About This Book
She wanted to die. God had other plans.
Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.
Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.
One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.
But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.
In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.
Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.
Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.
One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.
But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.
In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.
Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.
Author Spotlight
Kristen Jane Anderson has been featured on Oprah and is a popular speaker at colleges, women’s and youth events, churches, and suicide prevention outreaches. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and the founder of Reaching You Ministries, Kristen seeks to help those who are hurting, hopeless, lost, suicidal and depressed.
Tricia Goyer is the author of three hundred articles for national periodicals, as well as fourteen novels and six nonfiction books, including Blue Like Play Dough.
My thoughts:
I lost a classmate to suicide when I was a sophomore in high school. That still touches my life all these years later. It's tough on those left behind. It's also tough on those who feel that is their only answer. I've also struggled with depression throughout my life. It's tough when you feel you have no hope.
This book was simply amazing. Not simply because Kristen survived her suicide attempt but to see all the ways in which God saved her. She should not have survived. Over 30 freight cars passed over her body and severed her legs. However, she not only survived but is now thriving and helping others who face what she once did to find the hope she did - faith in Christ.
I highly recommend this book. I found the story well written and the message it contained wonderful. You can purchase a copy here.
If you are hurting or know someone who is, please check out Kristen's website - Reaching You Ministries. Talk to someone. There is hope - always. We just need to be reminded of that from time to time.
Disclaimer: I am not paid for these book reviews. I am given copies of the books by the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program to read in exchange for my review. Of course, this arrangement works well for me since I love to read! If you are interested in seeing how to get free books to review, click on the link in my side bar.
This is a book that I would like to read right now...this very instant, as well as have a copy to give to my friend, who tried to take her life last week. I was blessed and burdened to be one of 3 who took the time enough to care...but it's haunting to see someone at that stage.
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