Kids Off the Block tells the inspirational and heartwarming story of Dianne Latiker, a woman who welcomed hundreds of vulnerable teenagers into her Chicago home. Her story shows the impact that one person can have when they are willing to trust God and focus on the needs of others over their own. Diane did not have any special training or fancy programs when she started Kids Off the Block (KOB), she simply sat down with a group of kids and took the time to listen to what they had to say.

I was inspired by Diane’s perseverance. It is easy to overlook the fact that KOB took many years to grow into the successful program it is today. In reality, starting up KOB was a slow and discouraging process. For years, Diane had to make decisions and sacrifices without knowing exactly how they would pay off. Many times, she was denied for grants and other funds that would enable her to do the work she wanted to.

I was also inspired by her willingness to step into tough situations. She never shied away from loving the types of kids that most people avoid. At times, she threw herself into dangerous situations and even in front of guns for the sake of her KOB kids. She doesn’t just preach that all people are equal and worthy of love, but bravely lives it out.

Throughout the book, Dianne frequently mentions that God called her to start KOB and love these kids. Even though she mentions God often, there is no mention of teaching her kids about the Bible or gospel message. Even though this book is marketed as a Christian novel, the focus of the book is more about meeting physical and emotional needs, rather than spiritual needs.

This book didn’t meet my expectations. Actually, I found it rather hopeless. The majority of the book chronicles her efforts to gain computers, recording equipment, basketball equipment, or funding of some kind or other for her organization. All mixed with heartbreaking stories of violence and death and the occasional story of success. If I had gone into this expecting a book about a secular charity, I would have found it interesting and motivating. But I requested this book assuming it would present the ultimate answer to violence, hate, and murder. Because it was promoted by Christianaudio, I expected at least a brief presentation of the Gospel. Instead, I found it to be a book completely focused on improving the economic and social wellbeing of the children, the social gospel.
I’ll just walk you through my reactions to the book as I read it.
She is incredibly brave. She throws herself between gun-wielding gang members. She refuses to leave a neighborhood despite being shot at or besieged by rival gangs and puts her life and everything she holds dear on the line to save others.
But – Her behavior towards her husband is terrible. It’s not just that she doesn’t ask him if he wants to open his home host, everyone, from the neighborhood. She sells his belongings after being directly told not to do it. She constantly goes against his wishes. Early on, this pits the survival of her marriage against the survival of her organization. The tension only resolves after he decides to come on board with her plans. She does mention briefly praying for this to happen, but as she tells the story, she always acts first and just hopes that he will learn to live with it. Everything has to be her way.
Lives are being transformed. She has managed to provide a safe place for children to hang out for hours each day. There they can bring their worries and find a listening ear. She does her best to keep the violence away.
Still, for a large part of this book, it sounds as if she is the only person attempting to help these children. But as we get farther on in the story, we find out that she is partnering with numerous other charities. They may not have been doing exactly what she was doing, but she seems to dismiss everyone who is not doing exactly what she wants as not-caring. She eventually learns to stop trying to force people to help her, and she does learn some delegation skills as the story draws to a close. So, she seems to get easier to work as the story goes on.
Most importantly for me though was the complete lack of Gospel. She points to the Lord as the source of her success. She also mentions praying, mostly alone, and once with the children. Once, only once, in the whole book is the Bible quoted. “Faith without works is dead.” That’s it. There’s not a verse about God’s love for every human be they black, white, rich, poor, young, old, victim, or murderer. Never once, according to this book, does she explain to anyone that certain actions aren’t just bad decisions or a waste of an opportunity; they are sin against a holy God. She never points anyone to Christ’s eternal forgiveness and redemption of their souls. Actually, there is more in this book about her efforts to excite the kids about her favorite politician than any efforts to teach them about Jesus, the about the Savior of their souls. So even if she gets these children off the streets and into successful careers, they are still facing a Christless eternity. That made this a hopeless and Christian book. It was robbed of the Gospel's true power for change.
Lisa Reneé Pitts is a wonderful narrator. She reads as if she is simply telling you her own story. Her tempo and tone make for a delightful listening experience.
The book captured my attention, but the lack of an eternal message left me saddened.
I received this as a free audiobook ARC through NetGalley and RB Media and Christianaudio. No favorable review was required. I wish I could have written a more favorable review, but these are my honest opinions.

The Inspiring True Story of One Woman's Quest to Protect Chicago's Most Vulnerable Youth
by Diane Latiker


Baker Books
Christian
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020



I am reviewing a copy of Kids off the Block through Baker Books and Netgalley:






Diane Latiker asked herself what could she do when she watched the teens in her Chicago neighborhood succumb at an alarming rate to gangs and gun violence.





Her answers started small, by inviting ten kids into her living room to talk about their struggles and dreams. But it grew over the years.






With the help of God, her family, and many other people along the way, Diane's Kids Off the Block morphed from a personal crusade to do what she could into a nationally known program that has helped more than 3,000 at-risk Chicago teens.





If you are looking for a powerful, energizing read. The story of a woman who became tired of sitting behind their keyboards, as they watched their world crumble away, and decided to do something about it.





I get Kids off the Block five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

What a remarkable true story of the life of Diane Latiker. What I loved most was her tenacity and faith. The combo made for a one of a kind story of her starting KOB. Even when no one else believed, she persisted. Even when no one else understood, she persisted. Even when the numbers and time and heartache didn’t make sense, she persisted… and look at her now! The Lord has continued to carry her, even in the hardest of seasons. He has used her to bless the lives of many of Chicago’s most vulnerable youth, and He continues to do so because of her faith and dedication to the call.
I had the pleasure of listening to this book on audio, narrated in Diane’s own voice. What a joy to hear the emotion and passion straight from the woman herself!
This is a remarkable story that highlights the power of what one person can do to make a difference in the world. Her utter selflessness and joy make this story a delight to devour. Diane’s influence will ripple into future generations for many decades to come.
Thank you NetGalley and Baker Books for the opportunity to enjoy this book on audio. All opinions are my own.

What an inspirational story! Kids Off the Block by Diane Latiker was a true inspiration and demonstrated the difference one person can truly make.

Diane Latiker went from just having discussions with her daughter to having a nonprofit organization that has changed the lives of over 3000 kids. I just imagine the impact those 3000 children and teens will have on the world around them.

For those in the faith, Latiker inspires those struggling to keep going. When one is in the trenches with God, as long as you continue to pray and persist in what He is calling you to do, it will happen. What spoke to me most is the part where Latiker is talking to her mother. She tells her mother she wished people understood what God was instructing her to do. Her mother told her she had to show them because God told her the plan and no one else. I know often I think, why can’t God tell someone else or why did He choose me? There is a reason. Persist and have faith in Him.

Lisa Renee Pitts did a fantastic job with the narration. I felt passion and inspiration with each word she spoke.

I really did not know what I would think of this book. I am so glad I gave it a listen. I had a hard time putting it down. I have already recommended it to several friends. If you want to be inspired (whether you are Christian or not) this book is worth a read or listen.

I received an advanced audiobook copy from RB Media and Christianaudio through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.