This month has ended with the 124th five-star review of my book, Leaving the Hall Light On: A Mother’s Memoir of Living with Her Son’s Bipolar Disorder and Surviving His Suicide. Published four years ago, this makes me feel my memoir still has long legs, that there are many others who can relate to the story I tell about our son’s bipolar disorder and suicide, and of how they affected the lives of my husband, our surviving son, and myself. The book ends on a high note – the marriage of our surviving son, but don’t get me wrong. The grief will never end, I still miss our son desperately, and my memories of him are alive and active, but I’ve been able to move on and live a full life without him. We all have.
Here’s what the latest reviewer on Amazon had to say:
Amazing story of a mother and her family’s journey through the wilderness of suicide grief.
This painfully honest memoir, parallels the experience I recently have had with my son’s 3 year battle with schizophrenia and his death by suicide.
I had chills as I relived the everyday crises, stress, ongoing battle and eventual suicide death the Sharples family endured.
This is the book to read if you want to understand or have experienced the devastating effects of living with someone with mental illness, suicide death and the author and her family’s journey through the wilderness of suicide grief and finding healing and hope again.
New eBook Cover
Dear Reviewer, I am so sorry for the loss of your son, and I’m so pleased you were able to find healing and hope from reading my book. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. And thank you for finding me. I’m glad we can be there for each other.
Madeline, the continuing good reviews must be gratifying, especially when someone writes the review this mother did. I am not surprised Leaving the Hall Light On has long legs!
Thanks so much Sherrey. Yes, it feels good. Yet sales are way low. Anyway I hope all our books have long legs. xo
Madeline,
You are an inspiration not only at dealing with such a tragedy but living with your son’s dramatic mood changes. I too have bipolar and almost committed suicide three times, the last time was drinking bleach. I am so fortunate that my husband has stuck with me through it. I can’t wait to read your book, you are a strong woman and I’m so happy for you that you were able to take this story and make it reach so many people that can say, “Thank God there are people out there who can relate and understand me”. God Bless.
Dear Lori, Thanks for being here and sharing your story with me. Please private message me about setting up a guest post on my blog. I wish you all the best and send blessing to your husband. We need these guys who stick with us no matter what.
And don’t worry about sales the story is helping so many people. I know my book sales are low but the profits go to charity anyway, I’m just so excited at the prospect of how many people it’s reaching.