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Do you agree with how the topic of suicide was handled in this book? Personally, I thought it was fantastic and is a great example of dark humour done right. What do you think?

I don't think it was dark humor, and it didn't come off as one for me. I think it was handled properly, as it wasn't triggering to readers. But to see it as dark humor is something I don't think the book intends. It is natural for a child to think that way. Some adults do think that way as well when they attempt suicide. The author describes that he was more afraid of the waves and how he'd die if he pushes through the attempt, this makes me believe that maybe his attempt wasn't that deep enough into depression to actually take his life. I was about to open a topic about this part.

I like it when serious matters are handled in such a way that readers do not find it depressing. I liked the way this topic was handled by the author.

I agree. I think it was handled in a tasteful way that and I did find the author used some humor.

I didn't really see it as "dark humor" but thought that Douglas really captured that feelings of your life being over at such a young age. When faced the unfair accusations over the spilling of the food, I could definitely relate to the childlike assurance that the only logical step would be suicide... and the strength and resolves he gains when he decides he has another option and that he will have a better life.

I didn't read it as humorous. I think that when one is contemplating such serious matters, sometimes the most unexpected things come into our minds, even simple things as being more afraid of waves than of killing oneself. But that's just me lol.

Giving something to the audience with a bit of humour will register it in the minds more firmly. I think that the writer's intent might have been that

I think he had a very good handle of how to deal with serious topics. He didn’t overwhelm the reader, but made sure his opinions were known and that we understood the importance of each situation, like the suicide.

I think that handling a serious issue like this in a light manner is something different. I liked the idea of writer describing it with humor.

I think the serious matter was actually handled with dignity and class. However, I think it wasn't actually meant to be seen as humour, but rather as how the character was feeling in the moment. Within depression there is sometimes dark thoughts that come across as humour but are actually completely meaningful.

Suicide isn't humorous and the author knows this, so I think he handled it seriously because it is a serious topic. It shouldn't be made amusing.

Suicide is a sensitive topic and in my personal opinion, should be handled cautiously and seriously in every way.

Rather than dark humor, in my opinion, it's just more realistic. After all, the impact of death is heavier on those left behind rather than those who died. It's not really an easy concept to understand. No one sees it coming, especially in cases of suicide, and for young people, it's all the more confusing.

Dark humour can be tricky. Especially because there's always a chance that someone might get offended. To even be brave enough to try such a thing is truly commendable. Besides, there's still a lot of stigma around suicide. I think we should acknowledge the author for even trying to address such a issue.

Nym182 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2019, 16:38 I didn't really see it as "dark humor" but thought that Douglas really captured that feelings of your life being over at such a young age. When faced the unfair accusations over the spilling of the food, I could definitely relate to the childlike assurance that the only logical step would be suicide... and the strength and resolves he gains when he decides he has another option and that he will have a better life.

Same thoughts here. I don't think it was meant to be "humorous" or even satire. I think using the term "dark humor" is not appropriate, and just a lack for a better term.