November of the Soul

Starred review from February 15, 2006
Though the adolescent suicide rate has fallen since 1991, 87 Americans still kill themselves on an average day. Such sobering statistics form the basis of this well-researched, readable, and even intriguing new edition of Colt's 1991 work. The author, a National Book Award finalist for The Big House, includes detailed case studies of victims and survivors, an account of the rapid growth and increasing dominance of biological approaches to understanding and treating suicide, and a review of statistical patterns in the distribution of suicide by age, race, nationality, gender, and other explanatory factors. Unexpected findings regarding the efficacy of school-based suicide prevention programs and hotlines are also discussed. Current developments such as the right to die movement and famous court cases (e.g., Terry Schiavo, Karen Ann Quindlan) are also covered, along with an analysis of the research history of suicidology from mile Durkheim's classic work to Edwin Schneidman's novel contributions to the understanding of a very enigmatic form of behavior. Colt has compiled an impressive array of updated information that perhaps only a nonacademic outsider could provide. Analytical yet artful, this book is highly recommended for students, practitioners, and survivors of such a disturbing personal tragedy. [See also Thomas Joiner's Why People Die by Suicide and Tom Hunt's Cliffs of Despair.Ed.]Antoinette Brinkman, MLS, Evansville, IN

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