The Ripples

""This is the gripping account of one family's experience of suicide, and the ripple effects that radiate out of this most desperate of all human tragedies. Aitken bravely delves into the world of suicide to explore its social, emotional, familial, moral, political and institutional origins and ramifications, and tightly weaves the impacts of suicide (and its after-effects) upon not only a family in crisis but an entire community and beyond....she unpacks both the nature of suicide and its causes.....with deft compassion and resolve..... and shows us how to make sense of the unthinkable through the powerful, redemptive forces of love"" Susan Wakefield; Freelance Writer, Novelist and published Poet, ""Danielle Aitken has written a masterpiece here, with the utmost respect to one of life's most tragic acts....Aitken has weaved a powerful story of love, loss and a journey that makes each and everyone of us question and ask, why? If only, and what if?......I was in absolute awe with the sensitivity and beauty that Aitken has written about Mark Frederick and his thought process, and his journey looking on after his decision was made and carried out.....Move over Jodi Picoult, Danielle Aitken is on the rise."" Michelle Weitering; Author of Thirteen and Underwater. ""Suicide is so often a taboo topic, yet Danielle Aitken fearlessly takes on the challenge of writing about the ripple effects of a life lost too soon. This modern-day story explores the darkest corners of a family struggling with grief and their inability to prevent slipping into a dysfunctional abyss after tragedy rips through their home. Tackling marriage separation, teenage drugs, and the dependency so many youths have on social media to provide the 'feel good' factor, the author deals with the unraveling of a community when death takes one of their own. An important book to open up more dialogue in society around mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the importance of reaching out for support when life's complications become overwhelming."" Kelly Van Nelson Poet and Amazon bestselling Author of Graffiti Lane.