Review of Kalayla

[Raymonda onwuka]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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The drama queen is the nickname I gave Kalayla. She is a young, beautiful biracial girl with a mouth sharper than a tack. Kalayla lives with her hardworking mother. Initially, she had no friends and stuck to herself. Gradually she began to accept people in her life: first, the crabby old lady Lena, the old lady's friend Carlotta, then Mattwo, and finally Rico. There is this secret that is hidden from Kalayla, a truth that her mother failed to let her know. Being the smart girl that she is, Kalayla has begun to question the story her mother told her. Lena knows that Kalayla will find out one day. What scares Lena is what is going to happen when Kalayla does. Hell is going to be let loose and all things will go south.

The story shows how people that have been through the worst things in life came together and found strength in their weaknesses. From Lena's resolution never to allow Kalayla to go astray, I discovered that there is never a late time for someone to start anew and make amends. Looking at Maureen's strong will to stick to things that make her happy despite having to face her mother's wrath, I learned how important it is for one to be strong-willed. Most importantly, I discovered that it is love, effective communication, and understanding that binds a family together, not necessarily blood.
The central theme of the story, Kalayla, is inner strength. Lena shows inner strength as she overcomes grief and embraces love when Kalayla asked Lena to be her grandmother. Maureen becomes victorious when she got rid of all things and persons controlling her life. Kalayla, Jamal, and Rico are characters with constant inner strengths, even at the lowest points of their lives. Jeannie Nicholas uses this story to highlight how people can discover their inner strength in great tribulations.
Jeannie did a great job with this story. This story is so fun-filled that it can chase away the ghosts and make a bad day a happy one. I was practically rolling on the floor with laughter while reading this book. I laughed when I read any part where Kalayla took an action or talked. I still wonder how I managed to keep my ribs intact till the end of the story.

The character development is awesome. What stunned me the most was the development and change in Lena. Coming out of her shell after 30 years of grieving to the extent of having a romantic life. I love the drama Kalayla created when she noticed the outward evidence of the inward changes that occurred in Lena's life. The person I least expected to change was Kalayla, but she did. I was shocked but happy. I love the person she became towards the end of the story.

This story is engaging, interesting, motivational, and fun. Additionally, it has well-developed characters, a fascinating sense of humor, and there is plenty of drama. It was exceptionally well-edited and there is nothing I dislike about the story. For the above reasons, I give Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas 4 out of 4 stars.

I think this book is suitable for a mature audience as it contains vulgar words and sexual content. The story is an effective weapon against bad vibes.

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Kalayla
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[Aisha Yakub]

I agree. Kalayla is beautifully written story. I enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you for your review.

[Ghuddie]

Kalayla has a lot of drama associated with her character. It's either one trouble or the other. It was beautiful to see her solve her issues with her family.

[Diana Lowery]

I love the title of Drama Queen. Great Review!

[Oyedele Tomijane]

Kalayla is such a loud-mouthed child and I found that very adorable. Thanks for such an inspiring review.

[markodim721]

The author’s idea to tell a story from the perspective of three ladies from different generations is simply great. Thanks for the good review.

[Raymonda onwuka]

I agree. Kalayla is beautifully written story. I enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you for your review.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[Raymonda onwuka]

Kalayla has a lot of drama associated with her character. It's either one trouble or the other. It was beautiful to see her solve her issues with her family.

That's true there is no dull moment as far as Kalay is concerned. Thanks for commenting.

[Raymonda onwuka]

I love the title of Drama Queen. Great Review!

Thanks for the compliment, I feel good.

[Raymonda onwuka]

Kalayla is such a loud-mouthed child and I found that very adorable. Thanks for such an inspiring review.

Thanks for commenting.

[Raymonda onwuka]

The author’s idea to tell a story from the perspective of three ladies from different generations is simply great. Thanks for the good review.

I agree with you the author did a great work. Thanks for commenting

[NetMassimo]

This type of drama is not my thing but I keep on reading positive comments about this novel, so it must be really good. Thank you for your great review!

[Raymonda onwuka]

This type of drama is not my thing but I keep on reading positive comments about this novel, so it must be really good. Thank you for your great review!

Thanks for commenting, honestly the story is captivating.

[Ellylion]

Thank you for this amazing review! I like how this book explores the nuances of relationships between so much different people

[Prisallen]

I love fun-filled stories and search for them, especially recently. This sounds like an excellent character-driven story. Thanks for your wonderful review!