Reviews (42)

Live and Let Die Please?
Many people criticizes those who assist people in dying. On Moral grounds or whatever they dictate how it should be. Of course, these are individuals that have not on a personal basis had any direct dealings with a loved one dying or themselves. The high cost of medical intervention, the consistent pain with no relief in sight, the overwhelming nightmare that is having this occur in your average home, these are all reasons why assisted suicide should not be viewed like a sin (for the religious) or like a crime (for the puritans with false hearts) but like a viable alternative to this tragic situation (s). Imagine how much easier it would be when someone in dire need of assistance could obtain the neccessary resources to complete the faithful transition between life and death. It reminds me of the movie, what is it named "soylent green?" where people would go to a final place where in the process of assisted suicide they would be given one last enjoyable moment and then put to a final sleep with mostly a smile on their faces. Yes, I understand that there is nothing easy about life and how harsh things can be, but with a little kindness on the part of the medical establishment God knows how many unneccessary bills and pain one could avoid while dying with dignity. And Dignity is the Key word in this dissertation. If a person is terminally ill and incapable of sustaining a dignified existence and willing to shorten the lapse between suffering and dying, who's business is that? Who can, in good conscience object to a family's decision to solve this painful drams in the most efficient and rewarding manner. You can say what you want against me, my time is not here yet, but as soon as it is, I sure would like to know how can I punch out without any extraordinary resistance on the part of the puritans or the religious saying otherwise. Unless, of course, they are more than willing to take over all manner of expenses so I can be in a deep slumber fully unaware of my terminal and soon to follow death condition. There, I said it, and for all those who still are kicking with full of medium steam I urge: Live it up, enjoy, love, care, help, grow, leave a legacy, whatever it takes to feel proud so when the final moments arrive (and believe me, they will) we can all die with pride, love and a reassuring sense that we did our best in this here our planet called earth. Thumbs up for assisted suicide. No disrespect or lack of simphaty intended for those who decide through their own will to fight it all the way to the final gate. Ciau Bambinos!
I didnt receive the item THIS IS A JOKE
I didnt receive the blody item even for the second time it has sent to me. THANKS ALOT FORTHE GREAT POSTAGE SERVICE!!!
thanks alot . again
wow what a great book. my father killed himself. and i found an order form to buy this book on his computer. so thanks alot for influencing him to shoot himself.
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Subjects:  1. Assisted suicide    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Euthanasia    4. Mental Health    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Suicide    8. Self-Help / Death, Grief, Bereavement   

Editorial Review

"Suicide is a particularly awful way to die: the mental suffering leading up to it is usually prolonged, intense, and unpalliated," writes Kay Redfield Jamison. "There is no morphine equivalent to ease the acute pain, and death not uncommonly is violent and grisly." Jamison has studied manic-depressive illness and suicide both professionally--and personally. She first planned her own suicide at 17; she attempted to carry it out at 28. Now professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, she explores the complex psychology of suicide, especially in people younger than 40: why it occurs, why it is one of our most significant health problems, and how it can be prevented. Jamison discusses manic-depression, suicide in different cultures and eras, suicide notes (they "promise more than they deliver"), methods, preventive treatments, and the devastating effects on loved ones. She explores what type of person commits suicide, and why, and when. She illustrates her points with detailed anecdotes about people who have attempted or committed suicide, some famous, some ordinary, many of them young. Not easy reading, either in subject or style, but you'll understand suicide better and be jolted by the intensity of depression that drives young people to it. Read more

Reviews (69)

Great Contribution
Dr. Key Redfield Jamison brings forth a valuable insight into the mind of suicide. She writes with clarity and great commend on the issue of suicide and its complexity. She shares her personal challenges with a heart-felt authenticity. This book is a great contribution to those who contemplate suicide as well as for those who have touch by it. In her last chapter, "A half-Stitched Scar," she addresses those that are left behind, "...Who had to spend their lives with its (suicide) reality...and asked themselves over and over again...why?" This hit home for me, as I was dealing with my own personal secret: my husband's suicide thirty-five years ago.Since then,I was writing and rewriting my book Beautiful in Black that was finally released last month. Writing this book helped me deal with my past and inspired me to live life to the fullest. My hope is that my personal story will help others with their future. I dedicated my book to those who have lost a loved one to suicide and remained silent!

A topic not to be avoided
An astounding number of people in this country suffer from mental illnesses, and while depression is often a topic of discussion, the outcome of severe depression--suicide--usually goes unmentioned. This despite it being the cause of so many deaths among young people. Kudos to Jamison for turning the spotlight on sudicide and looking at it from many angles--its epidemics, history, victims, root causes, and attempts at prevention. This is an eye-opening, informative, and sometimes shocking examination of an all-too-common occurrence which we should try to prevent as much as we try to prevent heart disease or stroke. I seriously doubt that the book itself would prompt someone to go hang themselves, unless their mind is already made up.

A real eye opener and a bit shocking.
I doubt if anyone would choose this book if indeed they were not touched in some way by the suicide of a loved one or by the anticipation of suicide to take their own lives. Much like a new-found disease, those who are touched or affected by suicide seek out information to try and understand the hows and whys because it is felt that there is nobody out there who can relate or understand the pain or agony that is suffered by and as a result of suicide. This book helps a bit by sharing the pain and bringing it out a bit and providing small pathways to understanding. At the same time, it can be like ice-cold water shocking the system and it can be overwhelming. Those who are touched are touched forever - it will never leave. We know this and so we seek to understand more and more about something that cannot be talked about openly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Psychology    3. Suicidal behavior    4. Suicide    5. United States    6. Youth    7. Youth Suicide    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Suicide   

Subjects:  1. Mental illness    2. Psychology    3. Psychology, Pathological    4. Psychopathology - General    5. Psychopathology - Schizophrenia    6. Suicide    7. Abnormal psychology    8. Psychiatry    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (4)

Creative approach to dealing with grief
I work in an Alternative HS and have found that my students who most would think the book looks "corney" have requested copies of the book after looking through it.I like the fact that it addresses issues of anger that the adolescent may have (or may not even realize they have) towards the deceased.I work with high-risk youth and the family dynamics are always so complex.I also like the fact that it addresses changes that the adolescent will have to make and doesn't "sugar coat" things.But, it pays respect to the deceased in a tasteful way, and it is way for the adolescent to write memories/stories he/she might forget. A great book
This is a wonderful Journal for kids.On my first read through I felt it was geared a little more toward 9 to 13 year olds, rather than older teens.However, the content is excellent and the ideas and exercises will really help grieving teens work through the difficult grief process.

An excellent choice for ANYONE suffering a loss.
I ordered this journal for my two teen-aged daughters,both of whom were suffering greatly with the loss of my mother, their grandmother. The book is a wonderful aid in helping them express all the things they were afraidto vocalize. It allows them to write down their thoughts and feelings onsuch subjects as what they were doing when they found out the person haddied, unresolved issues with the person who died and how they would likethem to be resolved now, where they believe their loved one is now, and howthe future will be without the person they love. It allows the teen to seethat they are not alone in their grief, that others have the same thoughtsas they do. I highly reccommend this book to ANYONE who is experiencingloss in their life. It leads you gently through the entire grievingprocess-I can't say enough about how it helped us through a very difficulttime in our lives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Self-Help    4. Suicide, death & bereavement   

Reviews (20)

Preview first - way too graphic for our family
I had intended to use this book to help my 7-year-old but when I previewed it, I found it to be a case of "too much too soon."It appeared the author tried to address every conceivable way a child might encounter death but, for my child, it would have introduced MANY more fears than it alleviated.Many of the illustrations were especially disturbing.Having a child wail "can we keep our house?" as the obituaries float around the picture was too much.Introducing death by substance abuse and suicide was too much.Discussing the donation of eyes to an eye bank or having the word "autopsy" in the glossary was too much.For young children facing death and the grief process for the first time, I would use extreme caution if considering this book.My child would have had nightmares for ages.

First read it yourself, then read it to a child or with a child
I have been using this book for years. I have used it in my capaicity as a social worker leading grief groups for children and I have also used it with my own children after they experienced the loss of their grandfather.The beauty of this book is you need not read it from beginning to end with your child, you can stop and start at the places which apply and skip the parts that don't.What I also like about the book is the illustrations, they are detailed enough to get the points across, but not scary nor frightening.Death is such a mystery to children (and frankly to many adults too), I view this book as a wonderful place from which children and adults can explore loss and their feelings pertaining to death and what might happen after we die.Older kids can read it to younger ones with an adult nearby to also answer questions.What I have done is read the book with a child, then let the child know it may bring up questions and we can talk about them during the time we read the book and certainly any time after as well.
Inappropriate for young kids
I did not like this book at all, and thought it inappropriate for young children. My son kept asking why the children on the playground died, playing "Bang, Bang your dead".(I also don't want my son being taught games about violence.)I did not like suicide being presented as an "option" for hopelessness.Read this book before giving it to a child. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bereavement in children    2. Children and death    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Death    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Psychological aspects    9. Social Issues - Death & Dying    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Death & Dying    11. Suicide, death & bereavement   

Reviews (42)

Very Helpful
I have recently lost my husband to suicide and have read many books on the subject trying to understand what happened.This book was very helpful because it was not a bunch of psycho-babble and statistics and research. It is the real-life experience of a woman who has been through it.I found myself reading entire passages that described the EXACT feelings I am having.I believe this book would be helpful to anyone who has suffered the devastation of suicide.

If you feel completely lost right now, this is the book to read
This book was recommended to me a week after my partner committed suicide, and it was a lifesaver at a point at which I was crazy with grief and thought I would just go flat-out crazy.It is real, honest, direct, and filled with compassion.It gave me realization that many others had experienced what I was going through and that, even though I could not believe it in my heart, my head could at least believe that there might be hope for coming out of this darkness on the other side.If I ever know a person in the future who loses someone to suicide, this book will be in their hands as quickly as I can get it to them.

Must read if you have lost someone to suicide
this book helps one feel they are not alone, and come to term with some emotions they may be battling.Its a great book full of understanding and wisdom.It bring about knowledge one might not have, and stories of comfort. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Death / Grief / Consolation    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. General    4. Psychology    5. Self-Help    6. Suicide    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (3)

Well written and easy reading
I'm currently in school for addiction counseling and felt this book would be good to read. It is well written and easy to read, with a lot of good advice. As a counselor in preparation I know I will be having sessions with people who are experiencing suicidal ideation, & while I know this doesn't qualify a person to do suicide assessments it certainly gives a good method for drawing out as much information as possible. It makes me feel a little more comfortable about the job I am going to be doing.

Seminal Text of Suicide Assessment
There are many books on suicidology and even on clinical interviewing, but none combine the two topics in such an effective and practical manner. A REAL "Must-Read" for All Clinicians
Shawn Shea's The Practical Art of Suicide Assessment: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals and Substance Abuse Counselors is one of the most valuable professional texts I have read in the past decade. The bookcombines scholarship, practical guidelines and a literary quality thatrenders it a truly exceptional book in the field.I found the caseexamples used to illustrate clinical problems invaluable; these vignettesbring the theoretical material "alive" in a way that encouragesclinicians from various disciplines and theoretical orientations tomeaningfully incorporate the concepts.Shea elucidates such criticalissues as risk factors and risk predictors in such a way as to makeconstructs that are often reifed once again meaningful.As part of myprofessional responsibilities, I am responsible for training/teachingmental health emergency clinicians aspects of clinical interviewing andsuicide assessment.I have incorporated many of the principles in thisbook into these trainings. The CASE approach to suicidal assessment isperhaps the best approach to this complex task that I have found. Thediscussion on "contracting for safety/no suicide contracts" isrelevant, congruent with current ethical and legal principles, and reflectsthe difficult reality of working with suicidal patients. I regularlyrecommend both this book and Shea's book on psychiatric interviewing toparticipants in the workshops.Read more

Subjects:  1. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    2. Mental Health    3. Psychology    4. Suicide    5. Clinical psychology    6. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Testing & Measurement   

Reviews (7)

Start here sociology student
This is still considered the first book on sociological theory.Not only does Durkheim provide us with a working model to use social statistics to draw very strong inference but if one reads carefully between the lines, he provides us with theoretical rhetoric as well as the afore-mentioned practical design.Durkheim was overall pessimistic; he saw the forces of society as overwhelming to the individual and makes little or no provision for escape (unlike Marx).Suicide, in Durkheim's view, was merely a symptom of a greater sociological ill.But unlike those who had come before him, Durkheim based his sociological assertions on solid empirical evidence and helped create an entire new science, which like the "hard" sciences, was based on the collection of data and research.Next time you read a report which links household income to education attainment, or prison rates among African Americans to a never-ending drug war, remember Emile Durkheim.He was first.

The best and first tutorial to the sociology
Durkheim says at the beginning; the sociology is the current science, but nobody knows what it is.Even now, his words sound contemporary.This study aims at introducing the necessity and importance of the sociology to the public, but not at sophisticatedly professional people. PIONEERING WORK IN SOCIOLOGY
This is the work considered the pioneer of modern sociology, with its author hailed the father of sociology.The innovative nature of the work lies in putting together all the methods of social analysis available at his time and providing a comprehensive view of the nature of suicide in society.Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Sociological aspects    3. Sociology    4. Sociology - General    5. Suicide    6. Social Science / Sociology / General    7. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (10)

Why not suicide?
It's real easy to judge people when you haven't walked a mile in their shoes. I have been in inescapable pain for 25 years and resent the so called fact that suicide is evil. When a Russian sub sunk to the bottom and was lifted 4 years later, thank God those men died and didn't have to suffer for 4 years being burned by fuel and chemicals. This sounds like a bunch of Bible thumping fanatics that have never endured extreme suffering in their life.
***** Moral of the Story: How NOT to End Your Life *****
A carefully-crafted, moving, timely text on the consequences of failing to realize that the "you" inside your head is eternal. It is the circumstances outside your head that is the illusion, merely a trick of light and shadow co-created by six billion souls bumping into each other in a state of slumber. In other words, we are consciousness itself once awakened to that reality. On a more personal note, I have been at the scenes of suicides, and other transitions, and there is a qualitative difference that can be felt -- if not put into words. One such case is etched into my mind forever as I was sitting in the office when my close colleague, James B., got a call that something awful had just happened to his wife, Wendy. Together, at the request of the police, I drove him to the country home of his in-laws outside the city limits of Huntsville, Alabama where we immediately saw the body of his dearly beloved spouse of 10-years lying still on the manicured front lawn. Disbelief, horror, panic are only a few of the emotions I sensed in these early minutes as I observed the parade of reactions of a husband, parents, friends, as well as myself display that fateful September day. Wendy had put a bullet through her head upon suffering for a year of in again/out again hospitalization for the manic-phase of bipolar disorder, yet finally yielding to untreated clinical depression and a sudden overwhelming self-destructive impulse. But, all-in-all, what stays with me is the unmitigated grief and shame that was inflicted upon these families by a suicide that they did not prevent, making available even the best medical care and drugs for her. As a therapist, and former crisis counselor with the U.S. Navy, I urge you to read this book and take it to heart, for that is where lives are won, or lost, not in our head, where the unvarnished reality of after-death communications, near-death experiences, etc. have been validated again and again only to be unfairly classified as anecdotal and thereby ignored by the mainstream. Indeed, as many of us researchers know today, the topic in science and religion that needs urgent resolution surrounds the definition of consciousness itself. Not only when awareness enters into the fetus but when does it leave the body to go beyond the grave? Now that is the mystery! But at least we do know where our "sense of self" resides and with what molecules it interacts as psychiatrist Rick Strassman, M.D. revealed in his magnum opus text DMT: The Spirit Molecule: "I believed the source of DMT was the mysterious pineal gland, a tiny organ situated in the center of our brains .... Descartes, for example, believed the pineal was the `seat of the soul,' and both Western and Eastern mystical traditions place our highest spiritual center within its confines." Don't be hoodwinked, therefore, you are an immortal spiritual being but seeking to overcome the challenges of physical mortality, so, ultimately we must begin to live -- and "die" -- with that truth still intact. My own studies reflect the sober conclusion that we create our own heavens and hells as we live day-to-day but those also become our dwelling places between lifetimes. One message that comes through loud and clear from suicides is that realization that what goes around, comes around, or more bluntly: "our choices here, have consequences hereafter!"
Logical and clear, rich in insight, certainly calls on one to adapt.
Very coherent presentation, without any obvious agenda except the truth -- this is a book that demands significant time for the serious reader to adjust to new premises and then to absorb.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Channeling    3. Channeling (Spiritualism)    4. Future life    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Spiritual Healing    8. Spiritualism - General    9. Suicide victims    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Channeling    11. Mind, body, spirit: reincarnation & past lives   

Reviews (4)

Review of On-scene guide for crisis negotiators
Good 1st book to read on those wanting to be Negotiators in the Law Enforcement field.

A Worthy Addition To The Field
Frederick Lanceley's "On-Scene Guide for Crisis Negotiators" is a long needed compendium of technique and definition in the field of crisis negotitations. Mr. Lanceley's vast experience has enabled him to providetechniques based on real-life situations not just theory. The volume isarranged in a concise, easy-to-reference format which should be a part ofevery negotiator's "Ready Kit". One of the most important pointsabout this book is the fact that it addresses the types of situations faceddaily by police negotiators. Suicide intervention, long a subject ignoredin many negotiations seminars, is given in-depth treatment. In addition,the entire book is an interesting read. His account of his involvement atRuby Ridge is fascinating. I would recommend this book to anyone involvedin the field, police commanders and anyone interested in crisisintervention.

On-Scene Guide for Crisis Negotiators
Recently retired FBI Special Agent Fred Lanceley gives us the benefit of his expertise in this highly detailed book on the actions a crisis negotiator must take in the field.Lanceley describes techniques that willbe of benefit to any police officet, tactical dispatcher, hostagenegotiator or crisis counselor who is confronted with a barricaded subject,a mentally disturbed individual or a potential hostage taker. These peopleare encouraged to read Lanceley's book and to include it in your currenttraining.Dave Larton, Member, California Association of HostageNegotiators ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law - General    2. Crisis intervention (Mental he    3. Forensic Science    4. Hostage negotiations    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Life Sciences - General    7. Negotiation    8. Prevention    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Suicide    12. Abnormal psychology    13. Criminal or forensic psychology    14. Law / Forensic Science    15. Police & security services   

Editorial Review

Like Kurt Cobain, Nick Traina lived for punk rock (his bands made two CDs, Read more

Reviews (186)

A Mother's Heartache
As a Danielle Steel fan since the dawn of her writing career, I've often wondered how she captures emotional anguish so vividly.In researching manic-depression while writing LOVING LARRY, I found the answer apparent in HIS BRIGHT LIGHT.From the heart of a mother she lovingly introduces her children, shares her personal history and bares her soul in this painful account of her son's struggle with manic-depressive illness and its effect on her family.The poignant portrayals she creates in fiction come--at least in part--from heartbreaking first-hand experience.

Steel's best work to date
Widely known for her romantic novels in far off places, Danielle Steel managed to create a career that likely exceeded her wildest dreams. Yet beneath the veneer of gentile refinement, the famous author struggled to help her son Nick Traina, a young man who was taken from Earth before his time. Lucky for him, and for us, Steel didn't let his passing go without triumph for those like him.
His Bright Light Can Save Lives
Danielle Steel wrote this book with a purpose greater than many may realize. As a pure and loving tribute to her son Nick's life and as a direly needed awareness among people about how BPD (Bipolar Disorder, or manic depression) is a disease that kills people, because they do not have proper medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Depression    6. Family relationships    7. General    8. Manic-depressive persons    9. Mental Illness    10. Parental Memoirs    11. Specific Groups - Special Needs    12. Suicide    13. United States    14. Women authors, American    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (15)

Just what I wanted
When I bought this book I didn't know how it would change my life... It's a lovely book. Susan knows how to be incisive when she needs to, but still she's lovely in this moments. I've considered suicide many times in my life, I'm lucky I never got really to act upon my thoughts...
Essential reading
I wish I'd had a copy of this book when I was suicidal. It's full of simple, practical ideas for keeping yourself safe and beginning to feel better. The crisis plan is especially good, and easy to follow even when you find it hard to think straight. The only reason I gave this book four stars rather than five is that I came across it after I'd recovered, and haven't tried out all of its techniques myself - but from my experience of what did help me, they're all excellent.
Not So Helpful Overall
I am thrilled that proceeds from this book are being donated to 1-800-SUICIDE, a very useful resource. It seems the author suffered more from ideation rather than true suicidality; I didn't find any novel ideas for addressing the latter. Many suggestions presuppose the presence of a support system and financial resources, things lacking for many suicidal people. Most of the Tricks are simply common sense and seem trite to a genuinely suicidal reader. Though glad she made it through her difficult times, I'm still looking for a helpful guide for the chronically suicidal folks who are in grave danger of dying at their own hands. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Prevention    3. Psychological aspects    4. Psychology    5. Suicidal behavior    6. Suicide    7. Self-Help / General   

Subjects:  1. Medical    2. Mental Health    3. Psychiatry - Psychopharmacology    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy - Counseling    6. Suicidal Behavior    7. Suicide    8. Clinical psychology    9. Pharmacology    10. Psychiatry    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychopharmacology   

Reviews (5)

Very good reading for children!
My 9 year-old son recently lost his father and he was not talking to me or any family members about his feelings. This book was very thorough for a young person and it helped him to open dialogue with me and start his grieving process. I highly recommend this book.

Helpful for Basic Questions of A Child Experiencing A Death
This book provides brief and blunt answers to questions many children may have and adults may not consider - it touches on 'What is a Memorial Service', 'Where does the person go', 'Am I Going To Die Too?', 'Is the Death My Fault' as well as common feelings experienced while grieving.Each topic is brief and written for a child.
Childish illustration paired with Blunt realism.
I bought this for my 4 1/2 year old, she has never seen it. I found it too clinical, and not at all what I had imagined having read the other reviews. The cartoons seemed aimed at my daughters age group, yet the writing is in my opinion, not for little ones. I showed this book to my twelve year old niece, thinking maybe the target was more in her age range. Her response was an incredulous "isnt this supposed to make you feel better!?"... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adjustment (Psychology) in chi    2. Adjustment (Psychology) in children    3. Bereavement in children    4. Children's 9-12 - Sociology    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Death    8. Grief in children    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Social Issues - Death & Dying    12. Social Science - Psychology    13. Social Situations - Death & Dying    14. Social Studies - General    15. Death & dying    16. Suicide, death & bereavement   

Reviews (2)

Not the best to start out with
Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide: For and Against is a book written by three well-known philosophers and ethicists: Gerald Dworkin, R.G. Frey and Sissela Bok. This book discusses the moral issues of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. The book is broken down into two parts, the first part contains arguments for euthanasia and assisted suicide and the second part is against.
A BIG HELP
I was doing a debate on assisstent suicide for school, so I picked this book up.It really helped me so much.It covered all the issues, as well as both sides.I was able to state all the facts for my side (for), andtheir side (against)!This truly is a great book, and I suggest you pickit up if you need info. on this contraversial topic! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assisted suicide    2. Ethical aspects    3. Ethics    4. Euthanasia    5. General    6. Medical    7. Moral and ethical aspects    8. Philosophy    9. Psychology    10. Suicide    11. Euthanasia--Moral and ethical aspects    12. Philosophy / General    13. Practical & applied ethics   

Reviews (1)

For future reference
I have a terminal illness, and am always looking for information about suicide JUST IN CASE.This is a very interesting compilation of articles and studies about assisted suicide, and I recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in the topic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Medical / Nursing    2. Pharmacology    3. Psychology    4. Suicide    5. Ethics & moral philosophy    6. Popular medicine   

Reviews (14)

TheSuicidal Mind, Autopsy of the Suicidal Mind
Both of these books written by Edwin Shneidman Ph.D are insightful and stimulating reading.They make for good starter texts for people interested in suicide because they are so well written. Dr. Shneidman is arguably the dean ofAmerican Sucidology. They are just very informative and accessible.These are must reads.

Life saving book for the suicidally inclined academic or intellectual
My physician gave me this book a few weeks back.I've been dragging along the bottom of the gravel pit lately and reading Suicidial Mind helped.The sections I found particularly helpful for fighting depression's undertow are:
Accurate, Scientific, Not Immediate Cure for Suicidal People
From my point of view, this book draws a very good picture about the suicidal mind.It mentioned why and how people become suicidal and how early intervention can help healing this mind.I like the way the author presents the topic suicide.He presented it in an academic and scientific way, which is a great way for others to understand suicidal thinking.It has valuable case studies and scientific research for others to understand the topic of suicide.It is for professionals, friends, family and significant others who are associated with the suicidal individuals to read, for the sake of understanding their judgmental mind and their "incurable" psychological pain.This book creates a bridge for others to understand what is on suicidal individuals' head and why these individuals are reluctant in seeking help (the emperor in their head that now becomes the dictator, which eliminates the option for the depressed/anxious individuals to choose how to live life).
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Subjects:  1. Emotions    2. Psychology    3. Psychopathology - General    4. Suicide    5. Philosophy    6. Psychiatry    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Suicide    8. Psychology | Clinical   

Editorial Review

Deborah Layton was, by her own account, a typical rebellious youth, with nothing in her dossier to indicate that she would eventually find herself in Jim Jones's People's Temple in Guyana, looking for a way out of the green hell that had become the People's Temple Agricultural Project. She barely escaped in June 1978. Within months, more than 900 people drank Jones's cyanide punch and committed "revolutionary suicide" in the face of mounting stateside pressure on the cult, some of it prompted by Layton's own testimonials upon her safe return home. Her brother, Larry, also survived, and as one of the few left alive in Guyana became a scapegoat for Jones's crimes; he is now serving a life sentence in federal prison. Read more

Reviews (227)

This is a must read book!!
When I was growing up I remember my parents referring a couple of times to Jim Jones, but only in passing. It wasn't until this year when my husband and I went in a movie store and rent Guyana Tragedy that my jaw dropped and the light in my head came on. I had no idea what had happened. I knew that there was a mass "suicide" but nothing describes it, there are no words. So I decided to read this book. It took me only two evenings to finish it. I have to say that Debbie is an amazing person. We all have things in our past...the old saying goes "some of use have skeletons in our closets, others have graveyards..." It is good that Debbie is talking to her daughter about her past and being honest. Communication is SO important and it is the one thing that causes more divorce, domestic violence, and child abuse. Lack of communication.
A story that needed to be told
Deborah Layton's story of her involvement with The People's Temple and Jim Jones is a harrowing one. It is an incredible read. It is also unfortunately sad that it is true and not fiction.
EXTREMELY well-written
It's clear to see that Deborah Layton comes from very strong intellectual stock. This first time writer's prose is beautiful, immediate and truly captures the misguided socialist philosophy and desperation of her experience. VERY highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1931-1978    2. 1953-    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Jones, Jim,    7. Jonestown Mass Suicide, Jonestown, Guyana, 1978    8. Layton, Deborah,    9. Peoples Temple    10. Religious    11. Religious Cults    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Jones, Jim    14. Layton, Deborah   

Subjects:  1. Behavior Therapy    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Dialectical behavior therapy    4. Mental health    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    7. Suicidal behavior    8. Suicide    9. Teenagers    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (7)

Sensitive, scientific and helpful
Thomas Joiner is one of the leading scientific experts on suicide. This