shannanh's review
4.0
Wow. This was such An emotional read that will have your feelings on a roller coaster. Lawrence is a black man in his early 40 who is also gay. This book tells his story from his abuse as a child from family and the church until now. Be careful if you choose to read this book, only because it contains several triggers. There are also some life lessons that are sprinkled throughout the story.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
spookieboogie's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Is literary fiction featuring queer characters my new favorite very specific book genre? After reading this, I think so.
It’s giving me Less by Andrew Sean Greer vibes, but our main character isn’t quite so white nor quite so lucky. He’s not beautiful, and his struggles aren’t the same at all, but he’s real. You’ll just trust me on this one!
The Freed Church Boy follows Lawrence, a black gay man in his early 40s who has lost his way spiritually after enduring a childhood growing up in a homophobic Christian household. He’s unhappy and lonely and realizing that things in his life may just need changing when a tragedy brings his estranged family back into his life forcing him to really consider how his friendships, sexuality, religion, and family and how to find his happiness in all of it.
I felt for the main character as if this was my own story. The author does a fantastic job of bringing you into his character’s life- this experience isn’t my own but it was so endearingly relatable that I couldn’t put this book down once I started. My favorite books are ones that make me laugh and ones that make me feel something, and I really felt something.
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I received an advanced digital copy of this book for free. This review is voluntary and reflects my unbiased opinion.
It’s giving me Less by Andrew Sean Greer vibes, but our main character isn’t quite so white nor quite so lucky. He’s not beautiful, and his struggles aren’t the same at all, but he’s real. You’ll just trust me on this one!
The Freed Church Boy follows Lawrence, a black gay man in his early 40s who has lost his way spiritually after enduring a childhood growing up in a homophobic Christian household. He’s unhappy and lonely and realizing that things in his life may just need changing when a tragedy brings his estranged family back into his life forcing him to really consider how his friendships, sexuality, religion, and family and how to find his happiness in all of it.
I felt for the main character as if this was my own story. The author does a fantastic job of bringing you into his character’s life- this experience isn’t my own but it was so endearingly relatable that I couldn’t put this book down once I started. My favorite books are ones that make me laugh and ones that make me feel something, and I really felt something.
-
I received an advanced digital copy of this book for free. This review is voluntary and reflects my unbiased opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicide attempt
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