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.
Includes notes of encouragement Kristen wishes she had received when she was struggling most.
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Written by Kristen Jane Anderson, with Tricia Goyer, this Christian-based book is the type that should be read by the parents of depressed teens, as well as teens themselves. On the aside, Kristen has written a little about things she wish she had heard when she was struggling with her demons, and I found them quite personal, and were also words I would have liked to hear when I was a depressed teen, myself. It may have put a little light above the darkness.
It was a moving tale; she was depressed, attempted suicide, and now she knows God. This is all told from the beginning, just by reading the back of the book....but, what is found within the pages, her struggles with her emotions and depression, and how she led up to the point to actually lay down on the railroad tracks that night....it's pretty powerful stuff and one cannot help but to feel for her. And of course, there is her journey with God as well; a Christian reader would appreciate her thoughts and feelings about her faith.
The book is well written, fast paced, and was enjoyable form start to finish. I also loved the Afterword, written by Kristen's mother, Jan because it gave a little insight to what the family was feeling about Kristen's depression, and how powerless they must have felt. In all, it was a pretty good read, and one I would recommend.
4 & 1/2 Stars
You can buy this book here at Amazon.com.
This book was provided to me for an honest review by Waterbrook Multomah's Blogging for Books program.
Great review April. Based on the cover shot of her sitting in the grass I'm assuming she lost her legs. What an incredible story to tell. Nice to know she found comfort.
ReplyDeleteYup, she lost them both. Funny how something like that can save your life. But, now she tries to help other depressed teens, so she's quite remarkable.
ReplyDeleteThis book was very moving and inspirational; it is full of insight into Kristen's thoughts and experiences. It's an easy read; I read it in about 3 nights. The book is well written, conversations are written in present tense, not just a recollection of events. Kristen is very encouraging and stresses the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Some chapters end with notes to the reader about how to deal with issues such as suicidal thoughts, rape, etc. For a girl who has been through so much, Kristen's personality seems to shine in this book without feeling fake or holding anything back.
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