The God Box
by Alex Sanchez
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 95)
Reviewed by Jeremey for TeensReadToo.com
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 w...more
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 w...more
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Read in March, 2008
recommends it for:
Gay Teens, Open Christians
I have enjoyed all of Alex Sanchez's (Rainbow Boys) books to date but this one somehow touched me more than all of the others. This book ranks right up with David Leviathan’s "Boy Meets Boy" in my opinion. Set in West Texas, the story is a familiar one; boy comes to new school and upsets the status quo. The twist is that the school is located in a conservative Christian community, and the new boy, Manuel is both gay and deeply religious. Most affected by Manuel's arrival is Paul,...more
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Read in June, 2008
I was initially afraid that these characters would sound the same as the ones in the Rainbow Boys series, but luckily I was wrong. The story still had a unique voice, despite covering familiar ground: coming out, high school, and family issues. The major issue that this book tackles in a pretty great way is homosexuality and the bible. Tough topic, right? I know!
I wish I was much more familiar with the bible so I could form my own opinions on what the big book has to say on the issues t...more
I wish I was much more familiar with the bible so I could form my own opinions on what the big book has to say on the issues t...more
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Read in February, 2008
this is compulsively readable. despite the fact that it is torturous and filled with obvious foreshadowing. my main problem with the book is what i perceive as a disconnect between the author and america's youth. i realize the main character is going through a personal faith crisis. nevertheless, what 17 year old wouldn't use the internet or the library to answer pressing questions? maybe pick up some john shelby spong? perhaps i'm overly critical, considering i was reading the bible criti...more
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Read in May, 2008
recommends it for:
Everyone
I fell in love with this book right away.
It is the story of a devote Christian, Paul, as he starts to realize that he may be gay. He is terrified of his feelings and prays every night that God will change him. It isn't until a new kid in town, Manuel, also a devote Christian, starts going to his school who is openly gay. They strike up a friendship, Paul with reluctance because he doesn't want his homophobic school/town to see him with Manuel.
Slowly, Manuel starts to open Paul's mind to ho...more
It is the story of a devote Christian, Paul, as he starts to realize that he may be gay. He is terrified of his feelings and prays every night that God will change him. It isn't until a new kid in town, Manuel, also a devote Christian, starts going to his school who is openly gay. They strike up a friendship, Paul with reluctance because he doesn't want his homophobic school/town to see him with Manuel.
Slowly, Manuel starts to open Paul's mind to ho...more
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Read in December, 2007
If you read Rainbow Boys or any other book in the series, then I think you would know what the main points of this book is. The God Box, written by Alex Sanchez challenges the theme that homosexuality and religion are not supposed to go against each other. The new kid Manuel, who is a devout christian as well as an openly gay teen, comes to this new school and changes the points of views about being gay, homophobia and whether or not it is a sin against God and the bible. He also helps the prota...more
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Read in February, 2008
It's getting two stars from me only because I'm sure someone somewhere out there needs it. Otherwise, it's an easy one star. And it's not the subject matter. The way that it's written is just ridiculous. Half the book is about the narrator reading passages from the bible trying to convince himself that being a Christian and being gay is fine. There's just not enough narrative in this book. Too much of the book is in the narrator's head and little in the way of action. I did not like this....more
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Read in January, 2008
The writing is kind of facile--I don't know whether Sanchez is deliberately "writing down" to the teens who are his audience, but the story and characters are wonderful. I've been interested in the way the bible and homosexuality intersect, and this takes a nice look at that. Also, Paul's realtionship to his "girlfriend" and his coming made me bawl shamelessly, in public. Because I could see/feel/remember exactly what was going on between me and my ex.
My ex thinks ou...more
My ex thinks ou...more
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Read in May, 2008
recommends it for:
gay teenaged boys who don't like decent prose--know any?
Whoah, this was one of the least well-written books I've ever encountered. I can still see its value--Sanchez has produced a whole body of work dedicated to exploring contemporary gay teens' experiences and challenges, and surely that's an important subgenre. And this one throws in being Christian, too! But, wow, the writing. It's SO bad. Like an over-earnest, under-edited, middling-talented teen wrote it. Which...contributes to its authentic voice? I dunno. There's got to be better stuff out th...more
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Read in June, 2008
i grew up in a conservative christian church, so i enjoyed reading the author's interpretation of biblical texts often used to condemn homosexuality. and i think there is an important audience that needs writing like this to help them accept themselves. for me, though, it seemed pretty didactic. and the hypocritical high school students shooting bible verses back and forth at each other reminded me too much of my own high school for me to really enjoy it.
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Read in June, 2008
I was hoping for something a little more from this YA novel, which tackled coming out in small-town Texas, set against a backdrop of staunch Christianity, but it just felt cliched and like it wasn't trying hard enough for me. A lazy book, I guess. Disappointing.
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A gay Christian YA book! It was as adorable and touching as I'd expected. It provided a great overview of the actual meanings of Bible passages used to justify gay exclusion, and was a quick, sweet read--my mother is reading it next.
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Read in December, 2007
Alex Sanchez writes great YA lit about gay teens. The God Box is a refreshing look at the challenge of being both Christian and gay. Recommended for any fan of YA lit, gay or straight, Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Pagan.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in October, 2007
I just bought this book. Alex Sanchez has written many books dealing teenagers coming of age and coming out. I am excited to read The God Box which mixes coming out and religion.
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This book was interesting to read. I had a major crush on the new boy. I think this book would be a good one to read for the religious right, and for those who want to battle it.
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Read in February, 2008
It's 2 am and I just finished the book, but I had to try to express how much I enjoyed reading it. All of Alex Sanchez's books are excellent, but this one I especially enjoyed.
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Read in October, 2007
recommends it for:
everyone
I love Alex Sanchez' books. He has such engaging, heart-felt characters. I always want more! He's also a great, warm person. I read this book in one night!
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Read in January, 2008
very good book that explores the bible's view on homosexuality through the eyes of high school students!
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Read in March, 2008
recommends it for:
all teens and adults
Amazing book. Should be required reading for teens and adults too.
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