When Living Hurts

School Library Journal

YA A book directed at teenagers who may be feeling suicidal as well as their friends and family. While the advice may not be much different from that in other books such as Klagsbrun's Too Young to Die Houghton, 1976, the format and the tone are different. The advice is concrete and concise. In advising how to deal with someone who is feeling depressed or suicidal, Gordon does not give general ideas of what to say or do; he states, ``Say this, not that. Do this, not that.'' This specificity should be helpful and comforting. The format is inviting, with many black-and-white photos and drawings. The page layout is open. There is no index, but the table of contents is complete. Among the topics discussed which may cause depression are troubles with parents, loss of faith, sex and love worries and troubles with peers. Gordon gives suggestions for further reading, and in one case suggests asking a librarian for guidance. A list of crisis and suicide prevention hotlines nationwide is included. Although the book is published by a Jewish organization, Gordon emphasizes that the few religious messages could be applied to any faith or be ignored by those of no faith. An outstandingly accessible, readable and helpful book that should be in every library serving teenagers. Betsy Shorb, PGCMLS, Md.