Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide [Paperback]

Earl A. Grollman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 1999

In the last thirty years, the suicide rate among young people has tripled. In this book addressed to the young survivors of this epidemic, Earl A. Grollman, the internationally known lecturer, writer, and grief counselor, and Max Malikow, a psychotherapist and pastoral counselor, offer solace and guidance to adolescents who are confronted with someone of their own age who is contemplating or has committed suicide.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

A welcome guide for young people who are trying to come to terms with a friend's suicide. Setting straight the myths about suicide and addressing the feelings of shock, grief, anger, and guilt, the authors offer practical, empathetic advice.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Grollman, a prolific author and internationally known grief counselor, and his colleague Malikow present a powerful, dynamic resource that covers the issue of suicide from many angles. Using simple language, they maintain a compassionate tone that makes the information accessible to readers, no matter what their personality or stage of grief. Best of all, the text never drifts into vagaries. It consistently and concretely analyzes the grieving process and gives pragmatic advice on everything from talking to family members of the deceased to avoiding unhealthy reactions, such as alcohol abuse. Even in chapters that cover the sensitive issue of religious beliefs, the authors tread confidently and nonjudgmentally, impressively honoring all perspectives. Of great value to the youth who have faced the suicide of a loved one, the book will also be useful to educators, counselors, and parents. Appended material includes books and audiovisual support materials. Roger Leslie --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Press; 1 edition (September 10, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807025038
• ISBN-13: 978-0807025031
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,206,227 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for young people facing peer suicide, October 5, 1999

By 

Colleen Sullivan "Collie" (Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide (Paperback)

October 4, 1999

Book Review - Colleen Sullivan

Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide: Or Even Starts Talking About It Earl A. Grollman and Max Malikow ISBN: 0-8070-2503-8 Beacon Press

Suicide, especially in children and teens is a subject rarely discussed. Yet since 1980 the suicide rate among children 10 to 14 has nearly doubled, and in older teens is disproportionately high. For every young person who commits suicide, the lives of friends and companions are touched in a way different from that of surviving a natural death.

Living When A Young Friend Commits Suicide addresses the concerns and questions of the young people left behind, sensitively guiding them to understanding and acceptance. From the initial feelings and emotions to the difficult and hard- hitting questions of youth the authors offer sound advice and empathy.

When a friend has committed suicide your feelings are myriad. Shock, grief, sadness, guilt and anger are some of the emotions discussed in this book. Your questions are multiple, most importantly "Why?" and "Was it Really a Suicide?" Did your friend tell you of his suicide plans and swear you to secrecy? Are you carrying a burden of guilt because of it? You need help, understanding and support to face the immediate future and to learn how to cope. You may have heard misconceptions about suicide that you need straight answers for, or you may have religious questions. All of these are addressed in a forthright, easily read and understood manner in this book.

I highly recommend this book for any young person faced with learning to live again after the suicide of a friend. I also recommend it for the parents, counselors and teachers of youth who may be the bereaved young person's first line of defense in recovery.

Addendum: As an adult with Bipolar Affective Disorder suicide has touched my life several times, both in close friends and in my own effort to end my life. It is my observation that loss due to suicide must be dealt with at the time or it may affect a person's life months or even years later. I applaud the authors of this book for removing the secrecy and stigma of suicide and giving it the forthright attention it deserves. Congratulations! An excellent book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended reading, December 6, 2009

By 

Katherine A. East "Ak Cloudwoman" (Alaska) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide (Paperback)

After one of my daughters closest friends committed suicide, a therapist recommended this book. I found it very helpful and informative. I could read it a little at a time and it helped me gain some insight into the tragedy that had happened, how to deal with it, and how to help my daughter deal with her loss. I highly recommend it for anyone else who might be going through a loss or know of a young teen or adult who is experiencing the loss of a young person.

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful preview, January 16, 2011

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me - See all my reviews

This review is from: Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide (Paperback)

Thank you for having such a lengthy preview of this book. After being able to read a few pages, I am certain it will help comfort my son as he himself deals with such a sad situation. I think it will help me as well.