A review by b00kluver
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson

5.0

Ruth and her husband, Xavier, are young Black professionals living in Chicago in 2008. Xavier is ready to start a family, but Ruth realizes that she can’t move on until she finds out what happened to the son she gave birth to as a teen. Ruth decides to return to her grandmother’s home in Indiana to search for her son. While home, she befriends a troubled 11-year-old white boy nicknamed Midnight. Secrets are revealed, old friendships rekindled, and Ruth finally discovers everything her grandmother and brother sacrificed for her future. This thought-provoking, well-written story explores poverty, family dynamics, racism, pride, and love. Highly recommended!