Phil Nery
Amazon Price: $11.95
List Price: $11.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
By: iUniverse, Inc.
Amazon Marketplace: 18
new & used starting at $7.40
|
Buy at Amazon.com
|
Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> Suicide
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> General
Subjects -> Literature & Fiction -> Literary
Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2
Average rating: 4.0 of 5
Highly insightful story 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Shockingly honest and unhesitatingly blunt, "Why?" takes you into the mind of an attempted suicide victim and gives readers a perspective on this tragedy that few writers attempt to tackle-that of the individual himself. The story itself is an emotional roller-coaster and alternates between violent, self-destructive verbal outbursts and somber self-reflection. The result is a book that is nearly impossible to put down. You become so wrapped up in the life of this heartbreakingly idealistic young man that you feel a sort of personal responsibility to hear him out. Which is all the main character, Maxx Springs, ever wanted anyone to do in the first place.
The format of "Why?" is one of the most interesting aspects of the story. The first and last chapters are written from the perspective of Maxx Springs himself; in between, each chapter describes the thoughts of a different person in Maxx's life who has come to visit him in the hospital. It's fascinating to see not only the different perspectives that people have of their relationship with Maxx, but also of their own lives and what has meaning to them. One thing they have in common is their true concern for their friend, their family member, who now lies helpless in a hospital bed. And tragically, the one thing they didn't do enough of was what they all try to do now-tell him how much he means to them.
A significant aspect of this book is that it is not written from the perspective of someone with a life unfamiliar to many of us. Maxx Springs had a comfortable, middle-class upbringing, was able to go to school, and for the most part, it seemed, had a fairly secure future. A series of profound familial problems, however, forced him into a deep depression-an all too common occurrence-so that the world, and life itself, lost its appeal and its beauty and became flat. And being such an idealistic, introspective, and beauty-appreciating individual, it was simply more than Maxx could bear. It is a harsh realization that we all face at some time or another, regardless of our income or social standing-our family and friends, and our world, have many more flaws than we thought they did. Everyone can relate to the feeling you get when you realize that society is mostly indifferent to our individual suffering and that in many ways, we're on our own. For this reason, every reader can relate to the pain Maxx feels and will be drawn into his story. It's a reminder to let people know you care about them and to offer your support when they need it. Otherwise, it may be too late.
"Why?" is not written in high-brow, literary English. The language is shockingly colloquial, and anyone will feel like they're listening to one of their friends from college. Which is just as well-we may know somebody who needs our help. If you want to know the real thoughts of someone who has attempted suicide, or who is in danger of doing so, read this book.
Editorial Review:
“The tragedy of suicide in the United States is very real and each year close to 30,000 Americans die by suicide. It is currently the 11th leading cause of death among all age groups.” —U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Why? Why would someone try to commit suicide? This is the question that family and friends of Maxx Springs are left to ponder after he attempts to kill himself. After going on a harsh diatribe about his life and the world as he sees it, Maxx is left struggling to survive a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Taking turns visiting him in the hospital, a different person from his life gives their perspective of why Maxx attempted suicide while also discussing their own varied philosophies on life.
After hearing all the things his family and friends have to say, yet unable to give them a response, Maxx is left challenging God, Satan and himself…until he has the ultimate epiphany.
