What people are saying

“If the universe can make decisions, it could not have chosen more wisely when selecting Denny to become an educator of grief. A book like this requires great personal strength, courage and insight, and in writing it, Denny confirms she possesses these in abundance. Dragged unwillingly and repeatedly through the Valley of Death, Denny's story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It paints an uncompromising image of the often-chaotic indifference of life, yet gives hope to all of us, not only those affected by grief, that despite the darkest of days there is always the potential for life and love. This is a masterful work, and is deserving of its place alongside other literary giants on the topic. With authority and clarity, Denny has composed a powerful lens for looking at the bigger picture of life, and death, for everyone; particularly those who have to stop, and learn to put one foot after the other again.”

“This is a brutally honest and candid account of a life lived to the limits of emotional endurance and a mother's unrelenting search for answers. The descriptions are raw and the pain behind them is palpable, but this is no 'why me' story. It's the journey of a mother navigating her way through a well-meaning but often disjointed health care system programmed to standardize the human experience. It reveals the extent to which 'mother blame', in the absence of definitive science, continued to provide a convenient fallback position as a general assumption. It explores the impacts of family violence, and challenges traditional patriarchal notions of parenting. It's also a story of a family, a mother's loving tribute to her four beautiful and unique children – because they were, and are, here and their stories need to be heard.”

“Still Standing should be compulsory reading for everyone working or intending to work in health and human services. It is impossible to put down once you start. Writing with vivid intelligence, courage and compassion Denny Meek documents her life at 'the edge of the world where the dragons are' through some of the most painful human experiences: the death of a baby, domestic violence, anorexia and teen suicide. Through her relentless interrogation of self and society, Denny challenges powerful myths about mother and woman blaming while sharing hard-earned lessons on how to live with 'big questions unanswered'. Professionals will benefit from the insights Denny offers into what is actually helpful during the darkest times and beyond, from a voice rarely heard: the woman, partner and mother.”

“There are not many good books out there on these subjects from the lived experience but this one is top of my list right now. It will be an honour to share it in future lectures. Denny's story will not only touch you as a parent, it will inspire you to want to be better. Her strength, humbleness, openness and courage is on every page. You will finish this book and immediately want to read it again.”

“Denny Meek is a ridiculously resilient woman. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to know two generations of her family as they have dealt with tragedies that would break most people's spirit.”

“Any book which seeks to encourage bereaved parents to walk with courage through the Valley of the Shadow, back into the sunlight of a new day is a real life-giver.”

“In deconstructing concepts of grief and eloquently rebuilding inceptions, Denny has poignantly changed the landscape for understanding grief. This book is charged with masterful psychology and impressive academic and well-researched content.”

"This book is a treasure. It is a gripping and moving experience to read it. I could hardly put it down. The author courageously shares with the reader her reflections about her own family’s experiences including death of a baby, teenage suicide, eating disorders, domestic violence, and other issues. This book challenges negative stereotypes and simple formulas. It builds respect, understanding and compassion for anyone who has been touched by these experiences (which would be most of us). The author doesn’t offer easy answers but shares with all of us her humanity and in doing so, unlocks our own. I would recommend this special book: a generous gift that is the outcome of years of deep thinking, emotional work and research. Congratulations Denny and thank you."

“Having been aware of a small part of Denny Meek’s story, and knowing that she had written a book, I was keen to read Still Standing. To say that I was amazed at what this remarkable lady had endured and has now put down in writing would be an understatement. Her journey of domestic violence, single parenting, unimaginable loss and the grief that follows, and the courage and determination with which she faced life on a daily basis, must surely give encouragement and hope to those many families suffering their own personal trauma.”

"In Still Standing, Denny Meek has courageously tackled the taboo topics of domestic violence, infant loss, anorexia nervosa, teen suicide and grief. Her laser-sharp analysis to understand these subjects and help educate others is phenomenal. I am not surprised that her book is being used by mental health professionals as an educational tool. Exquisitely and powerfully written, this is a touching and beautiful story about a mother’s profound and unshakable love for all her children. It should be required reading for all students in the helping fields, and inquiring minds alike."

“I recommend it to parents who have lost their children to either suicide or those whose children succumbed to any of the various mental illnesses. They will greatly benefit from the author's knowledge and experience in dealing with suicide. The references included at the end of the book will also enable readers to read widely on the various topics discussed. I am certain that this outstanding memoir deserves the maximum rating of five out of five stars, for its literary presentation and extensive research that led to its production.”

“I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. This was such a devastating read, but it was well-depicted and beautifully written. There were historical events and research facts, as well as philosophies during the latter part that could be beneficial to readers. In fact, the entire book could raise awareness and touch the hearts of readers who also lost a child, or readers who have suffered from domestic violence, mental issues, or other health issues.”

“It is hard to imagine that one person could face so many of life’s disparate challenges as those encountered by Denny Meek. From violent marriages to the death of three children, this skilfully written memoir highlights the anguish of a mother’s heart as Denny struggles to make sense of different, yet seemingly interwoven, tragedies. The inclusion of journal entries enables the reader to journey with Denny as she faces the overwhelming grief associated with the loss of multiple children. Similarly, her daughter’s diary helps to demystify a young girl’s struggle with anorexia nervosa. The book is a brutally honest encounter with sorrow; yet, there is also hope, as Denny finally climbs from the valley of despair. This harrowing story of immense loss, grief and resilience makes an important contribution to the understanding of domestic violence, anorexia, suicide and maternal love. In this aptly named book the author details the processes of grief and reveals that, despite it all, she is Still Standing."