Andrew You Died Too Soon [Paperback]

Corinne Chilstrom (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1993

In the most simple, straightforward language, this mother tells the heart's story: the love for her son which had to continue without that son; the embrace of speechless grief and of a murmuring, speaking community; the deep, spiritual events that occurred for her and her family when one son took his life. It is the author's intent that reading this will be an experience which enhances life; one which will help make the encounter with grief not only more bearable, but actually growth-producing. Readers will find here therapy, catharsis, understanding, and even fresh grounding for faith, hope, and love--hope, being at such times and momentarily, "the greatest of these."

Editorial Reviews

Review

“One of the best resources for parents grieving the death of a child due to suicide.” -- THE DIRECTOR, May 2000

About the Author

Corinne Chilstrom is the associate pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Illinois. A registered nurse, she has been active in hospice work, and over the past several years, she has spoken frequently and conducted many grief-related workshops.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Augsburg Books (November 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806626844
• ISBN-13: 978-0806626840
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,103,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Must-Read for a parents of a child who's died by suicide, December 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Andrew You Died Too Soon (Paperback)

The Chilstrom's son, Andy died by suicide in 1984 at 18. This book blows away some myths about suicide and tells a very personal and revealing story of the author's family learning (by experience) more about suicide and grief.

Her experience and writing can help many who must deal with similar facts--or friends of such a family--especially people of faith. Not only for suicide survivors, though, consider reading this book if you have adopted children.

For me it was a good read--I knew Andy Chilstrom as an aquaintence when we were both teenagers--because I now better understand his struggles. You will, after reading, seek out your own children for a long tender hug and kiss.

The author's husband was the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America from '87 until a few years ago. He was a bishop of a Minnesota Lutheran synod during the book's events--so in many ways, they were public people and had to deal with the baggage that accompanies that fact.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Strong religious overtones, January 7, 2000

By 

Karen Burka (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Andrew You Died Too Soon (Paperback)

In the three years since my 24-year old brother committed suicide, I've bought and read several books about surviving the suicide of a loved one. Unfortunately, this one is not my favorite. I did relate to many parts of the authors' experience and feelings about the loss of their son. But I was turned off by the strong religious overtones of much of their writing. Although I do have a strong belief in God, I didn't personally find their numerous references to God and prayer helpful in dealing with my feelings. I found other books, such as Carla Fine's "No Time To Say Goodbye" more helpful in accepting and dealing with the feelings of guilt, shame and anger I've felt since my brother's death.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rev. Chilsom does her best to reach out to others..., June 9, 2001

By 

V. Quackenbush (Suffern, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Andrew You Died Too Soon (Paperback)

I found comfort in this book but, being Christian was not offended by the MANY referrals to scriputures and psalms quoted in the book. I don't know if survivors of other faiths would share in this or be uncomfortable about the multiple references to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.I could also see anyone who is really ANGRY at God right now for the suicide of their loved one being irrate at the references but, may find it helpful later on in their grieving process.I cannot say I would reccomend this book for all.