A review by laureny
Into This River I Drown by T.J. Klune

4.0

For a book heavily centered around faith, angels, and God, it felt very well done and non-suffocating to someone that doesn't practice any religion. It reminded me that not all those who practice religion, specifically Christianity, have the types of prejudices and hate that are so easily spread and vocalized about LGBT+ people. It was comforting and interesting to watch a gay man parse his own faith and beliefs, surrounded by celestial beings, family, and friends who didn't give a damn who he slept with. The story itself is beautiful and heartbreaking and hit me in all the sore emotional ways a good book should. The only reason I wouldn't personally give it 5 stars is that the grief threaded through the entire book felt alien to me, and it was all-consuming most of the time. I understand this was critical for the character(s) and the basis of the book, but I haven't quite experienced enough grief to have it resonate with me. It felt like Benji was trying to drown me in it right next to him. Maybe that was the point, but either way, it missed the mark a tad. Still a beautiful book that I'll probably read again in the future. And all the hints and nudges about another series/book/world/etc were enough to make me want more from the author, for sure.