Blog Tour: “Life, In Spite of Me” by Kristen Jane Anderson & Tricia Goyer
Please join Kristen Anderson and Tricia Goyer, authors of Life, In Spite of Me
Reviewed by Vera (Luxury Reading)
Kristen Anderson was only 17 when she decided that life was no longer worth living. Raped by an acquaintance, Kristen tried to push the assault to the back of her mind and pretend that it did not happen. However, the secret weighed down on her more than she realized or cared to acknowledge: her grades were suffering, she was constantly partying and drinking, and her relationship with her parents was going down the drain. Her father was going through bouts of depression himself, and Kristen’s acting out was even more difficult for her parents to accept given the situation
Feeling hopeless and lost, and not wanting to face her parents at home, Kristen found herself at a nearby railroad. Before she could consciously acknowledge it, she was lying down on the tracks and being swept up by the oncoming train. The next thing she knew, she was crawling out from underneath the train, with her legs severed below the knee and lying some feet away from her.
Life, In Spite of Me is Kristen’s reflection on her suicide attempt and the forces that made her survival possible: her parents, friends and most importantly, her new found belief in Jesus Christ. Her account is brief and to the point, starting with the accident, going back to explain the reasons behind her state of mind, and finishing with her road to recovery. Throughout the book, Kristen includes notes addressed to the reader who may be experiencing the same feelings she did or going through a tough time. The notes are a showcase of her religious views and her strong belief that God kept her alive for a reason.
Life, In Spite of Me is a cautionary tale, but also one that many might find inspiration in. Kristen survived against all odds and her experiences just may be what someone needs to address their issues instead of considering suicide as a solution.
Visit Tricia Goyer’s website to see the video trailer and follow along on the blog tour!
A review copy was provided free of any obligation by Multnomah Books. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.
Category: Christian Living, Memoirs, Religion & Spirituality
wow! what an amazing story! and yet it is someone’s reality! overwhelming to me to consider that…
and that Kristen can see the bigger picture from what happened to what can happen in her future. rather than being stuck and debilitated from her horrific experiences to her heroific responses. i’m blessed to hear of it! thanks Vera “)
I can see how this would be a very powerful read and a very courageous story to tell, not only to friends and family but to share with everyone who will buy the book and appreciate that strength that it took to hit the lowest point and then pull yourself up again.
What a powerful story she has to tell! I can see how this could help someone in a similar situation not take that final step to attempt suicide, and she is a very brave and giving person to share such personal and heart wrenching experiences.
This poor girl and all the tragedy that she has endured is so sad. I really fail understand how another person can rape someone else and in her case an acquaintance. I bet this book is an emotional read. I would hope that she can move on with her life and that this book may help someone else that has experienced similar issues.
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http://readingwithoutrestraint.blogspot.com/2010/05/winning-wednesday-3.html