• About

Kayla's Only Heart

~ Always learning. Always progressing.

Kayla's Only Heart

Tag Archives: understanding

Book Review: Stay with Me

18 Tuesday Sep 2018

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in books, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Ayobami Adebayo, book club, book review, bookish, books, culture, expectations, family, hope, love, marriage, Modern Mrs. Darcy, Stay with Me, understanding

The Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club has read Stay with Me this year, and we have had the pleasure of author Ayobami Adebayo joining us for our discussion. This book packs on weight as it gives readers a glimpse into the depths of another culture. It follows couple Yejide and Akin as they navigate the familial and societal pressures of not having children. As the story progresses, they each experience heartache as they fall under the expectations surrounding them and manipulate what they tell themselves about their fates and flaws.

This novels enlightens readers on the expectations of family that sometimes leads to polygamy in Northern African and Middle Eastern cultures and the weight of those decisions on the wives and husbands involved. It also shows the struggle of Sickle Cell Disease, a common health issue in Nigeria and one that affects the author. The characters give an authentic voice to these issues and remind readers they have more complexity than they appear. Universal themes of heartbreak, family tensions, marriage hopes and health obstacles give a relatability to a seemingly vastly different culture.

The characters, as many of us do in real life, must adjust their expectations of their lives and marriages as well as filter the advice they receive through what they know themselves. Yejide eventually learns that her childlessness actually stems from her husband rather than herself. Yet she didn’t want to believe her husband had flaws, especially since he didn’t voice them himself. We see the realization of Akin’s observation early in the book that “even when it’s in a thousand pieces around your feet, that doesn’t mean it’s no longer love.” Their love and lives bend as they experience loss and setback, but they still maintain a certain hope.

I really appreciate this book. The characters demonstrate a lot of depth, and their situations enlightened me to more human experiences. Adebayo clearly writes about Nigeria and Sickle Cell Disease with authority, and she shares her knowledge and wisdom so we can gain a greater understanding of those topics. It gives me more insight into the background of some of the students I teach. I recommend this book as a good story as well as a tool for learning.

Accused

25 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Poetry/Lyrics

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

accusations, Haiku, NaPoWriMo, poem, poetry, recognition, understanding

Accusations fly

When recognition lacking

True understanding 

Car Doors Open, Words Unfold

07 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

alone, angel, journey, life, love, path, poem, poetry, progress, sadness, soul mate, travel, understanding

A car passed by

Looked like your dad’s

More status, less grill

I’m sure you drive one new

 

That white hearse he gave

As he pushed your life

I imagine future passengers

As you peer down the road

 

Your throne a higher seat

In a new but familiar place

I’m turning my neck to see

Then back at my path ahead

 

I shed a tear when reminded

You travel with another

Still I’m surrounded, accepted, loved

By followers who venture the same way

 

My prayer is answered

I progress solo, seeing doors open

Witnessing my words unfold

Holding your belief in me, thankful

 

Don’t forget our road trip

And how the highways here

Intertwine, so many possibilities

Even for a new car on a different route

 

We intersect on our great path

For we traveled together

And will pass time to time

A kind face pairs with a friendly wave

 

Perhaps a stop for fuel

Opens our tanks to renew

Dunk in coffee, our pick me up

To find our young faces reminiscing

 

We raise our gaze to each other

Meeting longing eyes that never changed

The loyal brown loves yet and admires

The big heart of his understanding angel

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 890 other followers

You can't make advances if you don't take chances. These posts share my perspectives of my journey as I step forward, walking in the Light.

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: Marilla of Green Gables
  • Book Review: Because of Winn-Dixie
  • Book Review: Keeper of the Lost Cities
  • Book Review: Love Lettering
  • Book Review: The Widow of Rose House

Categories

  • Beauty
  • books
  • Essay
  • Journal
  • Monday Motivation
  • Photography
  • Playlists
  • Poetry/Lyrics
  • Reading Recommendations
  • The Great American Reader
  • Uncategorized
  • Winsome Women Wednesday

RSS my weekly nail creations

  • Starlit Darkness 
              As it felt like I continued to fall deeper into darkness, I reminded myself to keep dreaming positively. My stars matched my pajamas to encourage my sleeping dreams as well.  The following weekend I ventured out with my friends to attend a Taking Back Sunday and The Used concert. Surrounding […]
    KaylasOnlyHeart
  • Falling
          These plain manicures go back to the fall. The season marked a time of change and a new look at my world. Perhaps the perspective in what I held in my hands stole some of the focus and expression I would normally have for my nail art.  I went from a bold […]
    KaylasOnlyHeart
  • Plain Sparkles
    After the Top Shelf plain manicure, I had another plain one with some sparkles added. I just didn’t feel spirited enough to enjoy my me time. I still made myself go through the motions though. I might not have been applying makeup regularly, but I kept my nails polished. The little touches kept me from […]
    KaylasOnlyHeart

Facebook

Facebook

Twitter Updates

  • It's TV Tuesday. I'm ready to celebrate a fictional birthday. 9 hours ago
  • My first Valentine of the season is ready to make its way to its recipients. Who doesn't love love and books? #ValentinesDay #book 1 day ago
  • 4 of 5 stars to This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens goodreads.com/review/show?id… 2 days ago
  • My new student today wore a Valentine shirt to class. I'm definitely not the only one celebrating already. 3 days ago
  • It always feels good when a student likes my class so much after their first lesson they sign up to do a second one the same week. 4 days ago
Follow @KaylasOnlyHeart

Goodreads

No Instagram images were found.

RSS Pendey in Kensia

  • An error has occurred; the feed is probably down. Try again later.

Blog Stats

  • 9,453 hits

Blog Stats

  • 9,453 hits

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy