I read The Kindness Cure because I have an incredibly kind son who is confused by the number of downright unkind children his age. I agree with the author that, in general, empathy and acceptance of others has declined. This is despite all of the political correct speech of the 21st century, I might add. Bulllying and frenemies are sadly a very real part of so many children’s lives. The described psychology behind how the lack of kindness is affecting us is sound. I appreciated the inclusion of the topic of cultivating courage in the face of societal pressures and attitudes. As parents, we often neglect to see just how heavy peer pressure can be for even very young children. My only criticism with this book is that it is perhaps a tad dramatic at times. But the message of the book is powerful as is the prescribed pathway to cultivating kindness. I give it a solid 4 stars. Although I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, this did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.

In today’s environment of rudeness, bullying, and internet trolling, more kindness and empathy are certainly needed. The book opens with a section called “Kindness Takes Effort”. Many people want to be kind, but find themselves snapping at others. The author tells us right up-front that our stressful environment erodes our ability to be kind – unless we work at it.”Kindeness is love in action” – what a beautiful thought.
Cousineau says that our survival as a species requires the “soft skills” of kindness, cooperation, and generosity. Ever notice that when there is a crisis these “soft skills” come out in us? That shows that kindness is ingrained in us as humans – and there is still hope for us.

There are practical exercises throughout the book to put us back in touch with our empathetic nature. This book deserves a slow, thoughtful reading – even multiple readings to get its full value. I definitely recommend it.

Thank you to New Harbinger Publications, Raincoast Books and Net Galley for providing me with an e-galley of The Kindness Cure by Tara Cousineau in exchange for an honest review. As the author states, our world is gravely lacking in empathy, respect and common decency. We seem to have strayed away from kindness in our lives instead of kindness being natural and necessary. This book deals with scientific data and personal research that prove over and over again how important kindness is to the quality of our lives. I thought The Kindness Cure might be preachy but, on the contrary, it is an enlightening text that promotes kindness to give joy and grace to our own lives as well as to the lives of those who cross our path. Kindness shown is kindness paid forward. Indifference does not enhance anyone's life. The author takes us on a step by step path to achieving kindness for ourselves and others. I highly recommend this book, especially in these troubled times.

“Kindness is love in action.” I absolutely loved this book. I felt like I was already a kind person, but reading this and learning more, taught me that there is so much more I can do, especially being kind to myself. I highly recommend this gem of a book.

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.”

This book derived primarily from the ideas around compassion and loving kindness meditation traditions. The author cites recent neurological studies and weaves in stories from her life as illustrations of principles. The teachings themselves are presented in a power point sort of organization. As a reader of many books on meditation, I think readers can always glean something new from different presentations of the same material. However, this particular offering was not my favorite.

Did not mean to add to my books to read; clicked on the widget to see what the book was about and it automatically added it to my shelf. Did not read it.