The God Box

By Alex Sanchez

Summery:
High school senior Paul has dated Angie since middle school, and they're good together. They have a lot of the same interests, like singing in their church choir and being active in Bible club. But when Manuel transfers to their school, Paul has to rethink his life. 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. 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's outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, culminating in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand.

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.

My Thoughts:

Sexual orientation seems to be a more pressing and debated topic.
I liked how this book tackles stereotypes and labels that are given to homosexuals, both from the church and the world at large.
I enjoyed the book, and was excited to follow the path of Paul's self discovery and acceptance.

At times I felt Paul was presented as VERY christian.

That fact just seemed like it was too predominant at times.
He just seemed a little too perfect, except for the whole maybe being gay thing...


The cover is pretty terrible.

Definitely not something I would have picked off the shelf based on looks alone.

I found this cover on google images, and I like it a lot more.

Over all, this was a good book.

Quote:

"Pablito, the Bible was meant to be a bridge, not a wedge. It's the greatest love story ever told, about God's enduring and unconditional love for his creation--love beyond all reason. To understand it, you have to read it with love as the standard. Love God. Love your neighbor. Love yourself. Always remember that."