Back From Suicide

Before and After the Essential Patrick

Non-Fiction - Memoir
385 Pages
Reviewed on 07/05/2025
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Author Biography

Marie Lisette Rimer grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and earned a BA in sociology and an MA in secondary education at the University of Connecticut. She was a publicist for the Connecticut legislature where she wrote newsletters, speeches, and press releases for state newspapers. She was an award-winning English teacher at Rectory School in Pomfret, Connecticut and began the school newspaper.

The joy of three children and country living with her husband Robert Wood were shattered by the suicide death of her youngest son, Patrick Wood. She began a search to learn why—at first through Patrick’s life and then through the ravages of depression and her mother’s similar death. Back from Suicide is the story of life after tragedy. It is the fall from grace and the search for respite through understanding.

    Book Review

Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite

Back From Suicide is a moving memoir detailing the life of Patrick Wood, a well-loved and gifted young man who struggled with mental health issues. With a vibrant social circle and a longed-for programming internship in Munich, Patrick seemed to be thriving. However, after a painful rejection from someone he cared about, he fell into a deep depression and committed suicide only a few weeks later. After Patrick’s death, Marie Lisette Rimer set out on a lengthy journey to comprehend what exactly transpired. In so doing, she uncovered how mental challenges can affect a person's life, and how society frequently ignores the signs of excruciating mental illness in youths. Her soul-stirring reflections offer priceless guidance for parents, communities, and educators who want to support youths struggling with mental health concerns and learn warning signs.

Back From Suicide by Marie Lisette Rimer is a beautifully and courageously written memoir that will linger in your soul long after you read it. It is an impactful journey that explores grief, mental illness, acceptance, healing, and the quest for understanding. Rimer writes from a place of emotional clarity, raw honesty, and empathy. She shares Patrick’s story, including emotional reflections about his brilliance, compassion, and deep struggles. Even though I have never met Patrick, I already feel like I know him personally. The book will offer solace and discernment to anyone affected by the traumatic loss of a loved one or mental health challenges. It is an essential and sympathetic read that does a great job of shedding light on a very pertinent concern. Not only is it a heartwarming homage to Patrick Wood, but it is also a call for increased awareness of youth mental health. Highly recommended!

Jackie

I'm only half way through. Had to stop to regroup and to review my feeling about loosing my own son to depression gone unrecognized by me as to the severity of it. Acknowledging but unaware of the power of depression. I will finish the book in time when I'm ready to move to the next stage.