Waking Up, Alive

by Richard A. Heckler

In this extraordinary book, psychologist Richard A. Heckler tells the whole story of the descent, the attempt, and the return to life. He gives new depth to our understanding of the descent—the withdrawal from relationships, the facade of normalcy, and the suicidal trance. For the first time, we comprehend the determination and clarity of that fatal choice. And then, because this is a book that tells us more, we read of the accidents that saved lives—the gun that failed to shoot, the car that ran out of gas, the dog whose cries alerted the family. Finally, and gloriously, we read of the return to life. And the stories of how certain individuals have taken hold of life once again, slowly leaving the pain behind, changing their situations, finding new reservoirs of strength and determination.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Illness, Mental Health, Philosophy, Self Help

303 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 1994

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information

I have mixed feelings about this book. For many readers the information contained in Waking Up, Alive will be extremely useful. Without falling into clinical terminology, the author describes very well what is happening from the suicidal "trance" to the point of recovery and beyond.
But I also found the structure of the book repetitive and confusing. It was awfully hard to keep straight the various interview subjects and their particular circumstances. This was not helped by the author letting each subject have their say on each and every topic; at least it felt that way to me. And sometimes it felt as though the author felt compelled to share every bit of somewhat relevant information he had. A good editor would have helped with that. A good proofreader would have been useful too.
For those who want to better understand suicide (clinicians, therapists, friends and relatives of someone who has attempted or seriously contemplated suicide), this book can be useful.
Those who have recovered from a suicide attempt will find this work full of affirming information.
But for those who have not recovered from their attempt or who remain in the suicidal trance could find this a difficult read. Some likely will be inspired. Others will wonder why certain techniques did not work for them or why they haven't accomplished what the interview subjects have or why their pain continues.
The people interviewed in this book have all excelled in life since their suicide attempts. A high standard, maybe? It might have been helpful for the author to chronicle the life of someone whose recovery from a suicide attempt has been a little more ordinary.

[Amy Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost don't feel qualified to rate this since I am not suicidal.
I bought this book on the recommendation of a licensed counselor in my search of how to support a dear friend of mine.
I have already read at least 3 other books in my search - one was one man's personal account, another was very pragmatic, another was impersonal and clinical.
None of the books, including this one, directly address how to support someone dealing with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts; however, in Waking Up, Alive, with its many personal accounts - from the events and state of mind before the attempt to recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath - I was able to glean what supportive actions were helpful to them.

[Shiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather old book and a difficult read (mostly for the graphic details or the lowest moments of peoples lives) but really inspiring. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could though.

[John Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of characters in this book to keep track of if you take a break. I recommend reading it all in a week or two.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason this book was a five-star book for me was because I wish each person's story could've been told in their entirety, and then have the author site excerpts when using them as examples. It was difficult for me to keep each individuals experience straight. Other than that, it was an insightful and inspiring read.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very triggering in parts, but it's a good book overall. The second time I picked it up (after a long hiatus) I only read the parts dealing with the return to life after an attempt and the redemption and reawakening that comes with it, so I had a much more positive experience.

[Micheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a lifeline for our family after our sister's suicide. Although she completed her suicide, it gave us an understanding of her pain and helped us understand why she chose that path.
The book became a major source of healing.