Review of Kalayla
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Review of Kalayla
[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]
I never happen to be warmly touched by a book that will make me cry and laugh until I found Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas, a beautiful story with themes of love, secrets, regrets, forgiveness, and redemption. This story proves that biological relationship is not always the foundation of becoming a family. As the pages turn, we will also see through every character’s response to the society-imposed standard of acceptance and rejection.
Three lonely people found each other in their midst of struggle and pain. Kalayla, an 11-year-old foul-mouthed girl frequently wandering the street alone caught the attention of Lena, a 72-year-old successful businesswoman who wears only black felt responsible to redirect the strayed girl. Maureen, a young widow, and Kalayla’s mother is invested in art projects to escape the painful memory of being disowned by her Irish family after marrying a black man. Kalayla and Maureen only have each other as a family since the latter’s husband died. Maureen is having a hard time being a mother to her feisty daughter, but Lena will do everything she can to guide the girl hoping that her parenting mistakes from the past will help the mother and daughter. Kalayla is curious about her mother’s parents, Lena was estranged by her two remaining alive sons, and Maureen carries the burden of lying to her daughter about her family. These strangers, as they embark on discovering each other will find a special bond that they will never expect.
Jeannie’s Kalayla moved me that I cannot express in just a single word how I love it. The book is a masterpiece when it comes to a fictional story that teaches real-life lessons. Most of all, I agree with the author’s wide perspective on what a family is using the three main characters in the story. By reading each character’s point of view, I have experienced their situation and this is what makes the author’s work superb because she has me engaged in the story. Jeannie has a unique reader magnet. She made me curious about her book that I felt like I was meeting a stranger and eventually, as I get to know it, I found myself learning from it. Apart from the book depicting racial issues, marital and women abuse, and sexuality, it also conveyed an in-depth message that advocates acceptance and respect for all human race, the diversity of humanity rather.
I like how the story mirrors a mother’s relentless love and a child’s consistent need for parental guidance which the characters Kalayla, Maureen, and Lena finely represented. Of all characters, I find Lena inspiring whom I gained lessons of being sensible, strong, and practical, through her way of dealing with her life in the present as presented in the narrative. Moreover, I cannot see any negative aspect in the story because I believe every event from it is well-plotted by Jeannie which served as a reason for the story to happen. Thus, the story is all-positive in a way that it teaches the real meaning of family and the values of parenting.
Furthermore, the book is exceptionally well edited since I found no errors in it. Therefore, I will reward this heartfelt story with a much-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. The story is wonderful and sincere. This book is recommended for readers who will be stepping up to adulthood, soon-to-be a parent, and those who are looking for a story about the essence of family. Be cautious that it contains vulgar words and profanities which may not be suitable for young ages.
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Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I never happen to be warmly touched by a book that will make me cry and laugh until I found Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas, a beautiful story with themes of love, secrets, regrets, forgiveness, and redemption. This story proves that biological relationship is not always the foundation of becoming a family. As the pages turn, we will also see through every character’s response to the society-imposed standard of acceptance and rejection.
Three lonely people found each other in their midst of struggle and pain. Kalayla, an 11-year-old foul-mouthed girl frequently wandering the street alone caught the attention of Lena, a 72-year-old successful businesswoman who wears only black felt responsible to redirect the strayed girl. Maureen, a young widow, and Kalayla’s mother is invested in art projects to escape the painful memory of being disowned by her Irish family after marrying a black man. Kalayla and Maureen only have each other as a family since the latter’s husband died. Maureen is having a hard time being a mother to her feisty daughter, but Lena will do everything she can to guide the girl hoping that her parenting mistakes from the past will help the mother and daughter. Kalayla is curious about her mother’s parents, Lena was estranged by her two remaining alive sons, and Maureen carries the burden of lying to her daughter about her family. These strangers, as they embark on discovering each other will find a special bond that they will never expect.
Jeannie’s Kalayla moved me that I cannot express in just a single word how I love it. The book is a masterpiece when it comes to a fictional story that teaches real-life lessons. Most of all, I agree with the author’s wide perspective on what a family is using the three main characters in the story. By reading each character’s point of view, I have experienced their situation and this is what makes the author’s work superb because she has me engaged in the story. Jeannie has a unique reader magnet. She made me curious about her book that I felt like I was meeting a stranger and eventually, as I get to know it, I found myself learning from it. Apart from the book depicting racial issues, marital and women abuse, and sexuality, it also conveyed an in-depth message that advocates acceptance and respect for all human race, the diversity of humanity rather.
I like how the story mirrors a mother’s relentless love and a child’s consistent need for parental guidance which the characters Kalayla, Maureen, and Lena finely represented. Of all characters, I find Lena inspiring whom I gained lessons of being sensible, strong, and practical, through her way of dealing with her life in the present as presented in the narrative. Moreover, I cannot see any negative aspect in the story because I believe every event from it is well-plotted by Jeannie which served as a reason for the story to happen. Thus, the story is all-positive in a way that it teaches the real meaning of family and the values of parenting.
Furthermore, the book is exceptionally well edited since I found no errors in it. Therefore, I will reward this heartfelt story with a much-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. The story is wonderful and sincere. This book is recommended for readers who will be stepping up to adulthood, soon-to-be a parent, and those who are looking for a story about the essence of family. Be cautious that it contains vulgar words and profanities which may not be suitable for young ages.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
