About the Book
BRENT RUNYON WAS 14 years old when he set himself on fire.
This is a true story.
In The Burn Journals, Runyon describes that devastating suicide attempt and his recovery over the following year. He takes us into the Burn Unit in a children’s hospital and through painful burn care and skin-grafting procedures. Then to a rehabilitation hospital, for intensive physical, occupational, and psychological therapy. And then finally back home, to the frightening prospect of entering high school.
But more importantly, Runyon takes us into his own mind. He shares his thoughts and hopes and fears with such unflinching honesty that we understand—with a terrible clarity—what it means to want to kill yourself and how it feels to struggle back toward normality.
Intense, exposed, insightful, The Burn Journals is a deeply personal story with universal reach. It is impossible to look away. Impossible to remain unmoved.
This truly riveting memoir is a spectacular debut for a talented new writer.
This book is available from Amazon.com
About the Author Brent Runyon is a regular contributor to public radio’s This American Life, where portions of this story first appeared. The author lives on Cape Cod, MA.
The Review
A completely open and honest look into someone's own tragedy. The style of the writing made the book and story flow through both the physical and emotional healing process. The story is so sad and heartbreaking at first. But it is mixed with sensitivity and humor that can only have come from someone who has gone lived the experience. And through it all, The Burn Journals reflects the most important element any person can have: hope.
It is inspiring that Brent Runyon is now sharing the lessons that he learned through his own tragedy. Who better to understand the angst of anyone's mind than someone who has been there, lived through that?
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