“Blackbird” by Betsy Thibaut Stephenson is one of the hardest books I have ever read.

Interlaced with humor, grace, and beautiful writing, the author reflects on the grief of losing her son to depression, life after suicide, and her own struggle with depression.

This book is a big step towards de-stigmatizing mental illness.

Here are some of the author’s words that resonated with me, “In my dreams, Charlie is every age. A toddler who hugs my knees, a preteen who shuffles awkwardly into view, and as I last saw him, a college student smiling and calm. He rarely speaks. Once, he tells me he's alright. Always, I tell him that I mis him.”

Please read this book!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-ARC of “Blackbird.”

A beautifully raw memoir about suicide and the impact on the family and community. This was hard to read but it's so important to destigmatize suicide and talk about mental health and checking in on each other regularly.

Stephenson's grief is palpable and brutally honest, but this is also a love letter to her son, and his presence is felt throughout.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book.

Publication date: 4/8/25