TRAVERSE Issue 09 - December 2018 | Page 108

BOOK REVIEWS The Kindness Of Strangers Various 2018 R A collection of travel stories where the theme is kindness offered, often through adversity. The Kindness Of Strangers is a trove of the most beautiful treasures. It's true there's not a lot of motorcycle stories within howev- er, Lois Pryce does get a showing. This is a book that all people, not just motorcyclists, not just travellers, should read. Produced by Oxfam, The Kindness Of Strangers will make you laugh, make you cry, make you think ... it's hard to put down this book without thinking, "have I had it wrong for so long?" Reading The Kindness Of Strangers will make you realise one thing above all else, those with the least often give up the most for complete strangers. It's clear that many peoples, from many countries, are often mistreated by western gov- ernments and more importantly by western media. What we are told is often very different to reality and we should not be quick to judge. Natives in the Amazon, refugees in the Calais 'jungle' or truck drivers in Australia, all offer something that can't be bought, often can't be comprehended ... kindness! The Kindness Of Strangers is a collection of stories that should be shared with all, it should be compulsory reading and on every school syllabus. It is extremely well put together and compiled in a way that flows and makes for reading that is not only easy but compelling. You'll not want to put it down. All proceeds from the sales of The Kindness Of Strangers aids refugee projects lead by Oxfam, your reading of those who have helped others will help others. And in doing so, you'll realise that the world really isn't as bad as 'our' media would have you believe. Witness The Kindness Of Strangers ... E TRAVERSE 108 V