Healing Reads

The following reviews are for two books that are among those available to borrow at no charge from the Helpline Center’s grief support library. For more information, contact Jennie Marks via email at griefsupport@helplinecenter.org or by calling (605)274-1416.

Dying to Be Free, a Healing Guide for Families after a Suicide
Beverly Cobain and Jean Larch
Hazelden Publishing, 2009

Beverly Cobain is a survivor of three family suicides, including the 1994 death of her cousin Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of the band Nirvana. She is a registered nurse with certification in psychiatric/mental health nursing. Kurt’s death led her to write the acclaimed book When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens.

One reader writes, “Dying to Be Free is everything I hoped it would be and more, its insights cutting through the silence and stigma associated with this topic. Stories throughout the book leap from the pages to touch the soul. It speaks not only to “survivors of suicide” like me, but also to anyone who may have suicidal thoughts themselves, or who have attempted it, have lived through it and are still battling agonizing pain.”

Someone I Love Died by Suicide
A story for child survivors and those who care for them
Doreen Cammarata, 2009

This newly revised edition of the book is designed for adult caregivers to read to surviving youngsters following a suicidal death. The story allows individuals an opportunity to recognize normal grieving symptoms and to identify various interventions to promote healthy ways of coping with the death of a special person. Although the language used in the book is simplistic enough to be read along with children and ultimately stimulating family discussion, it can be beneficial to all who have been tragically devastated by suicide. Recommended for ages 5-6 years.