The Suicide Magnet

A thoughtful, well written tribute to Al Birney and Michael McCamus; two men who never gave up on their heroic quest to get the Luminous Veil built on the Bloor Viaduct. While Paul McLaughlin’s book is an excellent historical record, it also brings up the urgent need for more mental health support and services for those going through crisis, and for the devastated families left behind after someone takes their life.

Teresa and Gary Kruze, sister–in-law and brother of Martin Kruze

This book tells the compelling story of how the power of passion and purpose, sustained over time and despite many setbacks, can truly make a difference in the fight to prevent deaths by suicide. It combines historical context, factual information about suicide and, most importantly, an understanding of the human cost, Michael and Al’s valiant journey is best understood through the lens of the stories of those impacted the most.

Karen Letofsky, consultant and educator in Suicide and Crisis Response

Invaluable for the light it sheds on crucial mental health issues, on abuse and despair. His agonistic account empowers us all in showing what courageous citizens, facing formidable adversity, ignited and accomplished in their years-long struggle for a life-saving and beautiful suicide deterrent, transforming Toronto’s Bloor Street Viaduct from a place of darkness to one of light.

Dereck Revington