Gonna Lay Down My Burdens

I listened to the book on tape while at work. This story is eventful from beginning to end. I love the way they start off in the present and then go back to tell us how they got to that point. My opinions of people changed throughout the story as you got to know them better. The story made me laugh and cry out loud while sitting at my desk! Way to go!

Gonna lay Down My Burdens ("The best book I've read so far") "I kept my tears and my weakness to myself." That is so true because in this book one of the character's, named Carmen keeps all her feelings to herself. She always tries to help others. Mary Monroe's purpose of writing this book was to create a image in the mind, And make it feel like you're there, or your one of the characters. The setting is very overwhelming ; It created a wonderful mood for the reader. The language has dialect. This is truly a fascinating book. In Gonna Lay Down My Burden, there are two best friends and one man. When Carmen has a night to remember with Chester, she doesn't tell Desiree about it. So, this creates a problem when Desiree starts dating him. Also, when Carmen interferes with a fight between Desiree and Chester, she does something that will change her and Desiree's life forever. The story setting is very detail and it makes it feel like the reader is there. " The rain, hammering down out of the north, thumped on the windows of my dependable old Nissan like rocks" This lets the reader know how fast the rain was coming down and it kind of make the reader feel like they were in the rain as well. Mary Monroe did a great job at creating the mood. The characters of the story are childhood friends. Carmen is the type of person that keeps her troubles to herself and everybody knows a person like that. Where on the other hand Desiree is that type that always get herself in trouble but can't get herself out of it and have to call her friend to help her out. The plot is the important part of the story. It gets kind of confusing at the begin because it jumps from the present to the past and then back to the present. Once the reader get use to the plot it is wonderful. It tells all the way up unto the present day. Language is another important part of the story. It is a narrative its told in third person. It has that southern kind of talk because it is set in Alabama. To close, this book receive five stars from every aspect. The only thing it can be confusing and keeps the reader wondering till the end.

I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. I was mad at first because I wanted Carmen and Chester to get together but couldn't imagine why she would choose to be unhappy for the rest of her life. I am awaiting the sequel to this one. I would love to know what became of the Carmen, Chester and the baby. I read this book in two days. I've read God Don't Like Ugly and was mad in that book because of the secrets but enjoyed it as well. Mary Monroe is an excellent writer and I've recommended this book to all my friends.

Mary Monroe has done it again. Her latest book Gonna Lay Down My Burdens is another example of her great creative imagination. This well written piece of art is entertaining, heartfelt, as well as hilarious. It will keep you in suspense until the very end. Once you read the first page, the characters come alive and keep you wanting more.The main character, Carmen, learns life lessons through carrying emotional draining secrets which become burdens that are just too heavy to carry. From childhood to womanhood she carries the burdens caused from unwise and unnecessary decisions along with lies and secrets that have snowballed out of control. In return, these issues enabled her to live a life that is unhealthy in all areas of relationships.Carmen's friend Desiree is living and loving simply for the moment. Desiree's own secrets helped her to become the free spirit person she is. She finds strength in her friend Carmen, who feels dedicated to carry her burdens as well. When being faced with having to run away from all the people she loves most, due to yet another mistake, Carmen realizes it's time to lay down the burdens and let them go and try to put the pieces of life back together in some type of orderly fashion. However, she was not prepared for what was to follow.This book was different from Ms. Monroe's previous two books which dealt with mentally challenged characters. She came with a different angle with this book allowing her readers to see the versatile style of writing she can offer. I think she is an exceptional author. If you have never experienced the joy her writing can bring, I advise you not to only read this book, but also God Don't Like Ugly and the Upper Room.Stacy CampbellAPOOO BookClub

I really enjoyed reading this book. I have read Mary Monroe's other two books, But Gonna Lay My Burdens down has been by far the best book I've ever read in 2002. I didn't want the book to end. And the fact that the story was set in Alabama made me relate to the storyline. Mary always seem to write about small towns.Carmen went through so much drama with always trying to be there for everyone's problems. I'm so surprised she didn't snap out at anyone. How she kept her secrets coming really amazed me. I didn't like the Desirree character at all, she was very selfish and I would've dropped her as a friend a long time ago, especially after that arguement in the hotel room. I thought that Crazy Mimi and Sweet Jimmie were funny. I was saddened by what happened to Kitty, that was an accident that took me by surprise. I liked how Mary described Carmen's parent's as a loving black couple living in the south. I thought that stood out in the book. I was feeling sorry for Burl until I found out what he did, which was so wrong for him to do that.I was so curious to see what Chester would've looked like in real life. Because Mary Monroe had me believing that he was foine! I think I'm going to add Ms Monroe on the list of my favorite authors. I can't wait for her next book.