Juliann Rich

This is a phenomenal book. I think that parents should read this book so they can begin to understand what their children may be going through. Juliann Rich tackles a hard topic with such realism and beauty it makes you truly be with the characters and see and feel what they are going through. I think this should be given to parents, teens and even dare I say Sunday school teachers and some ministers so they can see the struggles teens or anyone for that matter goes through when they are coming to terms with their body, who they are attracted to and how it may conflict with their beliefs and societal beliefs in their religion.

The nuances and richness that Juliann Rich places in this book allow you to see the story in a light that has you understand this young man and his struggles. Both young men to be honest. Jonathan is a christian boy who has always done as expected of him. A sweet guy who is lost. He is trying to live up to some high expectations, his dad is in Iraq and his mom’s happiness is his responsibility for now. Every year he goes to bible camp and every year it fulfills him. Simon one of the counselors helps him each year in getting him to become into his own. Love Simon he is so understanding and open minded. Without Simon Jonathan would be so lost and confused and hating himself more.

So Jonathan sees Ian. Ian is gay. Jonathan is attracted to him and Ian to Jonathan. But Ian has issues, his parents walked away from him when he admitted to them he was gay so he is feeling anger and insecure. Jonathan is confused. He really likes Ian but his religion tells him it’s a sin and so he prays the attraction will go away. Except it doesn’t, it grows more intense. The more Jonathan and Ian get to know each other, the closer they become and the more confused and ashamed Jonathan feels. He is getting pulled in so many directions. One night these two come to a head and Jonathan gets petrified of everything and runs- hurting Ian in the process. It is Simon who helps Jonathan. Simon who makes jonathan see he isn’t an abomination and that loving someone no matter who they are is beautiful and right. That he can be gay and be happy and still believe in God. Took Jonathan awhile but he got there. It’s too bad it was at the end of the camp time but he and Ian do work things out. I do hope we see a book about these two and if they are still helping each other heal and accept. Still love each other.

A poignant and real story of one very confused boy and how he comes to terms with himself, who he is attracted to, his religion and who he loves. A coming to terms book in which the young boy becomes a man in terms of acceptance of himself, who he loves and will love and his love for Ian.So powerful and enriching to see the struggle and acceptance play out so vividly and beautifully. Jonathan finally sees beyond the light instead of into it.… (mere)