Overall rating and opinion of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas

Nicholas Christian · Post by **Nicholas Christian** » 03 Oct 2020, 12:35

Kalayla is a refreshing insight into several aspects of life and society. It gives one a new perspective on life's ups and downs; and helps one understand its vicissitudes. This book is best avoided if you're an action lover, because you may find it a bit too slow for your liking, but at the end of it your patience will be richly rewarded with much food for thought.

Wayne wayne · Post by **Wayne wayne** » 04 Oct 2020, 00:09

I think this is an interesting book, that I woukd recommend to teens and adults; especially single mothers. It highlights most issues in our society, and the characters are relatable. It teaches us that family doesn't have to be those related by blood.

aby johnson · Post by **aby johnson** » 04 Oct 2020, 00:29

The plot narration and the character building is so strong and needs a huge appreciation. The traumas and struggles depicted in the book is so real and we can connect with the characters and empathize with them. The overall rating i gave the book is 4 out of 4 and there's no reason for me to not do so. The book covers all topics that the oppressed people face today.

Wangai Onyango · Post by **Wangai Onyango** » 04 Oct 2020, 00:44

I recently downloaded the book and I'm about ten percent done but so far, I rate it four out of four. I can relate to everything in it because I went through many of the struggles Kalayla is going through. The book is also very realistic, which is becoming a rarer and rarer attribute for books to possess every day.

gacoapstick · Post by **gacoapstick** » 04 Oct 2020, 11:09

I love this book! Normally I read sci-fi or fantasy books, with high stakes adventures, and epic battles, but somehow this realistic story of a young girl just going through life was just as exciting. I would have given the book four stars, except I found a lot of errors. I loved how in-depth the characters are written, each one had their own voice in my head as I read through. I would definitely recommend this book!

La Loca Designs · Post by **La Loca Designs** » 04 Oct 2020, 15:54

I gave this book 2 out of 4 stars. I thought the story was cute, but the book perpetuated racism and glossed over rape. I would not recommend this book to my friends.

Wayne wayne · Post by **Wayne wayne** » 05 Oct 2020, 06:39

I love the book. Kaylala is forgiving, mature and funny. The book highlights most of the challenges in our society, such as poverty, housing, racism, and child care.

Mindy Conahye · Post by **Mindy Conahye** » 07 Oct 2020, 10:16

I liked how the book has a variety of topics it touches on. I think a little bit more time could have been used on proofreading and editing to eliminate errors, but overall, it was good story to read.

AlexisLib · Post by **AlexisLib** » 07 Oct 2020, 13:08

Eugenia36Nicholas wrote: ↑15 Sep 2020, 06:52
AntonelaMaria wrote: ↑04 Sep 2020, 12:27 I rated it three out of four stars. The reason why is not a perfect rating are several grammatical errors, as well as middle part of the book which draged a bit. Otherwise, this is an excellent fiction novel. The topics that range from family, abuse, grief, friendship, motherhood, forgiveness, race, sexuality are all done amazingly. Even though the author put this book in 1999/2000 the setting could be easily be now. For all readers who like multi generational family based story, I highly recommend it.
A corrected version of Kalayla was posted 9/13/20 for OLBC reviewers, etc.

Shoot, I bought it on September 1. I would have liked to have read the corrected version rather than having to rate it down a star.

AlexisLib · Post by **AlexisLib** » 07 Oct 2020, 13:21

I loved this book and wanted to give it 4 stars but I found more than 10 errors, so a 3. I found it to be very realistic in depicting the way people can get stuck but also fight against it later and move toward forgiveness and reconciliation in their relationships. In that way I think it could have a very positive influence on readers. At the same time there was just enough humor and honesty that it wasn't overwhelmingly sad or distressing. A great mix of joy and sorrow, just like real life. Good and bad. Levels of gray, like we all are.

-TrinS- · Post by **-TrinS-** » 07 Oct 2020, 13:53

I absolutely loved this book and wrote a review for it. I love the fact that the book shows all the ups and downs life brings and finding joy in the small things. It shows that love is love no matter race or standing and family is what you make of it. I loved seeing the growth in people as the story progressed and I honestly loved Kalayla's attitude and smart mouth; she always keeps you on your toes. Lena's humor and wisdom were inspiring and her wish to help Maureen not make the same mistakes she did and help the small family out warmed might heart. 4/4 for sure!

Eugenia36Nicholas · Post by **Eugenia36Nicholas** » 08 Oct 2020, 07:00

To all who reviewed and/or anyone who is reading Kalayla now. Yesterday I uploaded a corrected AND re-formatted version of Kalayla to OLBC. This is now available to reviewers. If you currently are reading an old copy, you might be able to get the up-dated one from them. I'm not sure, but it is worth a try.
The delay has parly been due to the fact that I have been in cue with the formatting company to get all the changes made. The corrected version is now up on Amazon, Ingram, and D2D as well as on OLBC. I appreciate that your input has improved the reading experience for others.

Mandi Palfreyman · Post by **Mandi Palfreyman** » 08 Oct 2020, 13:37

I enjoyed this book. It dealt with issues like prejudice and abuse in a very realistic way. The reactions of the characters to the events in the story felt very natural. Kalayla's situation is described well. As the reader, you find yourself wanting Kalayla to be successful. I did feel the ending was a little rushed. I give it 3 out of 4 stars.

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 09 Oct 2020, 00:42

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I loved the rotating first-person narratives from the perspectives of the Kalayla, Maureen, and Lena. The author did a good job of developing the characters, and I’m glad that many relationships were reconciled by the end. I would recommend this book to those who love character-driven novels.

JeanyJean · Post by **JeanyJean** » 11 Oct 2020, 02:42

It's an interesting read. It's written in a realistic manner. The truth of life is that family doesn't necessarily have to be blood bound but family cuts across race and is all about love and acceptance.