Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt 1st Edition

Having come just a hairs breath away from ending my life in 2005, by jumping from the Vista Bridge in Portland, Oregon, I related to much of Kevin Hines book Cracked,but not broken." His brutally honest admission about his struggles before, during and after his suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge have shown me I am not alone in what is often painful struggles. I am reminded that even in the darkest of hours miracles do happen and one can not only survive, but thrive.

Ever since I saw Kevin Hines on the 2006 documentary film, "The Bridge," I knew his story was unique. In his book, Kevin shares his life events before, during, and after his suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge. He also gives the reader an insight into his mind as he struggles with bipolar disorder. As soon as I received "Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt" in the mail, I could not stop reading as I kept turning the pages day and night. Not once did I get bored with this book as Kevin has a way with words, especially when describing his own mentality. I must give him praise for sharing his personal life with brutal honesty. Each chapter tells its own story. Even after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge and surviving such an attempt, he does not live "happily ever after": Kevin admits that each and every day is a challenge to live life to the fullest as there is no "cure" for bi polar disorder or any other mental illness. In this beautifully-written memoir, Kevin Hines does not hold anything back. Kevin reminds everyone that life is truly a gift that should not be taken for granted. Suicide has never, is never, and will never be the solution to any problem. He also gives advice on how to reach out to others if anyone is going through a difficult time with a mental illness. There is help. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt alone in this world due to life's struggles. In reality, no one is alone: Kevin shows that he cares about others who can relate to him by giving hope through his words or encouragement. I hope Kevin Hines will write more books in the future on living mentally well as he has a powerful voice.

Thank you! I too live with bipolar and sharing the story helps. Surviving and thriving is what we do everyday. Very informational for families of mentally ill loved ones, a very good read.

As a friend of Kevin's it's great to see his survival through the tough times. This book entitles the struggles that Kevin went through each day and the days leading up to his rebirth. He is currently extremely involved in the suicide prevention efforts and this book is a great read for anyone feeling alone and believing that there is no way out.

Stay positive and BELIEVE that there is a way out and Kevin is demonstration of how the mine is strong than the body but the human spirit can conquer all.

Simple read, very open and goes in depth into Kevin's mind.

Kevin is amazing and has a truly amazing story to tell. Parts of the book seem to be a little repetitive or out of order. Overall a great read though. It brought a new awareness to me of what people with mental health issues go through.

I appreciate Kevin Hines so much. I have heard him speak twice. I too survived a suicide attempt so I am able to relate. I am proud of Kevin and all the work he is doing in helping others. I am anxious for his next book and pray too that it will touch millions of lives. Keep on going Kevin. God bless.

Kevin comes across as open and honest about his struggles. While he has had many successes, and overcame a near-deadly suicide attempt, he is candid about the ongoing challenges he faces with bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation. He readily admits that as of yet there is no cure for bipolar disorder while still conveying hope for a better future for himself and others who are affected by mental illness and their loved ones.

This is a must read for some one who suffers from a mental illness or if you are a loved one of someone who suffers from a mental illness. Hines goes into great detail of what goes through the mind of someone who is mentally ill from the good times to the really bad times. This book gives those afflicted hope that they can live with my mental illness one day at a time.