I find stories about strong women inspiring, and I can’t imagine anyone stronger than Madeline Sharples. On multiple occasions, I have seen Madeline read from her memoir and talk about her son’s bipolar disorder and suicide. Afterwards, people always come up to Madeline to tell her “My son killed himself too” or “My husband committed suicide,” etc. Sometimes the people can’t even talk. They are in tears, and they just want to hold Madeline’s hand for a minute or ask for a hug.

Clearly, there are a lot of people who have experienced the suicide of a loved one or some other tragedy. And clearly, they need someone like Madeline Sharples to look up to as an example of how to live a meaningful life full of love and kindness in the aftermath of such a tragedy.

In Leaving the Hall Light On, Madeline Sharples honors the memory of her son, Paul, by sharing his story. It’s a fascinating and heart-breaking story of his descent into madness, but that only accounts for about one-third of the book. Most of the book is about what happens after a tragedy. For Madeline, what happens is a journey deep into one’s self, and the result is truly inspiring.

Interspersed with photographs, as well as poems stunning in bare emotion, the book explains how Madeline, her husband, and younger son claimed the ability to move forward with their lives after Paul’s suicide, and ultimately, how Madeline made the decision to live and take care of herself as a woman, wife, mother, and writer. If you are looking for an inspiring read about a woman who has become a role model for many others, I recommend Leaving the Hall Light On by Madeline Sharples.

“A moving read of tragedy, trying to prevent it, and coping with life after.” – Midwest Book Review

“Moving, intimate and very inspiring.” – Mark Shelmerdine, CEO, Jeffers Press

“Poetically visceral, emotionally honest. An extraordinary memoir.” – Irvin D. Godofsky, M.D.