"Surviving" isn't just a book you read; it's a hand you hold when the darkness feels absolute.
As someone who has navigated the complex, often silent grief of suicide loss, finding resources that feel real rather than purely clinical is a rare gift. Lisa Sugarman has achieved something profound here. She doesn't just speak at you with platitudes; she sits with you in the mess of it all.

What makes this book a masterpiece is its duality. On one hand, it is a deeply vulnerable memoir. Sugarman peels back the layers of her own experience as a survivor of multiple suicide losses, including the loss of her father. Her voice is raw, honest, and incredibly validating—reading it feels like a late-night conversation with a wise, empathetic friend who truly "gets it."

But on the other hand, it is an immensely practical field guide. The inclusion of The HelpHUB™ resources and her perspective as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project transforms this from a story of sadness into a tangible toolkit for survival. She bridges the gap between "I am broken" and "Here is how I take the next step."

If you are carrying the heavy, confusing weight of suicide loss, or if you love someone who is, this book is essential. It is a testament to the fact that while grief changes us, it doesn't have to destroy us. As someone who has been struggling with the impact of a loss like this over the last year, this was great!

While the author introduces the book by saying she is not a licensed clinician in counseling, I would put this book as a required read for anyone who has experienced a loss from the act of suicide.

I personally lost my Husband in 2018 to suicide & I approached this book with apprehension because suicide is difficult. It is why for generations, we have tried to avoid discussing anything pertaining to the subject.

I had gone through 4 years of grief therapy with a licensed therapist plus attended 9 months of a voluntary & free weekly support group by the wonderful Empath Tidewell Foundation in Sarasota FL. I have a number of books in my home library that address loss of life by suicide & those have comforted me.

This is a book that needs included because it is one of the very best (if not best) compilations of inward & outward exercises for those who remain plus the author’s valuable commentary. The listing of organizations & outlets for both the short & long-term support of survivors is excellent.

No question this rates 5 Stars because I am a huge believer that suicide must be discussed. Despite my late Husband’s employer wishing I wouldn’t, I will not cover up the nonsense & shenanigans that I feel contributed to his mental illness, alcohol, prescription drug & behavioral addictions.

I think what made me nod my head in agreement with this author’s writing the most was when I called my very best friend the following AM after his suicide late that previous evening. I had known this girlfriend since I was 5 years old & at the time we were 59 years old. Her Father had been my family doctor for the first 18 years of my life plus I just walked in & out of their home for the rest of my days.

I remarked to this dear friend that I had never known anyone that died by suicide & what was I ever going to do? Her response? She said “Oh you have known others in our small town that died by suicide without question. You just were never privy to the death being correctly listed as a suicide. It was called something more acceptable for the times”. She went on recalling too many families that had lost someone to suicide in the 1970s & 1980s.

The more suicide is discussed, the more chance we have to save others. I thank NetGalley, Familius Publishing & the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.