Deftly written, and containing equal parts sadness and hope.

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	• The Kindness of Strangers Katrina Kittle Harper Perennial, 2007 - 400 pages average customer review:based on 34 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

a true life must-read

this book is awesome. i think it should be required reading for all parents

Deftly written, and containing equal parts sadness and hope.

I began this book and finished it in the same day because,
cliched as it sounds, I could not put it down. Ms. Kittle
did not editorialize about any of her characters, though the
temptation to do so must have been strong. There was no
avoidance of painful subject matter, yet there was not one gratuitous word in this book. Although the author's innately
grounded personality shines through in Sarah Laden, we see her as she is, warts and all, and still embrace her. I found myself reminded at times of the best of Jodi Picoult's writing, though more in spirit than in style or content. Writing dialogue seems a great strength for the gifted Ms.Kittle, and whether the dialogue takes place between adults, children, or a combination, it all rings true. There is a generosity of spirit in the
"good" characters that is tempered by their self-doubt and faults. The descriptive passages in which she presents the
"bad" characters are truly terrifying, despite our understanding of how they came to be so despicable and dangerous. There is
such a fine line between teaching our children caution rather
than paranoia that many of us are lost as to how to warn them
about those who prey on children. Ms.Kittle understands this,
and I am certain that this book will spark discussion in many
families that might otherwise not be handled as well, or, sadly,
not handled at all. In the end, we are left with hope and
with a belief that second chances are deserved by many, but
not necessarily by all. The ONLY reason I gave this book 4 stars
rather than 5 is because I wish that it had gone on for a few hundred more pages.

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So real

I work in "Oakhaven" and the mention of local businesses and "crossing the river to get to the hospital" were all very real to me. I am aware that child abuse knows no demographic but Kindness of Strangers made it all personal for me. It has helped me stop denying and start looking around for possible dangers to my grandchild.

A devastating issue handled with grace and style

Ms. Kittle's latest book shows the signs of a maturing artist reaching her stride. In taking on an issue that none of us wishes to face, she guides us methodically and elegantly through the horror and into the light of redemption. Ultimately filling the reader with the warmth and understanding of the triumph of love and family over horrible circumstance. Regardless of how one defines family.

Brisk and unsentimental though, this is a truly great read, never cloying or maudlin, I found "Kindness of Strangers" (despite its unfortunate title) a surprising journey and well worth taking.

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A story you won't easily forget . . .

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS is one of the best books I've ever read. Like Jodi Picoult's MY SISTER'S KEEPER, Ms. Kittle's book haunts you for days after you've finished the last page. I started reading THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS one afternoon and only put it down to sleep and eat, finishing it the next afternoon. The subject matter is tough to read about, yet you cannot stop because you quickly grow to care about all of the characters, especially Jordan. It's horrible that we have such monsters among us--people who prey on innocent children, people who are so sick they make US sick. Bravo, Ms. Kittle. You've written a story every person who cares about children should read.

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, page 6, 7

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