Welcome To G.A.A.L.

GAAL BOOK CLUB May Reading Selection is: Laying Down My Burdens by Brenda Thomas

Essence best-selling author Brenda L. Thomas presents a departure from fiction as she ventures into the difficult reality of her own past. Laying Down My Burdens is a gritty and deeply moving depiction of the author's struggle with domestic violence and its threats to her self-esteem. Laying Down My Burdens tells a frighteningly familiar tale that takes a positive turn as Thomas overcomes a number of obstacles to become an independent, successful woman. Since self-publishing Threesome in 2001, Thomas's literary skills and unique perspective have caught the attention of major media outlets. Whether it's TV or print, she isn't one to shy away from giving her opinion. After working as a personal assistant to an NBA athlete, Thomas become an expert on their culture, later appearing on CNN, NBC's Dateline, and Entertainment Tonight, to name a few. Since then she has penned three best-selling novels (Fourplay, The Velvet Rope and Every Woman's Got a Secret), as well as two anthologies (Four Degrees of Heat and Kiss The Year Goodbye). Brenda lives in her hometown of Philadelphia, where she is surrounded by family and friends.

"Reading is critical to our growth as a people.""Reading is critical to our growth as a people."