Leroy Aarons
Paperback | Pages: 271 pages Rating: 4.27 | 1270 Users | 127 Reviews
Mention Appertaining To Books Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son
| Title | : | Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son |
| Author | : | Leroy Aarons |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Deluxe Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 271 pages |
| Published | : | August 9th 1996 by HarperOne (first published 1995) |
| Categories | : | Nonfiction. LGBT. Biography. Autobiography. Memoir |
Narration As Books Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son
Bobby Griffith was an all-American boy ...and he was gay. Faced with an irresolvable conflict-for both his family and his religion taught him that being gay was "wrong"-Bobby chose to take his own life. Prayers for Bobby, nominated for a 1996 Lambda Literary Award, is the story of the emotional journey that led Bobby to this tragic conclusion. But it is also the story of Bobby's mother, a fearful churchgoer who first prayed that her son would be "healed," then anguished over his suicide, and ultimately transformed herself into a national crusader for gay and lesbian youth.As told through Bobby's poignant journal entries and his mother's reminiscences, Prayers for Bobby is at once a moving personal story, a true profile in courage, and a call to arms to parents everywhere.
Specify Books To Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son
| Original Title: | Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son |
| ISBN: | 0062511238 (ISBN13: 9780062511232) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Characters: | Bobby Griffith, Mary Griffith |
| Literary Awards: | Lambda Literary Award Nominee for Gay Men's Biography/Autobiography (1996) |
Rating Appertaining To Books Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son
Ratings: 4.27 From 1270 Users | 127 ReviewsWeigh Up Appertaining To Books Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son
Bobby realizes at a very young age that he is different from the other boys. As he grows older, he begins to experiment with sex and realizes that he is, in fact, gay. Unfortunately, his Mother, who is very religious believes that Bobby's "affliction" is caused by the Devil and that he is being lured into this lifestyle and that God will heal him.Although Mary continues to believe that God can heal all, Bobby's other siblings have learned to accept Bobby for who he is and try to support him butI remember at 18 praying "please, God, don't make me gay." My family wasn't particularly Jesus-focused and no one ever said anything bad about gays. I certainly wasn't told I was going to hell. But this was the 80s and I was surrounded by negative images, hateful rhetoric from the religious right, and AIDS as God's punishment for the gay lifestyle. I never contemplated killing myself but deep-seeded self-loathing prevented me from coming out until I was 30. Still, I could relate to Bobby's
Bobby Griffith finds the strength to come out to his brother Ed. Worrying about his brothers health Ed tells his mother Mary about Bobby being gay. Mary a deeply religious bible abiding parent cannot come to terms with such a revelation and over the years believes Bobby must look to God for healing. Bobby feeing unsupported by his family, his church, school. Feels he has no one to turn to. This is the sad story of a young man who just wants to love and be loved in return that takes his own life.
A great look at what happens when a family turns their back on one of their own and how that persons death can reshape and change theirs lives only for the better regardless of the tragedy of Bobby's suicide. If you are a part of the LGBT community or know someone in it read this book. It will give true insight into how dealing with sexuality affects people.
This was an incredibly impactful book not only because it brings into focus the horrible reality of rejection and discrimination that so many young gay people face, but also because it's a great example of self-imposed ignorance cured and turned into something that has and still does benefit gay people everywhere. I'm incredibly proud of Mary Griffith for not letting her grief swallow her up and for starting to ask questions and look for answers to things that were not tolerated by her church.
I write this in hopes that one day, many years from now, I will be able to go back and remember what my life was like when I was a young and confused adolescent desperately trying to understand myself and the world I live in. At the rate Im going right now, though, I seriously wonder if Ill live to be very old, that is if I will live past being a teenager.Another reason I write this is so that long after I die, others may have a chance to read about me and see what my life as a young person was
Heartbreaking. This book was a journey for me. I read this at a time when I was a gay youth and was struggling with my religious upbringing. This book was a lifesaver then as it helped me sort out my family, my thoughts, my feelings and brought resolution to my heart and mind. This book holds a special place in my heart as it helped me grieve for my departure from the religion I was raised with, to a life built on my own personal strength and will to survive in the face of real adversity. I
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