If you're going to write a novel about illegal Mexican immigration you might want to spend more time developing Mexican characters than Rilla Askew did in "Kind of Kin". She did include some great characters; including dirt bag politicians, slime ball politicians, courageous ministers, and sweet little boys, just to mention a few. But there was really only one Mexican character that the author took the time to flesh out, and I found that to be a serious shortcoming to what could have been a wonderful novel. ( )

Even though this novel was released 10 years ago, the topic of illegal immigration is just as much of a "hot button" now as it was then. This was an okay read, but nothing special. I wish that the plot had delved into the topic with a bit more substance. The characters were well defined and the setting fit the topic. Also not a fan of the ending of this novel. ( )

Still processing my thoughts on this novel. I loved it, and I will recommend this book to so many people. ( )

Whenever I read a book straight through in a couple of days, I know it's a winner. This one covers so many issues that affect families of all kinds: illegal immigration, substance abuse, parents trying to do their best for their children, Christians trying to live out their faith, politicians and law enforcement trying to garner fame and influence, and children just trying to survive it all. Rilla Askew has a keen ear for her characters and their troubles. ( )

A richly comic yet heartfelt novel about people who want to do right and still do wrong, and people who do right in spite of themselves, as they try to help, protect, and provide for those they love most when a draconian new state law threatens an ordinary American family and throws a close-knit community into turmoil. All of Cedar, Oklahoma, is shocked when Bible-believing Bob Brown and his friend, Pastor Jesus Garcia, are tossed in the county jail for hiding a barn-full of Mexicans. Thanks to an ambitious blonde state legislator and her politically shrewd husband, it's a felony to harbor an undocumented immigrant in the Sooner State. ( )