Things I Never Told My Father: Growing Up Gay as a Preacher’s Son
Author: Jeffrey L. Carrier
Publisher: Anson Breck Publishing
ISBN: 979-8990311701
eBook ISBN: 979-8990311718
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction, Family Relationships, Inspirational, Coming of Age
Availability: Paperback or eBook
Language: English
Paperback: 348 pages
Item Weight: 1.12 pounds
Dimensions: 6 x 0.78 x 9 inches
Review:
Best-selling author Sheila Murray Bethel once said, “One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in, and where you want to go.” Sometimes, someone can stumble upon this courage on their own time, while others are forced to find this courage during times of strife.
In Jeffrey L Carrier’s Things I Never Told My Father: Growing Up Gay as a Preacher’s Son, we are taken on the lifelong journey of a man finding that courage.
The story begins with Jeffrey, at the age of sixty, coming home from a brisk walk after eating breakfast at a diner. However, things take a rather tragic turn when he begins to have signs of an oncoming stroke. Unable to afford the cost of an ambulance, Jeffrey places his will on the table, walks outside as best as he can, and sits on his porch as he ponders what waits on the other side and the choices that he made throughout this life.
From the very beginning of this memoir I empathized with Jeffrey and the struggles he faced throughout his life. I empathized not only with the losses he faced but also his confusion and grief as a young man who is alone, and going through life changes that someone close to him not only can’t understand but actively called it a sin.
Jeffrey’s writing is strong throughout the memoir, with several key moments drawing emotion. But it’s not always emotional. He does a great job painting scenes that have warmth, as well as scenes of Jeffrey having fun, which can elicit a genuine feeling of relief of seeing someone, despite the winding road of self-discovery filled with terrifying confusion and uncertainty, still able to have levity while also oozing rawness and honesty that will leave you rooting for him as he begins to grow deeper into his identity.
Another point that is in the memoir’s favor is Jeffrey’s relatability. Jeffrey comes across as kind and honest throughout the book while also staying true to himself and not shying away from the mistakes or regrets that he’s had throughout his life.
What amazed me was the amount of growth that Jeffrey undergoes throughout the memoir in terms of the past trauma he endured at the hands of his stepmother and the grace he showed her near the end as an example.
What Things I Never Told My Father: Growing Up Gay as a Preacher’s Son gets right is the simplest and that its message.
It may take a long time and there may be several setbacks, whether it be the place where you’re raised, the time you’re born, the people you surround yourself with, or even your own thoughts and emotions but eventually, you will find the courage to be your true self.
Things I Never Told My Father: Growing Up Gay as a Preacher’s Son impresses and it gains an empathic recommendation from me. ★★★★★ – Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine)