The Bellmaker (Redwall, Book 7)

Amazon.com

Vicious Foxwolf, Urgan Nagru--a fox who long ago discovered the body of a wolf and skinned it to wear as his own--is holding the young Mariel and Dandin captive. The pair are at the mercy of the evil despot and have only one hope of survival. But can they really count on the legendary freedom fighter, Martin the Warrior, to come to their rescue?

The Bellmaker fairly boils over with passion, intrigue, and adventure. A true page-turner, the heat is immediately turned to high, and never cools until the close of the very last chapter. Brian Jacques's skill lies in creating fantastical yet believable characters, placing them in an extraordinary yet convincing setting and then letting loose with a flood of imagination that takes the breath away. One of the best writers of our time, Jacques comes through once again for his readers in this remarkable tale of good triumphing over evil. --Susan Harrison

Book Description

It has been four seasons since Mariel, the warrior-mouse daughter of Joseph the Bellmaker, and her companion, Dandin, set off from Redwall to fight evil in Mossflower. Nothing has been heard of them since. Then one night, in a dream, the legendary Martin the Warrior comes to the Bellmaker with a mysterious message. Clearly, Mariel and Dandin are in grave danger. Joseph and four Redwallers set off at once to aid them. As they push over land and sea, they cannot know the terrible threats they face. Will the Bellmaker and his companions arrive in time to help Mariel and Dandin?

Customer Reviews:

Southsward.......2007-08-03

Urgan Nagru the Foxwolf has taken over Southsward, and it is up to Joseph the Bellmaker to stop him. This book, is exciting and true to the line of Redwall books. A definite read for Redwall fans (or anyone else - they can be read alone). Have fun reading it!

-Emma

pretty good.......2007-04-03

Do you like adventure mystery and battles between good and evil ? If you do than you will love The Bellmaker by british author Brian Jacques. In the book the evil foxwolf Urgan Nagru, is sick of the cold northern air. He and his mate, Silvamord, decide to travel south. They set off with their faithful followers, a horde of gray rats. Once the evil fox is satisfied with the warm air, he sets his eyes on the mighty castle floret. This book will captivate children from years ten to !

gripping, funny, but flat........2006-12-20

I do not normally read this sort of book- I am normally sickened by talking animals. However, although this book had some good ingredients- it was gripping and made me want to read on, while some parts made me laugh, I found there were too many characters, and many were rather undeveloped and indistinguishable from one another (sorry about the long words). For example, Foremole and Furrp might as well have been the same mole, while some of the horderats only appear for two sentences before being killed. Sometimes I felt that the story could have functioned without the bonus characters, and there was quite a lot of stereotyping: foxes, rats- nasty evil scum. Mice, hares, etc. : good as gold. It was a little predictable in places and similar to many other of his books- evil fox/rat/wolf catches someone, everyone else tries to save them, someone dies, everyone is sad, baddie dies, the end. I did enjoy Blaggut because he was an exception to the tiresome 'good and evil full stop' rule and he made me laugh, along with Egbert the scholar because he was so quirkily different. I also loved the shrike ( can't pronounce his name!) Overall, I liked this book, but these flaws did annoy me. Read it if you enjoy Brian Jacques' stories, but not if you are a little paranoid or get irritated by anthropomorphic animals. :)

exciting.......2006-08-15

This book was good but not spectaculare. I think it would be better if they caught every bad animal in the castle and came up from Egbert's tunnels. This book is just not as good as the other books of the redwall series.

One of my favorite Redwall books.......2006-04-28

I recall this book from when I was younger, a lot younger, and I enjoyed it a lot back then. I recall reading it about six or seven times, and I just revisited it now almost nine years later.

What I liked then was that it was an easy, entertaining read - you get sucked right in to the wonderfully realized world of Redwall, which is consistently populated with interesting characters and its own fascinating mythos. The story in this edition gets up and running very quickly, comes to a perfect climax with an awesome conclusion, that makes for a great read.

But now, some years later, the book's shortcomings are more obvious. The book suffers from the age old problem that has existed in the genre since Tolkien's day, and that is certain races that populate Redwall are always evil, without a chance for redemption and that all of the races in general conform to narrow stereotypes that are not as well justified as they are in Lord of the Rings. The book has uneven pacing - the author spends a lot of time describing how wonderous the feasts and songs are, and the songs and poems aren't actually that bad, but the endless mentions of strawberry fizz and damson wine and so on grow very thin, especially since nobody would actually eat anything like that in the first place.

But the biggest shortcoming of this book, as with almost all of the Redwall books after the first few, is that they all conform to almost exactly the same formula. I will not explain it here, but after a few books - especially the most recent ones like the Taggerung and Legend of Luke and so on - the story develops very predictably and it really spoils what is otherwise probably one of the most consistently enjoyable series of books I have ever come across.

Other things to concerned parents - yes, the book is violent in parts, but not to the point of requiring editing. I have read far more graphic books, and this is pretty PG stuff. I mean, the Ninja Turtles squashed Shredder in the first movie and it was only PG. This is about as graphic, and serves a great role in the story.

Brian Jacques Set 4 (The Bellmaker; Outcast of Redwall) (Redwall Series, Volume 7-8)

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Brian Jacques Set 4 (The Bellmaker; Outcast of Redwall) (Redwall Series, Volume 7-8)
Brian Jacques
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: B000LO5QYK

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The Bellmaker (Redwall, Book 7)
Brian Jacques
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Outcast of Redwall (Redwall, Book 8)

ASIN: B000KKLOLY

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THE BELLMAKER
Brian Jacques
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O7PXOC

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THE BELLMAKER
Brian Jacques
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGTXO4

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The Bellmaker [Unabridged]
Brian Jacques
Manufacturer: Recorded Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
Similar Items:

Martin the Warrior (Redwall, Book 6)

ASIN: 1419389548

Product Description

9 discs/10.25 hours

The Bellmakers ("Woman's Weekly" Fiction)

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The Bellmakers ("Woman's Weekly" Fiction)
Jean Chapman
Manufacturer: Arrow (A Division of Random House Group)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Redwall, Mossflower, Mattimeo, Mariel of Redwall, Salamandastron, Martin the Warrior, Bellmaker, Outcast of Redwall, Pearls of Lutra, Long Patrol, Marlfox, Legend of Luke, Lord Brocktree, Taggerung, Triss, Loamhedge, Rakkety Tam, High Rhulain (Redwall, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)

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Redwall, Mossflower, Mattimeo, Mariel of Redwall, Salamandastron, Martin the Warrior, Bellmaker, Outcast of Redwall, Pearls of Lutra, Long Patrol, Marlfox, Legend of Luke, Lord Brocktree, Taggerung, Triss, Loamhedge, Rakkety Tam, High Rhulain (Redwall, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Brian Jacques
Manufacturer: Ace/Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WL7IES

Product Description

A complete set of the first 18 books in Brian Jacques' popular and well written fantasy series for children, set in a faux-medieval world populated by anthropomorphic mice, badgers, otters, hares, and others.

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The Bellmaker: A Tale from Redwall

Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HKJC1Q

4-book Set From the Redwall Series; Mariel of Redwall (1991), Salamandastron (1992), Martin the Warrior (1993), the Bellmaker (1994) By Brian Jacques

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4-book Set From the Redwall Series; Mariel of Redwall (1991), Salamandastron (1992), Martin the Warrior (1993), the Bellmaker (1994) By Brian Jacques
Brian jacques
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WBJXFA

Product Description

nice clean set of 4 books

Book Description

It's August, 1948, three years after the Russians 'liberated' a tiny nation from German occupation. But the Red Army still patrols the small capital's rubble-strewn streets, and the ideals of the Revolution are but memories. With the war over, twenty-two-year-old Detec-tive Emil Brod finally gets his chance to serve his country, investigating murders for the People's Militia. The victim in Emil's first case is a state songwriter, but the facts point to a political motive and the ambitious Emil would like to investigate further. But even in his naivet, he realizes that the police academy never prepared him for this peculiar postwar environment, in which his colleagues in the homicide department think he's a spy, where lawlessness and corruption are the rules of the city, and in which he's still expected to investigate a murder. The Bridge of Sighs launches a unique series of literary crime novels featuring a dynamic cast of characters in an ever-evolving landscape: the politically volatile terrain of Eastern Europe in the second half of the twentieth century.

Customer Reviews:

No sighs here.......2005-05-12

This novel takes place in 1948 in an unnamed Eastern European country. World War II has come to an end, the country has been liberated from the Germans, and Russian soldiers still occupy the war-ravaged city. Main character, Emil Brod, recent graduate of the police academy, now begins his career as a homicide detective with the People's Militia. Brod, for no reason he can fathom, is shunned by his fellow detectives. After several days of inactivity, Brod is finally given a case--his co-workers wait expectantly for him to fail. A patriotic songwriter for the state has been brutally murdered, and political ties are evident.

The Bridge of Sighs is wonderfully written, rich in vivid and detailed description. Characters are complex in their development, and the book has an overall sense of foreboding.

Edgar nominee historical mystery.......2004-02-27

In Eastern Europe, 1948, twenty two year old detective Emil Brod is given his first murder case for the People's Militia. A famous patriotic songwriter is killed in his home. As Emil investigates the murder he realizes there may have been a political reason for the killing. While questioning the upper hierarchy of the party, he is suddenly suspected of being a spy. With death being the penalty for a convicted spy, Brod now finds his own life in danger. He can expect no help from his colleagues in the People's Militia. Emil, with so much at stake, cannot abandon his search for the truth.
THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS is a period piece historical novel with a major strength being the descriptions of the locale- the exact location of which is unknown. Characters almost play a supporting role to their surroundings. The author keeps things in proper perspective, however, as the plot moves quickly to its clever ending. With the strong reliance on the almost unbearable oppression of the people, one immediately recalls the historical dramas of J. Robert Janes and LIE IN THE DARK by Dan Fesperman. Very well done.

By the Book.......2003-08-14

The Bridge of Sighs takes place in a very unique time and place -- post WWII (1948) and in a tiny Eastern block country. It's wonderful how the hero of our story, Emil Brod, is relentlessly nailed to the wall right from the beginning. He starts a new job, everybody hates him, and things at home -- living with his grandparents -- aren't exactly great, either. And it gets worse before it gets better.

In a nutshell, this is a wonderful by-the-book detective story, though the by-the-book-ness is perhaps its weakest point. The story has been told a million times before -- the woman in trouble, the corrupt official, the hero going through the ringer before overcoming the villain. I just wish Steinhauer would have gone slightly off the formula to keep it a bit fresher.

But that's a very minor complaint. This is a superbly novel with identifiable, realistic characters and a plot that just keeps on moving. Steinhauer can flat-out write: look for a tightly constructed chapter near the middle of the book where he intercuts a flashback (Brod's fight with his arch enemy aboard the ship) and present-day action (a hooker trying to get Brod's attention). Artful, beautiful, perfect.

Cold War Murder in Eastern Europe.......2003-08-04

A not altogether convincing murder mystery set in an unnamed Eastern block nation shortly after WW II. Our hero is the new guy in the pricinct, who lives with mom and dad. A thorough nebish, who, by the end, solves the crime, earns the respect of his hostile comrades, defeats powerful antagonists and gets the girl. So she's over the hill and an alcoholic. It's still a victory. I wonder if they move in with his folks? The narrator is excellent, though the tale is flawed. He has an attractive voice, and makes a brave stab at portraying the transition of our hero from schlepper to mensch.

An ambitious concept that is well handled by Steinhauer.......2003-03-09

THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS by Olen Steinhauer is the debut novel of an ambitious series that begins in 1948 and is set in post-World War II Eastern Europe. The name of the country is not specified but it could be called Everyland. Torn apart by both allies and enemies, the names of these small European nations have come and gone from the headlines, yet the people there continue to struggle with rebuilding and coming to terms with their own identity.

Should they be grateful to their Russian "Liberators" who saved them from the terrifying hands of Nazi storm troopers? Or should they be suspicious of their liberators when they see promises being broken, living conditions becoming worse every day and the sickle of Communism cutting a swath through their already meager existence? These citizens of Everyland experienced the Iron Curtain and all the secrets that lay behind it; many are still struggling with the aftermath of their "liberation" fifty years later.

On his first day as a homicide detective, 22 year-old Emil Brod felt misplaced. Freshly starched uniform, highly polished shoes and naiveté just did not fit in with the rumpled and wrinkled regulars sitting around the dingy squad room of the People's Militia. His various attempts to become acquainted with his fellow inspectors got him nothing but pointedly ignored, verbally threatened and literally hit hard below the belt.

Being a police detective is a tough job under the best of circumstances and seldom do they get to work under the best of circumstances. From Dirty Harry and his conflicts with the politically motivated Captain to Andy Sipowitz being dragged kicking and screaming into political correctness, it's definitely a challenging job. But when a young man tries to do that job in a country where lawlessness and corruption are primarily practiced by the authorities, he really has his hands full. Not to mention that he has to ride the tram to his crime scene and has not even been issued a gun!

THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS is not a story with easy answers and happy endings. It will be uncomfortable for those who recall the Cold War era and may be confusing for those who did not experience it. However, the strength and determination of the young detective is analogous to the courage and fortitude of those in Everyland who are still seeking their rightful place in the world. It is an ambitious concept, well handled by Olen Steinhauer.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding

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The Bridge of Sighs: A Novel
Olen Steinhauer
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTHPFA

Customer Reviews:

I am almost done with it and I LOVE IT!.......2007-04-12

I will forget half the book if I don't write down my review first. I love Nick Drake and his music is a hard pill to swallow for some, but the poor thing had so much going for him and the company he kept was unreal!! You really get a view into the man's music and how the people about him got frustrated by his shyness and reclusive nature. He played for The Stones (at a dinner table) he hung with Winwood's brother, had Richard Thompson on his records, he traveled Europe-UGH!
But as you read it the realization of how he brought up (English style), how he was perceived is exactly how he re acted to those around him. Painfully shy and aloof...If he had been properly diagnosed with his depression early on, I think he would been a lot more popular.
But like most artists, a dead one is a good one...I loved it...it was a good read.

the 2nd book of nick.......2007-01-19

While it has been compared to Patrick Humphries scholarly biography, for not having revealed new insight, it does act as a worthy companion. Especially for Drake'o'philes. Much like his posthumous recordings, they are not definitive, but every new little artifact helps piece a bit more of this man's remarkable (and very short) career together.

Easy to read, but tinged w/some speculation.......2006-11-05

Dann's writing style makes this book perhaps more user friendly than Humphries. I enjoyed the book, with the exception of some speculative aspects, especially concerning possible childhood abuse and his characterization of Nick as a much heavier drug user than the majority of the sources suggest. All evidence available points to a loving family, with a sister still dedicated to preserving her brother's legacy to this day. It could be easy to see how a Father hoping his son would become a doctor or engineer like himself might be disappointed with a musical career choice, but there is nothing to indicate anything untoward. Had there been, perhaps Nick would have gone to live with good friend Billy Squier, rather than go home to Far Leys towards the end. The book is easy to read and with a more streamlined approach than Humphries, with all it's information on the music scene in London in the late 60's. But then, Humphries didn't go to Cambridge as a student and request Nick's old room number, as Dann evidently did. Both books together dovetail nicely, but in Joe Boyd's brief chapters on Nick in White Bicyles, the man came alive more than in either of these two books.

Definitive, well written and authoratative.......2006-04-05

This book is a real achievement. Trevor Dann has done what no one has done before for Nick Drake. Based upon extensive research and careful reconstruction of known data Dann has put together a coherent description of Nick's childhood, school years, recording years and final decline. Important new facts were uncovered, many of which were crucial to the assembly of a coherent understanding of Nick's life, music and death.

I never understood how someone with such talent, from a background of such privilege and from a much touted loving home found so little solace, in the love and support that family provided when he was depressed because his records didn't sell. Now I believe I understand.

Questions about his sexual orientation are answered from new interviews, in the words of many people who knew him.

In short, after reading this book, all of the remaining questions that I had regarding Nick have been answered, and what is more, the answers "feel right".

The book is also a wonderful read. It is very well written, and each sentence is packed with information. There is no sense of things having been added as filler. All such supporting materials are put in appendices at the back of the book. This is an extraordinary first book for Dann, tackling a difficult subject, three decades after Drake's death; it surely is an excellent example of careful, respectful, forensic research, that comes off both literate and authoritative.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Book
I adore this book
GREAT STORY
Great book, is a good example of a rare gem
The deepest sea

The Deepest Sea
Charles Barnitz
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0451455045

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book.......2006-08-13

I do not normally comment on books I have read. However, this is the best book I've read in years. The story grabs you from the first page and doesn't let you go even after the ending. This author definately has the gift of "gab!" I have not been able to find anything else by this author. Does anyone out there have any info on him? If so email me.

I adore this book.......2006-04-16

I have read and reread this book so many times. I love it. My original copy has fallen apart despite the many layers of tape and duct tape. It is everything a good book should be. If you are a lover of european or norse history and appreciate a good story about believable, likeable people, this is not to be missed.

GREAT STORY.......2003-06-19

Very original, highly entertaining, hilariously funny in a couple of places, with a bittersweet twist at the end.
This is an adult oriented novel about a young man growing up in early Nordic society. It touches on adventure, politics, friendship, spirituality and human nature.
The editing could have been better, but it's still a great read.
I wish there were a sequel.

Great book, is a good example of a rare gem.......2002-10-30

I ran across this book during one of those times when you just do not know what you want to read. Sort of like a burn out on fantasy which is my favorite reading.

This is one of those books that you can read, then a few months later blow the dust off and read again. I have read it 3 times now and am just amazed at this writers ability to keep me interested. From the first page to the finale it is wonderful and rich story telling. I do not think he has any other work out there, which is a shame because with this style of writing I could easily call him my favorite writer.

To give away too much of the story in this review would not do the next reader any justice, so you will just have to try it out for yourself. The humor and setting are the best I have ever read. I can give this 5 stars without even considering any other rating, highly recommend it for anyone looking for a book to keep you up into the wee hours of them morning.

The deepest sea.......2002-03-10

This book is the best and most enjoyable book ive ever read!
It is imposible to explain in simple words how it made me feel.
Just read it yourself.

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Darker Than the Deepest Sea
Trevor Dann
Manufacturer: Portrait
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Deep, Deeper, Deepest: Animals That Go To Great Depths (Animal Extremes)

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Deep, Deeper, Deepest: Animals That Go To Great Depths (Animal Extremes)
Michael Dahl , and Brian Jensen
Manufacturer: Picture Window Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Deep, Deeper, Deepest: Man's Exploration of the Sea (Diversification series)

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Fascinating book

Deep, Deeper, Deepest: Man's Exploration of the Sea (Diversification series)
Robert F Marx
Manufacturer: Best Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Written with great enthusiasm, the author of over 15 books, numerous scientific reports, articles and films, captures the history of diving in the old world and continues on through current high tech treasure diving.

This book reaches back in history to describe events from the beginning of diving and even includes many antique drawings depicting the divers of a bygone era, their trials, adventures and inventions.

Of course, no Robert Marx book would be complete without extensive chapters on underwater archaeology and sunken treasure. Both of these areas are covered in detail by the "master" of underwater archaeology. Marx also writes about the history and background of this exciting genre and its origins. Other topics include: Diving Bells, Diving Machines, Diving With a Helmet, Armored Diving Suits, Scuba, Divers in Warfare, Submarines and Submersibles, Underwater Habitats, Underwater Archaeology, Sunken Treasure, Oceanography and Treasure Hunting Goes High-Tech.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating book.......2007-08-16

Marx's book contains an excellent breakdown of diving throughout history. His informative and entertaining descriptions of diving facts and tales made the book a pleasure to read, and I would recommend it to anyone with even the slightest interest in diving.

That Immortal Sea and 16 Other Messages Upholding Christ as the Answer to Man's Deepest Needs

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That Immortal Sea and 16 Other Messages Upholding Christ as the Answer to Man's Deepest Needs
Weatherhead Leslie D
Manufacturer: Abingdon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JCAT6O

Darker Than the Deepest Sea: The Search for Nick Drake

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Darker Than the Deepest Sea: The Search for Nick Drake
Trevor Dann
Manufacturer: PORTRAIT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLOJ8O

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Thank you, Susan!

Just what I wanted

Essential reading

Not So Helpful Overall

Dangerous assumptions

How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention
Susan Rose Blauner
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Suicide | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Suicide | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Suicide The Forever Decision: For Those Thinking About Suicide, and for Those Who Know, Love, or Counsel Them

Step Back from the Exit: 45 Reasons to Say No to Suicide

The Suicidal Mind

Choosing to Live: How to Defeat Suicide Through Congnitive Therapy

Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide

ASIN: 0066211212
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Book Description

An international epidemic, suicide has touched the lives of nearly half of all Americans, yet is rarely talked about openly. In this timely and important book, Susan Blauner breaks the silence to offer guidance and hope for those contemplating ending their lives -- and for their loved ones.

A survivor of multiple suicide attempts, Blauner eloquently describes the feelings and fantasies surrounding suicide. In a direct, nonjudgmental, and loving voice, she offers affirmations and suggestions for those experiencing life-ending thoughts, and for their friends and family. Here is an essential resource destined to be the classic guide on the subject.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the elderly, third among those aged 14-24, and eighth among all Americans. More than 30,000 Americans take their lives annually, and more than 650,000 Americans attempt suicide every year.

In August 2002, Blauner will participate in "Out of the Darkness," the largest ever public awareness event on the topic, in Washington, D.C.

A portion of the book's proceeds will go to the National Hopeline Network/National Suicide Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE).

Customer Reviews:

Thank you, Susan!.......2007-01-31

Susan Blauner's book has helped me immensely. I am so grateful to her for her strength and courage, to stay alive and live so well and share her story, and for being so devoted to helping others do the same.

When I had depression, what helped me the most - despite the fact that I did not actually contemplate suicide - was reading this book and doing the exercises in it (i.e. the "Tricks of the Trade"). I appreciate Susan's clear writing style, her candidness and directness, and her pragmatism. I had been spiraling into depression for weeks, but something "clicked" inside of me when I began reading Susan's words - I realized that helping myself was possible and a worthwhile endeavor! I called in sick to work that day and for the first time, didn't feel guilty and selfish for doing so - I spent the whole day reading the book, and trying Susan's suggestions. I wrote a crisis plan (Trick #3, p. 69), made a "God box" (Trick #7, p. 103), wrote positive affirmations and put them all over my house (Trick #17, p. 165), and called a family member to talk even though asking for help had always been really hard for me (Trick #1, p. 59). It was a great start, and for several days, I carried that book around like a security blanket. One morning I noticed myself start to meltdown "randomly"...and in the past, I wouldn't have known how to stop it, but this time, I went back to the book. I did the "Feelings" and "Feelings vs. Facts" exercises (Tricks #4 and 5, p. 82 and 94), and analyzed what I was thinking and feeling and why. I was able to identify several things that had "triggered" me in the past 12 hours, and thus understood why I was feeling on the verge of a meltdown, and then I was able to see that my feelings were different than the facts. It really worked, and I avoided the meltdown.

When someone I love very much attempted suicide, I immediately bought a copy of Susan's book for him. He has told me it's very helpful, and the book is clear and flows well. I agree - depression clouds the brain, and when just getting out of bed and eating breakfast feels like climbing a mountain, I need simple, clear, gentle words. When I'm deep in depression, I need to read things like step-by-step instructions on how to breathe!! I appreciate how the book teaches coping skills and strategies for people who may not have (m)any.

My depression was situational and I fortunately caught it early before it became very severe. I'm feeling much better now that I've made big lifestyle changes - changes that Susan gave me the courage to make. I'm no longer experiencing depression, but I still refer to Susan's book often, as preventative medicine, in a way. Her philosophies and practices are sound, and help me through rough patches.

I highly recommend How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me to anyone who has depression or cares about someone who has depression.

Just what I wanted.......2006-06-23

When I bought this book I didn't know how it would change my life... It's a lovely book. Susan knows how to be incisive when she needs to, but still she's lovely in this moments. I've considered suicide many times in my life, I'm lucky I never got really to act upon my thoughts...
I've been suffering with depression for years, and now maybe I've found the wall which makes me shift from good mood to bad mood. I think this is the oportunity we all need to see from a different point of view, to get outside our heads and scream that we want help, and that we can help, 'cause we understand.

Essential reading.......2005-11-15

I wish I'd had a copy of this book when I was suicidal. It's full of simple, practical ideas for keeping yourself safe and beginning to feel better. The crisis plan is especially good, and easy to follow even when you find it hard to think straight. The only reason I gave this book four stars rather than five is that I came across it after I'd recovered, and haven't tried out all of its techniques myself - but from my experience of what did help me, they're all excellent.

"How I Stayed Alive..." would also be a useful self-help book for people who self-injure, even if they don't feel suicidal. Most of the suggestions work just as well for getting through the urge to self-harm.

I've heard two main criticisms of this book. The first is that the author wasn't "really" suicidal, but just attention-seeking. I disagree. All suicide attempts should be taken seriously, even if the person's done it many times before, or chooses to get help afterwards. In fact, the more unsuccessful suicide attempts a person has made, the more likely they are statistically to die by their own hand. And seeking medical help after one has taken an overdose can, tragically, be too late. That's why books such as this one are so important, because they help prevent the suicide attempts in the first place. Admittedly, this book is aimed mainly at people whose suicidal thoughts and feelings come and go, and who need help in getting through those difficult times without harming themselves. Someone who is unrelentingly suicidal and not interested in alternative courses of action probably needs to be in hospital, not reading a self-help book.

The other criticism I've heard is that not all the book's suggestions can be used by everyone. That's true. Some people may not have a good friend they can ring up in the middle of the night, while others may not be able to afford therapy. But "How I Stayed Alive..." also contains many techniques that require nothing more than a copy of the book. I'd encourage anyone who uses this book to adapt the crisis plan to their own particular situation, removing any steps that aren't appropriate and adding in anything extra they can think of.

"How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me" should be required reading for anyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or self-harm.

Not So Helpful Overall.......2005-04-04

I am thrilled that proceeds from this book are being donated to 1-800-SUICIDE, a very useful resource. It seems the author suffered more from ideation rather than true suicidality; I didn't find any novel ideas for addressing the latter. Many suggestions presuppose the presence of a support system and financial resources, things lacking for many suicidal people. Most of the Tricks are simply common sense and seem trite to a genuinely suicidal reader. Though glad she made it through her difficult times, I'm still looking for a helpful guide for the chronically suicidal folks who are in grave danger of dying at their own hands.

Dangerous assumptions.......2004-11-07

I will start off by admitting I did not read this entire book. As someone who has struggled with severe depression since I was seventeen, the first few chapters made me angry, nauseated, and eventually frightened. This book will serve to fuel prejudice and contempt towards suicidal people, by claiming it's something that can be averted with a lollipop and a pat on the head; a hysterical search for attention. Obviously the writer did have serious emotional difficulties; but most suicides are committed by people with physical, chemical, mental illnesses, as dangerous and as un-asked for as diabetes or cancer. If you want to know WHY, read Kay Redfield Jamison's "Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide". If you want to know how to make it go away, I still don't have an answer, and I can't trust anyone who claims there's an easy one.

How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention

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How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention
Susan Rose Blauner
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEPB8S

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