A review by vividaway
Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus

dark inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I really like how this books starts with the religious trauma, and Valerie finding a gay book at the library and stealing it. I like how the librarian does nothing and lets her take the book. It’s interesting how she’s isolated, and has to fake being conservative to pass by her parents. The introduction to Riley is really sweet and her questioning in herself is very obvious. It sounds weird but I’m really glad they show off how strict and abusive these families are about rules and literally EVERYTHING when it comes to life, religion, and just existing. The talk of being multiracial and the racism that comes with it is a really good topic, and I’m glad they talked about it. It was handled really well in a way that feels natural. The conference scenes were all so sweet, and I like how it turns into a “sickfic”. Val’s awakening of her being in a cult was so interesting, and I love how it played out as a Q and A session between Val and Riley. The picnic scene with the kiss was so sweet!! Like oh my goodness it couldn’t get any better. The purity ring was so adorable and i’m sat there kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl. Oh my goodness it’s so yummy. The admission of love and agreeing to run away together was also extremely adorable and i’m so glad that the characters have found each other. I like how we slowly watch Valerie slip into de-brainwashing herself, and falling out of love with religion. The secret meeting with Mira was really special to me and shows how queer people need to be allowed a safe space to exist without a cop (in ANY SENSE OF THE WORD)’s approval. The whole courtship with Hannah and Seth is beyond interesting because it shows how deep the grooming goes with the cult side of Christianity. David catching them kiss and Valerie getting in trouble and religiously abused was anxiety inducing and it’s the most realistic “big break” that happens in a book. The courtship between Andrew and Valerie is insane and it’s weird to think about the fact that some people actually do, and believe in this. Not to mention, her parents can’t accept that she’s gay. Valerie leaving is so cathartic. The abuse was scary but it needed to be written and talked about. Valerie’s mom slightly supporting her was sweet and it also makes sense, as some people have moments of clarity when apart of cults like this. They’re still human. Mira’s grandparents taking the girls in was really sweet and I liked the narrative spun with them. Valerie having to educate herself on the world was interesting and I loved the ending of the book. It was so sweet and the last chapter was to die for. I loved Natalie Naudus’ voice in the audiobook and this was such a sweet (and traumatic) read