The Burn Journals

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with severe clinical depression, self-harm, or recovering from a mental health crisis. It offers a raw and unfiltered look at the internal and external journey of healing after a suicide attempt. Brent Runyon shares his true story of setting himself on fire at age fourteen and the grueling year of physical and psychological rehabilitation that followed. This memoir is deeply honest about the shame and physical pain of recovery. It is most appropriate for older teens (14+) who are ready for a serious look at mental health. Parents will appreciate its ability to foster deep empathy and provide a realistic roadmap for how hope can slowly return even after the darkest moments.