Once again I'm writing here a review of one of the most experts in suicidology - Shneidman, Edwin, Ph.D. Dr. Shneidman, the father of Suicidology is the right person write about the defintion of suicide. It is a valuable resource for both students and professional in the mental health area. As Litman, M.D. said - "...this is an epic book of scholarship...", and it surely is. From the characteristics of suicide to an historical view, and a most educational book, I would say that this masterpeace is unique in its scope and content and with no doubt worth reading.

Shneidman's book, The Suicidal Mind," was a pleasure to read because it provides precise answers to my basic questions about suicide. I'm new to the subject in an academic way, so Shneidman's approach--easy to read, clearly written, and short!--was welcome.

The book is divided into roughly two sections: the first details the technical/theoretical aspects of suicide (what it is, who commits suicide, why they do it, interesting statistics, etc.), the second, three case studies of suicides and analyses of each. The case studies are quite graphic, but very interesting and informative, and include interviews from each suicide, all three of whom were patients of Shneidman.

Shneidman addresses very simple questions, such as why we kill ourselves, and offers his own opinions, as well as the various clinical views, and does everything in an undogmatic way. It's quite responsibly written, in fact. The author is one of the world's foremost experts in suicidology (Shneidman founded the American Association of Suicidology and teaches at UCLA School of Medicine) and Larry Lockridge, an English professor of mine in college, even said of the book, "This is a book that can save lives."

This book reads easily, both to the psychologist and patient. It gives excellent advise on dealing with and treating the suicidal patient, while appealing to the suicidal person himself. A must read for therapists and depressed patients alike.

Speaking from personal experience, I can truly say that this book was incredible. It was an easy read and extremely interesting to read. I couldn't put it down until I was finished with it. It appeals to your emotions and questions your beliefs. I felt that I could really relate to this book. It also seemed as if the author know what was going on inside my head. My interest in the suicidal mind has expanded and grown deeper since I first read this book. I would recommend it to anyone who is intersted in the psychology of the suicidal mind and anyone who knows someone who is suicidal or is suicidal themselves. It was simply, a book that I could totally relate to.