Night Falls Fast cover art

Night Falls Fast

Understanding Suicide

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Night Falls Fast

By: Kay Redfield Jamison
Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Kay Redfield Jamison
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About this listen

 Critical reading for parents, educators, and anyone wanting to understand the tragic epidemic of suicide—”a powerful book [that] will change people's lives—and, doubtless, save a few" (Newsday).

The first major book in a quarter century on suicide—and its terrible pull on the young in particular—Night Falls Fast is tragically timely: suicide has become one of the most common killers of Americans between the ages of fifteen and forty-five.

From the author of the best-selling memoir, An Unquiet Mind—and an internationally acknowledged authority on depression—Dr. Jamison has also known suicide firsthand: after years of struggling with manic-depression, she tried at age twenty-eight to kill herself. Weaving together a historical and scientific exploration of the subject with personal essays on individual suicides, she brings not only her remarkable compassion and literary skill but also all of her knowledge and research to bear on this devastating problem. This is a book that helps us to understand the suicidal mind, to recognize and come to the aid of those at risk, and to comprehend the profound effects on those left behind. Mental Health Mood Disorders Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health

Critic reviews

"Jamison writes with authority, clarity and clinical reserve. Powerful as her medicine is, her poetic accounting of this dark death is more affecting still."—Baltimore Sun

"Jamison brings us face to face with the suicidal mind in a manner so intense and penetrating that, paradoxically, the immersion in despair she offers is a source of great pleasure."—The Washington Post Book World

"This powerful book will change people's lives—and, doubtless, save a few."—Newsday


"A profound and impassioned book—it will stand as the authoritative study of suicide for many years."—William Styron, author of Darkness Visible

"[Jamison] writes not only in fierce opposition to suicide, but also in passionate vindication of life."—The New York Times Book Review
All stars
Most relevant
I listened to all of this book in 2 sessions. I'm not going to lie, it is painful in some parts. I felt a rollercoaster of emotions listening to this. Overall the book brings understanding and explains the aftermath the family has to endure afterward.

Trying to Understand is Key to Healing

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For the same reasons the book was written it was a bit tough cake for me to eat, yet very early it took me by the hand and let me see a broad and clear picture of all related to this "untold epidemic" of suicide. For anyone attempting to understand oneself more, see through the conspiracy of silence better, or even seeking relief while suffering from suicide of a close one, this is in my consideration the single best book ever written on account of suicide. Across listening I was covered in thrill, cried myself to calm, it brought many moments of deep understanding, myself, others. I am thankful for such a book of wisdom so much.

Excellence of approach, mastery of writing skills

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The author did an excellent job in explaining a very difficult and important subject. I would highly recommend it to anyone dealing with suicide

Excellent book

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Desperately wanted, needed to love this book to help me understand something I have been struggling with for years. Unfortunately the monotone narration has no feeling or true identity behind it and sounds like something google would churn out after translation!

From what I did get in the first two chapters, I also felt that the madness of those who suffer was at times glorified, and at other times patronised by utilising so many nonsensical poetic verses and quotes. There is no poetic justice in suicide and no matter how many famous artists end their life, nor will it be as romantically peacefull as this book makes it sound!

Awful

Unable to listen to the computerised voice!

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I really wanted to like this book, but the narration was so bad it was hard to listen to.

The author speaks in a slow emotionless voice. Quite frankly it sounded like she was drugged on many occasions.

The narration can make or break a book and it definitely broke this one.

Strong story, rubbish narration

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