“Blackbird deeply resonated with both of us as a bereaved parent and sibling. . . . Her message of the importance of talking about depression, mental illness, and suicide in order to reduce their power is an important one and offers hope to many struggling through difficult losses.”

– Gloria Horsley, PhD and Heidi Horsley PsyD
Founders, Open to Hope Foundation

“Told in a…style that reflects the chaos of grief, Blackbird is an affecting memoir.”

– 4 Stars, Foreward Clarion

“Blackbird is a poignant memoir of a mother’s love for her son, Charlie, who died by suicide, and the uncomfortable questions and feelings it raised for her. Betsy Thibaut Stephenson writes with tremendous honesty about how she processed this unimaginable loss, the toll it had on her and her family, and how she is finding a way to live in this new normal. She shares the relentless cascade of questions and self-doubt that arose for her in the aftermath of his death about her parenting, recognizing and responding to mental illness, and the what-ifs. Her book will be a source of support and validation to any parent who loses a child to suicide and feels alone, and it is a must-read for those looking to understand and support someone after the suicide of their child.”

– Julie Goldstein Grumet, PhD
Director, Zero Suicide Institute

“With a blend of deep, poignant metaphor and light, natural humor, Stephenson carries us on a journey that will both make us sob and gift us hope. A must-read for anyone who loves someone struggling with depression, grief, or the loss of a loved one to suicide.”

– Addison Armstrong
Author, The Light of Luna Park