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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was quite disappointed in this one since I had loved the author's previous book. The main character's decisions always seemed like they were the worst possible choice, so it was very difficult to root for her.
Set in a mega church, seems to be trying to reach people who have left church. A tiny bit too preachy for me, but in a subtle way.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Lay Your Body Down navigates the intricate complexities of faith, love, and betrayal in rural Minnesota with finesse. The story's pacing may be slow at times, but it builds an immersive world where the oppressive grip of an evangelical pastor and the haunting specter of a suspicious death keep readers on edge. Del Walker's return to her hometown unravels a web of deceit woven by Pastor Rick Franklin, whose cult-like teachings poison the minds of the community. Clark skillfully explores themes of religious trauma and the resilience of the human spirit through Del's journey of confronting her past and seeking justice for her lost love, Lars. While the narrative may take its time to unfold, the final quarter delivers a gripping crescendo of revelations and emotional resonance that makes the journey worthwhile. Lay Your Body Down is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide, Murder
I wanted to read this book because it's about a culty evangelical church in Minnesota. Being from the neighboring North Dakota, I can relate to the small town living, and I was familiar with the real towns and cities mentioned.
I ended up liking it quite a bit. There were blog and diary entries, which I always love in a book. The mystery was interesting, and it seemed pretty realistic. The sleazy pastor was perfectly written. There are many mentions of various types of abuse, so check your triggers on this one. It's a powerful story with a kind of bad-ass heroine.
If you like books about evangelical cults or survivors of cults, check this one out.
I ended up liking it quite a bit. There were blog and diary entries, which I always love in a book. The mystery was interesting, and it seemed pretty realistic. The sleazy pastor was perfectly written. There are many mentions of various types of abuse, so check your triggers on this one. It's a powerful story with a kind of bad-ass heroine.
If you like books about evangelical cults or survivors of cults, check this one out.