A book about teen suicide

A book about teen suicide

Teen suicide. A daunting subject for any author, yet  Christina Kilbourne tackles it with courage, sensitivity and hope.

I recently finished reading  an advance copy of  Detached and I have to admit I was nervous to crack open the pages. In fact, I let it sit on my table for a bit.  Perhaps I was apprehensive, wondering how close-to-home some of the content would hit, given that I have two teenage daughters.

A topic that is hard to talk about

Christina, who happens to be a childhood friend, was also a tad reticent about writing a book about teen suicide, “…I didn’t want to write it at first. But I was approached by a mother whose teenage son had committed suicide, and she wanted a book she could use at her outreach efforts. I balked at the idea…what if I gave someone the idea to kill themselves? What if my book led a teenager to take their own life? It wasn’t a risk I was willing to face.”

As you can see from the behind-the-scenes look at Christina’s writing process, she took on the challenge and what results is a captivating story.  It is a work of fiction that draws you into the world of Anna.  It is not all doom and gloom, as Anna herself has a sense of humor that leaves you wanting to know her more.

“The books that help you the most are those which make you think the most.”  Pablo Neruda

One of my favorite things about Detached was that the author writes not only from Anna’s viewpoint, but from Anna’s mom as well.  Anna who is just starting high school is the same age as my youngest daughter. The insight and perspective from mom and daughter made me think about my relationship with my girls. Do I know them? Would I notice anything amiss?

Just yesterday, June 7, 2016,  there was a student protest near London, Ontario, Canada where five students in the last four months have taken their own lives. You will remember a post I wrote recently about the youth of Attawapiskat many of whom have also contemplated suicide. Clearly this is a topic that should no longer be left on the bedside table.

Handwritten letters may make a difference to those who contemplate suicide

There have been some recent studies done that show handwritten letters might prevent suicide attempts. It would seem there is power in receiving a handwritten note from someone, even your therapist (as was the case in these studies), to show that someone actually cares.  Of course, you know that I love this. So much.

Christina’s book is written for Young Adults and comes out in August 2016. I would highly recommend that if you work with teens, or have teenagers of your own, that  you read it.

Perhaps there are a couple of teenagers kicking around your house. While in stealth mode, get a copy and leave it lying around; whatever you do, don’t suggest they read it, as this is a sure fire way to have them miss out on a truly moving story.

If you know of someone who is struggling with mental health issues I bet they could use a handwritten letter from you.

Will you join me in sending a letter to someone who needs it?