Dustin J. VerBeek memoir on grief and survival reaches Amazon bestseller list

Dustin J. VerBeek’s memoir Memento Vivere has reached Amazon Top 100 category bestseller status after its February 2026 release. The book centers on suicide loss, bipolar disorder, addiction, faith and rebuilding after the death of VerBeek’s son.

Why it matters: - Memento Vivere is aimed at readers navigating suicide loss, mental illness, addiction, trauma and grief. - The book frames survival and recovery as ongoing work, not a neat ending. - The memoir’s bestseller status suggests an audience for raw, first-person stories about mental health and bereavement.

What happened: - Dustin J. VerBeek released Memento Vivere in paperback and Kindle on Feb. 8, 2026. - The memoir reached Amazon Top 100 category bestseller status. - VerBeek wrote the book after the death of his son, Max, by suicide. - The book is available through Amazon.

The details: - Memento Vivere is Latin for “remember to live.” - VerBeek said the phrase was etched into his skin as a promise to himself. - The memoir covers grief, suicide loss, bipolar disorder, addiction, psychiatric treatment, relapse, recovery, marriage, divorce, faith, fatherhood and rebuilding a life. - The paperback edition runs 276 pages. - The book lists ISBN-13 979-8247396901. - Independently published by VerBeek. - The author describes the work as an “unfiltered memoir” about suicide loss and mental illness. - VerBeek said, “This is not a victory lap. It is a reckoning.” - VerBeek also said he wrote the book because he was “still here” and wanted to capture the courage it takes to survive one more day.

Between the lines: - The memoir rejects polished or inspirational framing in favor of direct language about confusion, anger, guilt and silence. - The focus on participation, movement and “beginning again” positions the book as companionship for readers in crisis rather than a prescriptive self-help guide. - VerBeek’s mix of travel, recovery and family loss suggests the book uses lived experience to connect mental health with daily life, not just diagnosis.

What’s next: - VerBeek says he is available for interviews, podcasts, speaking engagements, book clubs and conversations about grief, suicide loss, mental health, addiction, recovery, faith and trauma. - The book continues to be sold in paperback and Kindle editions. - More information is available on VerBeek’s website.