A review by kittykornerlibrarian
The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson

5.0

This is a family novel about a Black family set in the wake of the 2008 election. Ruth, the protagonist, and her husband Xavier are living their best life in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago--- successful careers, happy marriage--- but when they talk about starting a family, Ruth can't bear to share her truth that she has a son who was born when she was seventeen, a son who was given up for adoption. When she tells Xavier, he is hurt and upset. Ruth decides to go back to her hometown, a small town in Indiana, to ask her grandmother and her brother what became of her baby. This novel explores themes of family, connection, and motherhood. It is a terrific book discussion book.