Book Review: “Life, In Spite of Me,” by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer

(Please use the toolbar at the bottom to rate my review. Thank you!)


“Suicide is a liar and a thief. It promises peace to those who are escaping but delivers unimaginable pain and rejection to those left behind. Kristen Jane Anderson’s riveting story unmasks the thief and gives hope a face.”

—Dr. Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife Ministries

Read an excerpt here.

When she was just seventeen years old, Kristen felt so much despair over the events in her life that she lay down in front of a freight train, hoping to end her life.

She had been raped by someone she trusted. Her grandmother had recently died, and two other friends from school were killed in motorcycle accidents. When a friend hanged himself in a local cemetery, she experienced first hand the pain that suicide left with the survivors. Still, she could think of no other way. Thankfully, God did.

Kristen didn’t die, but both of her legs were severed. This book tells about the painful circumstances that led Kristen to make such a fatal decision, and of the wondrous love of God that redeemed everything to make Kristen’s life into one that shines with that love and draws others unto Him.

I read this book in about three hours, not only because I was curious, but because it is written in a way that tells the story without sensationalizing what happened. This isn't a story about a girl who lost her legs and then turned her life around to live for Jesus. This is a story about the One, True God who was with that girl in her despair; who was under that train with her; and who gently drew her to Himself and transformed her life--which drew others into saving, amazing grace.

Anyone who struggles with depression, or to find meaning in their life, will benefit greatly from reading this book. I highly recommend it.

To learn more about Kristen and her ministry, go here--> reachingyouministries.com

You can buy this book at:

christianbook.com

amazon.com

I am grateful to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.