Project Semicolon: Your Story Isn't Over

Gr 9 Up—A collection of short essays penned by individuals grappling with suicide, compiled by Project Semicolon, a mental health organization that focuses on suicide prevention. An opening note to readers warns that those who have suicidal ideation should consider not reading this book if they feel that the content may be triggering. The stirring entries include discussions on addiction, mental health diagnoses, traumatic experiences, or feeling like an outsider. Overall the book acts as a source of awareness; the featured stories are for everyone to listen and share. Additionally, the inclusion of photographs from Project Semicolon provides a powerful visual narrative. (In 2013, Bleuel, founder of the project, called for those affected by mental illness to draw a semicolon on their wrist and post their pictures on social media.) Ultimately, the collection destigmatizes suicide and promotes the power of story.