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Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide
Are you under a lot of stress? Feeling too much pressure to get good grades? Trying to avoid social media because you’re being bullied? Grappling with your sexual/gender identity? Feeling depressed—even suicidal?
What are the reasons why teens decide to take their own lives? What can be done to stop them? Through stories, studies and strategies, Dead Serious helps teens, parents and educators navigate the choppy waters of adolescence and provides tools that can help break the cycle of teen suicide.
Teen suicide is preventable.
What are the reasons why teens decide to take their own lives? What can be done to stop them? Through stories, studies and strategies, Dead Serious helps teens, parents and educators navigate the choppy waters of adolescence and provides tools that can help break the cycle of teen suicide.
Teen suicide is preventable.
210 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1987
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January 28, 2018
Trigger warning for suicide, along with mental health, bullying, abuse and all of the other issues that may result in people feeling like suicide is the answer. Suicide is not the answer. Please be safe while reading this book. If you are struggling, please seek help. You deserve it and you are not alone. There are people who will understand what you’re going through and can help you, regardless of your circumstances.
Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide doesn’t talk down to its audience; instead speaking to teens in a down to earth way. You would imagine that a book with a focus on teen suicide would be all doom and gloom, but that’s not what this book is at all. Letting teens know that it’s brave to seek help when they need it and providing tools for people at risk of suicide along with their friends, Dead Serious provides understanding and hope.
It dispels the myths surrounding suicide, provides information about some of the issues teens face that may lead them to become suicidal, offers plenty of tools to use and hotlines to contact, and empowers teens. Information is also provided so you can recognise warning signs in other people that may indicate they are considering or planning suicide.
Sections focus on some of the experiences people have that increase the risk of suicide, including anxiety and depression, loss through death or divorce, bullying, being LGBTQIA, abuse and homelessness. There’s also strategies outlined that teens can use to help their friends talk about what’s bothering them, including using mirroring in conversations.
Usually it’s friends that first find out that a teen is suicidal, not adults, so it’s vital that teens know what they can do if they learn a friend is feeling like that. Thankfully this book emphasises that it is not the responsibility of a friend to keep their friend alive or to keep this information a secret, but to inform a trusted adult who can seek help for the friend who needs it.
While reading about people who have considered, attempted or died as a result of suicide is always going to be heart wrenching and confronting, the stories are not gratuitous. They’re provided as examples and I expect they would be powerful to read for someone who is considering suicide as there’s often nothing more comforting than learning you’re not the only one who feels a certain way or has experienced specific problems.
I loved that there were song lyrics between chapters. Songs have had such a huge impact in my own life. There are some songs that make you feel like someone understands you and you can hold onto them when life gets rough. I thought they were a great addition to the book.
Stories are also shared by people who are left behind after a friend or family member has died from suicide. These are vital as when you’re suicidal it is very easy to believe that by you dying it will make everyone else’s life easier or that no one will care that you’re gone anyway. The experiences shared by those left behind make it clear that nothing could be further from the truth.
What I Didn’t Like
The Cover Design - Sorry, but I didn’t like it. I know this is only cosmetic and I know suicide is an extremely serious topic but the cover looks bleak, depressing and uninviting. By looking exclusively at the cover design I wouldn’t have expected this book to offer the hope that it does.
In the chapter on bullying the author concedes that bullying is a risk factor that increases the chance of suicide but also includes the following sentence:
“However, what the experts don’t know is whether bullying directly causes suicide or suicidal behaviour.” (64% - please note this quote is from the ARC so may not be representative of the final text)
I found this sentence offensive (just because the experts haven’t decided something doesn’t make it any less true) and I’m sure parents who have lost their children to suicide after they were tormented by bullies would have some things to say to counter this claim. In Australia there has recently been a highly publicised story of a gorgeous 14 year old, Amy “Dolly” Everett, who died on 3 January 2018 after relentless bullying. I thought of Dolly’s family when I read that sentence and am sure they’d beg to differ with the ‘experts’.
Overall, I feel this is an extremely valuable book. One of my early childhood friends died by suicide in her early 20’s and I still think of her and her family. Even though I hadn’t been close friends with her since we were about 10 and hadn’t seen her after we attended different high schools, I still wonder if there was anything I could have personally done to make a difference in her life in the lead up to her death. I can’t even begin to imagine what those close to her must still be feeling all of these years later.
I applaud the author and the people who contributed to this book, and thank them for their openness, courage and honesty about their experiences. I believe their words will make the difference to people who are thinking of suicide and those supporting them.
It’s so hard to see around corners when you’re a teenager but please take it from someone who attempted suicide when they were a teenager. There are so many wonderful things I would have missed out on that I couldn’t have even begun to imagine at the time if I had died back when I thought my life was over. There is hope and there is good to be found in this life, even if all you’ve known until now is pain.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Pikko’s House for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide doesn’t talk down to its audience; instead speaking to teens in a down to earth way. You would imagine that a book with a focus on teen suicide would be all doom and gloom, but that’s not what this book is at all. Letting teens know that it’s brave to seek help when they need it and providing tools for people at risk of suicide along with their friends, Dead Serious provides understanding and hope.
It dispels the myths surrounding suicide, provides information about some of the issues teens face that may lead them to become suicidal, offers plenty of tools to use and hotlines to contact, and empowers teens. Information is also provided so you can recognise warning signs in other people that may indicate they are considering or planning suicide.
Sections focus on some of the experiences people have that increase the risk of suicide, including anxiety and depression, loss through death or divorce, bullying, being LGBTQIA, abuse and homelessness. There’s also strategies outlined that teens can use to help their friends talk about what’s bothering them, including using mirroring in conversations.
Usually it’s friends that first find out that a teen is suicidal, not adults, so it’s vital that teens know what they can do if they learn a friend is feeling like that. Thankfully this book emphasises that it is not the responsibility of a friend to keep their friend alive or to keep this information a secret, but to inform a trusted adult who can seek help for the friend who needs it.
While reading about people who have considered, attempted or died as a result of suicide is always going to be heart wrenching and confronting, the stories are not gratuitous. They’re provided as examples and I expect they would be powerful to read for someone who is considering suicide as there’s often nothing more comforting than learning you’re not the only one who feels a certain way or has experienced specific problems.
I loved that there were song lyrics between chapters. Songs have had such a huge impact in my own life. There are some songs that make you feel like someone understands you and you can hold onto them when life gets rough. I thought they were a great addition to the book.
Stories are also shared by people who are left behind after a friend or family member has died from suicide. These are vital as when you’re suicidal it is very easy to believe that by you dying it will make everyone else’s life easier or that no one will care that you’re gone anyway. The experiences shared by those left behind make it clear that nothing could be further from the truth.
What I Didn’t Like
The Cover Design - Sorry, but I didn’t like it. I know this is only cosmetic and I know suicide is an extremely serious topic but the cover looks bleak, depressing and uninviting. By looking exclusively at the cover design I wouldn’t have expected this book to offer the hope that it does.
In the chapter on bullying the author concedes that bullying is a risk factor that increases the chance of suicide but also includes the following sentence:
“However, what the experts don’t know is whether bullying directly causes suicide or suicidal behaviour.” (64% - please note this quote is from the ARC so may not be representative of the final text)
I found this sentence offensive (just because the experts haven’t decided something doesn’t make it any less true) and I’m sure parents who have lost their children to suicide after they were tormented by bullies would have some things to say to counter this claim. In Australia there has recently been a highly publicised story of a gorgeous 14 year old, Amy “Dolly” Everett, who died on 3 January 2018 after relentless bullying. I thought of Dolly’s family when I read that sentence and am sure they’d beg to differ with the ‘experts’.
Overall, I feel this is an extremely valuable book. One of my early childhood friends died by suicide in her early 20’s and I still think of her and her family. Even though I hadn’t been close friends with her since we were about 10 and hadn’t seen her after we attended different high schools, I still wonder if there was anything I could have personally done to make a difference in her life in the lead up to her death. I can’t even begin to imagine what those close to her must still be feeling all of these years later.
I applaud the author and the people who contributed to this book, and thank them for their openness, courage and honesty about their experiences. I believe their words will make the difference to people who are thinking of suicide and those supporting them.
It’s so hard to see around corners when you’re a teenager but please take it from someone who attempted suicide when they were a teenager. There are so many wonderful things I would have missed out on that I couldn’t have even begun to imagine at the time if I had died back when I thought my life was over. There is hope and there is good to be found in this life, even if all you’ve known until now is pain.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Pikko’s House for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
November 14, 2018
First, I want to thank Jane Mersky Leder for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Dead Serious Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide by Jane Mersky Leder is a book for Teens, Adults and Educators. Is a book that in my opinion needs to be on shelves every school guidance office, school councilor office, school and public libraries, and taught in health classes as well. This book is a well thought out and researched book focusing on many-many factors that could bring someone to the brink of wanting to commit suicide. This book is book is to help educate you on what to look for, who to turn to, where to call, and who to confide in for help. Most importantly no matter what you may be going through you matter.
Jane Mersky Leder unfortunately is no stranger to suicide. Three days before her wedding to her ex- husband, his aunt took her own life.
Her brother Robin whom this book is dedicated to took his own life on his 13th Birthday. His death changed her life. His spirit lives on with her always but it is hard to face.
This book is also dedicated to her agent, Berenice Hoffman, who is no longer with us but has urged Jane for years to write a second edition of Dead Serious. In my mind if this book can save one life it will be worth it.
We all know teen suicide is a huge problem: dead serious. I personally have known a few people I went to school with In the past that have. In 2015, a new study by The National Center for Health Statistics reported that suicide rate among girls between the ages of 15 and 19 reached a 40-year high. Between 2007 and 2015, the suicide rate for those girls doubled. For young males, there was a 31 percent increase.
Throughout this book you will read stories from teens and young adults who have shared their brave stories with you the readers. These stories are filled with hurt, disappointment, and even shame. There are experts on subjects ranging from LGBTQ teens, bullying, cutting, depression, anxiety, to suicide prevention. In this book you will find a bountiful amount of resourceful information and websites for you or a loved one to seek help.
Jane Mersky Leader did her homework when she did the research on this topic for the book. They always say write what you know and are passionate about. I am truly sorry for the loss of her brother and her ex-husbands Aunt. However, WOW! They would be so proud of her with all of her heart work and passion she has put into this in their honor.
Dead Serious Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide by Jane Mersky Leder is a book for Teens, Adults and Educators. Is a book that in my opinion needs to be on shelves every school guidance office, school councilor office, school and public libraries, and taught in health classes as well. This book is a well thought out and researched book focusing on many-many factors that could bring someone to the brink of wanting to commit suicide. This book is book is to help educate you on what to look for, who to turn to, where to call, and who to confide in for help. Most importantly no matter what you may be going through you matter.
Jane Mersky Leder unfortunately is no stranger to suicide. Three days before her wedding to her ex- husband, his aunt took her own life.
Her brother Robin whom this book is dedicated to took his own life on his 13th Birthday. His death changed her life. His spirit lives on with her always but it is hard to face.
This book is also dedicated to her agent, Berenice Hoffman, who is no longer with us but has urged Jane for years to write a second edition of Dead Serious. In my mind if this book can save one life it will be worth it.
We all know teen suicide is a huge problem: dead serious. I personally have known a few people I went to school with In the past that have. In 2015, a new study by The National Center for Health Statistics reported that suicide rate among girls between the ages of 15 and 19 reached a 40-year high. Between 2007 and 2015, the suicide rate for those girls doubled. For young males, there was a 31 percent increase.
Throughout this book you will read stories from teens and young adults who have shared their brave stories with you the readers. These stories are filled with hurt, disappointment, and even shame. There are experts on subjects ranging from LGBTQ teens, bullying, cutting, depression, anxiety, to suicide prevention. In this book you will find a bountiful amount of resourceful information and websites for you or a loved one to seek help.
Jane Mersky Leader did her homework when she did the research on this topic for the book. They always say write what you know and are passionate about. I am truly sorry for the loss of her brother and her ex-husbands Aunt. However, WOW! They would be so proud of her with all of her heart work and passion she has put into this in their honor.
January 13, 2018
"Truth is there is never one reason why someone takes his/her own life. And never just one person to blame."
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an extremely hard book for me to read because it hit home for me. I have known people that have committed suicide, not as teens but as young adults, and I myself have almost gone down this dark path in the past. Reading this book was almost an eye opener for me, bringing this hard topic to light.
There were so many statistics in this book that I had no knowledge of until I read this. There are so many teens out there that either know someone who has committed suicide, have attempted suicide, or still have thoughts of suicide. So many stories in this book show that suicide affects everyone, not just the person who commits it. There is never a clear reason as to why these teens killed themselves, and no matter how much their friends or family try to find answers, there just aren't any. They now have to figure out how to heal during this dark time, and it doesn't completely go away.
"If only he had done something then, maybe Brad would be alive now."
The thought that maybe if these people who were brave enough to tell their story had done something earlier, they could have prevented it. They are so full of guilt, not understanding why their loved one could do such a thing, and beating themselves up for not seeing the signs before. Would they even know what those signs were if they had to go back? Would they be able to stop it? Would their loved one be alive today? All of those thoughts are going through their minds, and their pain and hurt of reliving these moments can't help but make you feel for them. It hurts, and all we can do hope that their loved ones are in a better place now.
As the cover of this book states, this book is for teens, adults and educators. I would say that this book is for anyone that has ever had to deal with thoughts of suicide, or someone in their life that has committed suicide. Even if they haven't done it yet, this book helps you to determine what the signs are, and how to get them the proper help before it's too late. Suicide should not be a taboo topic, and more people need to discuss it to make sure that we can help those suffering by themselves, begging for help before they do something that they can't take back.
I really do recommend this book. Keep it as a resource, and hopefully you will be able to help someone in your life get the help they need.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an extremely hard book for me to read because it hit home for me. I have known people that have committed suicide, not as teens but as young adults, and I myself have almost gone down this dark path in the past. Reading this book was almost an eye opener for me, bringing this hard topic to light.
There were so many statistics in this book that I had no knowledge of until I read this. There are so many teens out there that either know someone who has committed suicide, have attempted suicide, or still have thoughts of suicide. So many stories in this book show that suicide affects everyone, not just the person who commits it. There is never a clear reason as to why these teens killed themselves, and no matter how much their friends or family try to find answers, there just aren't any. They now have to figure out how to heal during this dark time, and it doesn't completely go away.
"If only he had done something then, maybe Brad would be alive now."
The thought that maybe if these people who were brave enough to tell their story had done something earlier, they could have prevented it. They are so full of guilt, not understanding why their loved one could do such a thing, and beating themselves up for not seeing the signs before. Would they even know what those signs were if they had to go back? Would they be able to stop it? Would their loved one be alive today? All of those thoughts are going through their minds, and their pain and hurt of reliving these moments can't help but make you feel for them. It hurts, and all we can do hope that their loved ones are in a better place now.
As the cover of this book states, this book is for teens, adults and educators. I would say that this book is for anyone that has ever had to deal with thoughts of suicide, or someone in their life that has committed suicide. Even if they haven't done it yet, this book helps you to determine what the signs are, and how to get them the proper help before it's too late. Suicide should not be a taboo topic, and more people need to discuss it to make sure that we can help those suffering by themselves, begging for help before they do something that they can't take back.
I really do recommend this book. Keep it as a resource, and hopefully you will be able to help someone in your life get the help they need.
February 25, 2018
I received this book to give an honest review.
I think this book is a must read to help understand teen suicide. Being a mom myself I worry about my children. Will they become a statistic or will they know someone who has thought about suicide? The author did a great job with not only bringing stories to light but also different scenarios together to make you think. Not everyone has an easy life and there are many reasons why teenagers take their life, it seems that it happens in middle school a lot which is so very sad. Though anyone could take their life. Though suicide is never an answer and there are many helpful sites and phone numbers that the author gives within the book if you need someone to call and talk to. I found myself really having my eyes opened to what signs to look for in people and especially in my own children along with how to get help and understand why certain people feel the way they do. One thing to understand is that suicide can affect anyone it doesn't matter your gender, race, sexual preference, or religion.
I think this book is a must read to help understand teen suicide. Being a mom myself I worry about my children. Will they become a statistic or will they know someone who has thought about suicide? The author did a great job with not only bringing stories to light but also different scenarios together to make you think. Not everyone has an easy life and there are many reasons why teenagers take their life, it seems that it happens in middle school a lot which is so very sad. Though anyone could take their life. Though suicide is never an answer and there are many helpful sites and phone numbers that the author gives within the book if you need someone to call and talk to. I found myself really having my eyes opened to what signs to look for in people and especially in my own children along with how to get help and understand why certain people feel the way they do. One thing to understand is that suicide can affect anyone it doesn't matter your gender, race, sexual preference, or religion.
February 26, 2020
I read this book as a part of a book study discussion group at the high school where I work. We met once a week to discuss the chapter/chapters. The power of this book comes from the discussions you have with others. Suicide, while not a pleasant topic, shouldn’t be a taboo subject. We have to take steps to help those who need it in whatever way we can.
February 25, 2026
This was very hard to read but it has opened my eyes to signs and things to watch out for in teens as well as any age. To think to know that this is real and a bigger issue now then ever is heartbreaking. I just want everyone to know that I SEE YOU, YOU ARE IMPORTANT, YOU ARE NEEDED, YOU ARE WANTED!!
July 28, 2013
If only every teenager would read this book for school. I read this as a Suicide Prevention volunteer. Excellent.
January 27, 2018
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review which can be read on my website
Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide (2nd Edition) is a collection of tips on how to deal with those suffering from suicidal thoughts and depression mingled in with real stories of people's experiences with losing the people in their lives to suicide.
Being non-fiction, the format of this review will be a little different from my usual, but the point will stay the same.
Right off the bat, author Jane Leder mentions losing her brother and several other people to suicide and how it effected her. She then goes on to describe the ever-changing and increasingly more horrible statistics of teen suicide, breaking it down by age group and minority. These statistics are incredibly sad to read, but important to know, and I for one respected how Leder separately divided the stat numbers for those with differing sexual orientation from those who identify as transgender - especially since the stats greatly differ to a heartbreaking extent.
When it came to the retellings of the experiences of others, it was difficult to get through them. I also made the mistake of reading the entire book within a night and as someone who does not shy away from the fact that I, too, have attempted suicide in my past, it was rough to hear about so many who didn't make it past their hardships. That being said, I think that if you are a person of any age struggling with suicidal ideation or urges, this book may help you find that little light in the dark that proves you're not alone with these feelings. If anything, this is the first book I've come across that doesn't try and shame anyone. This is a book that wants to help people without pitying them and to educate those who want to help but don't know how to start.
Talking about suicide is hard. Dealing with suicide is hard. But we need to stick together, help those who may not know how to help themselves, and make sure that we can get through things together. This is an excellent learning tool that tells the truth and doesn't beat around the bush.
Final Rating: ★★★★½
Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide (2nd Edition) is a collection of tips on how to deal with those suffering from suicidal thoughts and depression mingled in with real stories of people's experiences with losing the people in their lives to suicide.
Being non-fiction, the format of this review will be a little different from my usual, but the point will stay the same.
Right off the bat, author Jane Leder mentions losing her brother and several other people to suicide and how it effected her. She then goes on to describe the ever-changing and increasingly more horrible statistics of teen suicide, breaking it down by age group and minority. These statistics are incredibly sad to read, but important to know, and I for one respected how Leder separately divided the stat numbers for those with differing sexual orientation from those who identify as transgender - especially since the stats greatly differ to a heartbreaking extent.
When it came to the retellings of the experiences of others, it was difficult to get through them. I also made the mistake of reading the entire book within a night and as someone who does not shy away from the fact that I, too, have attempted suicide in my past, it was rough to hear about so many who didn't make it past their hardships. That being said, I think that if you are a person of any age struggling with suicidal ideation or urges, this book may help you find that little light in the dark that proves you're not alone with these feelings. If anything, this is the first book I've come across that doesn't try and shame anyone. This is a book that wants to help people without pitying them and to educate those who want to help but don't know how to start.
Talking about suicide is hard. Dealing with suicide is hard. But we need to stick together, help those who may not know how to help themselves, and make sure that we can get through things together. This is an excellent learning tool that tells the truth and doesn't beat around the bush.
Final Rating: ★★★★½
February 21, 2023
I received a free physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a hard hitting nonfiction book and I think a great way for people to be introduced to different triggers that could potentially lead to suicide.
I really enjoyed the prologue to this book. It is the second edition and the author dives into why it was necessary to write and the hurdles that kids face these days. The statistics are extremely sad. As a mom to two young children I panic thinking of the constant pressures they will face as they grow up. Technology was growing through my childhood but I was not linked 24/7 during middle school. I cannot even begin to imagine if my life was fully recorded at that age, digitally preserved for the rest of times.
That being said, I did have some issues with the book. Due to the author's background she has a lot of personal opinions on some of the areas she wrote about and I felt those came through a little too strongly. I would be happy to read about a memoir on how she overcame but I was hoping for this to stay strict on being educational.
That being said, I still would recommend this for people whose jobs bring them in close contact with children. There are great warning signals and explanations for the different types of reactions that could eventually lead to suicide. I also liked the interview style back and forth with kids that have attempted/though of attempting suicide.
This is a hard hitting nonfiction book and I think a great way for people to be introduced to different triggers that could potentially lead to suicide.
I really enjoyed the prologue to this book. It is the second edition and the author dives into why it was necessary to write and the hurdles that kids face these days. The statistics are extremely sad. As a mom to two young children I panic thinking of the constant pressures they will face as they grow up. Technology was growing through my childhood but I was not linked 24/7 during middle school. I cannot even begin to imagine if my life was fully recorded at that age, digitally preserved for the rest of times.
That being said, I did have some issues with the book. Due to the author's background she has a lot of personal opinions on some of the areas she wrote about and I felt those came through a little too strongly. I would be happy to read about a memoir on how she overcame but I was hoping for this to stay strict on being educational.
That being said, I still would recommend this for people whose jobs bring them in close contact with children. There are great warning signals and explanations for the different types of reactions that could eventually lead to suicide. I also liked the interview style back and forth with kids that have attempted/though of attempting suicide.
February 24, 2019
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will post on my site on February 27, 2019.
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Suicide is a difficult subject to think about. The first edition of Dead Serious deals with teen suicide and was published in 1987, and now author Jane Leder has published a second edition. Why a second edition now? In the 30+ years that have passed our world has changed significantly: we all lived through 9/11 and terrorism, bullying is at an extreme, and there was no internet and social media. There is so much more that today’s kids have to deal with that we did not. And don’t forget LGBTQ, there are so many variations on sexual preferences and gender identity that it seems impossible for one to keep up with.
Jane Leder is no stranger to suicide. She has lost several family members to it, including a brother to whom this book is dedicated. Dead Serious is written to teens and it does not talk down to them. It is also for adults and educators. This is one that should be read by all teachers and be in school libraries. This should even be taught in class.
Each story begins with a musical lyrics or similar. There are candid stories throughout the book that are shared, and a variety of subjects that including bullying, and there are also LGBTQ definitions. Leder outdid herself with this second edition as you can see she worked with an abundance of research that includes useful information on where one can seek help from different organizations.
Teen suicide is a major problem, but we can all work together to help stop it. Every life matters, you matter. You ARE worth it.
Dead Serious is highly recommended. Special thanks to the author Jane Leder and her team for sending me a copy to read and review.
~~~~
This review will post on my site on February 27, 2019.
~~~~
Suicide is a difficult subject to think about. The first edition of Dead Serious deals with teen suicide and was published in 1987, and now author Jane Leder has published a second edition. Why a second edition now? In the 30+ years that have passed our world has changed significantly: we all lived through 9/11 and terrorism, bullying is at an extreme, and there was no internet and social media. There is so much more that today’s kids have to deal with that we did not. And don’t forget LGBTQ, there are so many variations on sexual preferences and gender identity that it seems impossible for one to keep up with.
Jane Leder is no stranger to suicide. She has lost several family members to it, including a brother to whom this book is dedicated. Dead Serious is written to teens and it does not talk down to them. It is also for adults and educators. This is one that should be read by all teachers and be in school libraries. This should even be taught in class.
Each story begins with a musical lyrics or similar. There are candid stories throughout the book that are shared, and a variety of subjects that including bullying, and there are also LGBTQ definitions. Leder outdid herself with this second edition as you can see she worked with an abundance of research that includes useful information on where one can seek help from different organizations.
Teen suicide is a major problem, but we can all work together to help stop it. Every life matters, you matter. You ARE worth it.
Dead Serious is highly recommended. Special thanks to the author Jane Leder and her team for sending me a copy to read and review.
November 7, 2022
The Uneasy Way Out
Suicide. The final act of a life that sees no other way out. If it hasn’t affected us personally, it’s affected the family of someone we know. It’s been said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, but for teenagers, the problem isn’t a temporary one. It’s had a lifetime to grow, and this last, desperate act is oftentimes, the only wakeup call a grieving family has had.
In Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide, Jane Leder reveals, through anecdotes and personal experiences, the factors that may lead a young person to choose this final way out of what seem to be insurmountable problems. Written in easily understandable language, providing almost a one-on-one dialogue with the reader, Leder gives hope where none currently exists.
If you are a parent, a relative, a friend, or a teacher of teens, this is a book you will want to read.
Recommended.
Suicide. The final act of a life that sees no other way out. If it hasn’t affected us personally, it’s affected the family of someone we know. It’s been said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, but for teenagers, the problem isn’t a temporary one. It’s had a lifetime to grow, and this last, desperate act is oftentimes, the only wakeup call a grieving family has had.
In Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide, Jane Leder reveals, through anecdotes and personal experiences, the factors that may lead a young person to choose this final way out of what seem to be insurmountable problems. Written in easily understandable language, providing almost a one-on-one dialogue with the reader, Leder gives hope where none currently exists.
If you are a parent, a relative, a friend, or a teacher of teens, this is a book you will want to read.
Recommended.
March 4, 2020
I read this as part of a high teacher book study after two students committed suicide this year.
I don't think this book answered the questions it posed. It's a lot of stories about suicide, but very few strategies offered other than "get help." I was also immediately turned off by anachronisms like "teens staying up late on FACEBOOK" as well as some data from too long ago. Maybe it helps by opening a conversation, but it does not help break the cycle. Sorry
I don't think this book answered the questions it posed. It's a lot of stories about suicide, but very few strategies offered other than "get help." I was also immediately turned off by anachronisms like "teens staying up late on FACEBOOK" as well as some data from too long ago. Maybe it helps by opening a conversation, but it does not help break the cycle. Sorry
November 6, 2018
I try to gain information about this tragic subject because one of my grandchildren killed himself when he was 16. Although time does soften the blow, I still want to understand more about how this can happen. This book seems to be primarily written for teens and offers a lot of information and support, but I also found it helpful.
April 6, 2019
As a graduate psychology student I found Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide to be an interesting and worthwhile read. It is filled with useful information that I feel every parent who has a teenager should read, I also feel high school teachers should have to read it. This book has the information need to help prevent needless deaths and suffering.
December 31, 2017
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a very informational book. I learned more about suicide in teens and how to recognize the signs that someone is thinking of suicide. Excellent read!
This was a very informational book. I learned more about suicide in teens and how to recognize the signs that someone is thinking of suicide. Excellent read!
January 8, 2018
Essential reading for anyone raising a teen, anyone who works with teens, or anyone who wants to educate themselves. You can tell how much care and research Leder put into her work, and this is an invaluable resource.
December 24, 2019
Don’t know that I learned anything new, but as the parent of a 10 y/o girl I thought it important to read in preparation for the coming storm. Oddly written as if the author is talking to teens but not written in a style that matches. Thorough, good resources.
June 9, 2023
Helpful in places, extremely detached from the modern day in others. It tries to do a lot of things, which are almost all good ideas, but feels stretched thin in others. Would be nice to get more practical advice for dealing with suicide and preventing it beyond just saying 'get help'.
January 16, 2018
It's an important book. Ms. Mersky Leder does a fine job treating this tragic subject.
August 22, 2018
Read this review and more at lucieninthestars.ca
May 10, 2019
Wish this was required reading for teens.
July 31, 2019
3.5 stars.
January 12, 2024
This was a nice short read. I was hoping it was more clinical based but it’s more so written for parents and educators. Still incredibly informative though
January 23, 2018
To say that "Dead Serious" is important in today's world is a major understatement. It amazes me how many lives have been affected by suicide and depression in some way, whether a family member took their own life or a friend reached out for help in a time of distress. The suicide rate among teens in the U.S. is climbing, and we can all do our part to raise awareness and start a productive dialogue. Written by Jane Mersky Leder with authority, sensitivity and unwavering passion, this book is an essential read for teens, parents and educators all over the world.
January 23, 2018
While Leder wrote the book with teen readers in mind, it also doubles as a valuable resource for parents and educators.
January 3, 2018
"Dead Serious: Breaking the Cycle of Teen Suicide" is a valuable resource for parents, educators and adolescents. Jane Merskey Leder makes the serious and scary subject of suicide a meaningful read, with hopeful and healing tips, strategies and interventions. Readers will learn the origins of how suicide develops, the symptoms teenagers present, and resources for treatment and support. With interviews from suicide survivors and experts, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a teen or works with one.
January 23, 2018
Jane Leder wrote the original book on suicide prevention to help teens and adults who loved them in the 1980s. It grew out of the tragedy of losing her own brother to suicide at a young age.
The original readers of the book are now parents themselves and so much has become harsher in the world since the original book was released. This updated version has new chapters that are dealing with bullying, LGBTQ and social media issues including cyberbullying.
The original readers of the book are now parents themselves and so much has become harsher in the world since the original book was released. This updated version has new chapters that are dealing with bullying, LGBTQ and social media issues including cyberbullying.
July 26, 2019
Very important info that we should all know
January 27, 2018
Everyone, at some point in their lives needs to read this, either to help someone else or to help themselves, it gives an insight in to suicide and what to do and what not to do, as well as ways to be able to cope with loss. Really worth the time to read this.
May 16, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a free digital ARC of this book.
This book was very informative about many reasons behind teen suicide. The author provided many case stories of real teens who attempted suicide for various reasons. There is also many valuable resources for those contemplating suicide as well as programs and strategies to implement as a prevention.
This book was very informative about many reasons behind teen suicide. The author provided many case stories of real teens who attempted suicide for various reasons. There is also many valuable resources for those contemplating suicide as well as programs and strategies to implement as a prevention.
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