Review of "Boy Erased"

Book Review of Boy Erased

I’m a librarian by trade and the idea of required reading has always chafed me but this time I’m richer for it. I took an advanced essay writing class at MSSU this spring. My professor had us read “Boy Erased” by Garrard Conley since Mr. Conley would be speaking at the university and we would have the chance to meet him.

I quickly developed a love-hate relationship with the book. I loved the excellent writing. I hated how invested I became in Garrard and his struggles with identity in a strong Christian home because it hurt. I’m a strong Christian, however, I had already educated myself about the errors of the Ex-Gay Therapy program. Garrard described it to be even more horrifying than I knew, but he’s not one to point blame or shirk it either.

I felt every up and down with him on my own journey to understanding. The pages seeped pain into my heart and mind. Sometimes I wondered how it could ever work out. How could he hold onto his love of God? How could he hold onto his family? How could he survive being gay?

The ending of the book held clues to my questions, but until I heard him speak and then had a chance to get to know him personally, I couldn’t understand how truly special he is. I felt the Holy Spirit in such strength and abundance when he spoke. He exemplifies compassion. He embodies that Christ-like attribute. He has withheld judgment of God and held onto hope. It is my hope that God will find a way to do the same for him.