I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book. There were a lot of things that made me nod my head in agreement as I look at the fabric of my own family experience. The things that go unsaid, the decisions our parents / grandparents (grown folks) make because "that's what's best" & because they want better for the next generation. The KINDEST Lie (s) of many different shades and facets, Ruth, the main character, was oblivious to her whole life.

Was it because she selfishly thought only of herself,even as an married adult, who never stopped to put herself in the shoes of her grandparents who were the only parents she knew.

At what age do we start that process to see things from our parents perspectives and not just our own limited ones? Something that bothered me over a good bit of this book is the very big secret the Ruth kept from her husband and how they leave that rift wide open until the end. I tried to see that from so many different perspectives across the book, it just bothered me that it was not discussed.

The other thing that I think the book touched on in a way that demonstrates there is something we start to see and understand, that shifts, even at a young age unfortunately is race.

I was annoyed by Ruth as well and thought she's grown and still so naive. I also felt like the dialogue, or lack thereof, with Ruth and her husband was almost like the other didn't exist. I can only imagine how hurt he must have been to find out about Ruth's child but him being a bookend and the beginning and end of the story didn't work for me either