Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt Hardcover – June 27, 2013

Ever since I saw Kevin Hines on the 2006 documentary film, "The Bridge," I knew his story was unique. In his book, Kevin shares his life events before, during, and after his suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge. He also gives the reader an insight into his mind as he struggles with bipolar disorder. As soon as I received "Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt" in the mail, I could not stop reading as I kept turning the pages day and night. Not once did I get bored with this book as Kevin has a way with words, especially when describing his own mentality. I must give him praise for sharing his personal life with brutal honesty. Each chapter tells its own story. Even after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge and surviving such an attempt, he does not live "happily ever after": Kevin admits that each and every day is a challenge to live life to the fullest as there is no "cure" for bipolar disorder or any other mental illness. In this beautifully-written memoir, Kevin Hines does not hold anything back. Kevin reminds everyone that life is truly a gift that should not be taken for granted. Suicide has never, is never, and will never be the solution to any problem. He also gives advice on how to reach out to others if anyone is going through a difficult time with a mental illness. There is help. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt alone in this world due to life's struggles. In reality, no one is alone: Kevin shows that he cares about others who can relate to him by giving hope through his words of encouragement. I hope Kevin Hines will write more books in the future on living mentally well as he has a very powerful voice that can help others.

Having been touched with family members suffering with depression and suicidal issues, I was actually afraid to open this book, but Kevin tells his story in such an honest and non dramatic way, it is therapeutic to read about what someone else's struggle is like. I think it can be really helpful for mental health workers who have not experienced this and need to see what it is rally like to experience mental health issues and psychiatric care and the problems with access to medication. If you have a chance to learn more about Kevin, I encourage you to, he is incredibly inspiring.

After watching several videos from Kevin Hines, I decided to purchase his book and it's a definite must-read for anyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts or know someone who does. Kevin offers hope and encouragement through the power of his story! Even though he has his challenges, he lives a life of determination to keep going! His story is one that resonates with me personally and has given me the courage to be here tomorrow!

he came off sounding all high and mighty. Like he was proud of jumping off the golden gate bridge and surviving. I understand he feels lucky and blessed, that is understandable. But I felt that he felt both ways. By the end of the book I was kind of turned off. But overall the book was very good. A lot of what he wrote hit home for me. I also have bipolar disorder and have suicidal thoughts when I'm not doing well. Which is often, unfortunately.Definite read.

This an outstanding story of a man who suffered from bipolar disorder, jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge in a suicide attempt and survived. It shares the experience he had, how this act and survival taught him momentous life lessons and gave him hope in his survival further.I heard the author speak a few weeks ago at a Suicide Summit. Kevin's suicidal act, which he survived, launched him into a speaking career to help others with similar struggles.

Following the loss of my brother to suicide in 2015 this book acted like a bridge to imagine that fork in fate where "What if he survived his fall?" could have played out. Wish I'd come across this when It came out as there still would have perhaps been a way to influence my brother to find a strategy for staying here on Earth, despite the challenges.Kevin doesn't glorify the event in unrealistic terms. He delves into what it took for him to stay as well as possible following his recovery from this lowest point in his life.He continues to share his story and works like a champion to help others find a way to step back from that ledge. Look forward to seeing the movie he has been working on.

Kevin's unique, honest insight into the bi polar mind/ suicidal mind is a must read. I got goose bumps multiple times when reading this book. You will not be able to put it down, I picked it up and was engrossed for hours-- practically read it cover to cover in one sitting. Each chapter starts so powerfully i.e. "I was just a kid, only nineteen years old when I jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge. I was, in essence, at the very beginning of my life, yet I could only focus on ending it." Beautifully written. When I say this book is for everyone, it is. Whether you are struggling to stay mentally healthy, are in the mental health field, have a loved one that you are concerned about, or have ever thought how to respond to someone in crises, read this book. It will save lives.

Definitely for anyone even considering suicide. Should be mandatory reading for all high school students and military veterans -- the two groups most at risk.

Merci

my fave book of 2019 so far im in love with this book i cant put it down

Book arrived quite quickly. Grest read. Highly recommend.

Bought this for my daughter as she is having some difficulties in her life and she's really enjoyed the book

Couldn't put this down. A very compelling story from a very inspirational man