Al Roker Entertainment Options Marisa Renee Lee’s ‘Grief Is Love’ for Production

Al Roker Entertainment proudly announces its option of the transformative and touching book, “Grief is Love: Living with Loss” by best-selling author Marisa Renee Lee, set to hit shelves in paperback on October 17, 2023. This powerful narrative explores the complexities of grief, challenging conventional notions of grief stages and compassionately guiding readers through the authentic and unique process of healing after loss.

“The prospect of ‘Grief is Love’ coming to life on screen is both humbling and exhilarating. I wrote it with the hope that it would offer solace and understanding to those navigating the complexities of grief,” said author Lee.  “The decision to adapt it into a film opens up the possibility of reaching a wider audience, spreading the message of love, hope, and resilience in the face of profound loss.”

Lee’s book also delves into the  impact of grief on Black people, particularly Black women, unveiling the crucial factors essential for proper healing. Lee, a seasoned advocate, former Obama White House staffer, writer, and speaker on coping with grief, draws from her personal experiences, having faced multiple devastating tragedies, including the death of her mother to cancer, pregnancy loss, and the passing of young relatives due to various tragic circumstances.

Al Roker Entertainment is thrilled to embark on the project, translating Lee’s impactful words into a compelling visual. Al Roker, the visionary executive producer behind recent ARE projects like multi-award-winning “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land” and the upcoming PBS KIDS animated series “Weather Hunters,” expressed his excitement about the collaboration.

“Marisa Renee Lee’s ‘Grief is Love’ is a profound exploration of the human spirit, love, and resilience during our most difficult times. Everyone, including myself, is touched by grief, so we are honored to bring this deeply moving narrative to the screen and shed light on these diverse and raw experiences,” said Roker, CEO of Al Roker Entertainment.

“Grief Is Love,” which is available via paperback October 17, is published by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group that has worked with Roker in the past. VP, Publisher Krishan Trotman said, “As publisher, I aim to create literature that mirrors the vastness of human experience. I’m so proud that two of my authors have collaborated on this project that will spark important dialogue about grief that I know will provide hope and change lives. I was overjoyed to champion this deal and I look forward to supporting Al and Marisa on this project as it moves forward.”