Most likely, someone you know is living a life of quiet desperation, struggling with feelings of same-gender attraction. In an effort to help Latte...
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Sep 30, 2008
Adam
rated it: 
I've been reading Ty Mansfield's book, "In Quiet Desperation," and I have to say I'm quite impressed. So much of what is written about homosexuality is so politically-motivated that I have a hard time
finding an unbiased treatment of the subject. On the one hand you
have those who argue that having certain tendencies or inclinations
automatically justifies giving expression to those feelings through
behaviors. On the other hand you have those who argue that God w More...
finding an unbiased treatment of the subject. On the one hand you
have those who argue that having certain tendencies or inclinations
automatically justifies giving expression to those feelings through
behaviors. On the other hand you have those who argue that God w More...
18 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Jul 16, 2008
VeNicia
rated it: 
Incredible insight into the lives and hearts of faithful members of the church who struggle with the challenge of same-gender attraction. The authors are my friends, and the kindest of people you would ever know. Fred & Marilyn's son Stuart committed suicide after an intense personal struggle to try to overcome his attractions and remain faithful to what he believed in his heart to be true. As I read, I listed the things I admired about Stuart, and realized when I had nearly a page full, that
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13 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Jan 21, 2011
Drew
rated it: 
The issue of homosexuality in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing in openness. Unfortunately, some leaders of the Church and especially some LDS authors simply are not educated enough to address the real issue. This book is like a gay sensitivity seminar, and if anything, is encouraging homosexuality. Our feelings can change every day, it all depends on what we decide to give into or dwell on. This book pretends to be about unconditional love, but what it's really about is
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Feb 20, 2010
Rebecca
rated it:
This isn't a book I would probably have discovered on my own, but I am so grateful for the chance to read it. I think it is a groundbreaking book on understanding same gender attraction. The first section of the book is written by an LDS couple whose son had same gender attraction and committed suicide about 10 years ago. His parents offer some really valuable insights into understanding same gender attraction and I think this book is a must read. I didn't consider myself homophobic before I sta
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Jan 20, 2010
Leisy
rated it:
One of the most amazing books I've read. I know one of the authors and so am slightly biased- but I would recommend this book to ANYONE and EVERYone.
It is such an incredible description of the issues faced by those with same gender attraction. I feel like often time people stereotype and generalize homosexuality without completely understanding it.
The book is written by Ty (a man who has same gender attraction) and the mother and father of a man who committed suicide More...
It is such an incredible description of the issues faced by those with same gender attraction. I feel like often time people stereotype and generalize homosexuality without completely understanding it.
The book is written by Ty (a man who has same gender attraction) and the mother and father of a man who committed suicide More...
Feb 04, 2012
Carol
rated it:
I'm just trying to get my mind and heart in a better place on this topic. It totally befuddles me. I finally finished the book and it was full of doctrine sweet and pure. Perhaps a little too much of it? He could have made his point in half the space. But it was all good stuff. He never tries to justify homosexuals getting into a relationship, in fact just the opposite. He gives every reason out there for staying chaste, even if it means a life of being single and celibate. The author is very br
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Oct 02, 2011
My gay friend came and visited me a couple weeks ago from out of state. I met him at BYU, wrote to him on his mission, did a roadtrip to see the Nauvoo temple open house with him, and had him at my temple wedding. I love him. He was finishing up his graduate degree at BYU when he decided he couldn't do it anymore and came out. He seems pretty happy now, and he is excited about his new boyfriend. So I picked up this book after his visit, wanting to find some new books on the topic. I've read a co
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May 17, 2009
Jesse
rated it:
First of all, I do not experience the challenge of same-gender attraction. But I do have several friends who have had to deal with this problem. My best friend growing up eventually "came out" after 21 years of life.
I also know the co-author, Ty Mansfield. He was my EFY counselor back in 2001. I also met with him briefly on my mission in Washington State. He is a very good person. This book gave me a greater understanding of the inner battle my friends have waged.
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I also know the co-author, Ty Mansfield. He was my EFY counselor back in 2001. I also met with him briefly on my mission in Washington State. He is a very good person. This book gave me a greater understanding of the inner battle my friends have waged.
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Oct 13, 2011
Dare
rated it: 
I really wanted to like this bookâbut unless one is a fervent Latter Day Saint, one will likely find somewhat tiresome Ty's frequent deferences to the established authority of the Mormon Scriptures and church presidents and leaders. This book is largely an apologetic addressed to other Mormons, both those who may be 'struggling' with same-sex attraction and those who may be judgmental towards those in the Church who are struggling. Due to the primacy of his faith, Ty's own felt needs must be sub
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Feb 10, 2011
Jennifer
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I saw this book in the Deseret Book cataloge. One of the authors, Ty Mansfield, just married a friend from our ward last year. Their reception was interesting. Randy knew one of the guests from his freshman ward who has chosen to live the "alternative" lifestyle. I have such respect for Ty after reading this book. His commitment to his faith, to Christ, and to his covenants permiates the book, but he also is clear about the struggle to stay faithful. This is a must read for anyon
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Jul 11, 2010
Priscilla
rated it:
This is an awesome, awesome, awesome book for understanding same-gender attraction with an LDS perspective.
The first half of the book is written by a husband and wife whose son struggled with same-gender attraction. He killed himself because he could not reconcile his attraction with the plan of salvation. His parents offer a wonderful insight on how members of the Church can support those who struggle with this trial.
The second half of the book is written by an LDS man w More...
The first half of the book is written by a husband and wife whose son struggled with same-gender attraction. He killed himself because he could not reconcile his attraction with the plan of salvation. His parents offer a wonderful insight on how members of the Church can support those who struggle with this trial.
The second half of the book is written by an LDS man w More...
Oct 21, 2008
Stacy Haight
rated it:
This is in the beginning of the book. I try to remember it when I am going through hard things.
"There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3) This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about More...
"There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3) This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about More...
Sep 13, 2009
Ruthie
rated it:
I think this book offer great insight into the issue of same-sex attraction and the Atonement- especially the second half by Ty Mansfield. I'm so thankful that a close friend asked me to read this as it not only helped me develop a greater love, appreciation and understanding for him, but also deepened my own personal understanding of the Atonement in my life. I have recommended this book to individuals and families both personally and professionally.
Jan 24, 2012
Hilary
rated it: 
This is a powerful book for anyone who is interested in the question of homosexuality in a religious context. I like to think I have an open mind about same-gender attraction, specifically in the context of religion, but I still learned a lot about the author's struggle accepting himself and his situation and the innate human struggle within the bigger picture of existence. I recommend you read this, especially if you have a negative or confused perspective of people who are gay.
Jan 26, 2009
Anna
rated it:
I knew the subject of this book..Stuart Matis grew up in my ward, and I gave him piano lessons when he was young. He felt compelled to take his life, regardless of anything anyone could say or do. Sad to be at that point.
The second half is more uplifting and is good advice to anyone facing any kind of challenge
The second half is more uplifting and is good advice to anyone facing any kind of challenge
Jan 31, 2009
Jen
rated it:
This is one of my favorite books on the atonement. It's content applies to everyone, not just those who struggle with same-gender attraction. We all have trials and struggles in this life and this book teaches incredible principles to help us get through them using the atonement of our Savior.
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Dec 16, 2008
Although not listed here, one of the co-authors, Ty Mansfield is a friend. I have been meaning to read this book for a long time, and with all that is going on with Prop 8, I suppose it is time I finally get a copy and read it.
Apr 11, 2011
Jani
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This book has had such an impact on me. I have seen it around for years and heard many good things so I downloaded it on my kindle and blew through it this week. Highly respect the authors.
Aug 29, 2010
Taylormjensen
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The story of two LDS young men that struggled with same gender attraction. I found it very interesting and it definitely changed my perspective on the issue.
Jan 16, 2010
Chantal
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I found this book to be very insightful and would definitely recommend it to others. I am glad Ty took the time to write it.
Dec 10, 2010
Andrew
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If you really want to try and understand the struggle with being gay, READ THIS!
Apr 26, 2009
Melissa
rated it:
Powerful insight. I am very grateful for this book and highly recommend it.
Jul 15, 2008
Kelley
rated it:
So Deep....It was incredibly touching and profound to me to look at the infinite number and range of trials each of us goes thru in life and reinforced how amazing our Father in Heaven and Christ are in that they look at us not as how we deal with those trials but are our cheering squad/leaders/friends who love us thru them regardless. This book definitely helped me to realize I am too quick to judge and want to stop doing it in order to progress to be just a little bit more like my Savior!!! Su
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Feb 12, 2008
Franziska
rated it:
I think everyone should read this book! Really! I think it deals with a very important topic (homosexuality) that's getting more addressed within the church, but that still causes great pain and distress for many members who struggle with this. This is definitely eye-opening, and will allow you to have more compassion and understanding. It's written by parents of a son who was gay and mormon and committed suicide, as well as a gay member who has chosen to stay active in the church.
Jul 15, 2008
Deanna
rated it:
Great book, very emotional. My heart aches for anyone going through what stewart was going though. It did help me understand a little bit better, and that is a good thing. We as church members and christians need to try and gain more understanding and knowledge about things that we sometimes find uncomfortable. We too then can become more compasionate with all of our brothers and sisters here.
Sep 06, 2011
Jennifer
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I am learning from this book. The second half of the book is thoughtfully written. I appreciate the gospel scholarship of Ty Mansfield who seeks to understand the scriptures, his testimony and the atonement and how it applies to his feelings of same gender attraction.
Jul 16, 2008
Amanda
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This book helped me understand more about homesexuality and gave me hope for anyone struggling with feelings of same gender attraction. However, I did not like the beginning with an account from the parents perspective. I say skip it and read it last if you want to read it at all.
Apr 12, 2008
Betsy
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I don't usually like people who aren't general authorities putting forth their ideas as doctrine in books, but this one was excellently researched and compassionately thought through on a sensitive subject; one I think we need to be more aware. I loved the insights.
Apr 28, 2008
Bryce
rated it:
A great, insightful book on what I consider to be a topic worthy of any Latter-day Saint's consideration. Really, it is a book about what it means to be a Christian and a disciple of Jesus Christ through the storms of life.
