Save It for Ya Momma

Kimberly Clark
Cheleb Publishing (2005)
ISBN 141167054X
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (4/06)

“Save It for Ya Momma” is a novel about a young African- American woman named Kenya who has a college education, successful career, good friends and a loving, supportive and good- looking husband named Malik. On the surface, it appears Kenya has it all, but sexual abuse suffered by Kenya as a young child at the hands of her evil stepfather, Lech Henderson, has left Kenya with deep emotional problems that have far-reaching effects.

Kenya has never felt loved, supported, or protected by her mother throughout her lifetime. She feels she has always been inadequate to her mother and a disappointment in her eyes. Kenya cannot understand why her mother has always taken the side of her mentally ill stepfather over herself, just letting Kenya be abused and humiliated. Kenya is finally pulled from the abusive situation by her Aunt Sierra and Uncle Rodney.

The story takes some interesting turns of fate when some tragedies and circumstances change the way both Kenya and Malik’s families view the whole picture. Grandmother Baker is certain God has a plan for everyone and knows what is best. Can a lifetime of deceit and underhanded motives be changed into a positive? Can relationships be mended and healing begin? The chain of events is almost unbelievable. We have all heard that at times it seems the world is a small place, but in this novel the chain of events is quite mind boggling and incredible. What a small circle we sometimes live in!

Kimberly Clark writes a good novel that will keep you interested in how the story will unfold. It is appropriate for adults who can handle the knowledge that unfortunately, there are evil and abusive people in this world who sometimes only care about themselves. I think African-American females might find it even more appealing, as Kimberly relates quite well through the character of Kenya and her female family members and friends. I found the addition of pinpointing God as the pillar of strength a very positive aspect. This is a story of how what appears totally bad may sometimes bring joy and goodness in the end.

I believe Kimberly Clark may have written this novel to help other victims of abuse know that all is not lost if a terrible act has left one feeling damaged and hurt. Severe emotional scars can be healed. Future successful relationships can be experienced after crippling emotional and physical mistreatment, if help is received. And sometimes, we just never know how God will use us to further his mission! All things are possible for those who believe and trust in him. Just know that God is in control. Kimberly also stresses to us how important a mother’s unconditional love is to her child. A mother’s love is a necessary and essential part of a child’s upbringing, and the lack thereof can be harmful.

A big fault, and actually the only fault, I found with this novel was its obvious lack of editing. I emphatically recommend editing before this book’s next printing. Otherwise, I consider this book most worthy of reading! Kimberly Clark is a talented author.

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