Have you ever been depressed? Have you ever been so depressed that you considered something extreme? Do you have teenagers? Do you worry about what your teenagers are dealing with and often don’t discuss? Kristen Jane Anderson knows all of the above. In her new book “Life In Spite of Me“, she tells her story and it’s one you won’t believe.

Imagine being 17 and so depressed that you would lie on the train tracks to await the next train that would end your life. That is exactly what Kristen Jane Anderson did. Miraculously, he life was sparred. The accident severed her legs, but she lives to tell her story in this amazing book. It is emotional and gripping.

One of my favorite parts of the book is how she leaves “notes for the reader” throughout. These are specific things that she wishes that someone would have told her along her journey. Excellent insight from a teenager dealing with severe depression. There are lessons for all of us in her story and especially those of us with children.

“Life In Spite Of Me” is a relatively quick read but don’t let the speed fool you. There are very important lessons that can be learned. I almost feel that we owe it to Kristen to learn from her tragedy and find beauty in the ashes just as she has.

I give Life In Spite of Me a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Multnomah Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”