Books matching: suicide
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- #1
A beautifully written, haunting dive into mental health, gender expectations, and 1950s America - it’s not an easy read, but it’s a powerful and enduring one.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.
The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.
It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a...1961•261 pages - #2
A beautifully written, atmospheric, and unsettling novel - lyrical and thought-provoking, but its dreamy style and distance from its main characters won't suit every reader.
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides is a haunting tale of the Lisbon sisters, who grow up under strict religious parents and ultimately meet tragic ends. The story is narrated by neighborhood boys who watch the girls from afar, exploring themes of adolescent love, sorrow, and the end of childhood. The book is written in a hypnotic and lyrical style, weaving together humor, beauty, and darkness as the boys try to make sense of the unexplainable deaths.
On the morning the last Lisbon daughter took her turn at suicide—it was Mary this time, and sleeping pills, like Therese—the two paramedics arrived at the house knowing exactly where the knife drawer...April 1993•259 pages - #3
A thought-provoking and hopeful read that blends fantasy and philosophy, perfect for those who want a reflective, feel-good story (but haters of on-the-nose life lessons and predictability may want to skip it).
The Midnight Library follows the story of Nora Seed, a woman who, after attempting suicide, finds herself in a library between life and death. Each book in the library allows Nora to experience different lives she could have lived based on different decisions she could have made. Through this process, Nora learns valuable life lessons and explores themes of regret, happiness, and the power of choices. The book delves into the concept of parallel universes, showcasing the infinite possibilities of life and the impact of decisions on one's destiny.
Mrs Elm made her first move. A knight hopping over the neat row of white pawns. ‘Of course, you’re going to be worried about the exams. But you could be anything you want to be, Nora. Think of all tha...September 2020•308 pages - #4
A compelling, conversation-starting YA novel with a unique format and a haunting message - just be mindful: it’s heavy, divisive, and not for everyone.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is a poignant and emotional story that delves into the aftermath of a high school girl's suicide, Hannah Baker. The narrative unfolds through 13 cassette tapes left behind by Hannah, each detailing a reason that led her to take her own life. Clay Jensen, a classmate who had feelings for Hannah, receives the tapes and embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he listens to the stories of those who wronged Hannah. The book explores themes of bullying, the impact of rumors, teenage struggles, and the consequences of our actions on others.
The writing style of Thirteen Reasons Why is described as gripping, emotional, and thought-provoking by readers. The dual narrative shared by Hannah and Clay Jensen works brilliantly, providing insights into the characters' inner thoughts and emotions. The book skillfully navigates dark themes such as suicide, betrayal, and loneliness, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by teenagers in high school.
A decade after the publication of Thirteen Reasons Why, there are moments I vividly remember about the creation and writing of this book. I remember pulling into a gas station parking lot, panicked th...2007•306 pages - #5
All the Bright Places is a beautifully written, emotionally intense novel best suited for readers ready to confront heavy topics. It's moving and memorable, but not without controversy. Handle with care!
'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven is a young adult novel that follows the story of Finch and Violet, two teenagers who meet on the ledge of a bell tower at school. Their unlikely friendship leads them on a journey to discover the natural wonders of Indiana, but also helps them uncover deeper truths about themselves and each other. The book delves into themes of mental illness, grief, and the complexities of teenage emotions, portraying a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Niven's writing style intricately weaves together the characters' struggles and emotions, creating a narrative that is both moving and thought-provoking.
Finch and Violet's relationship evolves from a chance meeting on the bell tower to a profound connection that helps them navigate their personal challenges and find reasons to live. The book explores the depths of their characters, portraying their vulnerabilities, fears, and moments of hope with raw honesty. Niven's storytelling captures the essence of teenage emotions and the complexities of mental health issues, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact.
This is something I ask myself in the morning when I wake up. In third period when I’m trying to keep my eyes open while Mr. Schroeder drones on and on. At the supper table as I’m passing the green be...January 2015•405 pages - #6
A bittersweet, beautifully layered story that delivers both laughter and tears - this is comfort reading for anyone who believes in second chances and the hidden depths of even the grumpiest souls.
A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming story about a grumpy old man, Ove, who is grieving the death of his wife and contemplating suicide. However, his plans are constantly interrupted by new neighbors and various situations that force him to interact with the world around him. The book delves into Ove's past, revealing the reasons behind his grumpiness and showcasing his transformation as he forms unexpected connections with those around him. The writing style is described as charming, sweet, and humorous, with a balance between touching moments and light-hearted humor.
He drives a Saab. He’s the kind of man who points at people he doesn’t like the look of, as if they were burglars and his forefinger a policeman’s flashlight. He stands at the counter of a shop where...2012•358 pages - #7
A heartfelt, darkly funny, and accessible take on teen depression - flawed, sometimes sugarcoated, but ultimately hopeful. Worth the read, especially if you appreciate honesty in mental health stories or want a conversation-starter YA novel.
Craig Gilner, a high school student struggling with depression and stress, checks himself into a psychiatric hospital after having suicidal thoughts. During his stay, he forms relationships with other patients and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The book portrays Craig's experiences in the adult psychiatric ward, highlighting themes of depression, teenage struggles, and finding hope amidst darkness. Ned Vizzini's writing style is described as insightful, humorous, and emotional, offering a unique perspective on mental health issues faced by teens.
It’s so hard to talk when you want to kill yourself. That’s above and beyond everything else, and it’s not a mental complaint—it’s a physical thing, like it’s physically hard to open your mouth and ma...2000•447 pages - #8
A devastating and sparely written classic of alienation - raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable. Approach with care, but if you connect with it, you won't soon forget it.
"No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai is a bleak and introspective novel that delves into the life of Oba Yozo, a character struggling with feelings of alienation and disconnection from society. The book explores themes of loneliness, suicide, and existential dread through Yozo's eyes as he navigates a world where he feels like an outsider. The writing style is described as powerful and impactful, with a narrative that captures the protagonist's internal turmoil and despair in a poignant manner.
I can’t even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being. I was born in a village in the Northeast, and it wasn’t until I was quite big that I saw my first train. I climbed up and d...1948•176 pages - #9
A Little Life is a devastating, beautifully written saga of trauma, love, and friendship. You'll either be deeply moved or emotionally wrung out - approach with caution, but expect unforgettable characters and writing that stays with you long after the last page.
"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a novel that delves into the lives of four men and their enduring friendship, with a focus on the character Jude who has survived significant abuse in his past. The book intricately portrays the struggles and relationships of the characters over time, leading readers through a rollercoaster of emotions from happiness to utter sadness. The author's writing style is described as immersive, intense, and at times, graphic, as it explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience in the face of adversity.
THE ELEVENTH APARTMENT had only one closet, but it did have a sliding glass door that opened onto a small balcony, from which he could see a man sitting across the way, outdoors in only a T-shirt and...March 2015•768 pages - #10
An easily readable tale about rediscovering life's value when faced with death, blending fable with philosophy. Thought-provoking for some, too simplistic or contrived for others. Try it if you like introspective, message-driven fiction.
Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho follows the story of a young woman named Veronika who attempts suicide but wakes up in a mental hospital instead. She is informed that her suicide attempt has damaged her heart irreparably, giving her only a few days to live. Throughout her time in the hospital, she learns about life, love, and the importance of living fully. The book delves into themes of mortality, mental health, and the meaning of life, all while exploring the internal struggles and growth of the characters. The writing style is thought-provoking and philosophical, with a focus on introspection and self-discovery.
On 11 November 1997, Veronika decided that the moment to kill herself had—at last!—arrived. She carefully cleaned the room that she rented in a convent, turned off the heating, brushed her teeth and l...1998•236 pages










