I was impressed with this book. The story is about a teenaged girl whose life is devastated by the murder -suicide of her parents by her father. Kalina is forced to grow up quickly after she leaves South Carolina to move to Philadelphia, PA. She has been sent to live with her Aunt Mazetta. Little did Kalina know that this would be the beginning of her being under the control of other people who don't always have her best interest at heart. After her aunt's boyfriend tried to sexually assault her, Kalina got away and ran away and never looked back. Thus begins her life of pursuing her dreams which came at a steep price. Kalina's life is no longer her own and she seems to become complacent with this. That is until a life-altering event forces her to choose between life and death. The reader will be caught up in Kalina's story til the end. There are some unexpected twists and turns but the storyline is never lost. I didn't want to put this book down once I started it. I believe strongly that anyone reading it will feel the same.

African Americans on the Move Book Club-Zandra B.

Kalina Denise Harris is the daughter of a preacher. She's sheltered and lives in a small town where everybody knows everybody. She can't wait to graduate and head off to college. While preparing, tragedy strikes and her dreams are put on hold. Will she be able to put her life back together and proceed with her dreams?

Dilsa Saunders Bailey takes you on a journey of a sheltered young lady forced to grow up fast. The character development allows you to get a feel the individual's personalities. The twists and turns keep you on edge. The ending leaves you wanting more!ljh

That Literary Lady

Kalina is the apple of her father's eye. Her relationship with her mother is a little rocky. Kalina longs to leave her small town and start college. Her wish, to leave, comes true quicker than planned and horrifically. On the heels of her parents' murder-suicide, Kalina is sent to live with an aunt in Philadelphia. Shortly after arriving in Philadelphia, Kalina finds herself homeless. A kind stranger who offers her a job takes her in. Kalina can't believe her luck; a job and she can still go to college. Little does she know all her job entails...

"Dreams Thrown Away" by Dilsa Saunders Bailey was an excellent story. Following Kalina through her life's journey will have the reader not wanting to put the book down.

OOSA Online Book Club