Kevin Lewis, The Kid Moves On

I cannot actually find any good points, especially when trying to compare this book with 'The Kid.' It was awful! Very boring, and the only reason I read it all was to see if anything interesting might happen. I thought 'The Kid' was fantastic, but was very let down by the sequel. It has put me off buying another book by this author.

The Kid Moves On is the sequel to Kevin Lewis' best selling true story - The Kid. If you have read The Kid, I strongly recommend you pick up a copy of this book and read how Kevin coped with everything surrounding the publication of his story The Kid, before and after it was published. If you have not read The Kid, read the reviews written about the book on the Review Centre site, read the book then read this follow-on if you like the sound of it.

Once Kevin had given his story to the publishers, he felt naked and exposed, and once again had to deal with the memories of the neglect and abuse he suffered at the hands of his parents Gloria and Dennis, which had now come bubbling to the surface.

While waiting for publication, he had to approach his brothers and sisters to see how they felt about the things he had written. He also had to deal with his own very raw feelings. But he tried to get on with life as best he could, with the help and support of his loving wife Jackie and the love of his children.

Once the book was published Kevin took to wearing sunglasses whenever things worried him, he felt less exposed like this. He had to deal with the Press and Television. Fern Brittan was so moved by his story, he asked her if she would like a tissue, even while they were filming. I wish I had seen this interview, and the way Kevin wrote about it I felt as if I had, but I would imagine it was far more touching to see Kevin telling it himself. Kevin heard afterwards how the entire Studio stopped what they were doing and just watched and listened to his story. Kevin was also part of a documentary, and the producers were going to give Gloria a chance to put over her side of the story too. But would she?

There are some funny moments in this book too. I loved the bit where Kevin went up in a jet plane. I won't say any more about it, as you need to read it yourself! This guy has such a great sense of humour, and he writes so well! Even the serious bits once again hold no self pity.

There was concern over Kevin's nephews and nieces, as Gloria had got her hands on them and had given them a hard time while baby-sitting for Kevin's sister by hitting them. Kevin's sister was a single parent and desperate for help, unfortunately she picked the wrong kind. Eventually her five children were taken away by Social Services, and Kevin was horrified when he heard that they were considering Gloria to look after them!

Kevin had to confront Gloria. He had to tell her she must not go near any more children. It took him great guts to stand up to this awful brute of a woman and tell her, and when he finally managed it, the confrontation will surprise you.

Several of the people Kevin wrote about in The Kid contacted him afterwards, and although some of the names were changed, they recognised themselves in the story - his old School Teacher who tried to help him, his friend, Guy's mum and the daughters of his foster parents all contacted him, and they all said they wished they could have done more for him. He was very thankful to all of them, and he praises them very highly, as he believes they helped him as much as they possibly could under the circumstances.

In this book Kevin is about to write his first novel (which is now published), and he is attending film school, so I don't think we have heard the last of him! I truly believe Kevin could continue to write about his life as it is now and still produce a best seller. His writing is easy to read and understand, his life is full of interest, and he writes with humour and optimism, even though he had such a dreadful beginning to his life. I would love to read more about his trials and tribulations, so I am hoping he will eventually go along these lines and we can discover how life progresses for him.

So Kevin, many thanks to you for telling us your story. It was a very courageous and difficult thing for you to do. But I am sure you have given many people more optimism for life, not to look back on the bad things, but to look forward to a better future.

Thank you.