Lenora is on her way to becoming an associate pastor at one of the fastest growing churches. With her husband by her side, she is poised and full of the Spirit. As readers soon learn, she is full of something else too. Three women, three lives all touched by the hands of abuse. These women can not heal until they learn to forgive and let go of their past. Will they be able to heal or will they harbor hate in their hearts for the rest of their lives? Nakia Laushaul has written a page-turner that immediately draws the reader into the lives of these women.
The plot is engaging and the characters are well developed. By the end, the reader is wondering who the real victims are and if there is healing after abuse. I look forward to reading more by this author! Is child abuse a generational curse? Do hurt people really hurt people? This is a book that makes you really look at child abuse and view it from a different perspective. Naomi was abused as a child. Thanks to a "nosey" neighbor, she was removed from her mother's care and raised in the foster care system.
As an adult, she worked as a social worker. She was called out to a case.
Upon talking with the young boy, Xavier, she felt an immediate connection to him. The events following this case brough Is child abuse a generational curse? The events following this case brought up old memories and caused some life changes for Naomi. She was forced to face some demons from her past. I was pulled in from the first page. Running from Solace takes you on an emotional journey.
You will feel a range of emotions. Each character has a story to tell. Laushul did an excellent job of introducing the characters and tying things together without losing you. I highly recommend this book. Sep 02, McGuffy Morris rated it it was amazing. In her debut novel, Nakia gave voice to the many people who silently live through childhood abuse. She does this very sincerely and genuinely. Laushaul bravely takes on subject matter that is difficult.
She is straight-forward and real in her writing. From the beginning, you are drawn into the tormented life of little Naomi. Wanting love and acceptance, what she receives is abuse and pain. That Naomi survives is the ultimate reward for the reader, as well as for Naomi herself.
One can ne In her debut novel, Nakia gave voice to the many people who silently live through childhood abuse. One can never get over abuse, but one can get through it and survive it. The characters are so honest and real that they will stay with you long after you close the book. While it is a painful story to read, it is an important and powerful book. Nakia Laushaul reminds us that if we let it, what does not kill us can indeed makes us stronger.
I applaud the author 4 such a gripping and mos def engaging heart shattering story. This was such a domino affect 4rm one generation of sexual, mental, and physical abuse 2 another I felt that moment when Naomi had her release 4rm yrs of pain trapped within herself, scared and wanting 2b free of it This is what they kno. View all 3 comments. Jun 18, Melissa rated it it was amazing Shelves: In all honesty, this was a tough read.
Generational abuse, the shortcomings of the foster system contrasted against the necessity and benefit of such a system, vicious cycles of violence and so much more. It is a painful story. But it was grasping and continually held me attentive, wanting to know more about the inner workings of Mona, her son and children and the CPS staff woman who unknowingly became wrapped up in a case which would reveal painful truths from her own past, requiring her to c In all honesty, this was a tough read.
But it was grasping and continually held me attentive, wanting to know more about the inner workings of Mona, her son and children and the CPS staff woman who unknowingly became wrapped up in a case which would reveal painful truths from her own past, requiring her to confront the pain and hurt from years of her own abuse. Truly, the story lines and three narrators of this story and the turns the story takes to tie them all together are absolutely gripping.
Nov 07, Jerri rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Running from Solace was an excellent read. I found myself engrossed in the story from the minute I began reading it.
I was completely engaged from beginning to end Still, I will be recommending this b Running from Solace was an excellent read. I definitely recommend it. About half way through it turned into a Tyler Perry movie. Aug 14, OOSA rated it it was amazing. Out of sheer luck at some point during the beating, I passed out. Laushul did an excellent job of introducing the characters and tying things together without losing you.
The book deals with child abuse and its lifelong ramifications to abusers and victims alike. My only complaint is that the author seemed to rush the conclusion of the book, neglecting to explore some relationships and the characters' personal healing journeys, choosing instead to tie neat and predictable ribbons in order to close the story out.
Still, I will be recommending this b Running from Solace was an excellent read. Still, I will be recommending this book to my reading circle. I look forward to more books from Ms. What an incredible story!! The author deals with a difficult subject with great understanding and compassion, fleshing out the characters so completely that you feel like you know them. And the redemption scene is so descriptive and full of emotion that it had me in tears. I could literally feel Naomi's deeply-rooted pain, fear and subsequent deliverance because it's written as if from a firsthand experience with feeling and hearing God for the first time.
It's a wonderful and beautifully writte What an incredible story!! It's a wonderful and beautifully written story. Aug 21, Jeanette rated it really liked it Recommended to Jeanette by: Nakia Laushaul has given the world the story of Naomi, who struggles through her adult life under the burden of the abuse she suffered as a child.
It affects the way how she interacts with all who cross her path, including her husband. It motivates her into choosing a career where she hopes she will help protect other children from the same experiences she went through, but in doing so it forces her to confront her past and acknowledge its impact on her present. How will she fare? Take a trip do Nakia Laushaul has given the world the story of Naomi, who struggles through her adult life under the burden of the abuse she suffered as a child. Take a trip down this intense and highly emotional road and see for yourself!
Very well written book. The author does an excellent job in bringing you into the lives of the characters. When reading I experience several emotions. The story was so real and I can relate so well. In ministering to women as well as experiencing my self, emotional and physical abuse leads to confusion and uncertainty as to who you are. It leaves emotional scars that only God can heal.
Thanks so much to the author and we look forward to many more great books. Sep 11, Liz rated it liked it. This book is good, but it's got some graphic scenes in it that can be difficult to read through. I also could have gone for a more powerful ending. There are some really intense moments in here, and I didn't think the end really lived up to it's potential.
Still enjoyed the book, overall. It's covers subjects that are probably not talked about enough. Aug 14, Kevin Smith rated it liked it. This books started off really good. About half way through it turned into a Tyler Perry movie. While I like some of his stuff it just wasn't what I thought this book was going to be. Over all good writing style and a talented author, just not what I was expecting after reading the first chapter sample. Jan 04, Gordon Griffin rated it really liked it. I'm not an author nor an expert but I think one of the things that makes for a great book is how it captures the reader.
If you can make that reader jump in their seat, keep a lump in their throat and actually feel compassion for your characters I think you've done a mighty fine job. It's worth the read. Aug 19, Monica rated it it was amazing. This author writes a story and gives a voice for far too many victims of abuse. There are times when I had to put the book down because the story had me in tears. This is an excellent read. I highly reccommend this book. Nov 03, Adrienne Thompson rated it it was amazing.
This author is definitely one to watch. Running From Solace is a must read, one of the best books I've read in a long while. I didn't want to put it down and I didn't want it to end. Can't wait to read more from her! Sep 16, Shawanda rated it it was amazing Shelves: Running from Solace is hard to put down. One of the best books I have read in a long time. This book is very different from the books I usually read but it kept my attention the entire time. I recommend this book without a doubt! Aug 03, Cea rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: This book blew my mind from the first chapter to the last.
It took me on an array of emotions that I haven't felt in a while. I highly recommend this book as it touches on subjects that many choose to sweep under the carpet. If I could give this book 6 stars I would Excellent job, well written. I was in tears from beginning to end. I fell in luv with Xavier. Looking forward to many more reads. Aug 14, Delonya rated it it was amazing. Best Book of !!! I highly recommend this book!!! View all 6 comments. Sep 17, Jacki rated it it was amazing. Raised, sweltering, purplish bruises would cover my arms, back and face—the usual damage. I was afraid to move, afraid to even breathe.
I lay there as still as I could. I followed the dingy, white, laced hem of what was once my pretty dress, from my knee to my ankle and across the dirty mattress as it fell off the bed onto the floor where I could see it no more. I wanted to cry, but no tears came. I must have run out of tears, I thought as I managed a painful smile that made my head ache from the inside out even more.
Mama hated it when I cried; she always said I only wanted people to feel sorry for me. I would never have to hear her call me a cry baby anymore, and maybe she would smile at me like she did when I lit her cigarettes on the stove. Well, not like the time when I lit the skinny white one on both ends. I shivered a little when I thought of the whooping I got for doing that. I had an urge to go pee. I was comfortable and warm. It could have been worse, like some of the other times before.
She was lying right behind me. Her arm was gently positioned around my waist. Her hand rest on my stomach. I was balled in a knot with my back against her stomach. I knew she was still asleep. I felt her breath blowing softly on the back of my neck. Every few minutes or so, I could hear her teeth grind against each other or her jaw making a popping sound. The noises terrified me. Still, that was when I loved her the most and felt the safest—when Mama was lying next to me, asleep.
So, I just lay there quietly and watched the torn lace through one eye as I listened to her breathe peacefully until I fell asleep again. Mama nudged me awake with kisses. Her juicy lips left wet marks on my cheeks. I opened my eye slowly. The day had allowed dusk to run its course and only a small amount of natural light filtered through the window. I felt dampness easing up my back. I wondered how long Mama had been up. Did I pee on her? So many thoughts raced through my mind. I wanted her to go away. It hurt too much to nod my head or move my lips, for that matter.
I will be a good girl, from now on. I agreed that I was wrong for not hurrying or answering when she called my name. I closed my eye and grimaced in anticipation thinking maybe she saw it, felt it. She saw me flinch and then snatched back her hand. I closed my eye quickly in preparation of her smack across my face.
Mama hated it when I flinched. The hit took too long to come, so I peeked through my eye again. She was already walking out the door closing it softly behind her. Laushaul was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and now resides in Houston, Texas with her lovable teenage son. She is a poet, novelist, and entrepreneur. Nakia remains determined to present the truth as she sees it in all facets of her writing, and hopes that her work will inspire and serve a meaningful purpose for her readers. She is currently working on her next novel so get ready.
If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?