Nakia R Laushaul

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 down this intense and highly emotional road and see for yourself!… (més)

At first glance, the title of this expertly written novel, catches the readers attention. Not just because of the intriguing photo on the cover but because it compels the reader to ask the question, how can one actually run from solace.

To say that Running from Solace took me on an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. It was more of the journey of an earthquake with several aftershocks. From the first chapter, I was drawn in by the horrid childhood of a sweet little girl named Naomi. Naomi had seen far too much in her young years. Her mother, an alcoholic and junkie, never knew the damage that she caused someone who loved her with every fiber of their being.

As Naomi's mother faced her drug laden demons, she often took her anger and frustrations out on Naomi. The verbal abuse, the constant beatings, the days without food and the array of men who paraded in and out of her home were too much for a child of Naomi's age to endure. Naomi's saving grace came in the form of Social Services taking her away from her abusive lifestyle.

Some may say that the tragic way that Naomi grew up forced her to enter a profession where she could protect children and keep them from growing up the way that she did. Ironically, her job causes her to evaluate her life and her past. It is when she receives the case of young Xavier that Naomi finds that her job has hit too close to home. She finds that looking into Xavier's is like looking into a mirror of her past.

Nakia Laushaul has masterfully penned a novel whose scenes were so vividly described that the reader is thrust right into the middle of the action. This novel made me face some harsh realities that are present in the lives of children all across the world on a daily basis. Thought provoking, gripping and emotionally charged, I will definitely recommend this novel.

Unika Howell-Molden
"The Unique Reviewer"… (més)

Everybody Hurts

"Running from Solace" tells the story of Naomi, a woman who has dealt with mental, emotional, and physical abuse by her close relatives at an early age. Having survived time through the foster care system, Naomi is now married and working for Child Protective Services. When she is assigned to investigate a new case of child abuse allegations, she is forced to face the skeletons that are lingering in her closet. What makes Naomi feel so connected to this case? Will Naomi be able to face her demons? ...Or will Naomi continue RUNNING FROM SOLACE?

Nakia Laushaul's style of writing is phenomenal; she grabs the heart of the reader from the first line of the book. I love how this author gave each of the main characters a voice of their own. As I read the pages of this book, I felt as though I was sitting in the room with all of them. I visualized each of the characters standing in the middle of an empty stage giving me an account of their lives, sharing with me their pain, their happiness, and their discoveries. There were times I had to put the book down and have a good cry. This book is not predictable, so if you feel you have it figured out in the beginning...think again!

I would recommend "Running from Solace" to everyone that loves to read. Authors, take note of Nakia Laushaul!!! I haven't felt this strong about a book in a long time.

Reviewed by: Orsayor… (més)