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art3mis9's review against another edition
2.0
Hopefully the movie is better. It took many attempts in sitting down to read this. I would be lying if I said I read every word; I skimmed over some. The writing is not good and the story is overall disappointing.
lbarsk's review against another edition
5.0
Harrowing and gorgeously written. Conley has given us a gift in opening up his deepest wounds. An absolute must-read.
nderiley's review against another edition
4.0
This book made me angry about all the people in Garrard's life who could have advocated for him and chose not to. I can't fathom the hell he went through and am impressed by his ability to forgive
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this book I felt as though the book would burst into flames the more I read it due to my angry piercing gaze taking in every word. It is horrifying that places like this still exist and the pain so many have endured at the hands of people claiming to cure homosexuality like it's a disease. More people should read about this. Then maybe they'll be as angry as I am and finally get places like this closed across the US.
4.5/5 stars
4.5/5 stars
lydiastorytime's review against another edition
4.0
“We will overcome by... the word of our testimony” this is one of a few biblical ideas I still hold to and it reflects what I found most beautiful in this book, the truth. This book was painful to read because I loved a different version with many similar themes. The was Christians manipulate scripture to abuse is as familiar to me as my name and this book captures it beautifully. The longing for God and church but being held down by trauma and the lack of Gods voice is also a struggle I share. I’m thankful for this look into spiritual abuse. I’m thankful for the brutal honesty.
I loved the way the narrative jumped around in the fragmented way traumatic memories do. I loved the details and display of hyperarousal comon to the anxious life as an lgbt person in fundamental communities. The way rape was described and the aftermath is very similar to my experience and gave words to the images and feeling of my trauma.
Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for telling the truth. I have found strength and solidarity in your words.
I loved the way the narrative jumped around in the fragmented way traumatic memories do. I loved the details and display of hyperarousal comon to the anxious life as an lgbt person in fundamental communities. The way rape was described and the aftermath is very similar to my experience and gave words to the images and feeling of my trauma.
Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for telling the truth. I have found strength and solidarity in your words.