Making Sense of Suicide: An In-Depth Look At Why People Kill Themselves

An introduction to the background and prevention of suicidal behaviors. For nurses, hospital staff, crisis workers, teachers, police, and other professionals likely to encounter those considering suicide. Softcover.

Lester, the author of numerous articles and books about suicide and murder, including The Cruelest Death: The Enigma of Adolescent Suicide (LJ 2/15/93), examines here the "pervasiveness and seriousness" of attempted and completed suicides so that readers will "seek information on their own and make sure they learn how to respond" to such behavior. The chapter divisions and straightforward style make this an ideal starting place for higher-level students in search of an overview of current suicide research and statistics. Lester discusses suicide as it relates to heredity and environment, mental illness, personality, and even the significance (or lack thereof) of time, season, and weather on suicide rates. He includes an extensive bibliography for each chapter, offering an excellent jumping-off place for further research. There is also an annotated list of Internet sites and organizations that focus on suicide. The author's style?didactic rather than emotional?is aimed at those seeking facts, not solace. Current, well documented, and thought-provoking, this book will make a useful addition to large public and academic libraries.?Catherine T. Charvat, John Marshall Lib., Alexandria, Va.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.