Review of Kalayla

[J Edwards]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

When I first read the title of this book, I wrongly assumed the book to be about a typical girl enjoying her childhood. Little was I prepared for the life-changing lessons I learned. I was sat down and schooled by Kalayla, the 11-year-old star of this book. Such is the depth and intensity of Kalayla authored by Jeannie Nicholas.

The book begins quite mundanely as Maureen and her biracial daughter move into a predominantly white neighborhood. They settle in an apartment complex owned by Lena. Lena is an elderly lady who habitually dresses in black as she is still moaning about her disintegrated family, decades later. Kalayla is soon left to her own devices when her emotionally drained mother secures a demanding waitress job. When Kalayla's carefree attitude, including her foul mouth, catches the attention of their landlady, and as the three ladies get to know each other through their daily interactions, that is when the real lessons begin. Many cans of worms open, deeply seated family secrets are revealed, there are lots of sad and happy moments, mentorship and parenting issues are discussed, betrayals and denials by family members happen, and last but not least, I can only invite readers to find out if calm and tranquility eventually reigns.

This story is narrated from the perspective of the three main characters, with each character allocated subsequent chapters in the book. This arrangement turned out to be genius because I could intimately experience the world as seen by each of the characters individually. The style also allowed the author to grow each character's role independently, thus exploiting their potential fully. I also liked how relevant this book is to our society today. This author chose to tackle themes that transcend our racial, gender, sexuality, or even our locale limitations, thus creating a masterpiece with a special message for every individual.

I also found the concept of a true family, according to this author, outstanding. She implies that sharing blood ties alone does not necessarily define a family. We have to go the extra mile and share our successes, fears, and challenges so that we can understand what “to be in someone else's shoes” truly means. For me, the icing on the cake was the crowning themes of acceptance and forgiveness that this author explored. She actually outlined the true meaning of the catchy phrase, “We are only human.” These aspects of the book got me thinking about my handling of current relations and helped me learn some fundamental truths about my previously assumed good relationships.

There is nothing that I didn't like about this book. The characters are all very relatable, while the story itself is engaging and thought-provoking. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this book was professionally edited, and I did not encounter any errors worth mentioning here. The only thing I found a bit odd was the level of maturity put into the voice of an eleven-year-old girl. Kalayla seemed to be way more mature for her age. Though I found this odd, I also understood that it was necessary considering the considerable burden placed on this character's role.

Finally, I feel justified to award this remarkable book four out of four stars. Every aspect of this book qualifies for this high rating, and I would be cruel to grant any other rating. For the audience, I would recommend the book to everyone, from teenagers upwards. This is irrespective of the numerous mundane curse words and some moderate sexual scenes that I consider very subtle to be harmful. Specifically, I will encourage mothers to read this fantastic book.

******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Astral Magi]

Kalayla was one of my favorite reads. Thanks for a lovely review.

[J Edwards]

Kalayla was one of my favorite reads. Thanks for a lovely review.

From the look of things, this book can easily end up being one of my favorite books also. Thanks for the positive comment and welcome.

[Prarthna]

I have recently read this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the author has done a great job in tackling so many relevant issues. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[Ethan Howe]

Nothing to dislike about it. With a perfect rating, I also read kalayla and found it interesting. Thanks for this review.

[zainherb]

I also read kalayla and found it interesting.
Kalayla herself, to be honest, was hard to like as seemed a lot older, especially with her foul mouth, rudeness and her bitterness.
Overall the author did a wonderful job.
Thanks for the lovely review

[markodim721]

I think it’s great that the story is told from the perspective of ladies from three generations. Thanks for the good review.

[J Edwards]

I also read kalayla and found it interesting.
Kalayla herself, to be honest, was hard to like as seemed a lot older, especially with her foul mouth, rudeness and her bitterness.
Overall the author did a wonderful job.
Thanks for the lovely review

True, Kalayla was a very difficult child, though very mature for her age. Thanks for stopping by.

[J Edwards]

I think it’s great that the story is told from the perspective of ladies from three generations. Thanks for the good review.

Yeah, the book is mainly about the lives of the three ladies. Try and read the book, I am sure you will enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.

[J Edwards]

Nothing to dislike about it. With a perfect rating, I also read kalayla and found it interesting. Thanks for this review.

It is a great book. It also appears to be a very popular book among reviewers. Thanks for your comment.

[J Edwards]

I have recently read this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the author has done a great job in tackling so many relevant issues. Thanks for the wonderful review.

This book is quite popular among reviewers, I guess it is because it is a great read. I am glad you also enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your interesting review. Bloodlines are not what binds us together; it's love that counts.

[Neshboy Aburi]

Reviewed this book sometimes back. I also enjoyed reading it especially the character Kalayla. I am glad you enjoyed it too. Thanks for this good review

[J Edwards]

Thanks for your interesting review. Bloodlines are not what binds us together; it's love that counts.

Very true. This book is all about shared love. Thanks for stopping by.

[Humera955]

I recently read this book and I can say I thourally enjoyed reading it.
Thanks for the reveiw