Reviews

Everyday Kindness by L.J. Ross

julz_clay's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

portybelle's review against another edition

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5.0

Everyday Kindness is a collection of short stories all on the theme of kindness featuring stories from over 50 authors. These authors write in all different kinds of genres. Some of them you may well already be familiar with and others will likely be new names. With such a selection, there is bound to be something for everyone. All of the proceeds from this book will be donated to Shelter so as well as enjoying the stories, you can know that in a small way you are helping those in difficult situations.

I so enjoyed dipping in and out of this book. I started by reading a few stories from authors I have already read such as Shelley Day, Kim Nash, Leah Mercer, Holly Martin and Liz Fenwick. And of course I had to read the one by Nicky Black who was kind enough to send me a copy for review and I have to say it was such a beautiful and uplifting story. Just from these few stories I travelled from London to Barbados, from a graveyard to an ice rink, from Newcastle to Norway. There really is a huge variety of tales. I didn’t just read the stories from writers I already knew though and it was great to discover the writing of authors I haven’t read before.

This book will definitely lift your spirits, warm the cockles of your heart and restore your faith in humanity. The stories may be fictional but they are none the less inspiring. There are small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness that anyone could emulate as well as much grander gestures.

With each story being so short, Everyday Kindness is a great book to pick up when you only have a few minutes spare to read. I read a few a day and I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite. That wouldn’t be fair as the stories are so different and also because I have enjoyed each and every one I read. These tales of friendship, kindness and caring are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

bantambookworm's review against another edition

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4.0

I couldn't resist the opportunity to read this collection of short stories. Some of the contributors are my favourite authors, and they did not disappoint, but I was also introduced to some authors who were new to me whose full length work I am encouraged to try. 


Each of the stories in this collection are based in some way on the theme of kindness. This is such a wide topic that it means that each author has interpreted it in their own way and my eyes were really opened by these interpretations. As a result of this, there are lots of other themes that are explored alongside the main theme. The contributors also write in several different genres: crime, romance, historical and supernatural so there is something for all readers to relate to and to suit all tastes. 


The proceeds from Everyday Kindness will be donated to Shelter. In the current times, many people are struggling with homelessness and housing issues so the collection feels as though it has come along at just the right time, both to support a wonderful charity and give hope to readers who may be struggling. 

sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition

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5.0

I am sure we will all agree that life has thrown us a bit of a curve ball with the recent pandemic which has no doubt affected us all in different ways. Whilst we have seen such wonderful acts of bravery, resilience and kindness, it has also shown a darker side to humanity. For me, this short story collection restored my faith in humanity. Yes, it may be fiction but we can all learn from this book and as they say, a little kindness can go a long way in this world.

One thing I love about short stories like these, not only do I get to enjoy stories by authors whose books I have previously read and loved but it is also a great way of finding yourself new authors. I will certainly be checking out some of the other authors books who I haven’t previously read before as this was a great taster of their writing.

Whilst I read and enjoyed all the stories, as with any short story collection, there were some I enjoyed more than others but there were that many within this book that it is impossible to list them all. They are all different but all focus on the same thing, acts of kindness. If anything I felt humbled reading the stories and some brought tears to my eyes. It really is the most wonderful anthology!

Everyday Kindness is so much more than a collection of short stories. Not only do the proceeds go to a very worthy cause, it will make you want to strive to be a better person. A simple act of kindness no matter how big or small, could make such a difference to another person as many of these stories show. It is the perfect book to have on your bedside table or for when you are short on time. The stories are all relatively short and take no time at all to read. I found myself reading a number of them each night before going to sleep. An endearing collection of short stories that are not only heart-warming but uplifting also!

hannah_litagent's review

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hopeful inspiring

3.25

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