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Books on Suicide Prevention and Recovery The following list was compiled by Susan Woram. At the end of each book description, one or more letters signify the category of reader that may find the book most helpful. C - Children M - Mental health professionals and students P - Parents and other adults T - Teens  Bolton, I. and Mitchell, C. (1983). My Son ... My Son ... A Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide. As its title indicates, this book may hold special meaning for those searching for healing after the loss of a son. The author's hopeful message is just as helpful to those who have lost a daughter or brother. This is a simple and comforting book from a mother with firsthand knowledge. (P) Buscaglia, Leo F. (1983). The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages. This is a book that deals with death on a level that children can begin to understand. Mr. Buscaglia does a good job explaining death as a natural part of the cycle of life. Beautifully illustrated with simple text. The book does not specifically address suicide. (C) Colt, G. H. (1991). The Enigma of Suicide. This encyclopedic volume on suicide is informative and thorough. It may be more helpful for those wanting an academic view of suicide than for those looking for comfort. It includes large sections on history, 'right-to-die' issues, prevention and survivors. (M, P) Crenshaw, D. A. (1999). Bereavement: Counseling the Grieving Throughout the Life Cycle. This is a book for the caregivers of those who are mourning. The age of a mourner will influence the type of support that may be most helpful. Different ages have different needs and that is the premise of this helpful book. The book breaks down the tasks of grieving and suggests particular ways to be supportive. This work is intended to aid any caretaker whether family member or professional counselor. (M, P) Dower, L. (2001). I Will Remember You: What to do When Someone You Love Dies: A Guidebook Through Grief for Teens. This is a book that is directed to teens but appropriate for all ages. It is written in clear, simple language that can help teens through the grieving process. It guides the adolescent reader through confusing feelings and helps them give words to the emotions they may feel. It includes a number of excellent writing and meditation exercises. The author also talks about grief through history and in other cultures. (M, P, T) Durkheim, E. (1951). Suicide: A Study on Sociology. This famous book was written in 1951 by a French sociologist and is still required reading for most serious students of sociology. Durkheim focuses on the social causes of suicide rather than the internal workings of the mind. His work has immense historical value and shows the universal and timeless nature of human frailties. This work is recommended for the serious student of suicide only. (M) Elliott, H. B., Brad. (1993). Ripples of Suicide. Harold Elliott is a Baptist minister and the chaplain for a Texas police department. His book has a slightly academic feel to it and includes good historical information. Some readers may find the police angle of his real world work experiences a little difficult to handle. Some of the content is quite graphic. It includes helpful information on dealing with suicidal individuals and notifying families. (M, P) Etkind, M. (1997). ... Or Not To Be: A Collection of Suicide Notes. Only a minority of those who commit suicide will leave a note. This book is a compilation of notes from a wide variety of people. They include celebrities and everyday people. They range in time from the 1700s to the present. These are interesting insights that may not be right for everyone. (M, P) Fine, C. (1997). No Time To Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One. Carla Fine has written about the loss of her husband to suicide. This book particularly addresses the social stigma that is still attached to suicide. Fine was so ashamed by her husband's suicide that she initially told others that his death was due to a heart attack. The author has spoken with many other survivors and passionately communicates their stories and experiences along with helpful information from mental health professionals. (M, P) Fumia, M. (1992). Safe Passage: Words to Help the Grieving Hold Fast and Let Go. This is a simple book of mediations written by a women who experienced the loss of her infant son. The meditations are progressive, that is the author follows the grieving process itself. The initial mediations are meant to deal with the "harsh beginnings" of unexpected loss. As the meditations continue, they focus increasingly on the process of recovery. (P) Grollman, E. A. and Malikow, M. (1999). Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide: Or Even Starts Thinking About It. In addition to addressing issues about suicide this book also discusses how to deal with others who may be suicidal. It has chapters on the stages of grief, common misconceptions about suicide, coping skills, helping suicidal individuals and religious issues. This book is the collaborative work of a pastoral counselor and a grief counselor. (P, T) Harris, M. (1996). The Loss That is Forever: The Lifelong Impact of the Early Death of a Mother or Father. This book addresses the issues that can face an adult who experiences the loss of a parent early in life . This is not a work that is specific to suicide but still may be quite comforting to the adult who lost a parent at a young age. Written by clinical psychologist. (P) Hewett, J. H. (1980). After Suicide. A recommended and highly readable book. Its practical nature can help readers understand what to expect after a loved one commits suicide and offer options for coping. It includes a very helpful chapter on suicide and faith. It also clarifies many of the misconceptions that we hold about suicide and religion. (M, P) James, J. W. and Friedman, R. (1998). The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program For Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, And Other Losses. Those who like the idea of following a 'program' for recovery will enjoy this book. The book addresses loses of all types not just those related to suicide. A small downside for some readers may be the books insistence to strict adherence to their program and the offer of what seems like a "cure" for your grief. That being said, the book appears to have a wide following and is used as a springboard for many self-help groups. (M, P) Jamison, K. R. (1999). Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide. Kay Redfield Jamison has had her own personal struggle with manic-depressive illness and survived a suicide attempt. As a Johns Hopkins professor of psychiatry she is well equipped to clearly discuss the current epidemic rates of suicide and the myriad of causes. She also reminds us of the preventable nature of this epidemic. The book uses essays on individual suicides to poignantly illustrate the various forces at work in those that commit suicide. (M, P) Lester, D. (1993). The Cruelest Death: The Enigma of Adolescent Suicide. This helpful book gives us a broad overview of the various factors that can contribute to suicide in adolescents. This book is an excellent primer for the mental health professional just beginning to study teen suicide. The book covers theory and research as well as epidemiology and intervention. (M, P) Merman, A. L. & Jobes, D. A. (1999). Adolescent Suicide: Assessment and Intervention. This book is published by the American Psychological Association and written with the mental health clinician in mind. The book presents current research findings and provides extensive references and case illustrations. (M) Chapters include:
Robinson, R. (1989). Survivors of Suicide. Originally published in 1989, this book was revised in 2001 and contains additional information on teen suicide. The book also reviews such areas as common suicide myths, depression, historical and religious perspectives and includes a resource directory. (P) |
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