Taking the Cape Off (How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief, and Loss) by Patrick J Kenny is a non-fiction personal development audiobook that would appeal most to a diverse audience of teens and young adults who have experienced loss, survivor's guilt, or a feeling of failing to save someone. Fire Chief Pat Kenny’s 20-year-old son died from suicide after a long battle with mental illness. While the loss itself was unimaginable, the grief and responsibility felt by Kenny were equally unimaginable and crushing. Yet, Kenny’s life story is not one of only tragedy, but also one of hope as he chooses to take a path that leads to him being able to use his position as a leader and his son’s memory to help others.

Taking the Cape Off by Patrick J Kenny was a well-written and well-narrated audiobook that was extremely emotionally moving. As a psychology graduate, I have studied mental illness and loss, but hearing it from Patrick Kenny helped me to see both subjects in a less clinical and more personal way. This audiobook really touched me; it has inspired me to try to use my education and knowledge to reach out to address the stigma attached to mental illness in my workplace.

The narrator of this audiobook was Patrick J. Kenny himself. Mr. Kenny might not be an experienced voice actor with numerous credits to his name, but his passion and emotions make up for any lack of voice acting experience. I was surprised to find that Mr. Kenny was new to voice acting as his narration was top-notch. The way his voice carried the true emotion behind each word pulled me into the audiobook and made me feel emotionally involved.

Taking The Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss by Patrick J Kenny is a beautiful personal guide on moving forward after losing a loved one, whether to a disease or depression. The author shares how he blamed himself for being unable to protect his 20-year-old son Sean from dying by suicide after a lifelong battle with mental illness. He then reveals the path he took to move forward and return to his leadership role in the fire department. He emphasizes how leaders should address the stigma attached to mental illness in the workplace, at home, or with friends and develop the leadership communication skills necessary to help you personally and professionally when faced with any health crisis.

When I first listened Taking The Cape Off, I was in awe of how the author had been through so much and could still move forward. His story reminded me of losing my grandmother to an illness, and I strongly resonated with his statement that time did not heal the wound as you will always feel the loss. I loved how he emphasized that grief is not just about you, and I also greatly benefited from his tip of talking to your loved ones even though they can no longer be physically present. In this audiobook, Patrick J Kenny spoke clearly, and it was easy to understand what he was saying. His use of different tones made it enjoyable and more engaging.