Customer Reviews

Laying Down My Burdens

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
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Brenda Thomas' book was like an Urban fiction novel. Even though this was a true story I couldn't believe some of the things that went on in this relationship. She writes about her drug abuse and domestic violence in this toxic marriage. Brenda Thomas takes us on a journey into this volatile relationship and gives you the insight on overcoming these type of obstacles.

If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also. That is what the Bible tells us to do, but is there a time when you should stop turning and fight back or run? Laying Down My Burdens by Brenda L. Thomas is best described as the exact words of the title. Ms. Thomas laid her burdens down for all to see in hopes of saving a young woman from being abused. Saving them from believing they deserve what is being done to them. This memoir of struggling with abuse, addiction, and finding one's self-worth is not only an eye-opening look at one woman's struggle, but a whole family's suffering.

Brenda L. Thomas, a natural born writer, had her dreams of writing stolen from her for many years, all because the man she loved and feared, Russell Douglass, told her she could not write or else. They were both addicts when they met, but over the years their addiction became the driving force behind their relationship. Brenda made a decision, the same decision over and over again, but until she believed in herself she would never do what needed to be done to be a better mother to her children, or a better person to herself. It is one thing to see life through the haze of drugs and alcohol, but when you are sober and clean, you see the reality of it all.

Laying Down My Burdens is a powerful, no holds bar read. It is not for the faint at heart. I found myself with my mouth wide open at times, even with the many editing errors throughout the entire book. Laying Down My Burdens by Brenda L. Thomas should be read by those facing challenges, as well as those who want to enjoy a good story of triumph.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Brenda Thomas has always been a phenomenal writer, which is why she has garnered so much success and admiration from her readers and fellow writers. Brenda was gracious enough to autograph a copy of her memoir at the Book Expo America. I had completed the book before I returned home; it was that intense.

It is amazing how people can endure so much and still make it through the fire, while others succumb to the little issues that life involves. Brenda has literally been through hell and yet, she has not only managed to survive but to flourish.

This book should be required reading for domestic violence agencies and for offenders. I commend Brenda for the courage it must have taken to not only write this book but to publish it. She realizes that being a victim is not a crime and I am sure this was a total cleasing experience for her. At the beginning she speaks about why she felt it was time to tell her story. How she was sitting and watching a group of little girls perform and realized that the majority of them were destined to go through similar hardships in life. Hopefully as more people speak up and others recognize that they are not alone, the world will be saved from some of the madness caused by a cycle of violence. I highly recommend this book. It is a great read.

Many have gotten to know bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas through her novels, however, it is through her powerful memoir LAYING DOWN MY BURDENS that we get to see what made her the woman she is today. The book takes us into a journey full of pain and heartbreak yet leads to a realization that so many will never understand. Brenda found her own worth. She learned that she is not defined by what people say or do to her but by what she allows to be done.

I read this book for the first time 3 years ago, and now that we are in what is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month I decided to read it again. I'm glad I did. There was an important lesson that Brenda learned that seemed to have alluded me before. That being that her life as is the case with ours is all about choices. We can choose to stay in a situation where we are not valued and appreciated or we can realize that we are just as important as anyone else and deserve better.

For some of us, it may be events in our lives that make us feel as though we don't deserve any better than what we have right now. Some may have tricked us into believing that unless we do certain things are carry ourselves a certain way that we will never find happiness. What Brenda reveals in her book is that happiness is not a place, it is a choice. We can choose to be happy or live in misery. We can choose to go along with what is seen as the status quo or we can make our own decisions and be responsible for the outcome.

LAYING DOWN MY BURDENS is a journey that allows us to see that no matter what we think separates us from others, the one thing we all have in common is our ability to trust ourselves enough to know what is best in the long run. This is one of those that you will want to read, talk about and share with others. It's just that good.

Brenda Thomas' memoir, "Laying Down My Burdens," is like an intimate conversation with Brenda. She writes about family, drug abuse, domestic violence, and self discovery. With raw emotions, Thomas recounts all of her struggles in painful detail.

While not a thriller or an action-packed story, "Laying Down My Burdens" is instead an evocative book. With details of her life, Thomas has laid out a touching story that will hopefully educate readers and/or motivate those with similar circumstances.

Reviewed by Toni Mac
For Sexy Ebony Book Club Reviews

This book had me going from the time I read it. Brenda L. Thomas is a very down to earth writer. She writes from what she went through in life and others, with interest. Great story will recommend to anyone to read.

I whole-heartedly agree with token's comment about BT's addiction to abuse. While her story was intriguing, it was also at times tedious and exhausting to read because I had a difficult time understanding why she waited as long as she did to get away from her abuser. Unfortunately, I also was a victim of domestic violence (mainly mental) but thank God it only took ONE time for him to actually physically abuse me for me to get out of a bad situation. My concern also was what would I be teaching my daughter had I stayed, something I wish BT had considered with regard to her own children. Ms. Thomas, I'm glad you survived your abusive past, but (my opinion only) it took you way too long to do so.

if your mind, body and soul is not clear and their something that hunts you from your past, then your not free. when you read this book there is something that touches you and reflects of your own past come back. brenda l.thomas you are free! ! ! I love your books, for this one has touch me the most. Thank you

Believe me, the cover and the title of this book in no way prepared me for what I was about to read. In a nutshell, the book chronicles in descriptive, entertaining, and shocking detail the journey that Brenda Thomas experienced in living an adult life of domestic abuse. I admire her candid thoughts and am convinced she has nine lives. The book was very addictive in that you are concerned for the author and you wonder how on earth does she get herself out of this horrible, co-dependent situation. I feel the book is a must read for women (whether or not you're in an abusive relationship) because it helps us to examine our own lives and choices; it may help us to save our lives, and it may help us to face the painful choices we may have to make in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones from unnecessary pain that is sometimes cloaked in 'love'. I didn't like the way the book ended because of the abruptness, however, the book was captivating, at times quite funny (if you can imagine that), and definitely one that resonates with you after you've read the final word. Thanks BT for sharing your story. Continued blessings to you and yours.

Brenda L. Thomas was the poster child for domestic abuse, drug addiction, low self-esteem, and a man who threatened her to not write anymore or there were going to be dire consequences. For years she struggled with these ghost who got the best of her, and took a toll on her whole family. Time after time this author vowed to do better and put these ghost to rest, but time after time she willingly gave in and gave up her soul. Caution, this story is not for the faint at heart, it's going to stir you up in every way possible, have you in awe, and still ask yourself how could a person live thru this and still live to tell about it.

Brenda L. Thomas has the right title, "Laying Down My Burdens". After the author tells the h*%# she been thru and back, time and time again, it was time to lay those burdens down. There was some minor editing problems, but it will not deter you from one single minute of the pain and abuse this author went thru, or mess up the life story she told.