The Art of Being Broken: How Storytelling Saves Lives

by Kevin Hines

A moving and heroic memoir about surviving suicide and long-term mental health complications, while summoning the courage required to persist in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and spread a message of positivity.

Lost in the depths of a devastating depression, Kevin Hines did the unthinkable and jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only four to ever have survived that jump with his full health and mobility intact. Hines then went on to accomplish what had formerly seemed he has dedicated his life to suicide prevention, reaching audiences well into the millions. With the help of his wife and family, he has spread his message of compassion and fighting to “be here tomorrow” on Good Morning America, the Today show , Larry King, and BuzzFeed , as well as countless other in-person speaking venues.

Going far beyond his first book, The Art of Being Broken takes full advantage of the perspective Kevin has gained since his suicide attempt. In this new story, we learn that recovery is not a straight path but a constant journey, and often the best way to help ourselves stay grounded is by helping others in need. Including raw and moving contributions from those whose lives Kevin has saved, The Art of Being Broken will be indispensable for all those who are grappling with suicidal ideation and provides key insights to their loved ones.

Genres: Mental Health

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kevin's story and the way he tells it, and also love the guest authors' stories. They made me cry several times.

The parts I was less interested in were the how-to's: how to get better, how to become a storyteller. Like the title says, storytelling saves lives. The tips are okay but not what I picked this book for.

[Amanda Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Kevin Hines and how he has shared his story. I have not read his first book, but when I saw he had a new book I ordered it right away.

Overall 4 stars! This book has a bit of a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” feel in that different people share their stories. I enjoyed this a lot and reading about their experiences.

Occasionally I had a hard time with understanding why chapters were placed where they were for the context of the book and I wish Kevin shared more details of his experiences. Again, I know he shared a lot in his first book but he wrote about sharing more of his experiences since his GGB and I just wanted to hear more details. He does discuss it but I was hoping for more details.

I did enjoy the additional authors stories and the perspectives that they shared.

Over a solid 4!

[Sophia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect going into this book. I understand that Hines is trying very hard to do a good thing and I'm glad that that helps so many people. I don't know if I can explain why yet but I just couldn't stomach this book. Everything about it rubbed me the wrong way. I quit halfway through because, as someone who has also struggled with mental health, I just found it so frustrating. It struck all the wrong chords for me. To me everything the author was saying just sounded the same as those fucking vapid platitudes that people say to you that never work. It's just fucking shallow.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has inspired a part of me that has been in the dark for a very long time.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book about “how storytelling saves lives”, I felt the storytelling to be subpar and repetitive. Every chapter felt a repeat of the introduction without the contribution of any new substance. I understand how one’s religious faith can be a balm, but to infuse it into every line felt patronizing and proselytizing — something the author directly warns against when giving advice for public speaking. The author’s use of grawlix for swear words was the last straw. I do not doubt the importance of the topic nor the imperative for more narratives which pull back the veil on mental illness leading to suicide. Kevin Hines may by a better storyteller in person, but this book was not a story I could finish.

DNF at 50% | 2 Stars (for the vulnerability to talk about mental illness)

[Paris Scobie (Prynkiewicz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand the reality of living with mental illness. Kevin breaks down brain illness and the discrimination we can face when it comes to speaking up about living with bipolar. This book will give you so much insight into understanding not only bipolar but the ways we can all help educate others on this topic. Kevin features the stories of others who have suffered tremendous loss and clearly illustrates what has helped them make their mental health a priority.

[Brynna Coury · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF after 22% of learning of alllll the fame, how many lives he’s saved by telling his story, and the opportunities he has had since his miraculous survival of his attempt- but nothing substantial. I can tell this book is going to be stocked full of sing-song platitudes. His story is inspiring, but this book just feels like a giant (not so) humble brag.

[Caelan Vercoe-Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book I thought it really made me re think somethings, when I went to go see this guy who made it "Kevin Hines" I was inspired by what he said he's the one who made me laugh a lot make me happy a little bit overall great book really really suggest it.

[Alison Tait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic, and yet full of hope.

[Keira Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

[Randi Neubeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review consists of the few points I want to remember from reading this book! You can text CNQR to 741741 (the crisis text line) or call 988, the crisis lifeline, to hear the voice of someone who cares when in a crisis. The questions to ask a potentially suicidal person,

"Are you thinking of killing yourself?
Have you made plans to take your life?
Do you have the means?"

Have a plan to keep you safe. Peers, personal protectors, and carers can have release forms signed from your doctors to be privy to your treatment to get around HIPPA privacy laws and gain access to how you are doing in clinical, psychiatric, or physical care.

The three proven ways to reduce suicides:

1) Using crisis lifelines or text lines
2) Caring letters
3) Reduction of access to lethal means: using gun locks with codes in the home of a suicidal person, hiding knives in thr home of a person who cuts themselves, throwing away ropes in the home of someone who has mentioned hanging themselves, or putting a net or rail on. bridge, tall building, structure, or railway system.

Lastly, stories are 22 times more memorable than statistics or facts!