“REMARKABLE and exciting; a pleasure to read and a treasure to contemplate. It reminded me, simultaneously of Poe’s ‘Descent into the Maelstrom’ and Selzer’s’Raising the Dead’. The book is about recovery and the fructifying role of realistic hope. Abraham Maslow–the patron saint of this book–would have had a peak experience reading it. I enthusiastically recommend it.”

“EXTRAORDINARY! FASCINATING...Worthwhile reading both as a kind of survival epic and for the lessons it affords us all coping with the trials of daily life.”

“It’s hard to imagine a hopeful or inspiring book on suicide until you begin reading the astonishing Waking Up, Alive.”

“In this sensitive book, Dr. Richard Heckler brings compassionate light to a shadowy corner of our psyche.”

“Turning toward suicide can be one of the starkest expressions of human suffering that exists. In this groundbreaking book we are guided into the hearts and minds of those who have descended into this hell realm, and emerged, able to re-choose life and communicate about the journey.”

“This is a wise and ultimately life-affirming work! These moving accounts, written with a great heart of compassion, have a deeply healing effect on the ocean of human tears.”

“Dr. Heckler skillfully guides us through the most unimaginable sorrow and despair and allows us to taste the triumphant harvest of healing and grace.”

“I found Heckler’s Waking Up, Alive at a very crucial time in my life. His wonderful writing style and candid personal sharing make this a powerful book to absorb. His work was the first to speak directly to those who’ve attempted suicide and for decades to follow it was the only resource out there. The world welcomes this reintroduction of a seminal work. It’s a must read for those who’ve tried to commit suicide, and for those who love them.”