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A review by leighnonymous
God Says No by James Hannaham
3.0
This disappointing story simply doesn't follow through on the major tenet of its plot: whether or not homosexuality can be accepted by an individual who is predisposed to those feelings. The abrupt ending does little more than dismiss that internal struggle, concluding instead with Gary accepting his duty to fatherhood. This is a cop-out, in my opinion; he cannot defer his struggle with homosexuality while he figures out how to be a father.
I hoped that somewhere in the book he would learn to love himself and accept himself as he was made, learn a little from other strong characters in the book, like Miquel or Manny. Instead, he berates himself with the most hateful part of religion he can find. It was difficult to read the brainwashing he went through for an entire year while he attempted to "pray the gay out." This made me hate - yes, hate - religion even more for how it preys upon our feelings and makes us hate ourselves, believing every normal temptation is a mortal sin.
I didn't care for his clueless wife, Annie; she cried and whined and really should have just stepped out of the picture.
The "year of free checking" was amazing to read. I loved reading about him wandering through Midtown Atlanta, learning about himself and his urges. I think he misplaced his disappointment with the experience and attributed it to being bad at being gay as opposed to being human and failing at a relationship.
This reminded me a lot of "The Dive From Clausen's Pier" because you root for the main character to start over and discover who he/she is and make a new life only to find one's tail between one's legs, retreating. Gary, you are good enough! Get out there and embrace your homosexuality!
I hoped that somewhere in the book he would learn to love himself and accept himself as he was made, learn a little from other strong characters in the book, like Miquel or Manny. Instead, he berates himself with the most hateful part of religion he can find. It was difficult to read the brainwashing he went through for an entire year while he attempted to "pray the gay out." This made me hate - yes, hate - religion even more for how it preys upon our feelings and makes us hate ourselves, believing every normal temptation is a mortal sin.
I didn't care for his clueless wife, Annie; she cried and whined and really should have just stepped out of the picture.
The "year of free checking" was amazing to read. I loved reading about him wandering through Midtown Atlanta, learning about himself and his urges. I think he misplaced his disappointment with the experience and attributed it to being bad at being gay as opposed to being human and failing at a relationship.
This reminded me a lot of "The Dive From Clausen's Pier" because you root for the main character to start over and discover who he/she is and make a new life only to find one's tail between one's legs, retreating. Gary, you are good enough! Get out there and embrace your homosexuality!