Book Review- Chasing Happiness

By Chase Block

Published by Infinity Publishing

Released January 2010

4 stars- I recommend picking it up

What could a 14-year-old possibly understand about his parents’ addictions and divorce, and his mother’s suicide? Quite a lot, according to mental health professionals who have read Chase Block’s book. In Chasing Happiness: One Boy’s Guide to Helping Other Kids Cope with Divorce, Parental Addictions and Death, the Jacksonville, Florida teen not only shares his powerful life story; he offers hope and advice to other young people facing similar challenges. How can kids handle thoughts of suicide, guilt about divorce, addiction and emotional turmoil? Chase covers it all, and also lets them know when and where to reach out for help.

I have never received so many email responses for our Thoughtful Thursday post, like I did from our Suicide Prevention post, here http://tinyurl.com/2732gu6. Responses came from people who appreciated our spotlighting it, to those who have dwelt with suicide, addiction or depression, to other resources in aiding those dealing with these serious matters, to Infinity publishing who had recently published a book about a teenagers struggle with his parent's divorce, his mom's mental illness, her suicide and his own suicidal thoughts.

I read a wide range of books and genres, and not just YA paranormal books (shocking I know), but I don't post reviews here on Mundie Moms unless it's YA related, for the most part. Having the chance to read Chasing Happiness, I felt I needed to make the acceptation to share my review here.

Chasing Happiness is a book packed full of one 14 year old's real experience in dealing with his parents divorce, his parent's divorces after their re-marriages, his mother's mental illness and her long battle with addictions. The heartbreaking turn in the story comes when his mother commits suicide. Chase's book spans the course of a few years, but his insight from a young age through now is one of strength, honesty and will be a huge support to those going through something similar to what he went through.

Chasing Happiness isn't a long book, but is short powerful book that makes the mother in me want to give this teen a huge hug and tell him how much I admire his courage in sharing such a courageous, heartbreaking story. What Chase shares is something that millions of people fight every day. Addictions, suicide, and broken homes have become such a norm in our society. The thing is, now more than ever, more and more people are talking about it. Talking about it is the first step for many people in getting the help and the support they need.

Chase's voice will bring inspiration to those who read it. Chasing Happiness is a great resource to teen and tweens struggling with similar problems. He offers honesty and hope in the face of darkness. I like that Chase's dad offers some honest advice at the end of Chase's story as well. I definitely recommend this book for tweens, teens and parents. It's not an in your face book at all, but one of, "I know what you're going through. Here's what I went through and what I learned."

Some of Chase's best advice is:

* Take Responsibility for your own happiness

* Seek help and know when and who to ask

* No matter how bad it gets, it will and can get better

* Be yourself. Do not give into peer pressure-kids who want you to do something stupid aren't your friends.

The close of Chasing Happiness provides readers with important numbers and website addresses for kids and parents who are facing a crisis. You can find out more information about Chase and Chasing Happiness here http://www.chaseblockbook.com/about.html