Monday, May 17, 2010

Life, In Spite of Me

Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer


Every now and then a book harnesses the power of words in a way that makes you believe language was invented for the sheer purpose of this story. Some words reach out past the confines of pages and print that hold other words back. Some words open the palms of their hands to release a fragile winged thing we know as hope. Some words reveal the scars on the way to healing and show that there is beauty in brokenness and value and purpose in life, especially when we least see it. This book is such a book. 

Kristen Anderson chose death. She lay across the train tracks waiting to leave pain behind. And she was given life.  
This is the story of how she found the gift in her living. 

I can't say it better than Kristen herself,
"To anyone who has ever questioned the point of life or wondered why you're alive, and to those who want to help the hurting. This book is for you." 

I read this book in three hours straight. You won't want to put it down either. If you've ever questioned the point of memoir or the power inherent in sharing our stories, exposing the dark to the light, then take a gamble on this book. When I was walking through the graveyard of my life, many people around me told me they did not know how to help. They did not know what to do. This book is what to do. Have it on your bookshelf. And offer it out freely to every bleeding soul you meet. Connect. Be the person who says,
"Here is the story of someone who found hope. Do you want to read it?"
You never know how your words may matter. 

And if you are reading this right now feeling nothing but a void around you, profoundly alone, then Kristen has this to say to you, "Suicide is never the answer. There is too much to live for. Keep fighting. Please don't give up. Reach out for help. you won't regret it... God has an amazing plan for your life, even if you don't have a plan for yourself. He has hope, even if you don't have hope for yourself. He loves you immensely, even when you don't love yourself. He see beauty in you, even when all you see is a mess."

There is help for hurting lives. I would not say it if it were not true. 
Visit www.reachingyou.org to find out more.


And because I believe in the book I am going to buy another copy and give it away to someone who reads this blog. If you want to win a copy please leave me a comment in comments section of this post, or email me at tab[at]zaeya[dot]com and tell me why you want to own this book.

Thanks.
Tab
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27 comments:

  1. It sounds beautiful. I'm def. someone who has known others who lost their hope and wanted to die, but I didn't know what to do about it. If I come across this book sometime, I'm going to read it for sure
    Thanks so much for the lovely, beautiful review! And thanks to that author for sharing about this.

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  2. Wow, this sounds like an amazing book. I have been in that place wayyyyy too many times in my life. Fortunately, the older I get, the less the Dark Bird visits. Still, I can't honestly say, "that's over now." The Dark Bird still knows my name and shows up sometimes. I would love to hear this woman's story.

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  3. Sounds great. I like the title A LOT.

    Have an awesome week :-)

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  4. I suspect a lot people are in that position and can use a big dose of hope.

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  5. That's probably the most resounding endorsement I've read for a book. It sounds like a wonderful and important book.

    Helen
    Straight From Hel

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  6. Hope is the key. Thanks for sharing this Tab.

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  7. You've got my interested more than piqued. And coming from someone who writes as beautiful as you Tab these are HUGE compliments. I'll have to look this one up!

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  8. This sounds like a wonderful book. I love reading how others found hope in spite of tremendous odds. The human spirit is an inspiring thing and can do so much good if given the chance.

    Jen

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  9. I love it when we can find such a powerful book that speaks to us, especially when we know it can help others who are hurting! Thanks for sharing it!

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  10. Sounds powerful! Glad it is able to touch so many lives. :O)

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  11. I have to admit I've never read a memoir before. After reading your wonderful recommendation, now I want to read the book :) I absolutely love the title!

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  12. Unfortunately, sounds like something I need to read. Thanks Tabitha!

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  13. Tab, your passion for this book comes out beyond the page. I have seen it, but have yet to read. It is now on my list of must reads! Thank you for the reveiw.

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  14. Thanks for coming by all. Def check the book out :)

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  15. Sounds incredible! Thanks for posting about it!

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  16. What a powerful book. Thanks for posting about it--I can think of several people I want to read this one.

    Have a great week!

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  17. Oh, I just love can't-put-down books! Thanks for the post!

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  18. Thanks for visiting Erin :) I love can't-put-down-books too :)

    Jackee- Awesome :)
    Kristen- no probs

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  19. I liked the positive approach of Kristen, "There is too much to live for. Keep fighting."

    I will love to read this book. :)

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  20. Saw this book in Koorong recently and was sorely tempted to buy, but others clamoured for my attention (and money!). In this world of darkness, a place I too have been on and off over the years, hope is the most important thing, and that's what God give us - love, joy, peace, and most of all hope. Thanks for the review Tab...can't wait to read it love charm

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  21. wow i really wanna have a chance to read this book
    it sound so full of hope!
    i wanna buy one for a friend of mine she has cancer and :( really she is living in the dark side and wanna leave life such awful she is so young! please when you read it share some hope to us so i can share it with her .ty

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  22. That sounds amazing! You read it in three hours straight? Wow! And I think it's a great idea to have a copy around to share with someone who needs it.

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  23. BTW, Thanks for joining in on my May Challenge! Good luck!

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  24. Wow, Tab. This endorsement, especially coming from you, takes my breath away. The title is going on my list. Thank you for sharing this.

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  25. The book sounds great and you, as always, posted so beautifully.

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  26. Three hours! Sounds like my kind of book, Tabitha.

    ~ Wendy

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  27. This is the second bloggy review I
    ve read of this today. The universe is telling me to read it apparantly.

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