Books matching: suicide contemplation
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- #1
Save:A quietly powerful, poetic novel that finds humor and hope in unlikely places - perfect for thoughtful readers, but best enjoyed slowly and with patience for its meditative style.
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong follows the story of Hai, a nineteen-year-old Vietnamese boy who reaches a breaking point and contemplates ending his life. His life takes a turn when he meets Grazina, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, who persuades him to live with her. Their relationship is central to the novel, as they navigate themes of memory, trauma, and the human experience, with Grazina’s delusions providing a unique backdrop against which they bond.
Vuong's writing style is both poignant and lyrical, blending humor and pathos. The novel presents a vivid portrayal of characters in a fast-food restaurant that contrasts their dreams with harsh realities. It's a deep exploration of society's neglect and the quest for connection in a dismal world. Though it lacks some of the lyrical poetry of his prior work, the emotional depth and character-driven narrative keep readers engaged throughout this impactful story.
But it’s beautiful here, even the ghosts agree. Mornings, when the light rinses this place the shade of oatmeal, they rise as mist over the rye across the tracks and stumble toward the black-spired pi...May 2025•441 pages - #2
Save:'A Breathless Place' by Harper Bliss is a poignant and emotional exploration of loss, acceptance, hope, and love. The story follows Izzy, a former singer, as she navigates through grief, suicide contemplation, and ultimately finding a new purpose in life. The plot delves deep into Izzy's psyche, fears, and emotional journey, offering a raw and thought-provoking narrative that captivates readers. The writing style masterfully portrays the complex emotions and inner turmoil of the characters, providing a moving survival story of two women in their late 50s.
I stare at my computer screen. The cursor blinks mockingly on the white background of the Word document. It’s supposed to be the first of many. If this is the speed I’m going to be working at, I might...September 2020•269 pages A foundational classic that shaped Romanticism, The Sorrows of Young Werther is beautifully written and impressively honest about heartbreak, depression, and obsession - but expect a lot of dramatic angst. If you want a glimpse into the emotional storms of youth or the roots of modern literary angst, definitely give it a try!
'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a Romantic novel that tells the story of a young man named Werther who falls deeply in love with a woman named Charlotte, who is already engaged to another man. The book is written in diary form and consists of a series of letters written by Werther to his friend Wilhelm, detailing his unrequited love and emotional struggles. Werther's passionate and sensitive nature, along with his opposition to societal norms, leads him to a tragic end as he contemplates suicide due to his doomed desire for Charlotte.
1774•174 pages- #4
Save:A bittersweet, beautifully layered story that delivers both laughter and tears - this is comfort reading for anyone who believes in second chances and the hidden depths of even the grumpiest souls.
A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming story about a grumpy old man, Ove, who is grieving the death of his wife and contemplating suicide. However, his plans are constantly interrupted by new neighbors and various situations that force him to interact with the world around him. The book delves into Ove's past, revealing the reasons behind his grumpiness and showcasing his transformation as he forms unexpected connections with those around him. The writing style is described as charming, sweet, and humorous, with a balance between touching moments and light-hearted humor.
He drives a Saab. He’s the kind of man who points at people he doesn’t like the look of, as if they were burglars and his forefinger a policeman’s flashlight. He stands at the counter of a shop where...2012•358 pages - #5
Save:Literary, hypnotic, and layered - Auster delivers a haunting meditation on grief, art, and the nature of reality. Not a breezy read, but a rewarding one for those who like thought-provoking fiction.
The Book of Illusions by Paul Auster follows the story of Vermont professor David Zimmer, who becomes a recluse and an alcoholic after losing his wife and two young sons in a plane crash. His life takes a turn when he discovers a lost film by silent comedian Hector Mann, who disappeared mysteriously in 1929. This discovery leads Zimmer on a journey around the world to research and write a book on Mann, ultimately receiving a letter claiming Mann is still alive. The book intertwines David's journey of grief and recovery with the mysterious life of Hector Mann, creating a multi-layered narrative with mounting tension and a final reveal in the closing pages.
EVERYONE THOUGHT HE was deade. When my book about his films was published in 1988, Hector Mann had not been heard from in almost sixty years. Except for a handful of historians and old-time movie buff...2002•340 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully written, contemplative novel about a man’s final journey both on the road and within himself. It's quiet, lyrical, and thought-provoking - perfect for readers who appreciate depth, setting, and slow-burning, emotional stories.
'East of the Mountains' by David Guterson follows the story of Ben Givens, a retired heart surgeon diagnosed with terminal cancer who plans a hunting trip as a ruse to cover up his planned suicide. However, his journey takes unexpected turns, leading him to confront his mortality, revisit his past, and rediscover the value of life through encounters with various characters. The narrative beautifully explores Ben's internal conflicts and emotional journey as he navigates the landscapes of eastern Washington, reflecting on his childhood, wartime experiences, and personal relationships.
On the night he had appointed his last among the living, Dr. Ben Givens did not dream, for his sleep was restless and visited by phantoms who guarded the portal to the world of dreams by speaking rele...April 1999•303 pages - #7
Save:A quietly powerful novel about the cost of compromise and the struggle to stay true to oneself. Not Steinbeck’s most famous, but it lingers in the mind - an underrated, thought-provoking gem for those willing to lean into its challenging questions.
"The Winter of Our Discontent" by John Steinbeck follows the story of Ethan Allen Hawley, a man who comes from a once prosperous family that has fallen on hard times. As a grocery store clerk, Ethan struggles with maintaining his integrity while his family longs for their former wealth. The novel delves into Ethan's internal conflict as he faces societal pressures and gradually compromises his morals to gain financial success. Steinbeck's writing style intricately explores the quotidian moments of Ethan's life, highlighting the themes of morality, integrity, and the consequences of one's choices on family and society.
“Oh! You’re just silly again. Here’s your list.” She tucked it in his breast pocket. “Seems like a lot. But it’s Easter weekend, don’t forget—and two dozen eggs, don’t forget. You’re going to be late....1960•361 pages - #8
Save:'Cecilia' by Frances Burney follows the story of Cecilia, a young heiress who is placed under the care of three guardians until she comes of age. Each guardian is preoccupied with a particular vice, leading Cecilia to navigate through a society filled with deceit, false friends, and challenges. The novel delves into the shortcomings of the guardians, the shallowness of society, and the hardships faced by the poor, portraying the characters as caricatures in a moral tale. Cecilia's journey involves realizing the true intentions of those around her and maintaining her dignity and code of behavior in scandalous 18th-century London.
1782•214 pages - #9
Save:A sharp, melancholic novella about loss, self-deception, and risky transformation - brilliantly written but emotionally heavy. Perfect for fans of Roth and those drawn to unapologetically honest explorations of what it means to grow old.
Philip Roth's 'The Humbling' is a poignant exploration of love, ageing, and failure through the lens of Simon Axler, an aging actor who loses his ability to act and falls into a deep depression. The story delves into his relationship with Pegeen, a younger woman, and how his outdated chauvinistic beliefs lead to misunderstandings and heartbreak. Roth weaves a tale of suicide, desire, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of a luminous writing style that captivates the reader from the first page.
HE’D LOST HIS MAGIC. The impulse was spent. He’d never failed in the theater, everything he had done had been strong and successful, and then the terrible thing happened: he couldn’t act. Going on-sta...2009•156 pages - #10
Save:A bittersweet, nostalgia-tinged Poirot mystery best suited to Christie devotees, but not the sharpest gem in her crown.
"Elephants Can Remember" in the 'Hercule Poirot' series by Agatha Christie follows the investigation of an old case by Hercule Poirot, at the request of his friend Mrs. Oliver. The case involves a mysterious death pact of a couple many years ago, and the couple's surviving acquaintances with elephantine memories are consulted to uncover the truth behind their deaths. As Poirot and Mrs. Oliver delve into the past events, they uncover a secret that was never meant to be revealed, leading to a solution that challenges Poirot's little grey cells.
