First published 2006
George Howe Colt tackles the complex subject of suicide in this thorough investigation. The author conducted hundreds of detailed interviews to examine every dimension of this difficult topic. Colt explores the cultural history surrounding suicide across different societies and time periods. He surveys the latest biological and psychological research to understand the underlying causes and risk factors. The book presents moving case studies that illuminate the human stories behind the statistics. Colt examines prevention strategies and their effectiveness in different contexts. He also addresses the complicated ethical questions raised by the right-to-die movement. The investigation extends to the profound impact on those left behind after a suicide. Throughout, Colt maintains the same elegant narrative style that earned his previous work The Big House recognition as a National Book Award finalist. The result offers readers both comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of suicide and human nature.
Genres: history, psychology, non-fiction, biography-memoir, health, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: comprehensive-investigation, moving-case-studies
640 pages · Kindle Edition · Scribner
Content warnings: suicide