Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complex intersection of personal identity and religious community, especially during a season of major transition. This story follows Joanna, a confident out lesbian who agrees to go back into the closet for her final year of high school to support her father's new ministry in a conservative Georgia town. It explores the heavy weight of 'lying by omission' and the tension that arises when the promise of family harmony clashes with the integrity of one's heart. It is a nuanced look at faith, first love, and the courage required to be authentic when the stakes feel incredibly high. Parents will appreciate the respectful treatment of religion alongside the realistic, healthy portrayal of a girl finding her voice. Suitable for ages 14 and up due to mature themes of identity and romance.
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Sign in to write a reviewOccasional use of mild profanity common in teen settings.
Depicts systemic and social homophobia within a conservative religious community.
Brief mentions of underage drinking at a party.
The book deals directly with LGBTQ+ identity within a religious framework. The approach is realistic and nuanced: it does not vilify faith but critiques the pressure to conform. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, emphasizing that one can be both queer and spiritual.
A high schooler who feels they have to compartmentalize their life to please their family, or a student in a religious community looking for a narrative where faith and queer identity aren't mutually exclusive.
Parents should be aware of some mild sexual references and teen partying, though the tone remains grounded. It can be read cold, but familiarity with Southern church culture adds depth. A parent might see their child becoming withdrawn or 'too perfect' in religious or social settings, sensing that the child is suppressing their true self to avoid conflict.
Younger teens will focus on the 'forbidden' romance aspect, while older teens will likely connect more deeply with the ethical dilemma of the promise made to the father.
Unlike many 'coming out' stories that feature rejecting parents, this book features a supportive, loving father who is himself trying to navigate a complex professional situation, making the conflict much more subtle and human.
Joanna is a senior who has been out and proud in her progressive home. When her father, a popular radio evangelist, moves the family to a conservative town in Georgia to start a new ministry, she promises to hide her sexuality to ensure his success. This plan falls apart when she falls for Mary Carlson, the 'perfect' local girl. The story follows her internal struggle between loyalty to her father and her burgeoning relationship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.