Traveling Light: An Unforgettable Story of a Brother's Final Lessons on Love, Life, and Letting Go (P.S.)

I bought the paperback of this book in 2000 or so and have read it about 12 times since then. There are a couple parts that are a bit unbelievable, and it definitely interesting trying to remember a time before everyone had a cell phone, but the book is very well written. Let's be honest, I love it so much that my husband contacted the author to have her sign my original copy several years ago. Not only did she do so, but she wrote a very nice note and even added confetti inside the book. I recently bought the electronic version of the book since the times have changed in that sense, too! I have read one other book by Kittle but just realized she has written a few more since the last time I checked. I have some catching up to do.

The book brought out a contrast of feelings. Much was disgusting with characters who were annoying in their behavior and immaturity. The basic message was meaningful and well written. The teacher and her relationship with the students was insightful. It showed the powerful impact that role can made in a young person's life.

I loved this book. I loved Todd and Summer. And Jacob. And Cooper. I cried hard while reading it. Ugly cried. Be prepared to feel it all when you read it.

This book was so well written and emotionally raw that I felt I was there feeling their pain. Couldn't put it down.

Beautiful writing, beautiful story. I felt like I was every character. It was a wonderful read. I will think about this one for a long time.

I found this story very touching. Even though it made me cry, it was life affirming and spoke of the love of family, both blood relations and family we choose.

I actually read this book about 5 years ago and felt, at that time, that it was one of the best books I had ever read. Even though I never re-read books I decided to buy this book for my Kindle and re-read it. This is such a well written tender love story. It does not disappoint! Loved reading it again, and definitely a keeper!!

I was so put off by the foul language they used to people they supposedly loved, and the author's contrived settings to get across her different points that it spoiled the otherwise insightful story about an brother dying. Some unbelievable scenes and forced ups and downs made the book a little overbearing, the author was trying too hard. Too graphic for younger teenagers. The story of the high school student had some great scenes, but still too hard to swallow that the teacher would not have tried to talk to his parents early on, when she was so worried about him.

Amici mi avevano consigliato questo libro nella traduzione italiana "Poche cose per il tuo viaggio", non trovandolo ho ripiegato sulla versione originale cogliendo l'occasione per migliorare la mia comprensione dell'inglese :) È il romanzo d'esordio (2009) di Katrina Kittle, conosciuta anche per "The kindness of strangers" mai tradotto. Un romanzo sull'amore nelle sue diverse forme, molto romantico e toccante, coinvolgente. Spinge a leggerlo in fretta per seguirne gli eventi ma anche a rileggerlo per coglierne le sfumature e magari sottolineare le numerose belle citazioni riportate. Lo consiglio a tutti coloro che hanno un animo romantico e facili alla commozione (le lacrime saranno inevitabili). Gli eventi tragici riportati riguardo la malattia di uno dei personaggi forse lo rendono sconsigliabile a chi direttamente o per conoscenze viva un periodo simile, anche se la tristezza è qui sempre mitigata da una positività (mi ricorda un po' l'atmosfera di "Sette anime" il film con Will Smith anche se la trama è totalmente diversa). L'unico appunto che mi sento di fare è che la scrittura e gli eventi sono un po' meccanici e patinati (stile favola) non proprio realistici, anche se comunque godibili. Buona la morale del tutto, più complessa ma ben riassumibile nel non "caricarsi" troppo di cose durante il nostro viaggio, quindi "Viaggiare leggeri" (traveling light). Ho volutamente cercato di non rivelare nulla della trama, ma se volete qui sotto ne faccio una minima traccia: Una giovane insegnante Summer, che rimpiange il suo passato da ballerina abbandonato a causa di un incidente, ritorna nella città natale per aiutare il fratello Todd (affetto da AIDS conclamato) e il suo compagno ad affrontare la malattia. Ma sarà Todd ad aiutare lei a capire come riprendere le redini della propria vita.

I picked up this book completely by chance on a boat because I had nothing else to read. I had never heard of Katrina Kittle so really didn't know what to expect. I was so very impressed that I couldn't put it down, and the first day of my holiday was spent crying all over it. Kittle introduces the characters in such a way that you get to know them, and really feel as though you are going through their trials and tribulations with them. I had never read about anyone with Aids before and Kittle certainly doesn't glamourize it; you get a real insight into the heartache caused by a family member dying. I thought it was a fantastic book. I have no idea but I have to assume that Kittle has experienced a lot of what she writes about, either that or does an amazing amount of research - the story is so realistic. It is definitely in my top ten and I have bought copies for all my friends and family since! I was so impressed that I immediately bought her 2nd book - Two Truths and a Lie, which I didn't think was half as good - Kittle tried to cram too many story lines into it, but Travelling Light is a much more simple and thought-provoking read. Definitely buy it!

I absolutely LOVED this book. The story was so touching and the way the characters formed a solid bond was very inspirational. Anyone looking for a story about AIDS and the effect it has one loved ones and families... this is the book for you. I could not put it down and was crying by the end.

I really found this book a worthwhile journey. It has a lot of important things to say about life, and many kinds of love, and more importantly, TIME. Reading the book, you can't help but start asking yourself what exactly you are doing with the time you have remaining to you. Despite dealing with the last few months in the life of someone with a terminal illness, there is a fair amount of humour and other uplifting moments. This would be an excellent read for those who might be struggling with homophobia or understanding homosexual love.

I really enjoyed this book. Katrina Kittle has become one of my favourite authors. Summer used to be a ballerina before an accident ruined her career. Now she teaches, which she feels she does badly. After work and at weekend's she looks after her brother Todd who has Aids. Along with her brother's partner she watches Todd slowly deteriorate and die. Ms. Kittle is so good at writing about difficult subjects with sensitivity.