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The Kindness of Strangers (2005)

by Katrina Kittle

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8163426,589 (4.1)30
On a quiet street in the suburban Midwest, a popular, seemingly stable family keeps a terrible, dark secret behind closed doors -- a secret that will have life-changing consequences for all who know them Sarah Laden, a young widow and mother of two, struggles to keep her family together. Since the death of her husband, her high-school-age son, Nate, has developed a rebellious streak, constantly falling in and out of trouble. Her kindhearted younger son, Danny, though well behaved, struggles to pass his remedial classes. All the while, Sarah must make ends meet by running a catering business out of her home. But when a shocking and unbelievable revelation rips apart the family of her closest friend, Sarah finds herself welcoming yet another young boy into her already tumultuous life. Jordan, a quiet and reclusive elementary-school boy and classmate of Danny's, has survived a terrible tragedy, leaving him without a family. When Sarah becomes Jordan's foster mother, a relationship develops that will force her to question the things of which she thought she was so sure. Yet Sarah is not the only one changed by this young boy, and as the delicate balance that holds her family together begins to falter, the Ladens will all face truths about themselves and one another -- and discover the power of love to forgive and to heal. Powerful and poignant, The Kindness of Strangers is a shocking look at how the tragedy of a single family in a small suburban town can affect so many. Katrina Kittle has created a haunting vision of the secret lives of the people we think we know best. Through gripping and heartrending storytelling, The Kindness of Strangers shows that even after the most grave injuries, redemption is always possible.… (more)
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» See also 30 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 34 (next | show all)
rabck from spoiledrotten; widowed Sarah is raising her two boys, trying to keep the family together. Sarah's neighbor seems to be the prefect friend, until Sarah saving the woman's son from a suicide OD reveals a horrible secret in that family. In taking in the troubled neighbor's boy when the parents are jailed tears at the seams of Sarah's family and life. Haunting book. ( )
  nancynova | Jun 29, 2023 |
It took me a while to begin reading this book, even though I love reading Katrina Kittles work. The reason is that I knew this was a book about child pornography and incest.
Once I started though, I could not put it down. I read the book in two days, desperately hoping Jordan's parents would be caught and sent to jail, praying Jordan would finally feel safe and secure in his new home. Yet I knew this was fiction. That is the power of good story telling and Katrina Kittle is a master of characterization. Her story people do not feel like characters, they feel very real.
This is a story that may stick with you long after you have reached the final page. ( )
  DebraParmley | Dec 29, 2018 |
This book will probably go down as my top read of 2017! This was so well-written and so believable. Although at times it is painful to read, the actions of Jordan so realistic. I would recommend this to anyone not put off by the subject matter. ( )
  dara85 | Sep 25, 2017 |
The subject matter of this book (incest, child sexual abuse, suicide, and the death of loved ones) makes this book something that isn't for everyone. Kittle's characters mostly ring true, though the angry teen who so quickly morphs into the compliant, civic minded young man was a bit of a stretch. Her insight into the warped thinking of an abused child was provocative and sad. ( )
  LaineyMac | Nov 6, 2014 |
Another book (3rd one) I loved reading by this author. Although the subjects of child sexual abuse/incest and child pornography are sensitive and difficult, Katrina told this story with her usual compassion and grace. The characters are endearing, and the story is both heart wrenching and heartwarming. ( )
  LorettaR | Oct 10, 2014 |
Showing 1-5 of 34 (next | show all)
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Epigraph
Beside a well, one does not thirst.
Beside a sister, one does not despair.
--Chinese proverb
Dedication
For Monica, Rick, and Amy Jia Schiffler
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Danny wondered if people looked at his family and knew.
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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On a quiet street in the suburban Midwest, a popular, seemingly stable family keeps a terrible, dark secret behind closed doors -- a secret that will have life-changing consequences for all who know them Sarah Laden, a young widow and mother of two, struggles to keep her family together. Since the death of her husband, her high-school-age son, Nate, has developed a rebellious streak, constantly falling in and out of trouble. Her kindhearted younger son, Danny, though well behaved, struggles to pass his remedial classes. All the while, Sarah must make ends meet by running a catering business out of her home. But when a shocking and unbelievable revelation rips apart the family of her closest friend, Sarah finds herself welcoming yet another young boy into her already tumultuous life. Jordan, a quiet and reclusive elementary-school boy and classmate of Danny's, has survived a terrible tragedy, leaving him without a family. When Sarah becomes Jordan's foster mother, a relationship develops that will force her to question the things of which she thought she was so sure. Yet Sarah is not the only one changed by this young boy, and as the delicate balance that holds her family together begins to falter, the Ladens will all face truths about themselves and one another -- and discover the power of love to forgive and to heal. Powerful and poignant, The Kindness of Strangers is a shocking look at how the tragedy of a single family in a small suburban town can affect so many. Katrina Kittle has created a haunting vision of the secret lives of the people we think we know best. Through gripping and heartrending storytelling, The Kindness of Strangers shows that even after the most grave injuries, redemption is always possible.

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