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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault
To say I loved Lay Your Body Down is an understatement!
It's been years since Del returned to the small midwestern town she grew up in that lived and died by the teachings of Messiah's head pastor, Pastor Rick.
When she learns her ex-boyfriend Lars was killed in a hunting accident, she returns home for the funeral, only to be sucked into the secrets and lies that run rampant through the mega church that is the source of her religious trauma. Lars' wife Eve is the poster child for Pastor Rick's Noble Wife ministry, and at the funeral, Del sees her alone with another man, something frowned heavily upon at Messiah. Already suspicious of Lars' death, Del sets her sites on discovering the truth behind his hunting accident, and stops at nothing to figure it out.
Amy Suiter Clark masterfully depicts the rigid, patriarchal systems of many Christian fundamentalist churches, while extending empathy to some of those who find themselves trapped in a toxic system that used to feel like support. She artfully dissects the way fundamentalists chip away at girls' confidence early on, while bolstering up the boys to become future leaders. She explores the harmful ideologies about gender roles, sex and guilt that permeate some Christian teachings, and depicts a main character perfectly matched to face off against an institution where women shoulder the blame of men's sins. As someone who suffered similar religious traumas, | deeply appreciated the way Clark portrayed the way self-esteem, confidence and agency are stripped away from girls in some churches at such early ages.
Amidst all of the emotional and spiritual explorations, Clark created a nail biter of a plot that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can to reach the final conclusion, which is absolute perfection.
It's been years since Del returned to the small midwestern town she grew up in that lived and died by the teachings of Messiah's head pastor, Pastor Rick.
When she learns her ex-boyfriend Lars was killed in a hunting accident, she returns home for the funeral, only to be sucked into the secrets and lies that run rampant through the mega church that is the source of her religious trauma. Lars' wife Eve is the poster child for Pastor Rick's Noble Wife ministry, and at the funeral, Del sees her alone with another man, something frowned heavily upon at Messiah. Already suspicious of Lars' death, Del sets her sites on discovering the truth behind his hunting accident, and stops at nothing to figure it out.
Amy Suiter Clark masterfully depicts the rigid, patriarchal systems of many Christian fundamentalist churches, while extending empathy to some of those who find themselves trapped in a toxic system that used to feel like support. She artfully dissects the way fundamentalists chip away at girls' confidence early on, while bolstering up the boys to become future leaders. She explores the harmful ideologies about gender roles, sex and guilt that permeate some Christian teachings, and depicts a main character perfectly matched to face off against an institution where women shoulder the blame of men's sins. As someone who suffered similar religious traumas, | deeply appreciated the way Clark portrayed the way self-esteem, confidence and agency are stripped away from girls in some churches at such early ages.
Amidst all of the emotional and spiritual explorations, Clark created a nail biter of a plot that will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can to reach the final conclusion, which is absolute perfection.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This read was a blind date with a book, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a solid murder mystery with good social commentary on timeless issues that are ripping gaping holes in today's society. Somewhat predictable, but overall pretty good.
first third had me thinking this could be a 4 star read. I was sucked in.
second third I was like "eh probably a 3.5" but fun enough.
final third had me feel like even 3 stars was generous at some points.
second third I was like "eh probably a 3.5" but fun enough.
final third had me feel like even 3 stars was generous at some points.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rating: 🤗/4
Source: From the Front Porch podcast
Review: I wouldn’t say suspense, but definitely a literary mystery with a creep factor and cult vibes. Darker and with more substance than I thought going in.