It is not easy to understand why people kill themselves. The twentieth century witnessed tremendous growth in the number of books and articles written on suicide, but even with the progress made in research and suicidological theory, the thoughts of suicidal individuals remain elusive.

In Katie''s Diary, the journal left behind by a young woman who has committed suicide is analyzed, offering researchers and professionals unprecedented access to the thoughts and feelings of a victim of suicide from an extremely rare source of data.

David Lester brings together a group of leaders in such diverse fields as suicidology, linguistics, and women''s studies to consider Katie''s writings from a variety of angles. The chapters address the content of her diary, the presence of clues leading up to her suicide, and the way in which psychotherapy might have progressed had Katie sought treatment. A final chapter, written by Lester, evaluates the therapeutic value of keeping a journal or diary.

This unique work will generate new discussion and consideration in the field, advancing our understanding of suicide and its prevention.