and have helped me understand what he might need. It has also led to better communication between us. I have ordered him his own copy."

-JD

"This book is the real-life account of McKenna's journey through an incredible 'hell' and her climb out of it. Everyone experiences grief differently, and this book recognizes that, but McKenna gives you an inside look as to how she handled hers. ... Yes, this is a book about grief, but it reads like a novel, making this a real page turner. Please order a copy for yourself and tell your friends." 

 -GSL

"It's a true story of a journey of loss, told through the author's experience. It is a great read."

KC