A novel for youth and those who care for them: "How could I choose betwen my sexuality and my spirituality, two of the most important parts that made me whole?"

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Product Description

How could I choose betwen my sexuality and my spirituality, two of themost important parts that made me whole?

High school senior Paul has dated Angie since middle school, and they're good together. They have a lot of the same interests, like singing in their church choir and being active in Bible club. But when Manuel transfers to their school, Paul has to rethink his life. Manuel is the first openly gay teen anyone in their small town has ever met, and yet he says he's also a committed Christian. Talking to Manuel makes Paul reconsider thoughts he has kept hidden, and listening to Manuel's interpretation of Biblical passages on homosexuality causes Paul to reevaluate everything he believed. Manuel's outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, culminating in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand.

Lambda Literary Award-winning author Alex Sanchez tackles a subject ripped from the headlines in this exciting and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be both religious and gay.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #469343 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781416908999
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"With candor, conviction, and compassion, Alex Sanchez dramatizes the plight of teens who struggle to balance their homosexuality and their deeply felt religious beliefs. An important, heartfelt book that deserves a wide readership." -- Michael Cart, editor of Love & Sex: Ten Stories of Truth

"Alex Sanchez evokes the crucifying experience of adolescents wrestling with their sexual identity and their identity as Christians. This book is a gift not just to teenagers, but to those who love and work with them." -- The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate, the Episcopal Church

About the Author
Alex Sanchez received his master's degree in guidance and counseling from Old Dominion University. For many years he worked as a youth and family counselor. His novels include the Lambda Award-winning So Hard to Say, the Rainbow Boys trilogy, and Bait. When not writing, Alex tours the country talking with teens, librarians, and educators about the importance of teaching tolerance and self-acceptance. Originally from Mexico, Alex now lives in Thailand and Hollywood, Florida. Visit Alex at www.AlexSanchez.com.

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Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Paul is a boy who is highly religious, goes to a Christian school, lives in a very small town, and loves God and his girlfriend of several years. Living in such a small town and going to a small school, everyone knows the new kids.

The knew person, Manuel, is weird. Everyone talks about him, especially when he joins Paul and his friends at their lunch table. Manuel proceeds to tell them that he is both gay and Christian, two things that don't mix well.

The girls love Manuel, but the boys want to stay far away from him -- except for Paul. Manuel is trying to be Pauls friend and all the guys start talking about the both of them.

As Paul and Manuel hang out, a friendship is formed and Paul challenges Manuel about God, the Bible, and being gay. Every answer Manuel gives makes Paul think differently about his religion and what it says. Is being gay okay, and can you still go to Heaven?

While examining his feelings, Paul wonders about his own sexuality and if his friendship for Manuel is just that -- a friendship. When a series of events happens, Paul finds his true feelings, his true identity, and, most importantly, love.

Alex Sanchez's latest novel is amazing. It gives a new interpretation of "the Bible says that being gay is a sin," an excuse that many use. Very thought-provoking, this book will keep a smile on your face until the end.

Reviewed by: Jeremey

Great book for the holidays
This is the ideal book for any teenager, young adult, or parent of a young person struggling with their sexuality and their faith. It explores the terrain of teenage sexuality in such a way that is honest, convincing and deeply respectful of religious beliefs. In the end, it leaves the reader feeling that Christianity can be a source of liberation for all of us rather than an oppressive force.

Refreshingly, the book is also a real page turner. You end up learning quite a bit about the Bible without knowing it! The God Box is the kind of novel you'll devour in one setting yet it's message about faith will stay with you for a long time to come.

A great book, but...
As a middle school librarian, I'm always excited for the beginning of summer when I can finally get to the rest of the books I've been meaning to read all year. Sanchez's new book was one I was looking forward to (and enjoyed.) I loved the main characters, Paul (Pablo) and Manuel. Paul's character was developed more fully than the rest, but all of the characters took on strong voices. I thought Paul's self reflection and slow realization of his sexuality was beautifully written and his simultaneous excitement and fear at Manuel's interest was very real.

My disappointment arrived at the (SPOILER ALERT) gay bashing. It seems like a gay bashing is always necessary to demonstrate the dangerous conditions many gay teens face. However, as an educator who works closely with teenagers (and a lesbian who was once a teen myself), I've seen that daily harassment, comments, ignorance and invisibility can cause as much, if not more, long-lasting harm (some of which Manuel and the minor character Stephen experienced - though Stephen's character could have been more developed). However, at its heart, Sanchez's novel is a coming-of-age story and a well written one at that. His focus on the arguments against gay people made by some Christians is explained well and the counter-arguments are clear and easily understood. I think it is an important work and one that should be found in every Middle School, Junior High and High School library. Hopefully some questioning Christian teens, and perhaps their friends, will happen upon the book and find some peace in its pages.