When Is It Right to Die?: Suicide, Euthanasia, Suffering, Mercy

Tada ( Joni ) frames her view of the ``right to die'' issue in the context of personal growth through tragedy--her own as teenage victim of an accident that left her a quadriplegic and other episodes involving those close to her--into an enabling Christian faith. Considering the situations of those who are ``periodically tempted to detour their extreme suffering or mental anguish'' by initiating death, she suggests that guidance (and reasons to live) can be found in family members, friends and God. In a compassionate response to proponents of ``suicide machines'' and assisted death, the author advocates such alternatives as hospice care and refers frequently to the advice and consolations provided by Scripture. Tada, president of Joni and Friends, an organization that helps the disabled, delivers an eloquent, persuasive testimony. $85,000 ad/promo; author tour. (Nov.)