I received HumanKind as a Christmas gift a few years ago. However, I didn’t get a chance to crack it open until very recently. If you’re intrigued by what I thought of this National Bestseller, keep on reading for my honest review.
Book Title: HumanKind – Changing the World One Small Act at a Time
Author: Brad Aronson
Pages: 238 (Paperback)
I had zero expectations when I first opened HumanKind other than assuming that it was going to be overly preachy in some way, shape, or form. However, I was pleased to find that a portion of a review by Deepak Chopra was printed on the front cover. The aforementioned quote describes HumanKind as, “an elegant, wise book of love in action.” This snippet, alone, gave me hope that the book would be somewhat enjoyable. And to my surprise, it was a lovely read through and through!
As a point of reference I would best describe HumanKind as a modern day, much better version of Chicken Soup for the Soul. I rarely cry when reading books but was literally in a puddle of tears at the end of Chapter One which means that HumanKind captivated me from the very start. Aronson writes in a very casual, heartfelt, and unpretentious style which in my opinion makes this book so successful. This uplifting piece of literature is so incredibly approachable that I would even recommend it as a gift to those who typically don’t favor nonfiction books.
HumanKind is broken down into 10 easy-to-read chapters. Each chapter revolves around acts of kindness and contains personal stories from the author’s own life, people he has come to know over the years, and various strangers who have shared their experiences. Each of the stories told – depicts real life moments when an individual, family, or group has been greatly impacted by the goodwill and generosity of complete strangers, neighbors, counselors, business professionals, family members, and others alike. The stories remind us that the human experience is full of trials and tribulations, and the loving kindness we show others can be so poignant during times of struggle. The best thing about the stories that Aronson so eloquently shares is how the recipients of these small and large acts of kindness payed and continue to pay it forward to people in their community and even strangers both near and far. After telling these moving and sometimes very raw stories to his readers, Aronson concludes each chapter with two distinct sections. The first is titled “What We Can Do” and includes practical advice on how we can implement acts of kindness into our daily lives, suggestions on how to gracefully approach certain situations, and recommendations of legitimate organizations that give back to those who need it most. The second section is titled “Take Fifteen Minutes To…” and includes reflective exercises that readers can take the time to do in the moment that they are wrapping up a chapter or at a future date. Last but not least, Aronson provides a comprehensive list of the nonprofits and foundations mentioned throughout HumanKind at the end of the book. This “Hall of Fame” list also contains additional, reputable organizations that the readers can look into.
When it comes to caring for others, don’t underestimate the power of the most modest investment. There’s nothing modest about the results.
– Brad Aronson
Overall, the point of HumanKind is simple…kindness matters. Small gestures go a long way and can often make monumental impacts on others whether we know it or not. Whatever love, care, and compassion another human can share with a fellow human is a good thing and almost always appreciated. HumanKind reminds us of the fact that no act of kindness is ever too small. We should always be striving to help others where and when we can.
Happy Reading!
HOMEMADE IN LA 