Review of Suicide: A Mother's Journey Through Her Child's Pain

[Emeka Emordi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Suicide: A Mother's Journey Through Her Child's Pain" by Melanie Balestra.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The effect fathers have on their children, especially their daughters, cannot be overemphasised. When a father establishes his presence and love in the family, the family will be peaceful, filled with love, and bursting with life. This is taken to the next level if the mother is as supportive of her family as Melanie Balestra is. However, the absence of her husband and adverse vices like drunkenness, lavish spending, lack of attention, and others made Leah suffer great depression, panic attacks, and behavioural disorders.

In Suicide: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Child’s Pain, Melanie is a paediatric nurse and the mother of Leah and Lisa. Leah, her second child, was filled with sorrow from the moment she was born to the fact that her father never showed her love or care. This caused her to seek the attention that her father never gave her from men of various characteristics. She relied so much on validation from guys that her self-esteem and confidence suffered greatly. Her mother was there for her while she went through these emotional upheavals. She tried to help her through the crisis by showing her love and getting psychiatrists and psychologists for her. However, her little was not enough, and she got fed up with life. This book contains a lot of lessons that will be helpful for mothers, psychiatrists, and those going through depression, as it includes helpful tips through the life of Leah that will help them detect, manage, and do all it takes to win over depression.

There are many things I learned from this book. One of them is that having a father figure who is always there for us, showing us love, and telling us how much they care about us is unrivalled. I also learned that, as parents, our kids see what we do and are bound to emulate us. These kids see us as their mentors, so we must be careful what we do in their presence. When her mother tried to correct her, Leah justified her drunkenness by using her father's standards.

I also learned that as parents, we must not assume and act on behalf of our mature children. Sometimes, it deprives them of their freedom and independence. Also, I found out that many times, Melanie assumed a lot. There are many instances where she wrote that she thought her decision was the best for Leah and regretted not asking her for her opinion regarding some steps and decisions. On a norm, I did not see anything wrong in these decisions, but for a kid going through emotional issues, I think they need to be carried along in decisions that will affect their lives directly. I must commend the efforts of Melanie; it is not easy to witness the demise of a child. You can be sure I empathise with you.

The book is not just about the life of Leah; it also contains some research on how to handle depression, panic attacks, and behavioural disorders in kids and teenagers. It also included some helpful advice for parents. And I believe this advice is relatable and worth taking, as it is from someone who has dealt with it firsthand.

I had some reservations about this book. It would have been more relatable if pictures were included in the book, especially the ones where the orb is reflected. It will add more authority and authenticity to it. It also contained more than ten errors. There are still some editing jobs to be done.

Apart from the negatives I mentioned earlier, there is nothing else to dislike in the book. I will therefore rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to parents, psychiatrists, and those suffering from emotional trauma like depression and panic attacks.

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Suicide: A Mother's Journey Through Her Child's Pain
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[Nihel Benatia 1]

As the daughter of two abusive parents , this book would either trigger me a lot or heal me a little , because the experiences of Melanie's daughter are to some level relatable to mine , the mental and emotional issues i still go through from PTSD and other mental mental illnesses I'm suffering with to the reason of my father being emotionally detached and physically abusive , and my mother being emotionally unstable and laid her unhappiness over my shoulders since a young age . This book would probably feel the closest to my heart and mind and i believe i would read it too , thank you so much for your excellent review .

[Jane Ogwang]

The story seems quite emotional. I'm glad the author took the time to research and include insightful information in the book. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Shem Murundu]

It's so much pain for a parent to see their child dying. The book touches very relevant topic, especially in today's world where suicide rates have plummeted. This issue, alongside the issue of parental presence, need to be given more attention and priority. Great review, thanks.

[Edit_or]

This got me emotional but it’s actually realistic because I know real experiences of this kind. Thank you for the detailed review.

[Riquel Maharaj]

A very emotional book . A lot of reality put into the book . Thank you for the detailed review.

[ifexright]

The book touches the deepest part of negegence which affect the up bring of a child just like father of Leah did , Thank you wonderful review

[Enwelem Vick]

This book got me touch, and it really review the pain for a parent to see their children dying, is really helpful.

[Andrea Mejia 1]

This is a kind of story that most families nowadays can relate. Parental support really has an impact to their children. What means to have a family if you are neglected and love is not showered. Big thanks to the author, this can be a good reminder for families to stay uphold with their families’ welfare first.

[Jerry Anozie]

What a mind-gripping title. I was able to flow so well with this review. And the difference is very clear between girls who were raised under a father figure and one who is not raised. This book is so intriguing as the other themes also highlighted seems very fascinating to read.

[Anna_1203]

I can't even imagine what the author had to go through. I think anyone can learn a lesson from this book. Great review.

[Gabriele Mattia Leonardo]

Not every parent loses a child and comes back from it, it is a really difficult time, especially for the mothers who carried the child for 9 months, in expectation of joy and happiness, only for the child to die. Nice review!

[Lucy Apunda]

This is exactly what has happened and is happening to many families. Most of the people in such situation are still feeling depress and facing mental disorders. There could be ways to deal with such situations as mentioned by the author in the review. Great review! so detailed, thanks.

[Ekuma Blessing]

A parent must endure great suffering and hurt when their child passes away. My heart is touched by the book, especially in this day and age when suicide rates are at historic lows. It needs to be given more consideration and priority when coupled with the issue of parental presence. Very good review.

[Sine Doncabe]

This story teach us that if any parents is apsent in children's lives. As present guidance you full filed the space of love.