A Navy veteran and an entrepreneur, Klaas doesn’t “claim to be an expert on the subject” of suicide. But, as someone who attempted suicide, he knows from firsthand experience the power of hearing the tales of other survivors and the importance of recognizing that “there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how hopeless and dark things may seem.” In this concise anthology, he provides 50 inspirational stories of celebrities who not only survived an attempted suicide, but also made the world a better place by becoming activists or enriching the lives of millions through their athletic prowess, movies, TV shows, or songs. Most of the figures in the book, each of whom is given a brief biographical vignette—often no more than a couple of pages—are contemporary luminaries who range from gymnast Simone Biles and rapper Nicki Minaj to comedian Drew Carey and singer Ozzy Osbourne. There are also a few 20th-century historical figures mixed in, such as Walt Disney and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (who battled depression his entire life and attempted suicide at the age of 12). The book does an admirable job of identifying a diverse range of famous people who cross gender, racial, and generational lines, including legends like Hank Williams Jr. and Johnny Cash, whose public displays of machismo masked self-doubts, addictions, and mental health crises. At under 150 pages, this accessible work is designed to uplift readers with inspirational tales that acknowledge, but do not dwell on, issues related to mental health, suicide, and addiction. Each chapter includes hyperlinked references for those who want to know more about the volume’s entries. The book concludes with a multipage reference guide to American and international resources for those who need help.
THE BODY ALONE
July 3, 2024