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Life, In Spite of Me {Review}

by Lyndsay Martin

November 2, 2010

In the pages of this book Kristen takes you on an intimate journey through the hills and valleys that have made up her remarkable life. A life that seemed picture perfect until some tragic events happened in a short time span in her life. At the age of 17 she made the frightful decision to lay down on the railroad tracks as a train came barreling down the tracks in hopes of ending her own life. She passionately and very eloquently shows you how Christ saved her that frightful night in January even as the paramedics were trying to save her and she was still screaming inside "Just leave me alone. Let me die." God still saved her. Through that night and the many nights since God has lead her down a wonderful road, one that was hard to see at times, and lead her to victory, freedom, and strength. He also lead her to start an outstanding ministry Reaching You Ministries.Where she has made it her passion to speak and reach out to others who are hurt and feeling hopeless. Trying to reach them in time to tell them there is hope and healing and love waiting for them. That they are not alone.

Through this book you will walk a raw journey of battling depression, rape, loss, loneliness, doubt, pain, love, hope, forgiveness, devotion, and Amazing Grace. You will also read letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have to her while she was struggling with thoughts, feelings, etc. This book is a must read for everyone! One to be passed on to friends and family who battle with depression or suicidal thoughts, or even to people who know fellow friends or family who battle with these events in their lives. It is a must read for every teenager as well. God was not finished with her that night and what he has done in her life... her heart... is only something he himself can do. It's glorious, and one that can be experienced by everyone who comes to a passionate relationship with him as well.

There is hope and truth ringing from these pages. Survival and life. There is a faith in Kristin that I myself wish I had in Christ. It is a very hard book to set down, and one I will be reading again very soon. I give this book 6 out of 5 stars. It is outstanding and beautifully written. It draws you in from the first sentence and captures your heart every word along the way.