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Gay the Pray Away  By  cover art

Gay the Pray Away

By: Natalie Naudus
Narrated by: Natalie Naudus
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Publisher's summary

Valerie Danners is in a cult. She just doesn’t know it yet. When she finds a queer book at the library and smuggles it home, her conservative Christian homeschooling world begins to crack. And when the cutest girl she’s ever met shows up to Bible class, she starts to question everything.

Riley is so confident and kind, and she and Valerie bond quickly over existing as multiracial teens in a very white Christian community. As Valerie explores her feelings for Riley, she begins to see that the world she knows is a carefully crafted narrative.

Publicly, the girls are close friends—holding hands in prayer, rooming together at a conference. Privately, they grasp at any chance to continue their forbidden romance—until they are found out. Now, Valerie must choose between staying with a family she fears will never accept her, or running away with the girl she loves.

©2024 Natalie Naudus (P)2024 Natalie Naudus

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What listeners say about Gay the Pray Away

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wonderful

Overall I enjoyed this book. It honestly captured what discovering you're queer as a teen while being trapped in fundamental evangelicalism feels like without being trauma porn or overly triggering. And even though the situation faced by the protagonist is hard, the book overall is hopeful. For a debut the writing feels quite polished although simple and straightforward (a writing style I generally enjoy). I would definitely read another book by this author! Narration was great as always with Natalie Naudus!

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Fantastic

A truly good book. This is something every queer kid needs. Although the book covers painful topics, especially religious trauma and family trauma, but the main character, Valerie, works to get free. This is a book about self-love and looking for found family. It is kindness in a world that, at times, can be cruel to queer kids.

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Excellent Story

In her debut novel, Natalie Naudus weaves a captivating and poignant story that resonates with today’s young LGBTQ+ community. Set against the backdrop of a conservative Christian homeschooling environment,

Naudus skillfully portrays the pain and struggle faced by queer individuals within fundamentalist Christian communities. The forbidden romance between Valerie and Riley is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as they navigate their feelings while hiding from a world that condemns their love. The author’s writing is realistic, raw, and unflinching, capturing the emotional turmoil and resilience of these characters.

Naudus, a beloved audiobook narrator, brings depth and authenticity to the characters. Her performance enhances the emotional impact of the story, making it a powerful listening experience.

This novel is more than a love story; it’s a call for acceptance, understanding, and compassion. Naudus sheds light on the harmful treatment faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious circles, urging readers to question the narratives they’ve been taught. “Gay the Pray Away” is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, healing, and a reminder that love knows no bounds.

If you’re looking for an audiobook that combines captivating storytelling with important themes, “Gay the Pray Away” is an excellent choice

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