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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
It took me about 24 hours to read The Kindness of Strangers by Katrina Kittle, which I finished about 4am the morning of 9/20. I knew absolutely nothing about the book, didn’t read the back. A friend pressed it (along with another) into my hands saying “you have to read these…and this one will blow you away”.
I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say this in case you heard about the difficult subject matter and are on the fence: the main subject at hand is ‘Family’. The chapters switch from the P.O.V. of 4 different characters, each one done just right. I was swept right into the book, as if I lived on the same street as they do, and didn’t want it to end. Heartbreaking, uplifting, engrossing, wonderfully written. I definitely recommend this to someone who can take a book as a whole, rather than get caught up in some difficult details your eyes need to pass.
What can I compare it to? Well, you know how Jodi Piccoult always builds a story around something pretty depressing? Its like that only really well done, written because it is a story that needed to be told…rather than a book written for a certain audience.
I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say this in case you heard about the difficult subject matter and are on the fence: the main subject at hand is ‘Family’. The chapters switch from the P.O.V. of 4 different characters, each one done just right. I was swept right into the book, as if I lived on the same street as they do, and didn’t want it to end. Heartbreaking, uplifting, engrossing, wonderfully written. I definitely recommend this to someone who can take a book as a whole, rather than get caught up in some difficult details your eyes need to pass.
What can I compare it to? Well, you know how Jodi Piccoult always builds a story around something pretty depressing? Its like that only really well done, written because it is a story that needed to be told…rather than a book written for a certain audience.
I really like this book, but some of it was very depressing to read. It's hard to believe that parents can be so cruel to there own children. I loved the final out come , it made reading the book worth while.
I am still processing this book. But it was unbelievable-heartbreaking in one respect but also taught lessons in kindness and hope. Could not put this one down.
challenging
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was sooooooo tough and awful but I could not put it down. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book centered on child sexual abuse. I think the author accomplished her purpose and examined the subject very well. I’m glad I read it, if I choose to rate it I’d give 4 stars but I don’t think it’s right to give it a rating.
One qualm I had is there were several instances where I thought she could have used more knowledge of how to talk about a few of the minor topics, like race, for example (this may have been a symptom of this being written in the 2000s).
That said, I certainly think she was overall appropriately sensitive and very knowledgeable when it came to the main topic of abuse and handled it realistically— the reactions, the questions, the recovery. The characters were sensitive but also clunky and awkward about it too, not knowing how to handle something so shocking.
I think as readers it’s easy to have similar reactions to this kind of book as some of the characters had in the story. “Why is she writing about this?” “I feel bad for reading about this” “this seems too far-fetched” “how could someone do something like that?” The difficulty of understanding can so easily turn into disbelief that it does happen in real life and I think that was the point that was made very well.
I also thought the exploration of being there for someone who has gone through something incomprehensible was very important. No one knows how to navigate that kind of thing but the choice to stay and give space and listen and try is what matters.
Worth the read, with caution and understanding
One qualm I had is there were several instances where I thought she could have used more knowledge of how to talk about a few of the minor topics, like race, for example (this may have been a symptom of this being written in the 2000s).
That said, I certainly think she was overall appropriately sensitive and very knowledgeable when it came to the main topic of abuse and handled it realistically— the reactions, the questions, the recovery. The characters were sensitive but also clunky and awkward about it too, not knowing how to handle something so shocking.
I think as readers it’s easy to have similar reactions to this kind of book as some of the characters had in the story. “Why is she writing about this?” “I feel bad for reading about this” “this seems too far-fetched” “how could someone do something like that?” The difficulty of understanding can so easily turn into disbelief that it does happen in real life and I think that was the point that was made very well.
I also thought the exploration of being there for someone who has gone through something incomprehensible was very important. No one knows how to navigate that kind of thing but the choice to stay and give space and listen and try is what matters.
Worth the read, with caution and understanding
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual violence
One of the best books I have ever read. Ever. And I stumbled upon it by accident. Katrina does not disappoint!
Heartbroken to think this stuff truly goes on in our world. Very hard content to read about yet I couldn't put this book down. I had to find out if Jordan would be okay.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Sexual abuse and incest are really tough to write about and there are times that this book is graphic and uncomfortable. As a social worker and someone who has worked with survivors I found this book full of beautiful truths. We are so much more than what happens to us as children, silence fuels abuse and it is often the kindness of strangers that brings hope to the wounded.
This is an author that has done her research, she understands the complexity of incest and gives voice to the victim through his relationship with the other characters. She addresses the wide array of issues that accompany abuse and answers the questions that inevitably are raised by those who often doubt and question the victims actions (why didn't he tell? Why does he still love her and want her to be his mother). I was particularly glad that that the author didn't explain away the mother as perpetrator and co-conspirator and highlighted the complex struggle of the criminal justice system. This book speaks to the resiliency of children and the amazing ability of the human spirit to become strong in the broken places.
This is an author that has done her research, she understands the complexity of incest and gives voice to the victim through his relationship with the other characters. She addresses the wide array of issues that accompany abuse and answers the questions that inevitably are raised by those who often doubt and question the victims actions (why didn't he tell? Why does he still love her and want her to be his mother). I was particularly glad that that the author didn't explain away the mother as perpetrator and co-conspirator and highlighted the complex struggle of the criminal justice system. This book speaks to the resiliency of children and the amazing ability of the human spirit to become strong in the broken places.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated