Dying to Be Free

Beverly Cobain and Jean Larch
Hazelden (2006)
ISBN 1592853293
Reviewed by Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (2/06)

In “Dying to Be Free,” the authors have provided the reader with a simple guide to understanding not only the loved one they have lost, but also to understanding themselves. The book addresses the mind of the suicidal person, and attempts to explain what my have driven him or her to suicide. It addresses the gamut of emotions that survivors feel, as well as various ways to aid in the healing process. It goes on to pinpoint some common warning signs of suicide, as well as help with what to do if you suspect someone of being suicidal. It also very briefly talks about what to do if you yourself begin to have suicidal thoughts.

This book is well organized and easy to read. Interspersed amongst the text are quotes from suicide survivors. These quotes give the book an appealing touch of reality, and will probably “speak” more to readers than simple author narrative. The last chapter shares stories of survivors who still feel connections to the loved ones they have lost to suicide. This offers great hope to other survivors that there is life beyond suicide, and that their loved ones are still with them in their own way. Reading these storied could be very comforting to someone who has suffered such a loss.

The writing was very simplistic and a bit choppy. It seemed as though the authors wanted to touch upon too many topics in too short of a book. This book addressed many issues that are important to survivors of suicide, but did not always expand upon those issues. “Dying To Be Free” would be a good starting point in the healing process, but should not be the sole resource a person relies on when trying to move past the suicide of a loved one.

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