The Hidden Power of Kindness: A Practical Handbook for Souls Who Dare to Transform the World, One Deed at a Time

Is this a good book? Yes! But is it a great disappointment? Definetely YES!!!Sophia Institute Press "brings back into print books that have long been out of print." Great. They also usually abridge those books, make editorial revisions, etc. This book is another example of their taking an absolutely wonderful book and redoing so that it loses much of its appeal. Readers who have no access to the origianl find it wonderful and helpful but if they could read the original book they would be as disapointed as I am. Actually, I have never been satisfied with ANY of their reprints and usually refuse to buy any of their books.The original book "Kindness" by Fr. Lawrence Lovasik published in 1962 is 334 pages versus 246, and has 33 chapters divided into 8 parts versus 17 chapters in 3 parts. Fr. Lovasik stated "Words move, but examples draw in our contact with people in daily life... Examples taken from daily life are apt to infulence the reader more than a treatise on the virtue of kindness." The original book "Kindness" contained a multitude of interesting examples taken from his book "Treasury of Catechism Stories." There seem to be none of his examples in this reprint. Also, the original used Scripture quotes from the translation of Fathers Lilly and Kleist. The reprint uses quotes based on the Catholic Edition of the Revised Standart Version. WHY????? I knew when I ordered it that is was an abridged edition and contained editorial revisions but this is ridiculous.The original is out of print and rare so copies are expensive when you can find them. I have an original but wanted to buy extra copies as gifts and to put in our Church Adoration Chapel. I am sure it will be helpful but it would have been so nice if Sophia Institute would have just reprinted the entire book. If you can find the original - buy it instead of this one. So much important information is missing as to make it seem like an entirely different book.If I was putting what I learned from the book into practice, I would have probably only said "kind" things about this reprint but I am not perfect yet and this really irritates me when they do this to a wonderful book.

This is hands down one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Fr. Lovasik really pushes the reader toward greater holiness by encouraging the practice of kindness.The author begins the book with an observation that struck close to home for me--that because one is spiritually devout does not mean one is kind. Some very religious people, he notes, can also be very unkind. So what exactly does the author mean by kindness? In short: If you raise your voice in anger (even to your spouse or children), you are being unkind. If you insist on having the last word in an argument, you are being unkind. If you talk about others behind their backs, you are being unkind. If you listen to gossip, you are being unkind. If you speak with sarcasm, you are being unkind. If three of you are sitting at a table and two of you engage in a conversation in which the other person is left out, you are being unkind. If you wait for others to ask for help before you offer assistance, you are being unkind. If you don't smile enough, you are being unkind. If you jump to negative conclusions about people you meet, you are being unkind. The list goes on and on.Fr. Lovasik stresses that it is the "little" things in life that often have profound everlasting consequences. Regardless of how faithfully we might pray or read the Bible or attend Mass, it is our kindness that draws people to God--and our unkindness that repels them. Kindness and unkindness alike are contagious, the author points out. Something as small as a smile can brighten another person's day; a frown or a harsh word can have the opposite effect.If you don't like to have your toes stepped on, this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you're looking for someone to help you conform to the image of Christ, this is a must read.

Humankind is so gosh darn communal! We must interact with people all the time. Our greatest joys and our greatest hurts often come from the actions or words of others. Some folks are a joy to be around, and some folks are a strain for even short spells. Mix in the sinful nature of mankind and you get one big social mess. Christ is the answer of course, but how do we:1. Navigate the infinite twists and turns of motives, emotions, deeds, words, joys, hurts, gossip, detraction, malice, courtesies, judgments, etc. in others? and2. Know if our own social motives, behavior, and words are in accordance with God's will?Father Lovasik provides the answer in this practical guide to kindness. Don't let the title fool you, this book covers the whole sandbox of human virtues and vices regarding human interaction. After reading this book, you will know how to deal with social dysfunction in others and you will be enlightened with your own social flaws / remedies. Every positive concept is defined, examined, illustrated with examples, and bolstered with solid scripture, theology and common sense, while every negative concept is defined, examined, illustrated with examples, and remedied using scripture, theology and common sense. This book is denominationally neutral, so all Christians should glean much from this fine work. Get your highlighter because it is full of treasured quotes. Now I know why Patrick Coffin has this book on his top 16 Christian books of all time. It is truly one of the best books I have ever read.

Excellent book. It reads so easily and examples are great. I am enjoying every bit of the book. Highly recommended if you want to be a more kind person.

Brilliant book! I really needed this !It has helped me to see how I can become kinder ! Kindness has made me a happier person 😊

The book is clearly written, with short sentences that explain things clearly.The author has a great understanding of human nature, so not only does he write about its frailties, but also about the potential everyone has to do goo through being kind.A must read for everyone.

Wonderful book...everyone should read it..when they're young if possible

A must for people who want to grow on their path to virtue