Aftershock: Help, Hope and Healing in the Wake of Suicide

I love this book. I've never wanted to go to a Christian counselor but God blessed me with Dr. David Cox ( [...] This book is not only good for the survivor but also for those who want to survive. I read the book out of curiosity more than anything and discovered the love and pain that people left from suicide go through. It has shown me father god's love with such a passion ([...] and [...] In his recommendations he also has provided me with a book called Father Hunger ([...]) for those who yearn to know who the Father is that really cares. The one who won't leave you alone, the One who has always been there and watched over you and has never let you go. Wait until you discover that God is the one who never leaves you, who is always with you and who gives you the hope -- especially when you feel there is none. Don't be alone - because you're not. Your eyes will open when you see that you are not alone -- God is always there - always has been and always will be.

I am about half way into this book, and feel a very strong need to comment before I even finish. This book is one more place that a person who is gay and possibly suicidal, will NOT feel validated. In the chapter on teen suicide, the authors acknowledge that gay teens are more likely than other teens to attempt suicide but then go on to say: "Even though the Bible clearly prohibits homosexuality and there is no credible scientific evidence to support homosexuality, a vulnerable or impressionable teenager who feels 'gay' will probably be predisposed to suicide." WHAT? The bible clearly prohibits homosexuality? There is no credible scientific evidence to support homosexuality? What does that even mean? The word gay in quotes? At the end of this same chapter, the authors suggest "if your teenager is struggling with sexual orientation questions, discuss these questions: Can you think of another "species" that does not have the ability to reproduce? If homosexuality is genetic rather than a learned behavior, why is homosexual union unable to reproduce?" ICK! This is what you're supposed to say to a vulnerable teenager? You're supposed to tell him or her that they learned to be homosexual and that they can control it? You mean I can learn how to become gay? Ooo the options! All sarcasm aside (I am really angry right now.) I am mostly concerned about these comments being in a book in which the authors offer advice and supposedly "solace" to both the survivors and those who are suicidal. I doubt that a person in the gay community will find comfort in their words.

My husband took his life. I have been asking why. I got some answers going thru papers after he died. (We were married for 3 years but, because of jobs and needing to sell a house - we lived in different states.) But, I still had many whys. I wasn't 100% convienced he was in heaven. This book answered a lot of whys for me & assured me my husband is in heaven. Then gave me a way to heal my hurts and doubts. If you need a book to help you thru a suicide- this is the best one I read. I recommend it highly and I am sorry for your loss. But, God is good- it is not a coincidence you are wondering if this book can help you. It can help you move beyond the grief and dispair. But, you have to make that choice. Mr. Cox will give you the tools and God's word on it. You will be blessed by this book.

I am a suicide survivor. I don't like "rating" someone else's experience, because each of us is different.It is a very courageous thing to write your story in the face of fear and the stigmas associated with suicide and mental illness.It is a dangerous thing to buy a book thinking that the author's experience will mirror your own and have the answers you need. Grief is an individual journey and everyone has to walk it on their own. Reading the experiences of others is helpful, but no one should have expectations of healing through someone else's experience.This is beautifully written and I think others would find much of it helpful.

While having some good input, this book has references that are insensitive. The use of the term “class” to categorize any group of people is offensive. That bothered me. However, the references to teenagers who are questioning their sexuality crossed the line. I would never share this book with a troubled teenager because there are portions that send the wrong message. I have friends in the gay community who would definitely be offended by this book, and rightly so. Please reference karin johnson review for the specific comments made in the book.

A friend gave me this when our son died and it was a real comfort to me as it let me work through what I was feeling in ways that my family could not understand, Unless you have lost a child to suicide it is difficult for friends and sometimes family to comprehend the pain you go through. I have recommended this book to a few people and just recently gave it to my sister-in-law when her son's girlfriend / mother of his chid committed suicide. I highly recommend this for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide.

Extremely helpful for those left behind and those who want to help survivors. Arrington gives little known facts about suicide to alert survivors about the risks associated with the consequences. She also helps survivors understand that the guilt they feel is not justified.......there IS a path for healing! Excellent book!!!

I lost my wife to suicide this past december. This book is a God send as far as helping myself and my family. Everyone needs to read this book . explaind alot. Should be required reading for all. I might not be here if I had the chance to read this book earlier.A must read for all who are married and parents.