Author: Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer
Publisher’s Synopsis: 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.
Includes notes of encouragement Kristen wishes she had received when she was struggling most.
With a title and synopsis like that, I knew this would be a difficult book to read. I both looked forward to it and dreaded it. The depth of her pain before the horrible night on the train tracks alone were enough to make me want to take her home and help wipe the pain from her life. Of course, had someone done that, she might never have gotten out of the, “I’m a good girl so I’ll go to heaven” mentality.
The story is well-written and almost makes you feel as if you’re living it with her. I kept wanting to shake my head with her as she wondered, “Did I really try to kill myself?” I, just as she did, felt like it wasn’t possible. It was a horrible mistake, or maybe she’d been drinking before hand or something. This book was truthfully one of the most inspiring stories I’ve read in a long time. A twenty-first century true story that reminded me of Christian classics such as Joni or The Cross and the Switchblade.
Don’t hesitate. Buy the book. You won’t regret it. There is so much more I want to tell you about the book, but I can’t do it. You really need to read the story for yourself.
Multnomah gave me two copies of this book, but I think I’m keeping one. This book is one I think my daughters would enjoy reading and I have a few friends here in town who would also appreciate it. Just leave a comment and I’ll enter you in the drawing for the other copy.
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I saw this book somewhere recently and made a mental note to add it to my to read list. Thanks for reviewing it.
It sounds like a tough read, but it would be neat to see how God worked in her life. Thanks for reviewing it!
Would like to read this one.
I love to read real life stories and this one sounds like an inspiring one.
I always love readings tories where people over came their circumstances like it sounds like this one has!
Sounds encouraging and I could use some encouragement!
Would love to see how God worked things out in her life.
Oh Chautona, I probably would have run from this one, but your review is so encouraging, I think I will look for it at the library.
Tina
I’m adding this to my list of books to read. Real life stories are the best….full of encouragement!
I’m signing up if it’s not too late!
hmmm. Well, if your keeping one, I may just borrow yours.. but then I may want my own copy to share. 😉
While I’m not suicidal, those questions have been swirling about my own mind. I’d love to read this.
Wow, that sounds good. Very interested.
Sounds like a book that would be nice to have in our library.
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