Suicide Books

Suicide is always serious. The reader is introduced immediately to the main character, a young Martin Luther King, Jr. who living the emotional tension and drama of his suicide experience. Notice I didn't say suicide attempt. While written as fiction, who is to say that it didn't happen this way. An added bonus is the detailed depiction of the social landscape and painstaking accuracy of historical events, so much so that it could be used as a text book. Freedom Ride is a quick read and packs a powerful, thought-provoking twist to what is already known about MLK, Jr.

Suicide is always serious. The reader is introduced immediately to the main character, a young Martin Luther King, Jr. who living the emotional tension and drama of his suicide experience. Notice I didn't say suicide attempt. While written as fiction, who is to say that it didn't happen this way. An added bonus is the detailed depiction of the social landscape and painstaking accuracy of historical events, so much so that it could be used as a text book. Freedom Ride is a quick read and packs a powerful, thought-provoking twist to what is already known about MLK, Jr.

Legal scholar, and now Federal Appeals Court Judge, Neil Gorsuch has written a comprehensive study of the legal and moral issues in the physician assisted suicide debate. This is the right book at the right time because the practical consequences of mindless "reform" have been largely ignored in the current discussions. The author's detailed descriptions of what has actually happened in Oregon and in the Netherlands which have legalized assisted suicide are especially helpful. The author also presents medical evidence from respected sources including the Journal of Clinical Oncology showing that the major motivation behind physician assisted suicide is not unbearable pain but clinical depression.

Generally those favoring physician assisted suicide are on the most liberal side of the American political spectrum. But Gorsuch convincing argues that the intellectual roots of their proposals are actually from Social Darwinism, the American eugenics movement, and the National Socialist Party of Germany of the 1930's. Adolph Hitler is directly quoted on page 36. What is publicly presented as a civil right involving "personal autonomy" would in practice present a serious threat to the safety of the most vulnerable members of society. Gorsuch quotes with obvious approval the 1994 British House of Lords study which argued that it would not be logically possible to frame sufficient safeguards to guarantee that all "voluntary" suicides would in fact actually be voluntary.

A "reform" which completely rejects the traditions of Western Civilization and makes homicide legal is not one which should be adopted without consideration of all the facts. Our author calls the debaters away from the realm of theory, speculation, and one liners--and back to the real world.

Gorsuch, who has a law degree from Harvard and a doctorate in legal philosophy from Oxford, has written an erudite scholarly work that has the advantage of being accessible to a broad educated public. He argues that human life has intrinsic value and effectively dismantles arguments for the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia. His analysis is completely rational and secular, not relying on any religious argumentation. He provides cogent analyses of the major legal cases in the US and Britain relating to assisted suicide and euthanasia. This is a must read for anyone interested in this issue. No matter what your position in this debate, you will need to understand and engage his arguments.

James Cooper tells it like it is! Man keeps trying to play GOD - altering genes to change humanity into the being that the scientists think will be best. However, altering genes only changes the flesh and blood - not the soul. From the soul of man comes the behaviour. With the way science is progressing, this book is a true forecast of the future. Scary, isn't it? I'm thankful it won't be in my lifetime but I fear for my children and grandchildren. Can't wait for the sequel to this book. It is coming, isn't it, James?
Joyce

James Cooper's novel is a far-reaching look into the path that unchecked scientific efforts will take us. No matter how much we attempt to change our genes, human nature doesn't change. We must learn from history and not repeat the mistakes of the past. Science is not "free" when it follows the money from government and agenda-oriented sources. Hitler's scientists, unfettered by moral values, performed all sorts of outrageous experiments showing a total disrespect for human life. The U.S. Army's experiments on black veterans at Tuskegee University following World War II are another example of contempt for the value of human life. Human cloning and fetal stem cell research must be stopped or our children will pay the price. Cooper's novel tells us why. History clearly shows us that cultures that abandon the limits of morality commit "Genetic Suicide" and end up in the "dust bin of history."

I stumbled upon Ghost Wings at the public library a week after the death of my mother-in-law. I was trying to find a book that would help my four-year-old deal with the loss. Ghost Wings is an amazing book. Its illustrations are gorgeous, but it is the story that captures the essence of a child's confusion and pain. It also deals with the acceptance stage of the grieving process. Although we aren't there yet, this magical story has made it possible for my daughter to understand that her grandma will never truly be gone, that "the old ones" are never far away. Every time we see a butterfly, monarch or otherwise, we are reminded of the spirits of those we have lost.

This book takes the reader into the beautiful world of Mexican culture through a sweet story and amazing illustrations. I read Ghost Wings to a first grade art class and they really enjoyed learning about Los Dias de los Muertos and how the little girl in the story participated in the festivities. The full page illustrations perfectly bring the poetic story to life. At the end of the book there are some interesting projects and ideas that can be done with children. There is also a helpful explaination section, full of details about the Day of the Dead holiday and Mexican culture. I think every children's library should have a copy of this book.

The title of our Jeanine's service was "Goodbye Jeanine, we love you". Our gifted daughter committed suicide on July 24th 2005 at the age of 28 years and died in the same manner as your Jeanine... Reading "Goodbye Jeanine" was very healing for the pain behind my heart. She was our youngest of seven children and I felt I breathed for her during her life. We tried so hard to find the help that she needed... the numerous therapists and Psychiatrists, the AA meetings and the agonizing days and nights of watching the depressions and suicide attempts. Then she again would be our joy, our amazingly talented and bright child that we took so much pride in as she accomplished her Bachelor's Degree and begin working on her Masters. We too thought she would overcome. She prayed on her knees each night and wrote letters to God daily. Thank you so much for sharing your grief and joy. It has touched Jeanine's Dad, Jon and I so deeply. Our similarities in life are uncanny and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Colleen White, Sheep Mountain, Alaska

I have the privilege of being in a small group Bible study led by Joyce Sackett, and when my friend gave me her book to read, I couldn't put it down. I needed to know how this Godly woman journeyed from unspeakable pain to a place of peace and praise. Joyce tells of her anguish, doubts, and fears in such an honest way that you can't help but be deeply affected by her words. Through it all, her trust in the Lord and lifelong love of His Word are so evident and so encouraging. I would highly recommend this book.

This book is very well written--a real tear jerker--but also an outlet for your inner feelings. I know everyone handles grief differently but we all basically have had the same emotions.

I highly recommend this book for all survivors of suicide situations.

This small book is a helpful look at the journey of grief a parent takes during the loss of their child. Scripture is highlighted, and the author is succinct and compassionate. It encourages Faith in God and His plan for us.

This remarkable work of fiction/biography/rapportage and montage is both vastly entertaining and deeply disturbing. Certainly, it is the most detailed portrait of the emotional and cultural logic of a suicide ever written. It is also a window onto the landscape of Quebec society in the 60s and 70s. All this is offered in the most accessible and playful form with multimedia annotations, and cultural excursions that carry the reader along through circle after circle in this intimate journey. Anyone who loves literature, is fascinated by human motivations, or simply wants to know more about a unique soul in its place and time, will be richly rewarded.

This is simply the most unique and impressive book I have ever come across. It weighs in at a whopping 1.6 Kg or 3 1/2lbs. After 6 straight days of reading I feel educated, voyeuristic, saddened and have a deeper sense of insight into Quebec History and Aquin's literary influences. The book, 26 years in the making, is the story of Hubert Aquin's life and ultimate death by his own 'words'. Sheppard explicitly depicts Aquin's life and death as a work of art with respect to a long tradition of such in literature and film. Through quotes, musical interludes and interviews Aquin's last violent act was a work of art by a shattered man. His life, full of tragedy (self-inflicted or otherwise), love and loss, begat several classics in Quebec Literature, namely Prochain Episode. Sheppard's book surely merits a wide audience as does the work of Aquin. I urge you to consider reading this book. Excellent value for the $$. Do pick up and read a copy... it is like jumping off a floating dock in the middle of a familiar lake of your childhood memories. You can swim safely near the tether and enjoy the security that its proximity provides, or risk wading farther away and try to touch the bottom to see how deep you can go. Metaphors aside, it is better to use Sheppard's own words from his 1969 essay, Violence and the French Canadian Male, an early critique of Aquin's first two novels, "We all must try to understand how to be worthy of it." *

* Canada: A Guide to the Peaceable Kingdom, ed. William Kilbourn. p.192.

I WAS HAPPY THAT IT WAS SHIPPED SUPERFAST TO ME. THE BOOK WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND AM HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE. I WOULD DO SERVICE WITH THIS SELLER AGAIN.

This book helps professionals determine the risk level for suicidal or at-risk patients and recommends a suicide assessment protocal that can be effectively incorporated into clinical practice. The authors also provide guidelines for intervening when a person is at risk for harming himself or herself. If you're researching on suicide this is the right book to start reading. A "must" in all physicians library.

I first read this book not too long after my elementary school principal died. I figured that the book was about death because of many of the details. And I was right!

When my companion dog of 13 years died, my mother sent this book from England. Nicholas Allan's charming pictures and gentle story help ease the pain of losing a beloved pet.

Allan doesn't make death fun, or scary or even mysterious. One morning Lily find Dill packing to leave, and from the get-go it's clear she can't go along. But as with real death, the finality of parting is coupled with the hope that the loved one will somehow still be there, watching, caring and ultimately - waiting.

As Dill prepares his suitcase, Lily hears what he thinks Heaven will be like. And when she finally finds a new friend, she remembers Dill's words and puts them into practice.

This is a wonderful little book. One that still brings comfort and sweet memories, helps soothe the dull ache of loss and reinforces the belief that lessons learned lead to a better life.

As an amateur in the education system, I had no experience working with grieving teenagers and didn't know where to start. This resource was referred to me by a friend and classmate also studying to be a school counselor, and after I purchased it, I felt confident in leading a group to help kids work through their pain. I would recommend it for anyone who would like group counseling experience or who would just like to offer this much-needed service to their already-existing group counseling techniques.

I am writing this book review from the standpoint of an adult with many years of experience providing bereavement services, reflecting upon my own experience as a teenager grieving the death of a close family member. It is from this same vantage point that Mary Kelly Perschy has written Helping Teens Work Through Grief. In my case, it was my 19-year-old sister Bev who lost her life to cancer. At age 16, Ms. Perschy embarked on the journey of grief after the death of her mother. The fruit of her personal and professional experience is this most useful manual which she tells us, "is written for adults who are willing to connect with grieving teens, including counselors, trained hospice volunteers, religious youth staff, teachers and mentors."

Any Hospice Team, school or youth organization planning to offer bereavement support groups for teens will want to include this book in their library. Much of the information imparted could easily be adapted for work! ing individuallly with a teens as well.

The busy bereavement professional will be glad to discover that the nuts and bolts of initiating, organizing, leading and evaluating a group support program for young people are laid out in this book. The goals and objectives of each chapter are clearly outlined and the wealth of activities and other resource materials are easy to access. What is more, the reader is walked through each activity in detail, which is what makes this such a marvelous "how to" guidebook. I have found the symbolic "My Coat of Arms" a wonderful discussion tool with teens. Numerous other dynamics utilizing music, clay, drawing, painting, writing, movement and discussion are also included.

Ms. Perschy places a great deal of emphasis on the importance of creating a "safe place" for the grieving teen to share his/her loss with peers and shows us just how to go about it. There is also a welcome emphasis on the importance of wor! king with their children, and the use of peer facilitators ! as well as adults.

As a busy bereavement clinician and programmer, I was delighted to find a full chapter devoted to publicizing the group complete with sample press releases, fliers and forms. Equally gratifying are the detailed chapters on evaluation and follow-up.

Somewhat disappointing was Ms. Perschy's lack of direction on the optimum size of groups and the range of the ages. She likewise failed to take a definite stand on the number of sessions a group should run, preferring to leave that to each programmer's discretion.

The late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen once described teen years as a time of "temporary insanity". How much more out of control, crazy, and alone does a young person feel when a loved one dies? The crazy quilt image which the publisher has chosen for the cover of Ms. Perschy's book is an apt metaphor for teen grief. Adults who care enough about reaching out to troubled teens will find this manual a most useful tool.