A Second Chance

Use this forum to discuss the September 2020 Book of the month, " "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.
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Anna Dougherty
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A Second Chance

Post by Anna Dougherty »

Lena immediately takes an interest in Kalayla because she reminds her of her children. It is clear how much Lena misses her sons due to how she dresses in black and has photos of them all around her home. Do you think that Lena sees Kalayla as a second chance to love and care for a child?
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Post by AntonelaMaria »

Yes. But she soon learns about their life struggles and she wants to be there for them because she had someone to be there for her when she needed them.
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Post by Maconstewart »

I don't think she sees it as a second chance as much as just a chance to help a child she sees that needs guidance.
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Post by Lisa A Rayburn »

I don't know that Lena consciously recognizes it as such, but I do think that's part of their relationship. In a way, Lena also functions as a loving "surrogate" grandparent to Kalayla, a relationship Kalayla has never had...the loving part I mean. Sad, but true.
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Post by Laurina Michael Olowoniran »

I think Lena's true nature as a mother was what came to fore. Yes, she misses her children, but true mother would always want to help. Mother's have a deep well of compassion.
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Post by Laura Britos »

I think that perhaps unconsciously she does. Maybe she rationalises what she is doing by thinking that she is just helping someone in need. But to me, everybody projects a part of themselves on another person. These projections might be good or bad and therefore characterise the way we act
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Post by Brenda Creech »

It is a possibility, however, if Lena sees it as a second chance I don't think she realizes that is what it is. I think she just wants to help Kalayla and her mom in any way she can, and in the process she and Kalayla form a special bond.
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Post by anoushka_thakur »

Anna Dougherty wrote: 01 Sep 2020, 10:23 Lena immediately takes an interest in Kalayla because she reminds her of her children. It is clear how much Lena misses her sons due to how she dresses in black and has photos of them all around her home. Do you think that Lena sees Kalayla as a second chance to love and care for a child?
Yes! She feels che can cater for Kayala in a way she did for her sons. Perhaps even better. I believe she grabbed that chance and made kayala feel at home.
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Post by Joseph_ngaruiya »

Anna Dougherty wrote: 01 Sep 2020, 10:23 Lena immediately takes an interest in Kalayla because she reminds her of her children. It is clear how much Lena misses her sons due to how she dresses in black and has photos of them all around her home. Do you think that Lena sees Kalayla as a second chance to love and care for a child?
I think apart from Lena having memories and sadness about her sons, Kalayla is now a chance for her to heal.
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Post by Joseph_ngaruiya »

AntonelaMaria wrote: 01 Sep 2020, 11:17 Yes. But she soon learns about their life struggles and she wants to be there for them because she had someone to be there for her when she needed them.
I like how she quickly learns about Kalayla's character just when she saw her walking in the street. Lena is so observant. I believe it's the reason she's able to connect with them.
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Post by Joseph_ngaruiya »

Maconstewart wrote: 01 Sep 2020, 15:20 I don't think she sees it as a second chance as much as just a chance to help a child she sees that needs guidance.
If that was the case, why is she so concerned about Maureen's daughter and not anyone working at Eddie's?
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Post by Joseph_ngaruiya »

Kelyn wrote: 01 Sep 2020, 20:30 I don't know that Lena consciously recognizes it as such, but I do think that's part of their relationship. In a way, Lena also functions as a loving "surrogate" grandparent to Kalayla, a relationship Kalayla has never had...the loving part I mean. Sad, but true.
It's also unlikely that before they interact more, Kalayla doesn't seem to like Lena because of her inquisitive nature.
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
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Post by Joseph_ngaruiya »

Laurina_Olowo wrote: 02 Sep 2020, 09:00 I think Lena's true nature as a mother was what came to fore. Yes, she misses her children, but true mother would always want to help. Mother's have a deep well of compassion.
Lena has a soft spot. Not only for Kalayla but also for her mum. She even created time to check on Maureen.
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
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Post by Joseph_ngaruiya »

Ana Victoria2002 wrote: 02 Sep 2020, 09:32 I think that perhaps unconsciously she does. Maybe she rationalises what she is doing by thinking that she is just helping someone in need. But to me, everybody projects a part of themselves on another person. These projections might be good or bad and therefore characterise the way we act
Could this mean Kalayla attracted Lena to come into her path?
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
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Post by Joseph_ngaruiya »

B Creech wrote: 02 Sep 2020, 15:32 It is a possibility, however, if Lena sees it as a second chance I don't think she realizes that is what it is. I think she just wants to help Kalayla and her mom in any way she can, and in the process she and Kalayla form a special bond.
Kalayla and Lena struggle to form that bond. As I was reading, I could visualize Kalayla's facial expressions the first time she helped Lena carry her bags from Clean Duds.
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
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