Review of Kalayla

[Janet Kimetto]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas is a story about family. It centers on the lives of three women, Lena, Maureen, and Kalayla. Lena is seventy two years old, with a mind for business and the experience to go with it. She's had more than her fair share of loss through the years, so now she wears only black. Some things you wouldn't live through without getting scarred.

Kalayla's mother, Maureen, has to juggle parenthood with two jobs, putting her love for art on the back burner. Losing her husband, Jamal, turned hers and Kalayla's world upside down, snapping her right out of her perfect lull. She's taking on responsibilities she didn't have to before, and doubts plague her mind. Is she doing it right? But most importantly, will she ever get back to her art projects?

Kalayla is eleven years old and thinks she knows better than anyone else. She has a good head on her shoulders, that one. Sensible for her age. She's already looking out for herself and her mother, and you have to wonder, will she still feel the same way when family secrets long buried by her mother find their way to her?

I read Kalayla right after reading the last book in the Deadside Reapers series. The two books gave me completely different emotions. I must admit, I've been reading fantasy for far too long that I forgot there is magic in the mundane too. Reading Kalayla had me feeling calm and grounded, and it was exactly what I needed. Had me thinking back to a time when I'd watch episodes of the series Seventh Heaven and feel oddly happy. Kalayla had the same feel.

I liked how the writer indicated the season and the year before the start of the chapters. That made it very easy to keep pace with time passage. We also get to know whose character's perspective we'll read before the start of every chapter.

There is absolutely nothing that I disliked about this book. I give it a perfect rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I did not notice any errors while reading, and as such, this book was exceptionally well edited.

I recommend Kalayla to anyone fascinated by the chaos that make up families; the love, the betrayal, the sacrifice, the loss, the heartbreak, the guilt, the redemption, the forgiveness, and the day-to-day happenings. This book touches on topics of marital abuse, racism, and rape. I would therefore not recommend it for a younger audience.

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Kalayla
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[Ruchi Raina]

I have reviewed this book too and it is a remarkable book. What dampened my experience of reading this book was the overly forgiving nature of Maureen. I don't think any sane human has that big of a heart. The doings of her parents and Uncle Clarence were a bit too much for me. Thanks for the great review.

[Mercy Osmond]

I have read this book. It's an interesting story that i won't forget in a hurry. Especially Kalalyla, she is an interesting and a funny character. Thanks for the beautiful review.

[Vishnu Priya B]

I reviewed this book too. First I was hesitant to pick it because of its not-so-interesting cover. But I have to mention that I didn't regret choosing this one. Besides, I felt the same kind of emotions while reading. That was a great review you've written. Your use of language is lucid.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

I loved how you put it, "I recommend Kalayla to anyone fascinated by the chaos that make up families!" I agree with your rating and enjoyed your lovely presentation!

[Janet Kimetto]

I have reviewed this book too and it is a remarkable book. What dampened my experience of reading this book was the overly forgiving nature of Maureen. I don't think any sane human has that big of a heart. The doings of her parents and Uncle Clarence were a bit too much for me. Thanks for the great review.

I guess Maureen has to think about Kalayla now, and how her decisions (actions) would affect her kid. Thank you so much for stopping by!

[Janet Kimetto]

I have read this book. It's an interesting story that i won't forget in a hurry. Especially Kalalyla, she is an interesting and a funny character. Thanks for the beautiful review.

I wouldn't be forgetting about Kalayla soon either. Thank you so much for stopping by!

[Janet Kimetto]

I reviewed this book too. First I was hesitant to pick it because of its not-so-interesting cover. But I have to mention that I didn't regret choosing this one. Besides, I felt the same kind of emotions while reading. That was a great review you've written. Your use of language is lucid.

I was glad I chose this one too. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your kind words!

[Janet Kimetto]

I loved how you put it, "I recommend Kalayla to anyone fascinated by the chaos that make up families!" I agree with your rating and enjoyed your lovely presentation!

Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your kind words!

[Rayah Raouf]

There was a time where I really wanted to read this. Although, contemporary reads are not my favorite. However, I loved your review Looking forward to more.

[zainherb]

I enjoyed reading this book too and I agree with your rating.
Although, for a long time after reading it, I could not get over Kalayla's blatant rudeness. She was just too extra for me.

Thanks for the lovely, refreshing review.

[Emily_Jen]

Kalayla is already looking out for herself and her mother, and you have to wonder, will she still feel the same way when family secrets long buried by her mother find their way to her? I look forward to finding out. Thanks do the review.

[Janet Kimetto]

There was a time where I really wanted to read this. Although, contemporary reads are not my favorite. However, I loved your review Looking forward to more.

If you ever get into another dilemma and this book is involved, pick it out. Something about it, it doesn't ask a lot from the reader. You just go along with the story. Thank you so much for stopping by!

[Janet Kimetto]

I enjoyed reading this book too and I agree with your rating.
Although, for a long time after reading it, I could not get over Kalayla's blatant rudeness. She was just too extra for me.

Thanks for the lovely, refreshing review.

Funny how I didn't really think of her as rude, maybe just a little standoffish? Which is understandable considering her life. I get how she'd come across as rude though. Thank you so much for stopping by!

[Janet Kimetto]

Kalayla is already looking out for herself and her mother, and you have to wonder, will she still feel the same way when family secrets long buried by her mother find their way to her? I look forward to finding out. Thanks do the review.

It's an interesting read, you'll enjoy reading it. Thank you so much for stopping by!