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    Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice
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    Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice
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    Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice
    Ebook210 pages3 hours

    Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

    By Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer

    4.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRandom House Publishing Group
    Release dateMay 4, 2010
    ISBN9781601422538
    Unavailable
    Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

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    Reviews for Life, In Spite of Me

    4.5/5

    41 ratings15 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      Kristen Jane Anderson's teen years were filled with one painful experience after another. Seeing no hope, she laid down on a set of railroad tracks and waited for the train to kill her. Unbelievably, after thirty-three freight cars ran over her, she was still alive – but missing her legs. Thus began a completely new part of her life. It was hailed as a miracle that she survived and Kristen's recovery was slow and painful. Only after her suicide attempt did Kristen come to know Jesus on a personal level. In Him, she found a reason to hope, to live, and to walk.Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer is not a book I would want to read every year, but it is well worth reading at least once every few years. Despite the heavy topics it deals with, the book was a quick read. Kristen's experiences are related gently and authentically to the reader. However, I think the book and its readers could have benefited from having more information about Kristen's healing from the sexual assualt in addition to the details she gives of her physical healing and struggles with depression. I felt like most of her issues prior to the suicide attempt were consolidated under the blanket of depression and only mentioned occasionnally after the suicide attempt. I found this book to be very encouraging as I personnally struggle with depression. I appreciated that the author boldly, but kindly declares the need to know Jesus as a personal Savior. Truly, her relationship with Jesus not only saved her soul and brought healing, but also enabled her to reach out to others struggling with the same issues. I think this book could help anyone who is dealing with depression or who knows someone dealing with depression. The encouragement notes directly from Kristen were especially kind. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for an inspirational read.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
    • 5/5
      KRISTEN JANE ANDERSON'S "LIFE IN SPITE OF ME" (REVIEW)This book was moving, and heart-wrenching as well as inspiring. Kristen went through so much and still found her way to God and a life she could be proud of. The sad truth is that many people don't realize the heart-ache and turmoil that a lot of teens go through in their lifetime. These young adults need people to reach out to and role models to look up to. I am sure that Kristen is one of them as she has already and will continue to make a difference in the lives of many.The story is well-written and gives you a true sense of her feelings and how hard it was for her to transition her life in a positive way. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that has thoughts of suicide or anyone that may know someone that does. This book will change their lives for the better. Of that I'm sure.-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
    • 1/5
      I requested this book because Tricia Goyer was a co-author of it.

      It really left me unmoved and that makes me feel bad.

      I was shocked for Kristen and what she went through, as before this book I had never heard of her. When she thought committing sucide was the only way out. I love how God worked in her life and brought her where is she today but I feel very unattached to her and her story. There felt like there was little to now emotion in her story telling. Just matter of fact points.
    • 5/5
      In readng various genres of reading, I have not come across one as powerfully written, in an honest and forthright way, as the book,"Life ,In Spite of Me", by Kristen Jane Anderson ( and Tricia Goyer) ..

      Life,for Kristen, as a 17 year old teen, was anything but normal. Having lost 3 friends, to suicide, or accidents, she herself fell into depression so heavy, and painful that she herself, laid down on train tracks to end her life. Needless to say, " God had other plans " for this brave, and courageous young woman.

      As Kristen recuperated from her devastating injuries, she found the will, and the Hope to continue on in her life. Undergoing mental health treatment, with two very different doctors, she understood the need for knowing God in her life, in order to see light, instead of the deep blackness of despair. She found God in that search, and as the book which so powerfully demonstrates, in her quest to finding and recieving hope, she ministers in little notes written throughout the book, snippets of encouraging truth to those who read this honest, but straight forward true story.

      Life is not about being fair, but it is about finding real lessons of faith, and strength in life in the unfairness of situations that come up as you read . From being raped as a young teen, to the deaths of Kristen Anderson's friends, life was not about being fair, as it was about being real. And with real, and candid way of communicating to readers, Kristen points the way to healing, and to getting on with Life now as she ministers to groups, and individuals at how they , too, can find hope in the darkness that she once experiences.
      I hightly, HIGHLY, recommend this book - for those who face such despair. I highly recommend this book , for those that need a reminder that even in the darkness, there is God waiting to surround those in pain, and depression

    • 5/5
      Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson, is Kristen's story of life. When she was 17 years old, she attempted suicide. She laid down on train tracks hoping to end all the pain. But she survived and lost both her legs. Kristen did not know why she had lived, but she knew that she was worse off now with no legs. She tells her story of why she decided she did not want to live anymore, her long and painful recovery process, how she had come to a realization that she had lived for a reason and her journey of becoming closer with GOD.Kristen is such a brave women. Her story is so touching. She had a long road to recovery but she become stronger through the process. She really was saved so she can tell her story to others and hopefully help others. I am glad I found out about Kristen and her story. She is a very inspiring women and I learned a lot from reading about her story.
    • 5/5
      Kristen Jane Anderson's teen years were filled with one painful experience after another. Seeing no hope, she laid down on a set of railroad tracks and waited for the train to kill her. Unbelievably, after thirty-three freight cars ran over her, she was still alive – but missing her legs. Thus began a completely new part of her life. It was hailed as a miracle that she survived and Kristen's recovery was slow and painful. Only after her suicide attempt did Kristen come to know Jesus on a personal level. In Him, she found a reason to hope, to live, and to walk.Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer is not a book I would want to read every year, but it is well worth reading at least once every few years. Despite the heavy topics it deals with, the book was a quick read. Kristen's experiences are related gently and authentically to the reader. However, I think the book and its readers could have benefited from having more information about Kristen's healing from the sexual assualt in addition to the details she gives of her physical healing and struggles with depression. I felt like most of her issues prior to the suicide attempt were consolidated under the blanket of depression and only mentioned occasionnally after the suicide attempt. I found this book to be very encouraging as I personnally struggle with depression. I appreciated that the author boldly, but kindly declares the need to know Jesus as a personal Savior. Truly, her relationship with Jesus not only saved her soul and brought healing, but also enabled her to reach out to others struggling with the same issues. I think this book could help anyone who is dealing with depression or who knows someone dealing with depression. The encouragement notes directly from Kristen were especially kind. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for an inspirational read.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
    • 5/5
      KRISTEN JANE ANDERSON'S "LIFE IN SPITE OF ME" (REVIEW)This book was moving, and heart-wrenching as well as inspiring. Kristen went through so much and still found her way to God and a life she could be proud of. The sad truth is that many people don't realize the heart-ache and turmoil that a lot of teens go through in their lifetime. These young adults need people to reach out to and role models to look up to. I am sure that Kristen is one of them as she has already and will continue to make a difference in the lives of many.The story is well-written and gives you a true sense of her feelings and how hard it was for her to transition her life in a positive way. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that has thoughts of suicide or anyone that may know someone that does. This book will change their lives for the better. Of that I'm sure.-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
    • 5/5
      A heart wrenching memoir of a teens struggle with depression, a failed crippling suicide and her struggle to attain a personal relationship with God. A mix of emotions swam over me as I read this real life memoir of Kristen's life. A taboo subject for many Depression seems to eat away at our society while doctors look to treat it with medication, as if there is no other available option. I learned a lot from this book even though I have struggled with depression myself throughout my lifetime, due to undiagnosed ADHD. I could relate to Kristen as she struggled to get off her anti-depressants feeling they were doing nothing for her but numbing her emotions and encasing her thoughts in a fog day after day. The survival of Kristen after her trauma is a true miracle that will inspire you whether you have struggled with depression yourself or with a family member. I believe every teen should have a copy of this book. We as everyday parents can so easily miss the signs if our child is struggling with depression, as many have. Kristen shares inspirational prayers and thoughts at the end of each chapter which touched my heart. Raised a Catholic like Kristen I have always felt there was something more to this life and my relationship with God than I was taught during my childhood while attending Catholic church and Catholic school. Some of us go on throughout our lifetime attending a church for years because that is where our parents took us and feel empty as adults. One main reason why later as an adult I turned away from attending church services. However I have always kept my belief and relationship with God throughout my lifetime. Like any other person, I have at times thought I pulled away from God out of anger or disappointment, later to find out those were the times when he carried me, due to my unstable state of mind. This is touched upon in Life In Spite of Me by Kristen could not remember the moments before her suicide attempt, those last few moments leading up to it. The lowest point for someone suffering from depression is the point when a persons rational mind is shut down. It is as if a demon has taken full control of this persons thoughts and feelings. After Kristen awoke and was conscious she was tormented by the thought that if she had died, would she have ended up in hell. This is something the Catholic religion, among others has taught followers for centuries. Kristen got her answer from a family friend, however I totally did not agree with his belief. I don't believe if someone dies before accepting or even knowing God whether by an accident or suicide they automatically end up in hell, if there evn is one, but that's another topic. If this was so then heaven would be a very empty place. Why would our loving God punish someone for not being in their right mind or having a mental disorder that caused their death. With this in mind If Kristen's book saves even a handful of lives, provides comfort for lost souls, and instills in them a belief in God whether they are believers or not, she has cultivated a perpetual garden, that is just beginning to sprout, because God has much more planned for Kristen than she can ever imagine.
    • 5/5
      This book is truely amazing. It is so inspiring and heart felt. This girl is blessed to still have her life. It got me teary a time or two. Such a beautiful story on how this young girl found God.
    • 5/5
      This is an amazing book. The story is so unimaginable to only be real! This book should be mandatory for high school students. Even if it just helped one it would be worth it. This book makes you think of life choices and your own relationship with Jesus. It shouldn't take this dramatic an event to dedicate your life to Jesus.
    • 4/5
      Many times throughout my life I have struggled with depression. I have tried to deal with it in my own strength, which does not work, at least in the long run. It's never gotten so bad that I have been suicidal, but I can identify with those who think things are hopeless and look for a way out of this life. I have had people in my life who have helped me to see that God is my strength and my joy. And because of Him, I can be content and at peace in this life, regardless of my circumstances or how much it hurts.Kristen Anderson was 17 when she tried to commit suicide. She saw her life as unbearable and the only way she knew to "fix things" was to end it by lying down on the train tracks near her home. As a result, she lost both of her legs.Thankfully, Kristen survived. In her book, Life, In Spite of Me, she describes how she struggled through her recovery and eventually came to understand that she needed Jesus as her Savior. She found hope in Him and is now serving God through her ministry to others.This is an inspiring story of healing and second chances. God has done a wonderful work in Kristen's life. It is a great resource for those who are dealing with depression and for those who minister to them.
    • 5/5
      Being a subject of such sensitive nature I was nervous to read this book. Suicide is one thing in the world that we all wish we saw less of. Kristen's story, right from the very beginning, caught me and pulled me tight to it. I couldn't put the book down. I knew she survived, but while reading, you forget that and just want to see her through. Your heart breaks at times, but in a way that makes you appreciate what you have.I really didn't think a story, though real, could resonate through me like it does.This is one of those books, you tell all your friends about. Definitely on my recommendation list!
    • 4/5
      From My Blog...Grab a box of tissues prior to settling in to read Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer. Kristen was a healthy active 17-year-old with a loving family when a series of events beyond her control began to cascade down upon her making her feel no longer in control, no longer worthy, tired, and longing to go to Heaven. Life In Spite of Me speaks openly and candidly to the reader about Kristen's experience, her thoughts on the evening she decided to end her life, the immediate hospitalization afterwards, and a flash back to what brought her to that terrible day by the train tracks and the rocky road to her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual recovery. Interspersed throughout the book are notes written by Kristen, speaking directly to the reader trying to reach out to those who despair, to let the reader know she understands as others do and it will be alright, but one must talk about their feelings and seek help. Life In Spite of Me is an extraordinary book about an amazing teenager who faced what many of us thankfully never shall, who overcame the obstacles and who grew to become a better person through her struggles and now reaches out to help others. I highly recommend Life In Spite of Me to all readers.
    • 5/5
      This was an amazing book. It was so scary, touching, inspirational, and a million other things that aren't coming to mind right now. It was so full of raw emotion that I cried on many occasions while reading this one. I've never contemplated suicide, I've never been raped and yet I connected with everything Kristen was talking about. The way she tells her story I couldn't help but get pulled into it. I can't imagine having to deal with what she was going through at such a young age. While she didn't have the coping mechanisms to deal with everything it was clearly apparent that there was a reason for her to go through what she did. As she deals with the aftermath of her suicide attempt she seemed to learn what the purpose of her life is. The writing was pretty good. Again, the raw emotions that came through from the telling of this story were so real. The coauthor is Tricia Goyer, and while there were a few parts that "felt" like her writing for the most part I don't think Tricia's influence in the book really changed the story. That wouldn't have been a bad thing, as I like Tricia's writing style, but given that the story was Kristen's to tell I'm glad the outside influences on her writing were minimal. I don't know if Kristen will write another book or not, as her life is taking her down a much different path, but given the chance I would read her writing again. This is a must read. It's such a touching and inspirational story. I'm glad she lived to share her story with the world!
    • 5/5
      With God, ALL things are possible. Including overcoming fatal choices and devestating tragedies. That's what Kristin Anderson learned and she's telling us all about it in her book, co-authored with Tricia Goyer, Life, In Spite of Me. I'm truly happy I had the chance to review this emotionally gripping story of a brave young woman. It really puts life into perspective and God's light shines strong throughout. This brave young woman went through so much struggle and pain. Reading her story and seeing letters at the end of chapters from her, really tugged at my heart and brought me to my knees to pray for this amazingly brave person and her family. I highly suggest that everyone read this blessed. emotional and moving story of Kristin's life, especially those who are feeling down about themselves for whatever reason or just going through hard times in their life. This 5 star (although if I had my way it would be so many more!) book will show you that life is precious no matter what, and not to be taken for granted. It will show you that no matter how bad life may seem, or how tragic something in your life is, or even how depressed you may be God loves you ALWAYS, and if we just learn to lean on Him ALL things are possible-even overcoming depression, tragedy and loss. Well done on this eye opener of a book!!!