Jennifer D. (Jennmarie68) reviewed Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice on + 217 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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!
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!
Kristin D. (kdurham2813) reviewed Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice on + 753 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An emotional story that from the very beginning is hard to hear, but well worth the read. A young woman who while a teen decides that her life isn't worth living and through a last minute thought lays herself down on railroad tracks. As she is telling the story - we all know she survives, but to hear her story about recuperating and living a different life is beyond interesting.
Whether you believe in the healing power of Christ and that God can intercede into daily lives, this book is worth the read to understand how depression can hit when you least expect and how far down one may go. It was refershing to hear a true story where she battled depression and had ups and downs - but life did end up on the up.
To parents of teens - this may be a rough ride because you may become overly cautious about the signs you could possibly see in your own teen. To the non parents, this is still a story for you about how depression can take hold of someone and send them down a road that no one would suspect.
Whether you believe in the healing power of Christ and that God can intercede into daily lives, this book is worth the read to understand how depression can hit when you least expect and how far down one may go. It was refershing to hear a true story where she battled depression and had ups and downs - but life did end up on the up.
To parents of teens - this may be a rough ride because you may become overly cautious about the signs you could possibly see in your own teen. To the non parents, this is still a story for you about how depression can take hold of someone and send them down a road that no one would suspect.
Barb F. (coffeetime) reviewed Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice on + 22 more book reviews
This book was truly amazing. It's not a Oh Poor Me type of book. Kristen had to go through alot of things after she tried to kill herself, but she made something of herself and tried to turn her mistakes around. A quick read because once you start, you do not want to put it down.
An inspiring testimony of God's grace to change a life in the most difficult of circumstances.
Phyllis R. (cagranny) - , reviewed Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice on + 57 more book reviews
What a beautiful and inspiring story of how a troubled teen turned tradegy into triumph and is now reaching out to help others!!!
WARNING -- do not attempt to read without a box of Kleenex handy.
WARNING -- do not attempt to read without a box of Kleenex handy.
Amber (berd) reviewed Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice on + 214 more book reviews
I can't imagine what Kristen went through before or after her accident. I am a bit older than probably the targeted audience this book was directed toward, but it still made me take a few steps back and see things from the perspective of someone who is contemplating ending his or her own life. It was very inspirational for me to see how she hasn't given up and that she now tries to encourage others who are going through troubles in life.
