DIARY OF A BROKEN MIND: A Mother’s Story, a Son’s Suicide, and the Haunting Lyrics He Left Behind

by Anne Moss Rogers, Charles Rogers

THE FUNNIEST, MOST POPULAR KID IN SCHOOL, Charles Aubrey Rogers suffered from depression and later addiction, then ultimately died by suicide.
Diary of a Broken Mind focuses on the relatable story of what led to his suicide at age twenty and answers the why behind his addiction and this cause of death, revealed through a mother’s story and years of Charles’ published and unpublished song lyrics. The closing chapters focus on hope and healing—and how the author found her purpose and forgave herself.
Diary of a Broken Mind is a poignant and powerful story written with telling detail and searing honesty—and hope. It is an inside look at the issues of depression, addiction, and suicide affecting so many families. It is a book that won’t easily be forgotten.

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“ANNE AND HER LATE SON, Charles, bring tragedy, hope and healing through the pages of Diary of a Broken Mind. The unimaginable pain and suffering that countless American families go through as a result of a loved one’s addiction and suicide is real. Through the lens of her son’s musical lyrics, Anne Moss Rogers explores the questions these families ask themselves … Why? And throughout the process, we all learn how to find purpose—even through some of our darkest moments.”
– RYAN HAMPTON, Author, American Fix: Inside the Opioid Crisis—and How to End It

304 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Tracie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Anne’s book the other day and sat down to read this morning. Little did I know when I picked it up I wouldn’t be able to put it down. It was like I was looking in the mirror A life with a very similar journey of mother and son. 20 months ago when I lost my son I begged my counselor to find someone that knew the Depth of the pain of the journey of addiction and loss of son to suicide and The call. A loss that is gradual from the Onset of addiction. The journey through the wilderness in the dark with your child trying g to help them survive The push for recovery and then the final call. Oh Anne. My heart breaks for you and everyone on this journey. You are making a difference bringing awareness and enlightening others I recommend this book to anyone that is walking with a family member in addiction or mental illness. No matter if you just found out or have walked it for years. I recommend this book to every addiction and mental illness expert and counseling. Your really only an expert if you truly understand the cost One of the tribe. Joshua’s mom forever 29

[Carole]

If you have a child with mental illness and/or an oppositional disorder, a challenging, talented and charming kid who will stop at nothing to get what he or she desires, then this is the book you MUST read. It is not a feel-good type book that will give you an easy solution to your problem, rather it is a searing account of parents' heroic attempts to save their son from drug use and self-destruction. You will laugh, cry and see your situation in these pages. Anne Moss Rogers shows us her family's gripping story of love, determination and persistence. You will be cheering for her all the way.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a departure.
It is a departure, certainly, for Beach Glass Books. Our catalogue is replete with coastal books and historical books. We have published children's books and books of true crime and essays, with novels on the way.
But never have we published a book like this.
Few have. This book is a departure even from others that one might think are in the genre. Books about the suicides of young people are available. But books that take a reader deep into the life of a family whose child dies by suicide, with telling recollection and heartbreaking detail, yet with an overriding sense of hope, are far fewer. Anne Moss Rogers, now a nationally recognized speaker and writer on suicide prevention, has written an extraordinary memoir, with insight both personal and expert, aided by the words left by her deceased son.
It is an important book. Diary of a Broken Mind is a timely work for those families who have faced these difficulties and tragedies— and so very necessary for those who may face them ahead. It is an book important for the rest of us, too, who want and need to understand.
This is a book you won't forget.

—RAY McALLISTER
Beach Glass Books

[Carolyn Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Charles's story changed me. He wanted to be well for so many reasons, his love of music, helping others, being funny and loving people. Unfortunately there was never the proper medical help for him. His parents did everything they could do to support him financially and emotionally only to loose him by suicide. It is an unnatural act for a parent to bury a child. This book is written beautifully by Ann Moss Rogers and her son, haunting to read at times. I could not put the book down and read it in less than 24 hours because it took me in completely. When I finished it I sat in the floor and cradled the book in my arms like a child and cried so hard. My heart was breaking for the Rogers family however; I am so proud of them for sharing this sometimes raw heartbreaking story and for the work Ann Moss is doing to help other families to save lives. Charles will always live in the heart of his family and his story will always be alive in me.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Carolyn R. Clements
Midlothian, VA.

[Connie D]

As a parent who continues to walk this walk, Charles lyrics are compelling and help you understand the pain of depression coupled by the complexity of addiction...

[Margaret Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Families who have or are struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, and suicide will find compassion and solace in this book, and those who haven’t will admire Anne Moss’ compelling and descriptive writing style, as well as her resilience and honesty. Anne Moss shines a light on our country’s broken mental health and justice systems in the book by recounting personal stories that will all at once alarm and disgust you. She is using her grief to try to help fix these systems, destigmatize mental health issues and suicide, and get people talking about what have long been considered ugly and taboo topics. Yes, it’s a heavy read, but a very, very good one.

[Mary C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an LCSW and college instructor in a Human Services program. This is a deeply moving book that I will be recommending to my students. It sheds a lot of light, not only on the struggles of an adolescent with substance and mental health issues, but on the complicated, loving, terrifying journey of the entire family. Although the story is tremendously sad, it also leaves one with a sense of hope that, through the author telling her son's story, other suffering young people might be saved. Highly recommended.

[Carol Goacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading “Diary of a broken Mind” From page 1 I was hooked and was drawn into the world of Anne, Charles and their family abd friends. I watched u tube clips of Charles and Anne and these made me feel like I was inside the book. Anne you are such an open honest Beautuful lady inside and out and this Book blew my mind. Charles you and your mum will help so many others by telling your story. Thank you 🙏✨

[MEB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully well written and tragically sad. Charles’ lyrics give strong insight into the challenges of living with addiction and mental illness. I cannot fathom the strength it took for Anne Moss to write this book and I am incredibly grateful that both she and her son have shared their stories in hopes of helping others.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, courageous, humbling. A difficult but important read. Anne Moss is an inspiration.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summed up in 1 sentence:
I think Charles would say, “Read it. It’s Dope”.

I’m not one to leave reviews for books (or anything else), but I felt compelled to share my thoughts on this one.

Those who relish putting together a challenging puzzle will find this book very engaging, as it offers (among many other things) a touch of mystery, as well.
The reader is accompanied by the author in her many, varied, and often unusual steps to fill in blanks of lost days (& sometimes weeks) when her son Charles would be MIA.

This is a book that I’ve been wanting to read for some time now.
I first found Anne Moss Rogers by happenstance on Twitter and learned of her journey. I then began reading her blogs online. The blogs led me to her book.

When a book has touched me,
- I go back & re-read it
- I research topics online from situations that were mentioned in it (to extend my learning about it)
- I buy additional copies so I can share with others (while still keeping mine for myself ☺️).
I have done all of these things with DIARY OF A BROKEN MIND.

Anne Moss Rogers has somehow found a balance between relating personal, heartbreaking experiences with wit and humor. Simply put, Charles is someone you want to know.
I didn’t have the opportunity to know him here in the flesh, but I feel like I know him now.

I am a career teacher & Reading Specialist (and a mother ❤️).
As time has gone by, I have grown to appreciate, more than ever, the relationships with young people that can be formed, nurtured, and grow.
Charles is a young man who I would have LOVED having in my classroom and/or knowing as a neighbor/friend of one of my own children.

Anne Moss is an inspiration and role model on many levels: she has survived a brain tumor (and its multiple surgeries); a shattered elbow (which was accompanied by lengthy follow-up therapy at home for months); and a life-changing, double-whammy event that would break many: the loss of her son by suicide.

The reader of DIARY OF A BROKEN MIND is afforded a rare glimpse behind-the-scenes in the life of a family struggling with a loved one’s addiction, and ultimately, the loss of life. This is a book and an author from whom I’ve learned quite a bit, and her and Charles’ story will remain with me.
I highly recommend it.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a special education teacher, I am always on the lookout for parenting books that help my awareness of the various struggles that parents might be going through. With the explosion of young people wrestling to cope with anxiety and addiction, I try to educate myself with as much insight into those struggles. Diary of a Broken Mind opened my eyes to both the parental and child sides of the pain a family goes through as they navigate the uncharted territory of our inadequate mental health system. I particularly found the chapters with Charles Roger's, heart-wrenching rap lyrics such important information for any parent, child psychologist, or psychiatrist to read. It clearly shows the love Charles had for his family and the internal battles he was going through before he took his own life.
Is Diary of a Broken Mind a difficult book to read? Yes! However, it is a necessary read for anyone working with struggling families. In addition, the coping strategies that Anne Moss Rogers uses to overcome her immense grief could be helpful for any parent that has lost a child.
On a side note, Roger's articles on her blog, EmotionallyNaked.com, are a continuing update of her journey to work through her grief in a positive way.
Highly recommended!!!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first picked up "Diary of a Broken Mind," because I wanted to support writer Anne Moss Rogers. But now that I have read her book, I am eager to invite others to do the same. Rogers tells the tragic story of her son Charles' suicide, as a result of depression and addiction. She is open and honest about Charles' struggles, as well as his family's efforts to understand and provide Charles with the help he needs. By including many of Charles' rap song lyrics, Rogers allows Charles to speak for himself. Through Charles' lyrics, we readers catch glimpses of Charles' pain. But we also gain insights into Charles' amazing creativity, humor, and love for others. "Diary of a Broken Mind" is a powerful memoir, which I highly recommend to you. The book includes information about suicide hotlines and Anne Moss Roger's blog and website, where additional resources, support groups, and podcast recommendations can be found. Ultimately, Anne Moss Rogers tells Charles' story, in order to turn her grief into action and to be a champion of suicide prevention.

[Lee Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it touched my soul. Emotions were pulled out of me that I have not expressed before. This is such a touching story but be prepared to feel like you haven't felt before while reading a book. Extremely well written. What seemed like such a normal family was a normal family but in crisis mode for years. The reader could feel the raw pain of the parents trying to help their child but each time their son would resort back to his old habits. In a world that is unsupporting for those suffering w/such issues these parents were compelled to try to give their son as many opportunities to turn his life around with very little support for themselves. It must have been agonizing living like this each day not knowing what horror the next day would bring. I am amazed the parents were able to stay together. Packed with very good information for those who love or have loved someone suffering with addiction and considering suicide or have died by suicide. READ THIS BOOK and become enlightened!!!!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotionally challenging book for me because of all my parallels in my own family. Sometimes I wonder how many more books I can read about tragedies in our families involving suicides, mental illnesses and drug use.

BUT ... Anne Moss Rogers' careful and considered writing and the amazing poetry of her son Charles' rap lyrics got me through this beautiful book of hope and meaning after I thought I would need to quit adding more of these stories to my already saturated psyche.

This is important information for families and for the mental health professionals who work with today's youth population living with today's wink and nod toward drug and alcohol use, normalizing and commercializing marijuana. The rise in suicide rates among youth is alarming and sorely in need of leaders like this author who work to DO SOMETHING about it. Lives can be saved if we will learn and take action like this brave mother.

[Dink Friesell · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIARY OF A BROKEN MIND

As a reader and a mother going through this very personal situation I believe every Counselor and Doctor in every mental health setting should read this book it is the very soul of a series of emotions that an addict goes through and it could help them save more of our youth which is leaving sadly on a daily basis because of dual diagnosis and no proper treatment each diagnosis needs to be identified and dealt with and believe me this takes years . Our law enforcement and our probation departments and our Judges need to read this book and be aware that many of these people are in need of psychological evaluations before being placed in a jail cell they are someone child and some times a father or mother that is crying for help . HELP THEM BEFORE YOU JUDGE THEM IT COULD VERY WELL BE YOUR CHILD NEXT.

[Susan Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST read for anyone who has had a child, family member or friend suffering from depression, drug addiction, and/or suicidality. Though it's a harrowing account of what the author experienced when her beloved son, Charles, died by suicide to end his own emotional pain, as a therapist, it was enlightening, heartbreaking, and chockfull of Charles' intimate struggle with depression. His haunting lyrics bring his story alive on the page that will help others understand the internal conflict and pain of depression and drug addiction. The author showed tremendous courage to share her story and the pain she and her family endured to help others. A beautiful, courageous book!
Susan Casey MSW and author of Rock On: Mining for Joy in the Deep River of Sibling Grief

[Mary-ellen Viglis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I applaud Anne Moss Rogers for being emotionally naked regarding a subject that has been taboo for too long. As a parent of a young adult who suffers from Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness, I found this book to be gut wrenching and sad but also enlightening and helpful, knowing I am not alone. Often times I have the same questions and doubts she did. My life is at times a lonely and difficult place as I watch my beautiful son suffer from a disease that people mislabel all to often as a moral failing. Nothing could be further from the truth. And I’m glad Anne Moss is shining the light on subjects that we must not hide from.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves someone struggling with Addiction or mental illness. I also recommend it for any parent of a young teen.

[WTA · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eldest brother had his own struggle with addiction and I found through reading this book that I had a clearer understanding of what he went through, and why he made some of the decisions that he did that hurt us. And why it took more than a decade for him to work through his addiction. I’m so grateful for that. This story is so relatable to many, of course unique in its own way. I didn’t expect to feel so strongly from it, but the writing and honesty touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a therapist and being in the mental health field for over 15 years, I really recommend this book. Anne Moss does an excellent job of describing her son’s pain and struggle through his music. It was well written and I didn’t want to put it down. I felt as if I knew Charles through Anne Moss’s descriptive writing. I bought two extra copies for my friends. I will give it to my clients too who struggle with mental illness, addiction and suicide.

[Stefon Dunkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very touching and it is a big inspiration. Its a must read!!!! Anne Moss Rogers is a very strong brilliant lady and all that she went through with her sons death she is standing tall and giving back trying to help encourage those who has went through the same thing or know of anybody who has. I commend her for this book. This book should be rated #1 Best Book In The Whole Entire World. Thanks for writing this!!!!!!!

[Leigh Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational book, how a mother overcomes a tragedy. Having been in the same situation myself, I know how hard it is to move forward with one’s life. Reading about others makes me realize what a systemic problem this is. And how Drs don’t know much about how to prevent suicide. Well written - we get a feel about how this tragedy can affect anyone. Depression affects the brain and love can’t save a person who is suicidal. Anne Moss Rogers is very brave.

[Brooke Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling and poetic lyrics written by Charles Aubrey Rogers alternate with Anne Moss' narrative of her experience as his mother. Such an important story! It made me feel less alone as the mother of an addict and gave me hope that readers will come away with a better understanding of how hard it is to parent a child with mental health challenges. It is time to end the stigma and find better treatment options.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book mirrored my son and my own situation. I lost him to suicide 4 months ago. Anne writes so well around the emotions she experienced along the journey and to know that what I am experiencing is ‘normal’ was very comforting at a time that it is so needed. I hope in time I can also find the strength to give back as Anne has

[Vivian Reiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book who wants to know about addiction and suicide. Make sure you have a box of tissues around. The stigma surrounding the death or people who who don’t understand what it does to the survivors.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

difficult to consider the pain for this family