A very well written, if somewhat preachy story of a young man trying to reconcile his intense believe in God with his growing fear that he may be a homosexual. "The God Box" attempts to show that one can be a faithful Christian as well as gay. Upbeat and yet serious, this book might help questioning teens who feel that there is no room for them in God's kingdom unless they deny their sexuality.

This book was amazing.It has so many things that nowadays gay people debate about their own sexuality and they don't know what to do about it. If decide to be with Gods word without been yourself or been true to yourself and letting God love you as you are. It also contains a different point of view of the bible,and that how God condemns straight people more than gay people. And that they are few bible text for avoiding homosexuality and that their exist more bible text that condemn straight people for what they do.If you like controversy,this is the right book for you. This unleashes secrets way above just what people believe.And that many gay people are good people that also loves God with all their heart and soul and that even if their gay,they have better moral life's and that they can live happy even if in this world complicates their life's because they don't want gay people to be happy. This book changed my way of thinking about gay people,and helped me understand that they deserve to be happy as they are. God is love and he loves us all no matter how we are.

This book was amazing.It has so many things that nowadays gay people debate about their own sexuality and they don't know what to do about it. If decide to be with Gods word without been yourself or been true to yourself and letting God love you as you are. It also contains a different point of view of the bible,and that how God condemns straight people more than gay people. And that they are few bible text for avoiding homosexuality and that their exist more bible text that condemn straight people for what they do.If you like controversy,this is the right book for you. This unleashes secrets way above just what people believe.And that many gay people are good people that also loves God with all their heart and soul and that even if their gay,they have better moral life's and that they can live happy even if in this world complicates their life's because they don't want gay people to be happy. This book changed my way of thinking about gay people,and helped me understand that they deserve to be happy as they are. God is love and he loves us all no matter how we are.

As a middle school librarian, I'm always excited for the beginning of summer when I can finally get to the rest of the books I've been meaning to read all year. Sanchez's new book was one I was looking forward to (and enjoyed.) I loved the main characters, Paul (Pablo) and Manuel. Paul's character was developed more fully than the rest, but all of the characters took on strong voices. I thought Paul's self reflection and slow realization of his sexuality was beautifully written and his simultaneous excitement and fear at Manuel's interest was very real.

My disappointment arrived at the (SPOILER ALERT) gay bashing. It seems like a gay bashing is always necessary to demonstrate the dangerous conditions many gay teens face. However, as an educator who works closely with teenagers (and a lesbian who was once a teen myself), I've seen that daily harassment, comments, ignorance and invisibility can cause as much, if not more, long-lasting harm (some of which Manuel and the minor character Stephen experienced - though Stephen's character could have been more developed). However, at its heart, Sanchez's novel is a coming-of-age story and a well written one at that. His focus on the arguments against gay people made by some Christians is explained well and the counter-arguments are clear and easily understood. I think it is an important work and one that should be found in every Middle School, Junior High and High School library. Hopefully some questioning Christian teens, and perhaps their friends, will happen upon the book and find some peace in its pages.

One of the best books I have ever read, period. The dialogue was update and very thoughtful. The references used were amazing and fit in perfectly well. The coming-out, self-acceptance, and love story were also of high cailbur. Definitely worth a look.

like in previous reviews from alex sanchez's books, I have been struggling with my sexuality for quite some time now but after reading this i felt so much better. i go to a christian school and have christian friends and i am a christian (duh). After reading i felt so much better about myself and truly believed that God made me the way I am and will use me in some way. It's a great book and has unexpected turns. You also get really into the characters and are actually arguing with the book(on what you want your characters to do). Also, it talks about Bible stories from a different point of view and makes you really think about other Bible stories involving homosexuality. All in all, you should read this book; it will make you feel better about yourself and you will become sure on what you believe in and teaches you to stand up for what's right.

I just finished reading the newest book by Alex Sanchez, The God Box. I absolutely love this book. The book tells the story of a high school senior dealing with coming to terms with his sexuality, and then reconsiling that with his faith, and what his church has tought him about homosexuality.

Sanchez does an excellent job of taking many of the passages used by many religious leaders to condemn homoseuality, and find fault with the logic that is used. While it is not as indepth as the books published on the subject, he does an excelent job of telling the gist of it. He also offers the books that he used at the end of the book, so you can look into them further if youa re really interested in looking at a scholarly take on the subject.

Even though the book is written with the intent to help young teens reconslie their sexuality with Christinaty, there is very little demonizing of the religious people in the book. Even those characters, who are homophobic and anti-gay, are not portrayed as a completely evil and vile people. They are treated with dignity. While those characters are charactures of the religious fundamentalists that are seen on television, like Dr. James Dobson, they are not at all portrayed to be like the Rev. Fred Phelps.

This is an extremely well written book, and keeps in line with all of Alex Sanchez's other writing. I highly encourage anyone of any age to read not only this book, but all of his other books as well. They are all definitely well worth the time, and maybe you'll learn a little something as well.

I just finished "The God Box" and I can hardly believe what I just read. I didn't know that books about gay Christian teens existed (except possibly to condemn them or guilt them into trying to change). If I had read this book as a teen, I can't begin to imagine the ways it would have comforted me; made me feel like I wasn't alone. There is no doubt in my mind that this book will save lives and open eyes. Thank you Alex Sanchez!

I have read all previous Alex Sanchez novels. While I enjoyed those, with their vividly drawn characters and believable story lines, I think this new work of his ventured into a new territory. Always a delicate matter, the tension between sexuality and religion is adeptly handled. With sensitivity, Sanchez reveals to the readers a character torn between his faith and what he knows to be his true self. The pain and despondency that he experiences when his prayers are not answered can be felt from the pages. Yet in the end, hope triumphs and one is left with a satisfaction that this young man has finally found love and peace.

I have read all previous Alex Sanchez novels. While I enjoyed those, with their vividly drawn characters and believable story lines, I think this new work of his ventured into a new territory. Always a delicate matter, the tension between sexuality and religion is adeptly handled. With sensitivity, Sanchez reveals to the readers a character torn between his faith and what he knows to be his true self. The pain and despondency that he experiences when his prayers are not answered can be felt from the pages. Yet in the end, hope triumphs and one is left with a satisfaction that this young man found love and peace.

This book without a doubt has to be one if not the best book I have ever read. I have had major doubts about being a GAY CHRISTIAN throughout my life and that has brought me a terrible amount of mental pain. I picked up this book to read and I just found it mind blowing the bibical information this book reveals as to how GOD meant the scruptures to read not how anti-gay humans try to brainwash homosexuals to think what they mean. Let me say. When I finished this book I felt a huge burden removed from my mind and shoulders. Tears rolling down my checks. For the first time in my life I felt free to be who I really am. To be who God made me to be. I am at so much peace and to know I AM a GAY CHRISTIAN just as God made me to be. Please, anyone from 8 to 80 years old who have been fighting this battle, I am 62. Get a copy of this book and read it. As a bonus, this book has a heartwarming story that is easy to follow and will keep your full attention throughout from cover to cover.
The author Alex Sanchez hit the bulls eye with this great book. Rating this book 5 stars is a insult. I give it 10 stars at least. Amen

This is the ideal book for any teenager, young adult, or parent of a young person struggling with their sexuality and their faith. It explores the terrain of teenage sexuality in such a way that is honest, convincing and deeply respectful of religious beliefs. In the end, it leaves the reader feeling that Christianity can be a source of liberation for all of us rather than an oppressive force.

Refreshingly, the book is also a real page turner. You end up learning quite a bit about the Bible without knowing it! The God Box is the kind of novel you'll devour in one setting yet it's message about faith will stay with you for a long time to come.

Gay Christian 101 - Spiritual Self-Defense For Gay Christians

The God Box is a great read!

The God Box by bestselling author Alex Sanchez ("The Rainbow Boys" trilogy) is an incredible new novel about gay teens and their Christian faith. Its October, 2007 publication coincides with National Coming Out Day in the U.S.

TGB tells the fascinating story of gay teens and their nongay friends who also happen to be Christians. In some ways, this book could be called an apologetic novel - that is, a novel meant to instruct others about the practical realities of the Christian faith.

Alex Sanchez manages to achieve his goal while maintaining a fast-paced, captivating storyline. I have read the book and love it! I wish such an uplifting book had been available back in the 1960s when I was a gay teen. Sanchez addresses the questions teens ask about sexuality with unusual insight and sensitivity.

TGB is set in a small west Texas town, with several Hispanic protagonists, giving it a wonderful multicultural dimension.

Sanchez covers many gay themes and gay myths including ex-gay themes and how ex-gay ministries are so spectacularly unsuccessful. The fallacy of the ex-gay ideal and the sadness of gays who buy into the ex-gay myth is honestly portrayed without being preachy.

The God Box encourages authentic, Bible-based spirituality and demonstrates through literary device, how everyone should embrace the gift of our God-given sexuality yet in no way does Sanchez promote sexual promiscuity.

The teen years are difficult enough without the complicating factor of being a gay teenager. Sanchez describes the trauma of teen bullying and the indifference of many teachers and school administrators when gay kids are bullied. A particularly poignant section of the book shows the horrific damage bullying causes to vulnerable kids and stresses the Biblical message of Jesus' unconditional love for us.

With exquisite finesse, Sanchez portrays the destructive manifestations of overt homophobia and internalized homophobia, and the inner torment of so many gay kids. In his fair and balanced treatment, he shows how some pastors fuel the inner torment of gay teens by appealing to their cultural prejudices and lack of knowledge. The image of God Sanchez paints in TGB is of a living, loving Savior who gave us a practical, relevant handbook for life in His written word, the Bible.

If you have gay teenagers, TGB is must reading! This book encourages gay teens to live for the Lord, to not give up on God and to stay alive. Conflict over sexual orientation is a leading cause of teen suicide. The God Box provides a positive, scriptural antidote for gay teens considering suicide.

Reviewer's Note

For me, the one negative about The God Box is the author's comment in notes at the end of the book, in which he seems to recommend books by Bishop Spong. As a Bible believing gay Christian, I cannot in good conscience, recommend any of Bishop Spong's books.

Spong's denial of the virgin birth of Christ, his denial of the necessity of the new birth through the blood atonement of Christ and his denial of Biblical inspiration can only confuse and discourage gay Christian teens who are seeking Biblical answers.

Thankfully, the wonderful story Alex Sanchez tells in The God Box itself does not embrace or recommend Bishop Spong's unbelief, which is why I am able to heartily recommend Alex Sanchez's latest book The God Box.

- Reviewed by Rick Brentlinger, Founder of GayChristian101.com and author of Gay Christian 101 - Spiritual Self-Defense For Gay Christians.

Man to Man: A History of Gay Photography (Male Photography)God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door: Reaching the Heart of the Gay Men and Women in Your WorldThe Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's WorldThe Tin StarAngels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes : Millennium Approaches/Perestroika

I like Alex Sanchez's writings, and this latest one is probably one of the best because it handles a difficult subject sensitively and yet with a great deal of knowledge but also with some great humor ("did I miss the small print" in reference to John 3:16). Using the "proof-texters" own weapons, Sanchez defeats them at every turn (not that they would ever admit defeat--the Pharisees never did, and the modern ones don't either). I think the story deals with issues that adults need to face as well--if you're a person of any faith, do you have to be literal-minded and closed to any other point of view? Sanchez says "No." From the youth's point of view, it was very well done, and reminded me of so many people whom I have met (as well I myself) who ran into these personal confrontations. The young man who told me: God Loves you. When I replied, "That's not the question; I know God loves me," he responded, "What is the question?" I said, "The question is do YOU love me?" He immediately left. This is the reality these people reflected in the rigidity of Elizabeth & Cliff never deal with--they might be 110 years old with minds cast in stone, but this is what one meets in the world--the sadness of it is underscored. I would like to tell these people they (can't or don't) read Jesus' comments about them: You stand in the gates to hell and make converts twice the sons of hell as you yourselves (not an exact quote, but the meaning is the same). And the obvious results are not always as nice as given in this book--i.e., Matthew Shepherd and the boys in Alabama, etc. Sanchez does a very good job of tying this together in bringing these two very sincere (and devout) boys into a sense of what it really means to have faith and to love. I highly recommend it.

In Alex Sanchez' newest novel for young readers, The God Box introduces a teenage boy to the greatest struggle of his life: his sexuality. The Lambda Award-winning author of Getting It tackles a subject ripped from headlines in this exciting and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be both Christian and gay in a small, Southern town.

I'm not sure if I can adequately relate just how refreshing it was to read a book that so accurately portrays the struggle that young gay Christians endure. I've seen so many stories about young gay teens and adults that are all about the sex, drugs, and clubbing that is so often associated with the gay community.

To me, "refreshing," is neither accurate nor appropriate to describe my feelings as I read through its pages. A far better word is "living." This is a story about life, faith, and love in a way that is as crisp as it is timely.

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From the book cover:

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 a new boy, 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 re-evaluate everything he believed. Manuel's outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, culminating in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand.

"I wasn't sure who was crazier, him or me. During prayers one night, I'd ask forgiveness for hanging out with Manuel, but the next day I'd thank Jesus for bringing him into my life. I couldn't stop thinking about Manuel, and every time I stormed away from him, swearing never to return, five minutes later I wanted to come running back. How could I choose between my sexuality and my spirituality, two of the most important parts that made me whole?"

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It's rare that I can find myself relating to any young character in any book for teens, and not just because I'm in my thirties. But as I turned the pages I found a part of myself in the lead character, Paul. As a Christian, I wasn't interested in sex. I wanted something real, a relationship that was meaningful. I thank God every single day for my partner, who still miraculously puts up with all of my shortcomings.

What makes this story so powerful is that it shows the compassionate heart behind evangelical and even fundamentalist Christianity. These are people that genuinely believe they're working for our very souls, often not realizing just how hurtful their actions truly are. Even as I was angered by their actions, I felt compassion for them because they were just SO close to the truth.

When the characters begin to bond friendships and seek to form a gay-straight alliance, the adults in their otherwise-conservative town are reluctant to embrace it. The new club eventually brings out the best and worst of their classmates and neighbors.

Although most readers can find The God Box to be somewhat predictable, it's only because of their own life experiences. Anyone who's gone through the coming-out process can go back into their life and see some of their own story in these pages. The joys, the frustrations, and the tragedies; we all know them too well. Sanchez knows them well too, as he writes from a distinctly gay and Latino perspective.

I've read plenty of stories of how young gay and lesbian people eventually come to terms with both their faith and their sexuality. The beauty of fiction is that all of those elements can be wrapped together into one package, and can become a story for all of us.

The God Box is recommended for young adults, teens, and anyone who works with youth.

The God Box is a marvelous coming-of-age story of a high school senior's struggle with his sexual feelings. It incorporates confusion, fear, sex, anger, Christianity, race, love, alcoholism, homophobia, acceptance, violence, and almost anything else a young gay student may experience.
Paul is a devout Christian in a small town about an hour's drive from Abilene. He sings in his church choir, belongs to a Christian bible study group in school, and prays daily. While he has been dating Angie for several years, he is not comfortable with even the mildest of teen-age sex play. He has been fighting his attraction to boys since puberty.
Manuel transfers to their school at the beginning of their senior year. Manuel is openly, vociferously gay. When another student asks "Is it true you're a fag?" Manuel responds with my favorite line from the book - "Why? Are you? If you are, I'm not interested."
But Paul is attracted to Manuel. The story, written in the first person, chronicles his struggles with his own acceptance of himself and his fear of rejection - or worse - by his father, Angie, and his peers.
This book is very well done. I recommend it for teens; it should be made readily available in every high school and municipal library, and every PFLAG chapter should have a copy for their guests.

Despite six years of CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) in my youth, I never felt confident in my knowledge of Catholicism, or even of the (Christian) Bible. In fact, it's really only been in the last couple of years that I've listened and learned in such a way that I feel able to begin to speak coherently about Jesus' teachings and what the Bible says.

Certainly, when I was in high school, my knowledge didn't include being about to quote specific passages from the Bible, or reference specific books, chapters, and verses as the characters in Alex Sanchez's The God Box do with seeming ease.

We get a glimpse of how the main character, Paul (Pablo) came to ask Jesus to come live in his heart (44-46) after his father, who had turned to alcohol to (not) deal with the death of his wife/Paul's mother, had invited Jesus into his heart to help make him new. How the other characters developed their sense of faith, spirituality, and religion, however aren't really explored.

Although to some degree the lack of this background information makes the world Sanchez establishes for this novel more foreign to me, at the same time it's refreshing that religion/Christianity is such a prominent factor in The God Box that it is naturalized in many ways. Beginning here is exactly what allows us to go through the journey of Paul's reconciliation of Christianity and homosexuality in the course of the book.

If Sanchez had taken the time to try and give us the personal religious history of his characters, he wouldn't have had the time to address the passages that are too often used to condemn homosexuality, or the passages that are too often overlooked to convey God's love for us all. So, thank goodness, because what we get is an in-depth look at the faith of Sanchez's characters now, and how they are continuing in their journey of learning and understanding, and carry their faith and religion with them into their futures.

The discussions among and between characters around these sets of passages is but one of the many accomplishments in Sanchez's The God Box. That these discussions are taking place among young adults adds to their significance. The manner in which Sanchez is able to convey his characters' devotion as well as their deep critical thinking and questioning of the Bible is inspiring. I admire conviction and passion in people, and Sanchez makes clear the extent to which Paul, Manuel, and Angie exude these things in relationship to their Christianity.

The rigor with which the characters in The God Box explore and interpret various passages of the Bible was alluring, and served to connect me not only to the novel's characters, but also to the Christian message of love and acceptance of all.

Having come into my own as a queer Catholic these past couple of years, The God Box certainly provided me with information on interpretations of the Bible that clearly indicated God's bottom line of love. More so, however, this latest novel by Alex Sanchez did wonders in confirming that I am not alone as a queer Catholic of color!

Alex Sanchez has written a string of young-adult novels devoted to realistic portrayals of the lives of gay teenagers. His latest book, "The God Box," follows Texas high-school senior Paul, formerly Pablo, as he tackles the thorny question of how to reconcile his strong Christian faith with his growing feelings for his friend and classmate Manuel.

Over the course of the novel, Paul moves from avoiding uncomfortable subjects to actively investigating the Bible passages and teachings that arise again and again in his church and in his after-school Bible club. His greatest inspiration is Manuel himself, who defies all the stereotypes Paul has grown up with to prove himself to be both a kind friend and a devout believer.

Sanchez creates a balanced cast of religious characters with divergent points of view, and his novel shows its strength by handling religious questions with frank honesty while still allowing a diversity of opinions. Paul's group of friends--all members of the Bible club--split into two camps: one faction bands together to form a Gay-Straight Alliance to oppose violence and bullying at school while the other takes a principled stance against the group.

Sanchez is probably the single best young-adult author for portraying the everyday lives of Hispanic and Mexican-American characters. Paul's vividly portrayed Mexican-American family members add weight and humor to his story: his Abuelita is a feisty Mexican grandma who doesn't go to church anymore but faithfully talks to (and sometimes yells at) God from her own kitchen. Paul's widower father is a recovering alcoholic whose steadfast, if sometimes absent-minded, love is his son's strongest anchor.

"The God Box" engages with teenagers' honest desire to probe significant questions about faith and sexuality, and the novel's story is an invitation to seriously consider multiple points of view. Much like Robin Brande's recent book "Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature," Sanchez's novel is a thoughtful treatment of an often fraught subject central to many young lives.

The God Box

The God Box is the 6th book by Lambda award winner Alex Sanchez. This fictional book is about one teens struggle to reconcile his sexuality and his Christianity. Although this book is geared towards youth, I recommend it to everyone regardless of age or sexuality. This groundbreaking book takes a very Christian approach to answering questions about why it's okay to be gay. Using scriptures in the correct context, he easily reconciles one of the churches hottest potatoes right now. If you never listen me again, listen to me now. Order you and your best friends a copy of The God Box today. It is the best book I have ever read.

Shine!

Jayeson

Paul is a boy who is highly religious, goes to a Christian school, lives in a very small town, and loves God and his girlfriend of several years. Living in such a small town and going to a small school, everyone knows the new kids.

The knew person, Manuel, is weird. Everyone talks about him, especially when he joins Paul and his friends at their lunch table. Manuel proceeds to tell them that he is both gay and Christian, two things that don't mix well.

The girls love Manuel, but the boys want to stay far away from him -- except for Paul. Manuel is trying to be Pauls friend and all the guys start talking about the both of them.

As Paul and Manuel hang out, a friendship is formed and Paul challenges Manuel about God, the Bible, and being gay. Every answer Manuel gives makes Paul think differently about his religion and what it says. Is being gay okay, and can you still go to Heaven?

While examining his feelings, Paul wonders about his own sexuality and if his friendship for Manuel is just that -- a friendship. When a series of events happens, Paul finds his true feelings, his true identity, and, most importantly, love.

Alex Sanchez's latest novel is amazing. It gives a new interpretation of "the Bible says that being gay is a sin," an excuse that many use. Very thought-provoking, this book will keep a smile on your face until the end.

Reviewed by: Jeremey

Alex Sanchez has done it again!!! Another masterpiece. You'll be hooked from the first few words all the way through to the last one. While it deals with spiritual issues and may get a little preachy at times, please treasure this book for what it is- a captivating journey of self-discovery. It should become a must read for all teenagers, let alone for those of us who are not teenagers.

"The God Box" is essentially a novel about gay teens who are also Christians. I have read the book and found it of exceptional importance.. It speaks to a teen audience about matters of Christian faith and sexuality in ways I have not seen from anyone else. Of course, it is equally readable by an old guy like me. I laughed, I cried, my faith was strengthened (really ).

I want to do whatever I can to support this book and get the word out. There is SO LITTLE aimed at LGBT teens on matters of faith. And ultimately this book has much broader insights about faith and being true to oneself than just for Christians.

The book is also set in Texas with a protagonist of Mexican heritage and so has a wonderful multicultural dimension as well.

The book includes an ex-gay theme in that the hero goes to his pastor to talk about his gay feelings and his pastor arranges a meeting for him with an ex-gay rep. Over the course of the story the fallacy of the ex-gay idea and indeed the sadness of the situation of gays who buy into it is made plain.

And Alex also portrays efforts to start a Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) in a high school - efforts which meet with no small resitance, hostility, ignorance and fear but which in the end prove transformative to all concerned.

I do not doubt Alex will get some flak from the book banning types in schools and libraries because he really addresses the question of the Bible and homosexuality head on in this book and challenges the traditional homophobic uses of scripture. This book will threaten many because it proclaims God's unconditional inclusive love for everyone including gay folks.

"The God Box" is truly a book which will touch hearts and change lives. It may well save lives as well because it lifts up a vision of unconditional love and acceptance of oneself and others JUST AS WE ARE , as our Creator has MADE us - a very different vision than the toxic faith which all too often is put forward in the name of Jesus.

Alex Sanchez has given a very precious gift to young people struggling with their faith and their sexuality, a gift which can be redemptive for all the rest of us struggling souls as well.

THE GOD BOX, by Alex Sanchez.

A Review by Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker

I very strongly urge everyone who is a Christian to buy and read this book! Although this book is largely geared to Gay youth, it is a must-read for all Christians who genuinely seek to live out our faith by both loving and not judging others, as well as "rightly dividing the Word of truth." (2Timothy 2:15)

First of all, this book is very well written, and easily understandable to people of all ages. It is an engrossing novel about the psychological, social, and spiritual struggles that are all too common among Gay youth.

Moreover, Sanchez deftly integrates within the narrative the critiques of the "clobber passages" erroneously used to condemn Gay people, showing how the Bible is not only misused by self-styld biblical literalists who condemn what they don't understand, but he also shows how those verses that homophobes are all too fond of using are extrapolated from the Bible text to merely justify their preconceived prejudices, and that the body of Scripture, particularly that of the New Testament, doesn't justify their conclusions regarding same-sex love as being in any way sinful.

In his naturally flowing and engrossing narrative, that I couldn't put down, as I read it in one sitting, he shows young (and older) Gay people that there is absolutely no inconsistency between being Gay and being a Christian! Indeed, he not only puts the lie to assertions that state the contrary, but also affirms Gay people in a way that young people need to hear and take to heart, if they are to live the lives of abundance that Jesus promises us.

He shows how in order to live "the abundant life," we must be authentic, and embrace the gift of our sexuality, as we are to embrace all of our God-given gifts. He also delineates the stigma, the bullying, and the indifference of many teachers and school administrators to that bullying of Gay kids, and how that bullying causes untold damage to vulnerable kids who haven't been taught the Gospel message of Jesus' unconditional love for us.

In addition, he beautifully shows many of the destructive manifestations of both homophobia as well as internalized homophobia, and the inner torment of all too many Gay kids. In that connection, he shows how many clergy fuel and seek to justify this inner torment, the psychological and spiritual ravages, and Gay bashing, by appealing to their own prejudices, rather than by seeing the Bible as a Word of a loving God Who created His Gay children, and whom He loves just as they are.

What helps make this book unique is that Sanchez doesn't preach at us, but integrates within an exciting narrative, the crucial points that every Gay and non-Gay Christian needs to hear. In that context, he also puts the lie to the "ex-gay" myth and refutes much of their rhetoric by showing the aspects of same-sex love that they willfully refuse to acknowledge, usually projecting their own dysfunctions onto other Gay people, and assuming that those dysfunctions are common to all Gay people, a contention that this book deftly refutes and finally lays to rest.

In sum, I couldn't put this book down, and neither will any reader who seeks an understanding of the many dynamics of being Gay! Moreover, at an already confusing time of life that adolescence provides, it is crucial that Gay adolescents read this book, and come to realize that they can be Christians and be Gay as well, and be free to fulfill healthy intimacy in their lives; realize that they are not alone; realize that they are to understand the Bible as affirming all of God's children.

"'I think that unless people are told homosexuality and God are in conflict, there is no conflict.' As I listened to her, I sliced some celeryâ"carefully, so as not to cut myself. 'But what about what the Bible says'? 'Pablito, the Bible was meant to be a bridge, not a wedgeâ¦. It's the greatest love story ever told, about God's enduring and unconditional love for his creationâ"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.'" (p. 171)

All of us, especially Gay kids, need to hear this message, and I have found no better vehicle for hearing this message than in Sanchez' novel!

Please read this book! And please give this book to a Christian, and even a non-Christian Gay adolescent, friend, relative, or neighbor as a gift that will redound to their benefit, and all others privileged to read it, the rest of their lives!

Sanchez, Alex. "The God Box", Simon and Shuster, 2007.

Sexual and Religious Identity

Amos Lassen

Alex Sanchez has done so much good for our community. His books, the popular Rainbow series ("Rainbow Boys", "Rainbow High" and "Rainbow Road") are now considered classics for young gays. He also tours the country talking with our youth as well as librarians and educators about the importance of acceptance and teaching tolerance.
Sanchez's new novel "The God Box' deals with the issue of spirituality and homosexuality as he looks at the problems that young people have when they realize that their sexual ideas are not in sync with what their religion tells them. The blurb on the inside front cover deals with the theme of the book, "how could I choose between my sexuality and my sexuality, two of the most important points that make me whole".
Sanchez opens the Bible and those sections that have been long abused and used to denigrate the homosexual way of life and shows how wrong interpretations have been.

Peter is a high school senior and has had the same girlfriend, Angie, since he was in middle school. They share interests and compliment each other. When Manuel, a new student, transfers to the school, Paul realizes that he must rethink his life. Manuel is unique in the small town where they live--he is both openly gay and an observant Christian.
When Paul and Manuel talk, Paul sees that he has been hiding thoughts from himself and e has been hiding them. Manuel has the knack for interpreting Biblical passages on homosexuality and as Paul listens to him doing so, he finds himself reevaluating everything he has ever believed. Because Manuel is so open with and about himself, dramatic consequences ensue which eventually brings bout a situation that causes Paul to take a stand.
We have been hearing a great deal of late about how sexuality and religion are divided and Sanchez takes this theme and breathes sense into it. He does so candidly and with very strong conviction and by doing so he gives us a look at the struggle so many have when they try to find a balance between their sexuality and religious beliefs. Here is a story that youth will be able to read and understand with no problems but it is not just for kids; it has something to say to all of us. Dealing with G-d's love and self acceptance, this is a very important book.
Sanchez looks at the interpretations of theology and then tackles them head on. He does so through dialog and the thoughts of youngsters as they question their sexual, ethnic and religious identities. Sanchez's greatest gift is the use of honesty and with this new book, we now have Alex Sanchez back with us. The book is remarkable and Sanchez beautifully captures the problems of youth. We get entertainment together with a strong story which will help anyone having trouble with the issues of religious/homosexual reconciliation.