By Beth Harrison St. Amand Edited by Dolly Gudder Cover and format design by Mark St. Amand Cover and content art by Gregory St. Amand
ABOUT
FIND GREGORY ST. AMAND: WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SON? is a brave important memoir exploring the complicated subject of suicide through a mother’s search for an answer to her question, What happened to my son?
“For my beloved son and for all the Gregs in the world, this book is my contribution to the suicide discussion. It is my sincere hope that it will encourage comfortable conversations about suicide, particularly among parents and children. Thank you for reading Greg’s story.” — from Author’s Note
After her son’s death, St. Amand begins to understand how unaware parents are about the risk for suicide in children, and how misinformation contributes to the problem. She reviews her son’s life through the lens of research, and in the process confronts her own misunderstandings about suicide. Honest, powerful, and unflinching, the memoir is a wake-up call, particularly for parents, challenging us to pay attention to suicide’s broad picture, to lessen the stigma and talk openly about suicide in order to help save lives.
Psychologists and counselors recommend the book for older youth and adult audiences as a means to encourage dialogue on the subject of suicide and encourage those who struggle to reach out for support and treatment.
“This important book deserves wide readership.” –Dr. Richard Harris, Emeritus Professor of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University
“…everyone training to be a provider needs to read this.” –Dr. Michael Welsh, Clinical Psychologist
“Your book hits the nail on the head.” –Suicide loss survivor, parent
“There were moments I had to reread the chapter or a few paragraphs because they were so profound.” –Reader
“I was so angry at my niece, but now I understand. Your book helped me so much.” –Suicide loss survivor, aunt
“In Find Gregory St. Amand the recourses are invaluable, Beth Harrison St. Amand’s words are honest and heartfelt, and are a beautiful tribute to her son. This book needs to find its way in to many more hands. Find Gregory St. Amand could save a life or even comfort someone who has already lost a loved one. Five stars – Inspirational!” –Jennifer Hass, Reader Views
Was the author’s use of elements to structure the book interesting or distracting, i.e. Facebook posts, quotes, references, and art? Does the structure make sense? Why or why not?
Was the author’s use of personal experience powerful, effective, discrediting, or demeaning to the book’s subject? Why?
Does the author’s use of different writing styles to transition the book enhance or take away from the reading experience? What styles do you recognize?
What is the author’s overall language in the book–passionate, dispassionate, earnest, objective, or subjective? Is the tone positive, negative, argumentative, hopeful, antagonistic, empathetic?
What is the book’s main subject? Do you think the main subject could be different for individual readers? Why?
Does the author clearly identify the purpose for the book? What do you think it is? Do you think she achieves it?
What main points are made in the book? Do you agree or disagree with the author? Why?
Does the author present solutions to identified problems? Who implements the solutions? How probable is success? Can you implement the solutions in your own life?
What are the controversial issues raised in the book? What side or sides do you take?
Does the author convey what is opinion and what is fact?
What specific passages struck you as significant, interesting, profound, illuminating, or disturbing? Why?
Is the book memorable? Why or why not?
Did the book broaden your perspective on suicide, emotional and mental health, community responsibility, and grief? How?
Do the issues brought up in the book impact your life in some way? How?
What changes do you plan to make, if any, after reading this book?
