Book Review

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I don't post all of my Good Reads reviews here, but this book made a huge impact. It was a tough one to get through, but I'm glad I read it.





The Kindness of Strangers by Katrina Kittle

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been trying for days to think of what to say about this book. When I started it, I could see the subject matter was going to make it difficult to get through. Actually, I had a hint from a friend as to why it might be difficult. I wasn't caught off guard and that's a good thing. I don't like surprises.



When I began, though, I thought that reading this book would be like watching a train wreck. Awful, but you can't pull your eyes away. Instead, I found it was like watching a train wreck from inside the train. A close personal glimpse at something awful, but riveting. This story is not a true story, but it is. I'm sure it's many true stories of children who are sexually abused by their parents. Sexual abuse at the hands of a parent is probably the most horrifying experience imaginable, and reading about it was very painful at times. Most of the scenes are not graphic, but some are. Yet, I couldn't put the book down. The characters were real, your next door neighbor, the woman you see helping out at school, your son's best friend's mother. Their emotion is real; I felt I was there, with them, watching in person.



I can't say that this is a book that should be read by everyone, but it was very enlightening for me. I think most parents would benefit from reading it. Sexual abuse is widespread in this country and I don't think most people are careful enough about who their children spend time with. This book is a wake up call, it was at least for me. I've always been careful about who my children spend time with. I don't allow sleepovers, I prefer they bring their friends to our home. But, still, I could see this happening in my innermost circle, without ever knowing about it.


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