Last month my sister-in-law read a book called "Same Kind of Different as Me" and when she was done, she highly recommended that I read it. This week I found myself with a copy and thought I would give it a try. I'm very glad I did - 'Same Kind of Different As Me' is an amazing book: gripping, inspirational, and eye-opening as well.
The book interweaves the stories of two men who on the outside seem very different. Ron is a rich international art dealer, and Denver was raised as a sharecropper, did time in prison, and becomes homeless on the streets of Ft. Worth. The story of how they met, how they became friends, and what they learn from each other is fascinating. Hearing two (and very different) sides of many events in the book was very interesting. There's a pervasive spiritual aspect to the book, as the faith of the main characters (and Ron's wife Deborah) play a crucial role in who they are and what they do. (I found that a positive element, but if that concerns you, don't worry - they don't get all preachy!)
What was particularly interesting for me was as side effect of diving in so quick that I didn't realize something very important... I thought the book was fiction and only after I finished did I realize it was not! The idea that within my lifetime there have been people still living in conditions indistinguishable from slavery, facing unthinkable racial hatred, was chilling. That background made the building of a friendship between the two men even more incredible. The power of love and faith that puts itself into action - not just from a distance but up close and personal - triumphs in a touching way in "Same Kind of Different as Me". I highly recommend the book for any reader! (Actually, for the non-reader, I would recommend the book on Audio CD or audio download)
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