Customer Reviews

The Enigma of Suicide: A Timely Investigation into the Causes, the Possibilities for Prevention and the Paths to Healing

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A must read for those with a serious interest in the study of suicide. I found this book six years ago after the suicide death of my friend's only child, a beautiful and talented 18 year old.

Of the books I've read on suicide this has been the most thorough at exploring the various schools of thought regarding the subject. George Howe Colt looks at suicide historically, culturally, philosophically, and as the intimate assault it is on persons, families, and communities. He unveils many unwieldy questions, including the right to die with candor and only a hint of occasional bias. Although he avoids no subject, he does not aggrandize himself by claiming to have the answers. From the outside view of prevention to the inside view of pain he explores and shares what is happening in the two worlds via interviews with survivors, memoirs of suicides, gripping case studies and more.

Having said that, let me emphasize that THIS IS NOT A BEREAVEMENT BOOK! This came piercingly clear when I opened the pages recently after the loss of my own child to teen suicide. A suicide survivor may find it difficult to navigate the wrenching realities this discourse brings. It is not a book designed for comfort, but rather one illustrative of our discomfort and only possible because of human suffering.

**A note for those struggling to regain equilibrium after a suicide. As a suicide "survivor", I have not yet found a book studying suicide that I can wholly recommend for grief work purposes. If you want an in-depth exploration and are emotionally ready, this is the book I would recommend. However, many suicide books purposely or inadvertently direct blame to those who can least bear it. For healing purposes I would recommend the excellent book When the Bough Breaks: Forever After the Death of A Son or daughter by Judith R. Bernstein & Nora Donaghy for those who have lost a child. For all bereaved persons I recommend A Broken Heart Still Beats by Anne McCracken & Mary Semel.**

Really an excellent survey of the subject, with heartbreaking case studies interwoven. This book is very well written, deals a lot with historical treatments and perceptions of suicide, as well as current scientific thinking. Lots of facts, not a "how-to-cope" book but very useful if you're looking for information.

I have faced head on the aftermath of suicide and this book was finally able to bring healing and answers after 10 years of not understanding 'why' and feeling guilty and ashamed. I would not have been able to face the catastrophic grief this book brings to life any earlier than this. This is not for someone in their first years of healing but if you have a suicide in your past or have ever contimplated suicide then read every page. I read every day, and most days had to stop when I couldn't see the words for the tears. But in the end I feel free of the guilt I carried for so long, and understood, and normal again. It's different but a new different. And it's stopped any thought of contagious or genetic suicide from effecting me. Walking through the grief of the surviving families was the most healing, powerful, insightful, life changing experience I've known.
Thank-you George Howe Colt!

A great mix of research, analysis, and case study. The author treats the subject of suicide with respect and carries out a thoughtful study that is revealing to those touched with the issue in some regard or even those simply interested in research. There are no over-simplications here and no attempt is made to give haphazard answers to complicated questions.

The text is well-written and well laid out. I would call it an easy read, if not for its poignancy and intensity.

This is a scholarly book about the specifics of what makes some people commit suicide and I concur with another reviewer's warning that this is not a book that celebrates life and it definitely won't make a grieving family member feel better after reading it.

Actually, the book (which has been long out of print) is far more appropriate for academic and professional study and is not recommended for the casual reader. 575 pages.

This books looks at suicide from a more intellectual research point of view. But after saying that, this book isn't hard to read or crammed full with academic jargon. It definitely enlightened me about suicide. However this isn't the type of book suited for mourning or self-help.

I would recommend this book if anyone wants more information about suicide as a subject.

If you have a serious academic interest in suicide, this book will help to inform your interest.
Eddie Evans
Crime Scene Cleanup