She Is With Angels [Paperback]

August Swanenberg (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0940121603 | ISBN-13: 978-0940121607 | Publication Date: May 2001 | Edition: 1

She Is With Angels recounts the journey from a childs encounter with mental illness and suicide to the adults quest for understanding the mysteries from thirty years ago.  August's childhood is changed forever when his mother becomes clinically depressed.  After five years of struggle, his mother ends her life.  August, his brother, and his father face their own and other peoples taboos about mental illness and suicide.  After his father dies, many years later,August discovers carefully hidden notes that help him to understand what happened to his mother.  She Is With Angels is written for survivors of suicide and for those who have experienced mental illness, either first hand or through family members or friends.  Each year in the U.S., 32,000 people die from suicide, more than from murder.  Suicide is the leading cause of death among adolescents.  A suicide occurs every 15 minutes in the U.S., and it is estimated that an attempt is made about once a minute. Over 40 million Americans will suffer an episode of depression during their lifetimes.  One in four families will directly feel the impact of mental illness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...A graphic description of the author's personal journey... It will give hope to those on a similar journey." -- Reverend Charles T. Rubey-Founder, Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide of the Catholic Charities of Chicago

"A moving account of a young boy's agonizing journey as he witnesses his mother's descent into mental illness and...suicide..." -- Mariette Hartley, Actress and Honorary Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

About the Author

August Swanenberg grew up in The Netherlands during the 1960's. His childhood was changed forever when his mother became clinically depressed. After five years of struggle, his mother ended her life. August, his brother Hugo, and his father faced their own and other people's taboos about mental illness and suicide. After his father died, August discovered carefully hidden notes in a bookcase, which helped him to understand what happened to his mother.

Today, August Swanenberg lives in suburban Chicago with his wife Julie, and two daughters, Irene and Audrey. The family loves to travel, preferably to faraway places. The author, whose profession is management consulting, is an active member of his local Rotary club.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Cross Cultural Publications; 1 edition (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940121603
• ISBN-13: 978-0940121607
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,491,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly striking account, April 7, 2003

By 

Geert Offergelt (Soest, The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: She Is With Angels (Paperback)

This is an amazing book. Being of the same age and background as the author, what struck me most was the incredible accuracy of his account of everyday life in Holland during the late 50's and early 60's. Since I also have a mother who suffers from depressions, this book did not let loose until I finished it. I recognize the moodswings, the silent cries for help and my own helplessness, not being able to make my Mom's life less miserable. Everyone who knows someone in a similar situation should read this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Book is very touching & will support many suicide survivors, September 12, 2001

By 

Ejil Hoslov (The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: She Is With Angels (Paperback)

I found 'She Is With Angels' to be very beautiful. and I read it in one stretch. It was well-written, in particular because the writer still knew so much about his youth. The book touched me very much: I think that many suicide survivors will find support through it. But even for people without any prior suicide experience the book is very nice, because it seems as if you're part of the book. That's done very cleverly. I am curious if August Swanenberg plans to write another book, because if that's the case, I will certainly read it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving story, May 21, 2001

By 

Marcia Borell (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: She Is With Angels (Paperback)

As I read this book I felt like I was walking in the footsteps of a child while he shared his day to day experiences moving always closer to the most devastating loss I think a child can experience. As the reader there was nothing I could do to dispel the mounting tension and the knowledge of what was going to happen. I asked the same questions, the first one being why? The next how could she leave her children? Then who or what do you blame? Finally, how do you find a way to open a door or window to get rid of the anger, the fear, and the secret darkness of suicide? I would and will strongly recommend this book.