Review by Pureader -- Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
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Review by Pureader -- Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]
Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas covers many difficult topics such as toxic families, racial discrimination, and generational violence. It looks at how people can break the cycle of violence and discrimination that has been passed from generation to generation. While the topics are heavy, the book handles them in a way that is not overwhelming and depressing. The characters are lovable and sincere which makes the book a joy to read. I give Kalayla four out of four stars.
The book is told through three main perspectives: Kalayla, Maureen, and Lena. Kalayla is an eleven-year-old, mixed-race girl. She and her mother Maureen move into the apartment across from Lena. Lena is the elderly woman who owns the building and lives alone. Lena takes notice of Kalayla because she acts like her own boys had when they were young. Lena sees that the girl needs help, so she doesn't end up getting into the same kind of trouble that her sons did. Maureen is a loving mother but works long hours to make ends meet. She is also still grieving for her husband, Kalayla's father. Maureen's family is gone, and his family is distant so it's the two of them on their own for the first time ever and it's a difficult adjustment.
Lena attempts to get Kalayla out of the streets and into something that interests her so that she has less time to get in trouble. Kalayla is rebellious and rejects many suggestions just because they have been suggested. Despite her rebellious streak, Kalayla is a sweet girl and tries to help everyone around her. She would never want them to know that, though. Her image of toughness is her armor against the world. Eventually, they find a few activities that Kalayla loves and she can let go of a little of that armor. Helping Kalayla has also helped Lena to let go of her past and become interested in life again. Kalayla, Maureen, and Lena all realize that family isn't limited to blood. They have created their own kind of family and no longer feel isolated from the world.
The book has a few scenes that are graphic which some readers may want to avoid. There is an attempted rape, the description of which is general and has no details. There is also marital rape which is not described graphically. There are several instances of violence. A few of the violent scenes are graphic. It is not violence for violence's sake, but it can still be disturbing.
Kalayla is a book that most readers will enjoy. Readers with difficult families or who feel isolated from the world might get even more enjoyment out of it. It is positive and heartwarming without being saccharine sweet. The end is realistically happy, not happily ever after, and is satisfying. If you are deciding whether to read it, read it.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas covers many difficult topics such as toxic families, racial discrimination, and generational violence. It looks at how people can break the cycle of violence and discrimination that has been passed from generation to generation. While the topics are heavy, the book handles them in a way that is not overwhelming and depressing. The characters are lovable and sincere which makes the book a joy to read. I give Kalayla four out of four stars.
The book is told through three main perspectives: Kalayla, Maureen, and Lena. Kalayla is an eleven-year-old, mixed-race girl. She and her mother Maureen move into the apartment across from Lena. Lena is the elderly woman who owns the building and lives alone. Lena takes notice of Kalayla because she acts like her own boys had when they were young. Lena sees that the girl needs help, so she doesn't end up getting into the same kind of trouble that her sons did. Maureen is a loving mother but works long hours to make ends meet. She is also still grieving for her husband, Kalayla's father. Maureen's family is gone, and his family is distant so it's the two of them on their own for the first time ever and it's a difficult adjustment.
Lena attempts to get Kalayla out of the streets and into something that interests her so that she has less time to get in trouble. Kalayla is rebellious and rejects many suggestions just because they have been suggested. Despite her rebellious streak, Kalayla is a sweet girl and tries to help everyone around her. She would never want them to know that, though. Her image of toughness is her armor against the world. Eventually, they find a few activities that Kalayla loves and she can let go of a little of that armor. Helping Kalayla has also helped Lena to let go of her past and become interested in life again. Kalayla, Maureen, and Lena all realize that family isn't limited to blood. They have created their own kind of family and no longer feel isolated from the world.
The book has a few scenes that are graphic which some readers may want to avoid. There is an attempted rape, the description of which is general and has no details. There is also marital rape which is not described graphically. There are several instances of violence. A few of the violent scenes are graphic. It is not violence for violence's sake, but it can still be disturbing.
Kalayla is a book that most readers will enjoy. Readers with difficult families or who feel isolated from the world might get even more enjoyment out of it. It is positive and heartwarming without being saccharine sweet. The end is realistically happy, not happily ever after, and is satisfying. If you are deciding whether to read it, read it.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Cat Boss by Tayma Tameem
