Author: Kristen Jane Anderson, Tricia Goyer
Genre/Audience: Memoir, inspiration, religion, adult
Publication: 2010
Source: Library
I'd seen this book around the blogosphere before, but when I saw that Kristen was coming to a local church to speak, I knew I just had to read it and go see her. When Kristen was 17, she found herself in a dark place, full of despair. In a short period of time, her grandmother and four friends all died, and shortly after, she was raped. Finding herself in a deep depression, one night, Kristen laid down on the train tracks near her house, and waited to die. She felt the pain as 33 train cars ran over her body, but a force was pushing her down. After the train stopped, she didn't know whether she was dead or alive, until she looked over to her right, and saw her legs lying ten feet away from her body.
What happened after is a story of triumph, faith, and hope. Kristen spent months recovering in the hospital and at home, and learning to accept that she no longer had legs. Kristen heard over and over again that God had kept her here for a reason, and she realized that she had been given a second chance at life. She developed a strong faith, and became close with God who made her realize she had a purpose. Today, Kristen is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, and runs a ministry, called Reaching You Ministries, which helps those dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. She has had many surgeries and is working towards walking again someday with the use of prosthetic legs.
Kristen's story is so inspiring and hopeful. I'm so glad I got to meet her as she is an incredibly beautiful person both inside and out and hearing her story was amazing. While I am not a religious person, I admire Kristen's faith. I sometimes envy those who have a faith as strong as Kristen does. She came out of her depression and now shines in life and helps so many people by sharing her story. Kristen has inspired me to believe in miracles.
I was deeply touched by this story and am so lucky to have gotten to meet her. I think this story will resonate especially well with those who have a strong faith, but even for me, I felt a sense of hope and inspiration from her story.
My Rating: 4/5
Wow, what a story! I have never heard of this book. Thanks for your review, i'll be keeping my eye for it.
ReplyDeleteI heard about this one. It sounds SO good. Her story is amazing. Great review!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story! How wonderful that you got to meet her! She truly is an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you got to meet her (though it cracked me up about your mom's inability to take a better photo!). It sounds like a book that will really inspire.
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like an incredible story. I usually don't read memoirs, but this sounds so inspiring. I often envy those with such strong faith, too. I'll have to give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteThis book was very moving and inspirational; it is full of insight into Kristen's thoughts and experiences. It's an easy read; I read it in about 3 nights. The book is well written, conversations are written in present tense, not just a recollection of events. Kristen is very encouraging and stresses the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Some chapters end with notes to the reader about how to deal with issues such as suicidal thoughts, rape, etc. For a girl who has been through so much, Kristen's personality seems to shine in this book without feeling fake or holding anything back.
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