A glimpse into the mind of a man suffering from bipolar disorder as he contemplates ending his life.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Paul Edward Jones is a 38-year-old man and father of three who has dedicated his life to trying to make a difference, not only in his personal battle with bipolar disorder, but also to try to positively impact the lives of those around him through music and humor.
Paul is probably most well-known in his long-standing career as a Stand-Up Comedian, performing on stages across the United States and Canada for the past 15 years. He has brought laughter to millions of people throughout the United States. Using his sometimes "politically incorrect" humor, Paul, through his insight into the world, raises awareness of many life problems through laughter.
Paul is also a very talented Singer/Songwriter and has written many songs, which have touched the lives of all who have listened to them. He works side by side with several non-profit organizations and has donated his music, and his incredible talent- to not only raise awareness, but also to help these organizations raise the funds to stay in existence. Paul's music can best be described as, "Music with a Message"- a very powerful and thought-provoking message.
In Dear World: A Suicide Letter, Paul, for the first time, exposes the personal battle he wages with his "bipolar demon" and what he suffers with on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. It is a real eye-opener for those who don't understand this illness. This book is a true tool of courage and hope.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
I have decided that if I am to go, I am going to get a few things off my chest first. I need to clear the air about some of the things that I have been going through over the past few years. I do not want it to be said, "I wonder what he was thinking?" This way, all of you will know exactly what I have been thinking.
You know, I find that being close to my time of death, it is easy to put life into perspective. I would like to think that what I am feeling and writing about are things that anyone that is about to die would want to say. I wonder how many people die every day but yet have never had a chance to say what they really wanted to say? I wonder how many people are dying today, right now, that have something to say that will never be heard by anyone else? I guess that is why I am sitting here writing this letter.
*****
It is amazing what is going through my mind knowing that I will be dead soon. It is amazing what I can see now that I could not see before. Knowing that I am no longer in need of money, work, cars, houses or anything else that we say is important has made me see what is really important.
I wonder how many people sitting in a trench during these wars of the world have felt the same thing as I am feeling right now? God, I wish I could bottle this feeling. Why is it so damn important to us as a people to control the lives of other people? That's what war and violence is about, isn't it?
*****
If I get anyone to think about anything from my own death it would be about the children. For God sakes, do something about them getting killed. There has to be something that can be done about this. You can no longer sit there and just let this happen. It has gone on way too damn long and it has to stop.
*****
There was a time when I, too, thought that money was everything. I placed a greater value on my own life when I made a lot of money. I am here to tell you right now that money means nothing when it comes down to it. It cannot make you a better person. How do I know this? When I had money, I was no better than I am now. I know a lot of people that have a great deal of money and I would not let them in my house, no matter what. You heart and your soul is what makes you who you are.
Yes, we have to have money to live, but think of it this way instead. When you live simply for money, it does not mean that you are living, per say.
*****
As a person who has been in this business for a great deal of my life, I will say this. The entertainment world can take the blame for a lot of the problems in this country, if not the world.
I know that there are people who will think I'm crazy on this one, but I am here to tell you that what we allow our children to see, do, and hear has a great effect on the way they think and act.
Look at all the school shootings. The kids that did them said they were acting out on a song or a show.
We as a people need to know here and now that violence, murder, drugs, and sex should not be used as entertainment.
*****
As I sit here and my life is close to an end I can say that when it comes down to it, prejudice is simply ignorance. Most people will not take the time to understand that all people are different in one way or another. This difference is what makes the whole world the wonderful place that it could be if given the chance.
I think that people need to understand that if everyone were the same, it would be a pretty boring place. I will say this though; the cure is not going to be easy because of the amount of ignorant people in the world.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real World,
By A Customer
This review is from: Dear World- A Suicide Letter (Paperback)
I have read this book 5 times in 3 days. All I can say is while it is harsh and strong, it is dead to rights on when it comes to how this illness effects you. The reviewer who stated the writer whines about his illness must be a doctor who has no clue because he/she can not possibly have the illness. This is not a pamphlet and even if it was it was worth every dime.All should read but, those who suffer will get a lot more out of it.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book can save a life,
By A Customer
This review is from: Dear World- A Suicide Letter (Paperback)
I purchased a copy of the book, "Dear World: A Suicide Letter" as I was interested as a medical professional to learn more about what possibly "drives" a person to suicide. If we can better understand the complex emotions that may drive someone to commit suicide, maybe we all can better help those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental illnesses.I found this book one of the most insightful books into the mind of someone contemplating suicide. The author reveals his deepest, darkest emotions in a last ditch effort to save himself. Thank goodness he did. His insight into his illness is a light of hope for all who suffer from the grips of depression. I recommend this book highly and without reservation to all who suffer from depressive illnesses. I also think it is an absolute MUST read for anyone who works with the mentally ill and the families and friends who love them.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful,
By A Customer
This review is from: Dear World- A Suicide Letter (Paperback)
My husband has suffered from depression for many years and for the first time, I understand the devastating thoughts and emotions that run through his mind that he's powerless to control. This book helped me understand that writing is powerful - it is a tool that can take a person from thoughts of suicide to renewed hope for living and insight into what's really important in one's life. I hope to use what I've learned from this book to encourage my husband to share his thoughts on paper even if he cannot do it with me at times.
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