Three great strengths of Smith's book are his conversational writing style, his use of quotations from other sources, and the use of his own prose to illustrate a point. Perhaps the greatest strength of the book, however, is the structure or basic outline Smith uses in his writing: Key chapters include: The Passing, The Burying, The Mourning, The Remembering, and The Reconciling.
"Grieving the Death of a Friend" was primarily written with christian readers in mind, although elements of the jewish tradition are mentioned.
A central theme seems to jump out at the reader in Smith's book: his belief in his own eventual reunion with friends he has lost. Smith does this without any apology whatsoever.
I very much recommend this book to those who have lost friends to death. You have every right to grieve, and "Grieving the Death of a Friend" will help you through the grieving process, even if you are revisiting a loss that occurred many years ago.