Recklessly Alive: What My Suicide Attempt Taught Me About God and Living Life to the Fullest

by Sam Eaton

You deserve to stop suffering and create a life that is fully and recklessly alive.

Every 12.3 minutes someone completes suicide, and I was almost one of them. I had written letters, picked a day, and packed up all my belongings because I believed my life was worthless and disposable. What lies ahead of you is my journey from suicide attempt toward abundant life. I share it with you in hopes that you can see yourself or someone you love in my story and find the courage to start conversations about faith, mental health, depression, and suicide.

I am not a pastor, a deep-sea diver, an Avenger, or a mongoose whisperer. I have never sawed off my own arm, had my hand digested by a shark, or experienced any other amazing feat of humanity. I am just an average guy who found his world slipping away and—in a moment of extreme clarity—made the terrifying decision to stay and chase a life that is fully and recklessly alive.

This book is for anyone

Feels stuck, hopeless and aloneStruggles with finding their purpose or wanting to be aliveLoves someone who battles mental health, depression, or suicidal thoughtsWants to understand warning signs of suicide and how to helpDesires to feel more fully and recklessly alive Sam Eaton is a powerful voice for his generation as an innovative ministry leader and sought-after communicator. In 2016, after losing five people to suicide in his hometown, he founded Recklessly Alive, an organization sprinting toward a world with zero deaths from suicide. He speaks throughout the U.S. and encourages everyone he meets to chase a life that is fully and recklessly alive. Sam has a master’s degree in educational leadership and has taught music in the public schools for over ten years. He is on a lifelong quest to love God, love people, expand his vinyl record collection, and try every flavor of Oreos.

Genres: Mental Health, Memoir, Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just going to get the downfall out of the way. Do I feel like I overpaid for a 168 page book with size 14 font throughout. Yes. But I also understand that authors who aren't well known need to charge a little more for their physical copies so I'm not SUPER bothered by it.

Did I enjoy the book? Way more than I thought I might.

I saw an Instagram reel that sucked me in. He literally was just holding up post-its with an age and what happened to him and I immediately wanted to know more.

I'm not big into the inspirational books like I used to be because they just don't do anything for me anymore but I found his life story amazing. I also loved his humor throughout because it's a lot like mine.

I can see how this book can help a lot of people. I highly recommend it to anyone feeling like a failure, depressed, or just someone who needs a pick me up. But even if you don't need the inspirational aspect, his story is down right amazing to me. You might enjoy it too!

[Jessica Nicole Abercrombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bravery it takes to write a story like this and share those deepest parts of ourselves that we try to hide from the light is incomparable. This is a beautiful book with a powerful message.

You are worthy of life.

You are worthy of love.

You have a purpose!

[Bonnie Plante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible true story is one of loss and hurt but also of joy and love. This is the story of a man who thought he had nothing to live for and set a date to end it all. This is also the story of a man who chose to stay and who found his joy by living life recklessly alive. This faith based book is one of the best I've ever read on the topic of suicide ideation and how to overcome it's deathly grip on your life. Told by someone who has been there, it is full of hope and help. If you or someone you love struggles with mental illness with or without suicidal ideation, you need to read this book. Not a fan of faith based books? Read it anyway. It is not preachy or judgmental. It is full of love and hope and most of all, life.

[Lisa Aboudan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read about Sam Eaton's tortured upbringing and his journey through depression. In the beginning the author speaks to the reader as if the reader is about to take their own life. Not sure people suffering from depression would read a book like this but I'm sure it would be helpful (or would have been helpful) if they did. One part of the journey discusses sexual abuse although I don't recall any details in this regard. So some passages in the book seem disingenuous, 'When we hide and edit the war that rages within us, we don't allow anyone the opportunity to love us for who we are." What was suffered? How to relate to it? Overall I thought the book was good. Sam Eaton would hate me for saying this but I waiting for the happy ending of him entering a relationship.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy, and planning to re-read the released copy again here in January.

Sam's story is one of ups and downs. But Sam didn't quit or give up. I was left standing in shock at times, wondering how did Sam keep pressing on. But press on Sam did.

I believe Sam writes honestly and truthfully about a topic that is very real and a topic that probably isn't addressed as often as it should be, nor is suicide and depression taken as seriously as it should be.

That being said, I intend to put this book on my shelf and list of books to encourage and pass around to other people.

[Irving · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve followed Sam for a while on Instagram, he’s someone I’ve come to admire and finally had the pleasure of reading his book. It’s a very sad yet inspirational story filled with the hope that things do get better. While I really appreciated his candor and humor to tackle such a hard topic, I didn’t like the way the chapters were structured. Each chapter is a time in Sam’s life and there’s a reflection for each one. The reflection is in the middle of the each story so it kind of cuts the overall flow of the book, I would’ve much preferred it at the end of each chapter. 3.5 ⭐️

[Marie Wikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it is an encouragement for anyone who takes the time to read it. Filled with REAL emotions, REAL Feelings from a REAL life experience.

Who will benefit from this book? Anyone who needs encouragement. Anyone who feels alone in the world. Anyone who struggles from time to time.

Get this book for yourself and then give a copy to a friend.

I highly recommend! without question

[Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having nearly committed suicide not too long ago, this book certainly struck a nerve or two. I found myself crying almost every other chapter. Whether you’ve dealt with depression, currently do, have had suicidal thoughts or have powered through and survived, this is a book I cannot recommend enough.

Hope to meet Sam Eaton one day, a genuine inspiration and I hope and pray everyone chooses to live each day recklessly.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great testimony by Sam Eaton! Found him a few years ago on social media somehow and was intrigued by his story. Amazing that God redeemed his life and he is working every day to live recklessly alive. Only (small) criticism is that the chapters seemed really segmented, and it didn’t read super smoothly to me. But all in all, it’s an inspirational read with a Biblical perspective and I can’t imagine the courage it took for him to tell this story.

[Katelyn Bosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated Sam’s vulnerability in telling his story. It has elements I think a lot of people experience: Falling into self-destructive behaviors, feeling worthless and alone, trying to figure out why it matters. Yet Sam finds a place of encouragement and grace. He weaves in vignettes and reflections into a nice read.

[Susan Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and quick read. I couldn’t put it down. Sam does an amazing job telling his story. I love how he weaves his story and sometimes tragic events and weaves hope throughout. Thank you Sam for sharing your story. Well done!

[Robyn Kroeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book! And I really appreciate his writing style! Though the topic is serious, this book had me laughing out loud when he described his janitorial day at the grocery store! Really good, thought-provoking inspiration throughout. I enjoyed this book.

[Mary Peters Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written

Thank you Sam Eaton. Reminders to utilize the help available, to look to God, to realize your worth over and over throughout this read. I will put this in as many hands as I can.

[Tabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity of meeting Sam when he shared his story at my alma mater and interviewed him afterwards.

[Kim Garrigus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holsomly honest

This is a great inspirational book. The author gives you insight to his life as a child up to adulthood. He is honest, real and inspiring.

[Jenella Herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but gripping read

A great quick read on his way of overcoming obstacles. Good applications for everyone. Cried a bit and had a few aha moments.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you for your courage

This book is an easy read and full of encouragement. Thank you for your courage and listening to your calling.

[M Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recklessly Alive

I loved the candor of this book. I think it will help many people and would love to see it made widely available to anyone suffering from mental health issues.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in a day. Hope this book can help some ppl. Everyone’s life matters 💜

[Gail Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suicide

[Christina Farr-Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat and read this entire book at one time. It was VERY well written! Loved it! Great job, Sam!

[Shana Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Would recommend

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be available in all middle and high schools

[ANNA M SCHMICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and uplifting

This should be on all middle school and high school reading lists.
The author tells his time of darkness in an energizing and uplifting way.