Many books address what comes after suicide. I have divided these books into two categories: 1) Counseling someone after the suicide of a loved one, and 2) Memoirs and self-help books.

The list below is by no means a comprehensive list. To find more, a search for “suicide survivor” on Amazon will yield hundreds of results. (“Suicide survivor” commonly refers to people who have survived the loss of a loved one. As I explain on my site Speaking of Suicide, I prefer the term “suicide loss survivor,” to differentiate those who have lost someone to suicide vs. someone who has survived a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis.)

Also, as with the other lists of books on this site, note that I have not read all of the books below. Their inclusion here is not necessarily a recommendation or endorsement.

Counseling the Suicide Loss Survivor

General

Jordan, J. R., & McIntosh, J. L. (2010). Grief after suicide: Understanding the consequences and caring for survivors. New York: Routledge.

Linn-Gust, M., & Peters, J. (2010). A winding road: A handbook for those supporting the suicide bereaved. Chellehead Works.

Children

Cammarata, D. T. (2009). Someone I love died by suicide: A story for child survivors and those who care for them. Limitless Press.

Montgomery, S. S., & Coale, S. M. (2015). Supporting children after a suicide loss: A guide for parents and caregivers. CreateSpace Independent Publishing.

Requarth, M. (2006). After a parent’s suicide: Helping children heal. Healing Hearts Press.

Rubel, B. (2009). But I didn’t say goodbye: Helping children and families after suicide. Griefwork Center.

Memoir and Self-Help

Auerbach, S. (2017). I’ll write your name on every beach: A mother’s quest for comfort, courage, and clarity after suicide loss. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Cobain, B., & Larch, J. (2005). Dying to be free: A healing guide for families after a suicide. Hazelden Publishing.

Fine, C. (1999). No time to say goodbye: Surviving the suicide of a loved one. Harmony. 

Henry, W. J. (2016). Suicide: How to cope when someone you love has taken their own life. Christian Faith Publishing.

Hsu, A. Y. (2017). Grieving a suicide: A loved one’s search for comfort, answers, and hope. Intervarsity Press.

Jordan, J. (2016). After suicide loss: Coping with your grief. Caring People Press.

Linn-Gust, M. (2001). Do they have bad days in heaven? Surviving the suicide loss of a sibling. Chellehead Works.

Lukas, C. (2007). Silent grief: Living in the wake of suicide. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Mitchell, E. (2009). Beyond tears: Living after losing a child. St. Martin’s Griffin.

Myers, M. F., & Fine, C. (2006). Touched by suicide: Hope and healing after loss. Avery.

Wickersham, J. (2009). The suicide index: Putting my father’s death in order. Mariner Books.

Wolfet, A. D. (2009). Understanding your suicide grief: Ten essential touchstones for finding hope and healing your heart. Companion Press.

Updated: August 22, 2021