The Final Leap
Suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge
-
-
4.6 • 11 Ratings
-
-
- $14.99
-
- $14.99
Publisher Description
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most beautiful and most photographed structures in the world. It’s also the most deadly. Since it opened in 1937, more than 1,500 people have died jumping off the bridge, making it the top suicide site on earth. It’s also the only international landmark without a suicide barrier. Weaving drama, tragedy, and politics against the backdrop of a world-famous city, The Final Leap is the first book ever written about Golden Gate Bridge suicides. John Bateson leads us on a fascinating journey that uncovers the reasons for the design decision that led to so many deaths, provides insight into the phenomenon of suicide, and examines arguments for and against a suicide barrier. He tells the stories of those who have died, the few who have survived, and those who have been affected—from loving families to the Coast Guard, from the coroner to suicide prevention advocates.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Well-researched and thoroughly reported, Bateson examines the history and impact of suicides on San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge via interviews and profiles of family members of people who have jumped from the famous structure; mental health, rescue, and suicide experts; Bridge District board members; and a few of the "ultra-select" group of unlikely jump survivors. Too often, however, this otherwise darkly enthralling read feels like a long op-ed in favor of erecting a suicide barrier. Bateson portrays the lack of a barrier as indicative of a belief that suicidal people are making a choice based entirely on free will, and argues forcefully against this and for our culture to become more compassionate. With such an important message, a survivor tells Bateson, "Good luck with your book. I hope a lot of people read it, and that it helps end suicides from the bridge." Hopefully, its narrow focus doesn't diminish its potential readership and cultural influence.
