Death Books

This is a great book. Everyone who is dealing with or has delt with the loss of someone should read this book! It will help them.

this book was great..this book should be read by everyone who has delt or is dealing with death

This book contains 50 eulogies (Rupert Brooke by Winston Churchill, Malcolm X by Ossie Davis, Robert Kennedy by Edward Kennedy, etc.); 42 letters of condolence (Herman Hesse to Thomas Mann, James Michener to his friends, RAF pilot to his mother, etc.); 50 elegies (songs or poems, by Langston Hughes, Emily Bronte, Noel Coward, etc.); and 110 epitaphs from the graves of Thomas Jefferson, T.S. Eliot, Hilaire Belloc and others -- my favorite:
"Here lies Jane Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, Marble cutter./Monuments of the same style, $350."

The selections are touching, and although it would have been nice to have name and location information about the epitaphs, the book is still an eloquent tribute to one of life's most difficult times.

Ms. Harris shows uncommon sensitivity in her choice of authors. I was moved to tears of joy and sorrow on several occasions. Without a doubt Ms Harris's work will rank as one of the most thoughful and provocative volumes of how we, as human beings, deal with grief and ultimately move on.

This is a great book. Everyone who is dealing with or has delt with the loss of someone should read this book! It will help them.

I found it interesting I used the chant nam myo horenge kyo before heart surgery, and surgery was cancell instead I had tests done I"m Ok.
no surgery...I feel great. i did not need it after all...
read it try it thais method works!

Now that I have learned the mantra, I have been able to use it to calm myself during the day when I have free-floating anxiety and at night when my mind starts racing and I can't sleep. It has been another great tool that I have added to my chest of coping devices. This book is a boon to menopausal women like myself.

In this guided manual Mr. Atkins demonstrates the awesome power of Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo in combating any affliction proving anyone & everyone can benefit from use of this universal Law. The secret is not just to eliminate suffering but in that very suffering is replaced with pure joy. Marty Ward ( "The thing you must do; what you must achieve; is to do the impossible.")ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Charles Atkins has written another moving and insightful book on the ancient faith of Buddhism as it relates to the practical issues of illness, death, addiction, and emptiness. These are the timeless themes of Buddhist practice and philosophy articulated anew by each generation of practitioners. Atkins, drawing on his extensive practice and life experience, brings alive these ancient teachings for the modern reader. The role of thought and one's inner life in manifesting a life condition of health and well being is treated with particular insight. Though informed enough to offer wisdom to the experienced practitioner, the novice will find a wealth of practical advice on how to develop their own practice.

I have followed author Charles Atkins' blog on fraught with peril (an eclectic Nichiren Buddhist website) for some time, and enjoyed his earlier book, "Modern Buddhist Healing". Atkins has been writing for years, but his recovery from stage 4 Hodgkins Disease using the techniques he outlines in this book sent his work charging off into explorations of healing prayer. Atkins is a firm believer in the power of our lives to heal our bodies, but is not flakey or "woo-woo" in his discussions. For example, he is a strong advocate of seeking out the best medical treatment available - Atkins is not a "faith healer". His work is highly personal and takes his readers on a fascinating tour of his worldview and the role of powerful prayer.

I was sorry to see that Atkins' publisher did not see fit to allow a "search" of this book here in Amazon.com, so I will list some of the Chapters for those readers who are trying to decide if this book is "for them":

The Wheel of Samsara / Birthing; Aging and Illness; Dying and Reincarnation

Your Mind as Your Vehicle Towards Healing

Directing Your Journey - Practical Techniques/ The SOund of Visualization; Affirmations are Crucial; Practical Visualizations; For the Children

The School of Buddhism which Atkins has followed for years posits that we all possess what is called a "Buddha Nature" or pure core. As he writes in the chapter on Meditation and Science: "Because we are all intrinsically divine at the core, our prayers, intentions and affirmations, no matter what kind, resonate with the universe as if ringing a great bell". Atkins has had a lot of success "ringing" his own universal "bell" and wants very much to teach others how they can do it too. I hope the "buzz" on this book will let it reach the hands of those who will be helped by it.

searching for david's heart is one of the best books ever!! it had everything in it, from humor to romance to tragedy to just a story you could relate to on some level. i recommendthis book to everyone-no matter what age you are. after reading this book, you'll be crying because of all the emotions darcy feels. so don't forget a box of tissue when you start reading this! anyways, once you read this, you'll never be able to put it down! this book is the greatest ever!!!

This story happens at Christmas with the falling of white silvery snow, together with feeling of cold but also warm in the bottom of heart. It is a touching and sweet story for everyone to enjoy with. The following is what I want to share with you.

The main character, Darcy, who harshly and severely blaming herself and is under extremely depression because of supposing caused an unforgiving thing. Having fully filled with regret and guilt in deep inside of mind and can no longer make any apologies to someone else is really piteous. You can probably feel in the same way like Darcy when you simply identifies with this character.

The best friend of Darcy, Sam, who always helps and stays with Darcy, can even leave his home to go to somewhere with her. He is so sincere and generous, and he is the one whom Darcy often shares feelings with. Perhaps, he is also the one, who is able to understand more about Darcy.

This book is just like a grateful and meaningful gift for every people to enjoy. Moreover, the comfortably faded painted cover must definitely draw your attention and you probably cannot take off your eyes once started reading.. I really like this story and strongly recommends to everybody. Do read this book and have a hopeful journey with Darcy and Sam now!

This book is the book I was waiting for all my life. I am a book worm and I read a lot of books and none of them have been like this. It made me cry and laugh. The book made me realize that life can be short so don't wast your time on hating people or running from your problems or worry that you have no boobs (for example). This book is awesome and you should read it!

This was an amazing book! I loved it! It was well-written,kept you on the edge of your seat,and was very suspenseful. If you enjoy good books, read this! This book is a story about a girl named Darcy Deeton and her brother David. David is everything to Darcy. But when Jane comes into the storyas David's girlfriend, Darcy gets envious and things go downhill from there. At the end of the story Darcy and her friend, Sam, make friends forever.

Searching for David's Heart is a heartwarming story about a girl, Darcy who is extremely close to her older brother, David. When David gets a girlfriend and starts spending a lot of time with her, Darcy fels left out and jealousy takes over. On Darcy's birthday, David and her get into a big fight. Tragedy then strikes and her brother dies in an accident. Filled with grief and guilt over David's death, Darcy begins a search with her friend, Sam, to find David's heart, which was donated to someone. Darcy wanted, needed, to find David's heart because she wanted to say taht she was sorry and in some way find closure. Searching for David's Heart is a sweet story. I just love the characters on the book since Cherie Bennett did a great job on describing each character and their feelings, that I felt like I really knew them. I love this book so I can say this book is one of my favorite stories!

Sex and Death is funny, insightful, painful, surprising and sexy. I read the collection twice -- both times slowly, usually putting the book down between stories. I wanted to sit with each one for a while. These stories give the comfort of shared private human experiences. They also shock.

this is a short story collection I did not want to put down and kept on whatever surface was nearest to me until I finished it. each story created a world I couldn't help but dive right into. Ms. Waxman has a beautiful ability to capture many emotions simultaneously: the heartfelt,the sensual, the hilarious. buy this book and enjoy!

Stephanie Waxman's stories are so compelling. They catch you, hold you and stay with you. I could have read this collection in one sitting, but I parceled them out to myself, one story a day, so I had time to really think about each one. I needed two days to think about the desperation of the pregnant woman during WW2, in "In the Flat Above the Bakery." My daughter (25 years old) read the stories immediately after I did, and her favorite was the one called "The Outing" which is about a very old woman. I don't want to give away any content, but this collection is a treasure. I highly recommend it.

These are stories that stick.

The young French woman giving birth aided only by the two Jewish children she hides as the SS pound on the door.

The woman marrying again, late in her life, reflecting.

The kids whose pick up date ends in deep sobs that heal their broken souls.

These are odd characters in sharp places that stay in the heart.

- Jim Conn

I love this book! Sex & Death. As a woman in my fifties, I am increasingly obsessed with both of these. Stephanie addresses each with incredible sensitivity. In each story, you are drawn into a wholly encompassing world and meet these marvelous characters that could be your next-door neighbors unveiled. What a kick, you laugh, you cry, and sometimes cringe, but you don't want the story to end; you want to know what's next in their lives. I'm ordering up a bunch of these books, for my sister and my daughter for Mother's Day and for my women's group for a fabulous summer read!

Geberth has insight and depth in his expansive study on sex-related homicide gleaned from his many years of working within the depths of depravity of driven murderers. His ability to objectively explain the motivations of sex-oriented killings aids those of us who need to understand and investigate crimes of passion and sexual addiction. In plain and forthright language, Geberth brings an understanding of the progession of a murderer's life cycle. A sexually-oriented killer is fearfully portrayed in their first stages of development and eventual growth into an evolving pattern of fulfilling desires to complete fantasies and realities of domination and power. Geberth's thoroughness on this subject is exemplified in his meticulous categorizing of types of sexual addictions and their potential outcomes. This book is a masterpiece of practical study and application in both preemptive prevention of sexually driven crimes and the investigation after their commission.

Vernon Geberths Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation is by far the most detailed and informative resource a homicide and sex crimes investigator could wish for. The quality of this work reflects the high professional standards set by Geberth with his Practical Homicide Investigation series. There are other textbooks available, but only Geberth has earned the level of respect and admiration of homicide investigators around the world that his works are referred to as the bible of homicide investigations.

Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation clearly demonstrates Geberths talent for translating the most horrific crimes imaginable into an accurately documented and easily understood resource for those involved in the investigation of violent crimes.

If I can't have Geberth himself standing next to me at a crime scene, at least I know that his works will never be more than an arms reach away.

"Vernon J. Geberth's new investigative text, Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation, will be a tremendous asset to investigators and prosecutors of sexual predators. His methodical approach to case analysis, augmented with vivid crime scene photographs, documents the step by step investigative procedure used in solving numerous sexually motivated murders. Detective Commander Geberth also provides the reader with his unique in-depth insight into the psychological motivation of the sexual deviant, explaining why the killer has a need to dominate, manipulate, degrade and torture victims."
"This book should be a mandatory reference work, not only for prosecutors and homicide detectives, but also for juvenile and general sex crimes investigators. The information provided describing the motivation and abnormal evolution of these sadistic killers will greatly assist in identifying and questioning homicide suspects and sexual offenders of all ages and stages of development."
Raymond M. Pierce
Detective 1st Grade (Ret.)
NYCPD Criminal Profiler

Vernon Geberth did not just write a book entitled SEX RELATED HOMICIDE AND DEATH INVESTIGATION: PRACTICAL AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES. He has created a portable, hand held training simulator for the response to and investigation of the sex-related homicide.
As the reader makes his way through each chapter,you are hit with the same initial shock and revulsion of a sex-related homicide scene. By providing the reader with dozens of photos, analysis, techniques and checklists, Geberth brings you as close to a real time crime scene as possible.In creating this atmosphere Vernon prepares the reader, whether cop or prosecutor, when called upon to investigate the sex related homicide, to professionally deal with the depravity and inhumanity of this evil act and to maintain your professional objective and in so doing focus your efforts toward the only goal that matters "...to see that justice is done not only for the deceased but for the surviving family as well."

Vernon Geberth has provided law enforcement with another major contribution with his book "Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation-Practical and Clinical Perspectives." The text is specific to death investigation, up to date, state of the art, accurate and easy to read. Although the material is oriented towards the serious homicide investigator it is valuable to all police personnel (uniformed and non-uniformed), because of its valuable insight into crime scene investigation and preservation by the initial responding officers as well as its contribution to in enhancing any officer who wishes to advance thru the ranks.

In addition to providing valuable insight to the initial responding officers in the preservation of the crime scene it provides knowledge to ancillary police personnel as they may be called upon to assist the chief crime scene investigator.

The case material is reflective of Geberth's remarkable insight into aberrant human behavior and the significance of such concepts as linkage and "linkage blindness" in investigative protocol. The concepts of "signature" and profiling are expanded and built on sound psychological principals. The assessment of psychopathy and sociopathic personality represents the latest understanding of both psychological and law enforcement perspectives.

The section on child related homicide is especially timely and one of the most comprehensive presentations I have seen anywhere. In each section the author has integrated behavioral aspects with a contemporary analysis of state of the art criminal forensic techniques. He has consulted the major contributors to each subject allowing the reader a comprehensive view of the work of leaders in the fields of both law enforcement and psychology.

There are so many seemingly subtle and direct admonitions and directives that one has to read this book thoroughly to realize how thoroughly researched the material is. Properly studied, this volume will not only keep the homicide investigator out of trouble but will enhance his investigative ability enormously contributing to outcomes.

The specific suggestions for interrogation have proven their value over time in countless cases. For example, setting personal feelings aside and allowing the suspect to develop his subterfuge and perception of being "smarter" than the police has proven enormously effective in case after case.

The chapter on crime scene investigation is the best I have seen in the forensic literature, being clearly written, concise, contemporary and comprehensive. This chapter alone is worth the purchase of the book.

As a former biochemist I found the chapter on DNA well researched and very practical. The newest techniques for utilizing DNA are expanded and discussed along with the historical development of this remarkable forensic technique. The author demonstrates how DNA is the most important advance in law enforcement since fingerprinting and the text comes alive with his enthusiasm and practical sense of application. The reader is transported to the crime scene where the complex mysteries become commonplace.

The "hard science," techniques of preserving and analyzing evidence and administrative procedures are interwoven with the behavioral aspects of a large assortment of crimes. This allows the reader to gain an understanding for a solid foundation to prosecute especially with regard to crime scene linkage and signature.

The thought processes of a serial rapist or killer are just one example of how the author
integrates material from various sources including the updated concepts of criminal behavioral profiling and its associated psychodynamics, signature and "MO," with the issues of control, dominance and sadism.

Throughout the book there are references to recent Supreme Court decisions regarding issues associated with search warrants and the involuntary confinement of sexually violent predators, as well as legal defense tactics in use, all of which compliment the investigating officer's repertoire of knowledge.

This book took courage to write and the author does not mince words or principles! This volume is a must for every homicide detective and should be studied daily. "Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation" is the most comprehensive and up to date text regarding sexual death investigation that I have come across in the forensic and psychiatric literature. This book is a gift to the law enforcement community and a contribution of historical importance.

Ronald Turco, M.D.
Past President-The American Academy of Psychoanalysis (New York, NY)
Past president-The Society of Psychoanalytic Physicians (Washington D.C.)
Reserve Police Officer-Beaverton, Oregon Police Department (25 years)

I can't stop thinking about this story. It is deep and completely satisfying.

Andrea Anderson is a loner in high school. She plays on the sidelines of life. She has a single mom who is very demanding and her life is very dull and ordinary. She thinks of school as a theater, and as she travels the hallways she sees different soap opera scenes.

The one thing that Andrea loves are dogs and long walks in the countryside. Andrea's mom works at the local hospital and when one of the neighbors is admitted, she volunteers Andrea to walk the neighbor's dog. This single event changes Andrea's life.

When she meets Honora, her neighbor, and Honora's dog, Zena, Andrea finds acceptance for the first time. Honora employs Andrea to be her assistant. Honora is an artist and loves nature. She teaches Andrea about pottery, herbs, plants, dyes, and how to look at life beneath the surface. Andrea starts to be open about life and seeing people in a completely new light.

This story was full of metaphors about art, life, and nature. It was also a coming of age story about a lonely young girl who finds her way in this world. I highly recommend this quiet little story about life. I promise it will stay with you for a long time afterward.

Reviewed by: Marta Morrison

This is a wonderful first novel that captures the inner life of a sixteen-year-old girl. It is engaging from first page to last. The language is beautifully poetic and the story has a touching conclusion.

My teenage daughter loved this book. It made her realize she wasn't the first person to feel like this in middle school/high school. I can't wait for more books from this author!

With style and brilliance, E.M. Crane's debut novel captures the anxiety and angst that make up the teen years. Though this coming-of-age tale sounds the familiar theme of self-discovery, it refrains from the stereotypical indictment of class systems and concentrates instead on the similarities shared when barriers are finally broken down. Though a first-time author, Crane's prose reflects a maturity of someone who was born into the writing life. Her's is a promising new voice, and one that certainly will be worth hearing.

For Andrea Anderson, who considers herself a Nothing, these words (about not being a surface person) from her reclusive neighbor are music to her ears. As a sophomore in high school, Andrea has been hiding amongst the Dorks, Cheerleaders, Smokers, Nerds, Goths, Geniuses, and other Nothings. Her father left when she was a child, and her mother is so busy providing for the two of them and absorbing herself in trivial pursuits that Andrea feels unloved. Then she and her classmates are thrown for a loop when one of her teachers does something irrevocable. Into this jumble of a teenager's life comes the chance to help a neighbor, Mrs. Honora Menapace, who is forced into the hospital for emergency surgery. Andrea agrees stop by her house and feed her huge dog, Zena. Andrea always thought Mrs. Menapace was a crotchety old woman. Of course she had never really seen her...until day the lady of the house returns unexpectedly while Andrea is seeing to the slobbery, kind-eyed St. Bernard. Andrea becomes Honora's paid assistant and learns to see herself and the world with more confident and even trusting eyes. Yet, she must also face that she and Honora " 'met by chance at the crossroads.' " How will the sixteen-year-old handle this stark reality? Will she close up again or will she unfurl, like a rose bud, farther into the world?

SKIN DEEP is E. M. Crane's acclaimed first novel. It is a book written with sureness of pitch and impeccable pace. It's alive with countless details and characters who certainly people the real world too. And it is alight with complex themes concerning the meaning of life, boldly reflecting 21st century humanist values. For example, at one juncture Andrea extols the modern notion that there is no right and wrong, and artist Honora's New Age/Bohemian attitudes don't counter her but do challenge her to reach beyond that dual view to a multiplistic one. " 'You can't outrun the sunrise.' " Honora says. She means we can't overcome the inevitable: that life isn't an endless gift. But Andrea learns what we CAN do while we live.

SKIN DEEP is highly recommended to thoughtful, questioning teens and their elders alike. One doesn't have to be in total agreement with its belief system to savor its depth and the queries over which it ruminates so charmingly.

SOARING THROUGH SETBACKS is an all-in-one guide and testimony about surviving
the worse situations that life can throw your way. Author Cheryl Perlitz offers
insight, hope and suggestions on dealing with difficult times with a positive
outlook.

Using nature, Perlitz illustrates how the cycle of life takes you
through different types of changes on a continual basis. Each change requires
you to go through a grieving process in order to advance to another
period of happiness in life. Comparing challenges and responses to a
river, the various seasons, and climbing a mountain, she shows
how overcoming any obstacle is a process. How you face that challenge decides
your success and readiness to continue on to the next journey.

SOARING THROUGH SETBACKS is written in a conversational tone as Perlitz shares
her story of losing her husband and how her life was changed forever by his
passing. She uses her story as a parallel to dealing with other difficult
situations, such as the national grief experienced after 911, the grief of
losing a job, etc. and gives palpable ways to deal with the grief and loss.
Each chapter begins with a nature analogy and ends with a list of survival
tips.

SOARING THROUGH SETBACKS teaches you that grief is a part of life that must be
experienced in order to make you a better and richer person.

Reviewed by Diane Marbury
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Perlitz's book is an inspiration to everyone. It is not necessary to have gone through the losses that she has gone through in order to benefit from this book. This book offers encouragement to people from all walks of life and in all situations. Perlitz's writing can help a person deal with every day problems and circumstances in a calm reassuring way. Her words are so helpful in getting someone to refocus after having gone through a big project. It sorts out the priorities and takes a situation one step at a time. Read this and be invigorated.

Excellent book for anyone suffering any kind of grief or hardships in their life. It gives great advice in overcoming difficult times and gives one a feeling that they are not alone in their pain as the book describes many of the symptoms. I highly recommend this book.

Soaring Through Setbacks is truly a book for everyone--not just those who are grieving. In a simplistic fashion, the author sets out ways to improve one's life by minimizing ownership of "things" and stopping to appreciate the often overlooked moments that combine to make living exquisite. With humor and grace, Cheryl Perlitz shows us how to climb the mountain so we can view the vast beauty below us.

Cheryl tells us that she is just an average person, not a therapist with many degrees after her name. However with her clairity and sensibility she describes her personal rough times and guides us on how to overcome personal difficulities. Through her optimistic approach she outlines help for others in overcoming obstacles and setbacks. She is an amazing and inspirational person who has accomplished much. At last a real self help book on how to get one's life back on track and start soaring again.

It's a good book, if you like being really depressed. I have read many books in this series and i love almost all of them. This book i never finished it got way to sappy and depressing. how would you like to read a book about a guys life ending? Also it;s a COMPLETE copy of a walk to remember, except a walk to remember is so much better. If you like extremely depressing, SAPPY love stories read this.

i read this book about 3 years ago and it remains my favorite book. i can remember lying on my moms bed reading it with my cat and i started crying. this book really touched me and made me think. i highly recommend the book and always will

My thoughts are based upon the book. I thought the book was really good because I haven't really read anything like this before but once I started to read the book I got hooked on it. When I was reading the book it was starting make me cry because if my girlfriend had cancer I would spend every loving, romantic moment like that one guy did. When I got done with reading the book it makes me realize how specail my girlfriend is to me and how of a guy I'am. This book is good to read and I really would like to read the book again it's cool.

I read this book a couple of years ago, and I was reminded of it recently. This book taught me a few things about love and loss, and made it worth the tears.

If you like the kind of book that makes you cry, than you'll fall head over heals in love with this book. I like it so much that I read it twice.

Stairway to Heaven is an interesting, informative book about the final resting places of some of rock music's legends. Many of the graves of famous stars are photographed and accompany the text. It's a book you pick up to read and can't then put down. Excellent to return to again and again.

I have 2 main interests. Rock and ghosts.Not just ghost but i think graveyards are cool. So this book was perfect for me. This book taught me so much and i love reading it. It's awesome for anyone who is interested in music!!!!1

This made an excellant gift for a rock fan and someone that is somewhat of a historian and likes things like this...

interesting and fascinating all at the same time. The photos were
wonderful and the text was clear. Highly recommend for both the browser and the reader

Have you ever gone to see your favorite artist in concert only to go home somewhat upset because they didn't play this song or that song? Well,I thought I would be thinking that way when I purchased this book,thinking that it would not have the gravesite(s) of this artist or that artist or so on. WAS I WRONG!!! This is like a who's who of dead people of the music world. The book in no way caters to just one genre of music. It practically contains every dead artist from all genres of music. From country (Johnny Cash,Hank Williams) to rap (Jam master Jay,Eazy E) to classic rock (Brian Jones,Jimi Hendrix) to blues (Muddy Waters,John Lee Hooker) to punk (Sid Vicious,Johnny Thunders) to even Tejano (Selena),this book has it all. From members of the beatles to members of MC5 and from members of Lynyrd Skynyrd to members of The Ramones and The New York Dolls,no band is left out. There are roughly 100 artists in this 160 page book which includes artist and gravesite photos as well as the stories behind their deaths. No music fan is left out. It is a masterpiece worth buying. Although it contains no directions to getting to the sites,it still can also be used as the perfect travel guide for the rock n roll historian. Rock on!!!!!

Wickersham looks behind the scenes of her father's life to try to find the answer to "why". A troubled marriage, a difficult childhood spent in two countries with very narcissistic parents, bad-luck in business...all these factors (and many more) contribute to the troubled mind of Wickersham's father when he committed suicide at the age of 61.

Wickersham doesn't seem to come to any certain conclusions of the decisive reason her father did what he did, but she does piece "things" together to help herself cope with the act, both at the time and in the years following his death.

She's a good writer and the words flow with a deft fluency.

Joan Wickersham's The Suicide Index: Putting My Father's Death in Order is best described as engaging, gripping and candid.

Wickersham leads us through her father's final moments. She reveals details of this confusing tragedy in a family's life--suicide. Those who commit suicide leave loved ones with a black hole of unanswerable questions. Anyone who has been touched by suicide knows the pain of never fully understanding or resolving this aspect of life.

The author seeks to unravel the mystery of her father's suicide by investigating anyone who knew him. She reflects on her own memories, both as a child and an adult to find reason for his drastic act of selfishness. As much as we'd like to know everything about those closest to us, there are limitations. Can we really comprehend the mind of someone else?

Gently and transparently Wickersham reveals her phases of denial, anger, hopelessness and grief. She searches for a murderer, rejecting the idea that her father would have ended his life. She wishes blame on her mother, her father's business partners and associates. Was it a jealous neighbor? A so-called friend? Finding no answers, she settles that her father did take his own life-and he left no clues.

Wickersham struggles to live daily life as a mother and wife, sister and daughter, as everything comes into question. Is it all a lie? Does she view her father through rose-colored glasses? Did he suffer an undetected medical condition?

Walking the high road of inspection and low road of introspection simultaneously, I must agree with the author that suicide is difficult to understand. The search for answers is evasive and frustrating. I discovered along with Wickersham the conspicuous void in my family album left by one who committed suicide. Nevertheless, life goes on.

Armchair Interviews says: A book worth reading for anyone whose life has been affected by suicide.

All memoirs are about memory; but suicide poses a special challenge. As Joan Wickersham writes: "When you kill yourself, you kill every memory anyone has of you." And later: "If you shoot yourself, you are labeled as a suicide. Your death becomes your definition." The Suicide Index starts when Wickersham's father kills himself; it goes backward in time, exploring his past like a detective; and then it carries us forward to show what this mysterious and destructive act did to her family. The writing is spare, but vivid - every word counts, every scene comes alive. The chapters are arranged alphabetically, in index format. It's a device that gains power as the book proceeds; it gives a shape to all the different stories that Wickersham tells us, and all the different ways she has of telling them. In her book Wickersham has met the challenge of suicide: she has restored her memory of her father, and in some sense restored his life. The Suicide Index is, quite simply, the most powerful and original memoir I've ever read.

Looking at the book's title and the reviews, I couldn't bear to think anyone out there might miss out on the Suicide Index or think it's not for them if they haven't experienced the suicide of someone close to them. This is a beautiful, most real account--I can't shake it--of all that's human, family, love and loss, being a child and a parent. Joan Wickersham has found a brilliant way to tell the truth about one of the hardest things for human nature to tell the truth about: We can't make sense of death, attempts to index are futile. Which is why this perfect book is anything but. I went back and bought her novel the Paper Anniversary and can't wait to see what Wickersham can do with fiction, too.

One of the edgiest topics for the human being to explain to oneself, let alone set down for an audience : suicide. Perhaps easier if one's own intended is the story but this is a father's suicide taken on by his eldest and perhaps favorite daughter.

Joan Wickersham does something brilliant and highly original in what is both a journal and a once-upon-a-time consideration of a man's life.

In compelling yet often dispassionate and sometimes hilarious chapters, Wickersham considers the facts about her family's biographical and social, bodily and geographical conditions as clues to the inevitability of this death.

In an almost seamless and well-paced manner, Wickersham makes it possible for the reader easily to join her in turning over pieces of clothing, pastry, furniture, or trinkets with the possibility always present that there is not just an explanation for this tragedy but an (imaginary) reversal of the fact that this man has willingly removed himself forever from life.

This is the story of a mid-20th century individual set before us by the writer's ease with which she slips contemporary events in with narratives about a disparate cast of artistic, impractical, cruel, aristocratic, and forceful forebearers. She offers us the earnest 1950's Americans and their aspirations in the post WW II business world alongside the disengaged WASP yacht and horse set of 1980's; the uncertain intimacy of the psychiatrist's quiet, with a tremulous, frustrated mother's voice to an inarticulate, depressed young child.

And we are taken to both dark or comic corners : the anatomically specific autopsy report read by a daughter of her father's body, an unconventional Dance institute performance by an aging doyenne observed by an embarrassed father and granddaughter; we meet the dopplegangers of her father who Wickersham embraces, as well as her plump, self-deluding mother who perpetuates failures of romance even in her years of decrepitude.

Wickersham has a particularly clever but highly original take on certain quarters of American life - early 20th century cultural immigrants, the educated and aspiring of the Eastcoast, the perserverance of children faced with the incomprehesible, with abandonment. But this is not a sappy tale nor leaden, but it's a dense one which moves quickly and somehow, like the daughter-writer, we want one more chapter; we don't seem to want an end to the facts of a suicide.

Helpfully, she incorporates a strong bibliographic epilogue of Western writers on the topic of suicide, couching the auto-biographical issue with which she is faced, in sturdy, graceful objectivity.

The reader easily comes along on every page with this reluctant, brave, and highly intelligent daughter as she attempts to assume and then banish responsibility for her parent's suicide.