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?
Thanks for the thoughtful review, Barb. And for the insight about how simple hand-written notes might help prevent suicide. Thrilled to have this insight in my bag of tricks as I approach the release of Detached.
Your book is so good, Christina. The story speaks for itself and it was my pleasure to read it. Hoping the book launch goes well.
Your post today is so compelling, in addition to being timely. As part of the coverage of the passionate student rally in Woodstock, Ontario this week, I heard an expert in bullying and suicide speak of the strong impact that peer support has on teens who are contemplating suicide. I also learned a little about the effect of empathy on bullying behaviour. Your blog today prompts me to wonder whether some handwritten letters – to and among students – may be a small step in the right direction for schools and communities facing these challenges. Thanks for giving us pause to think.
Hi there Jenn, Thanks for your thoughtful words. This idea you speak of, that of peer support being key, is powerful. In fact, I know of at least one high school who did a letter writing campaign to combat the effects of bullying (coming soon to a blog near you) so I think you are quite right about it being a tool for the future. Certainly, letters can bring hope in many different ways. Thanks for leaving this comment for others to consider too.
This is so powerful. I clicked through and read about the study, amazing. I’ve always loved writing letters and part of the joy comes from knowing how much it means to others to receive the mail I send. Obviously I need to continue and send even more.
Thank you for your always insightful posts and confirmation that there is a place (a big place) for letter writing in our world.
Christine, thanks for taking the time to read the post today. Isn’t it amazingly wonderful that handwritten letters can have such an impact?! In some cases, it can mean all the difference. Keep on writing your letters, even when no response comes back. You just never know. Lovely to chat with you, as always.
I got an ARC of this too, and you’ve convinced me to move it up on my TBR list! Loving your blog, Barb!
Sure to appreciate your love for the blog Jessica. I don’t get too many ARCs as not so much my ‘niche’ as one of yours, but what I can tell you is this one is worth the read. I’ve read most of Christina’s other books too, I’m a bit of a fan. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what you think of it. Happy reading.