I was delighted when a copy of Kindness (a user’s guide) by Ali Catterall and Kitty Collins arrived from lovely Eleanor at Bonnier Books in time for the recent World Kindness Day. Although I hadn’t read it in time to review by then, I’m delighted to share my review today.

Published by Bonnier imprint Studio Press on 8th July 2021, Kindness (a user’s guide) is available for purchase in all good bookstores and online including here.

Kindness (a user’s guide)

The definitive guide to kindness – a book full of inspirational ideas, quotes and famous acts of kindness, at a time when we need it most.

“If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours.” Dolly Parton

This empowering guide to kindness will inspire you to make a real difference to your life and the lives of others. Inside you’ll find:

– over 50 stories about famous – and not so famous – acts of kindness, from Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic leadership during the Coronavirus pandemic to Marcus Rashford’s determination to support underprivileged children, and the real story of the WWI Christmas Truce.

– suggestions for acts of kindness you can carry out yourself, to improve the lives of those around you

– quotes about kindness to help encourage change, from people like Kamala Harris, Beyonce and RuPaul

This is the perfect gift for yourself or for a friend – because Kindness is Power.

My Review of Kindness (a user’s guide)

A book all about kindness.

I have to confess that before I opened Kindness (a user’s guide) I was expecting a rather twee, self-righteous volume, of social media style sound bites. I had not reckoned on finding such a thoughtful, eclectic and positive book.

Within the pages of this charming and compassionate volume is so much content and detail that it rewards re-reading time and again. Certainly there are quick reads in the form of kindness related quotations from everyone from Aesop to Lady Gaga, but there is so much more.

I first skimmed through reading the inspirational quotations from the well known characters, before returning to read the kindness tips which are practical (like keeping a spare umbrella in the office in case a colleague might need it) and easily achieved so that Kindness (a user’s guide) feels accessible to all. Next I returned to the beginning to read the lengthier pieces that are quite brilliant. Packed with facts and figures, anecdotes and humour (especially in frequent word play at the end of them) they afford the reader all kinds of new experiences. Who knew, for example, the link between Bruce Springsteen and Northumberland or Kate Nash and a broom – though you’ll have to read Kindness (a user’s guide) to discover the links for yourself. These longer sections include historical figures and event so that Kindness (a user’s guide) is educational as well as entertaining.

I thought it was completely fitting to include a list of websites at the end of the book too so that readers who have been inspired can find out more.

Kindness (a user’s guide is an absolute gem of a book that would make the perfect gift for absolutely anyone of any age. It’s uplifting, encouraging and provides a world of kind examples to brighten the darkest soul. I thought it was wonderful.

About Ali Catterall

Ali Catterall is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and editor, who has written for the Guardian, Time Out and GQ, among others. In 2001, he co-authored the critically acclaimed Your Face Here: British Cult Movies Since the Sixties and in 2018 edited Scala Cinema 1978-1993 by Jane Giles, winner of the 2019 Kraszna-Krausz Award. He is currently co-directing a BFI-produced feature documentary about the Scala, and working on a memoir about his childhood.

You can follow Ali on Instagram and Twitter @AliCatterall

About Kitty Collins

Kitty Collins (not her real name) works in publishing. In her spare time, Kitty loves to read, watch movies and reality TV and devour all things Popular Culture. Kitty is an avid Foodie, and has written two food and drink titles under pseudonyms. Kitty lives in Kent with a high maintenance cat and 300 pairs of shoes.

You can follow Kitty on Instagram and Twitter @ladyfaversham