Why Suicide?: Answers to 200 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide, Attempted S [Paperback]

Eric Marcus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2, 1996

“A must-read book for anyone whose life has been touched by suicide. It's compassionate, informative, and heartfelt. Do yourself a favour and start healing with this splendid book!”
DEAR ABBY

IT'S NOT JUST YOUR SECRET

Almost

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Marcus (Is It a Choice?: Answers to 300 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gays and Lesbians, LJ 6/1/93), who lost his own father to suicide at age 12, here seeks to demystify the enigma of suicide. He uses a question-and-answer format, with related questions grouped into chapters. The well-chosen selection of questions range from "Does everyone have thoughts of suicide?" to "What are the arguments against legalizing doctor-assisted suicide?" His responses reflect not only a knowledgeable and well-informed consideration of suicidology but also empathetic treatment. The typical response aims to educate by giving factual information and/or practical advice as well as to console by providing personal stories from suicide survivors. An appendix of resources includes a directory of suicide/crisis hotlines. While other books, such as George Howe Colt's The Enigma of Suicide (LJ 4/15/91), may provide a broader and more in-depth discussion of suicide as a phenomenon, Why Suicide? focuses primarily on consoling survivors and dispelling myths. A marvelous addition to suicidology collections as well as a solid choice for bibliotherapy; given the inexpensive price, it should find a place in every public library collection.
Dana L. Brumbelow, Auburn P.L., Ala.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“A must-read book for anyone whose life has been touched by suicide. It’s compassionate, informative, and heartfelt. Do yourself a favor and start the healing with this splendid book!” (Dear Abby )

“It would have been such a comfort to have read this book after I lost my husband Edgar to suicide.” (Joan Rivers )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1 edition (February 2, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062511661
• ISBN-13: 978-0062511669
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,039,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It answered a lot of questions, April 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Why Suicide?: Answers to 200 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide, Attempted S (Paperback)

I found this book wery good, especially becouse now I know it's normal to feel the way I do after my mothers suicide.
I found in it answer to every question I've asked since, and to many more. Eric Marcus thank you for this book, it has helped me a lot.

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was looking for..., January 13, 2012

By 

Cynthia L Peterson - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Why Suicide?: Answers to 200 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide, Attempted S (Paperback)

While this book gave many details on suicide, what I was looking for was more for the family of attempted suicide, not actual suicides. This gave alot of insight, just not what I was hoping for since my focus was on attempted not completed acts.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful, January 2, 2011

By 

Mr. Enigma - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Suicide?: Answers to 200 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide, Attempted S (Paperback)

This book is very helpful in making sense of suicide for anyone who has been affected by this issue. Chapter 7 in particular is an incredibly enlightening explanation of how families and loved ones of someone who has committed suicide can be affected. As a crisis counselor and a relative of someone who has committed suicide, I was both deeply affected and engaged by Eric Marcus's personal accounts as well as his interviews of family members and of people who had attempted suicide. It greatly helped me to understand my own emotions about the issue, and prepared me emotionally and mentally to counsel others who are thinking of suicide or who are grieving the suicide of a loved one.