No, I never battled with my own sexuality, and I didn't even really battle with Dad's. My own journey in getting over homophobia is sort of similar to Paul's. I can relate to what Paul describes as 'Proof-text Volleyball', having played on either side of the net on numerous occasions. I know what it's like to fully trust the bible as the inerrant Word of God. I could even relate to Elizabeth and Cliff, because several years ago, I harboured the same homophobic attitude they do, and since speaking out for gay rights, I've had several well-meaning Christians like them tell me in that patronizing tone that they would pray for me. Not only to Paul, but to Angie (because my own mother had gone through the same thing - except, you know, she married the gay guy and stuck with him for 20 years). I enjoyed it because the characters were likeable and I could relate to them, relate to their situations. Despite my increased involvement in the Rainbow community, I still haven't read many GLBTI novels and this one was convenient more than anything. So I picked up this book rather reluctantly after it had sat, not-quite-forgotten on my bookshelf, for Pick-A-Shelf's monthly shelf read. I was mad at him for pretending to be straight. I was actually quite pissed that he'd sent me the book, because I wasn't mad at him for being gay. Actually, my Dad mailed it to me about four months after I'd moved in with my Grandparents - a full year after he'd come out to us.

This one was hard to read, because it hit so close to home for me. 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.

Manuel's outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, culminating in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand. 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 is the first openly gay teen anyone in their small town has ever met, and yet he says he's also a committed Christian. But when Manuel transfers to their school, Paul has to rethink his life. They have a lot of the same interests, like singing in their church choir and being active in Bible club. High school senior Paul has dated Angie since middle school, and they're good together. How could I choose betwen my sexuality and my spirituality, two of the most important parts that made me whole?

The God Box by Alex Sanchez