The Preacher's Son

by Marc Adams

Reared in a cultish, fundamentalist Baptist home, aware that he was gay by the age of seven and weaving his way through religious schools (including Jerry Falwell's Liberty University) and reparative therapy techniques, Adams started his journey to self-acceptance at age 23.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, LGBT, Queer

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 1996

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc is an awesome and kind person. I am so glad I got to meet him in person. I just love him! His book is a must read for anyone going through Christian schools. Read it and tell me what you think.

[Parker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I met Marc Adams years ago and was moved by his struggles. I bought the book and just now got around to reading it. I didn't finish. He is a gifted speaker, I feel for his situation, but I am happy to know that things turned out well for him without reading the rest of the book.

[Mark Comia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was flat at times, but over all thoroughly enjoyed the book as it is/was relevant to my upbringing and relevant to what our society is dealing with now. Definitely would bring this book up for discussion about our LGBTQ+ community

[Aaden Friday · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very disappointing read because I wanted so much to like it. The dramatic and moving (real life) experiences lacked depth, perspective, and the voice lacked any sense of self-awareness. The writing was extremely flat: I did this, this happened, the sky was some color, I felt something, then this happened. How many times was the adjective "burning" used to describe a sexual turn on? Every time. It was personally relatable to some extent, and for some it probably was a powerful read just because they could identify with it. For the rest of us, those who enjoy reading, this isn't what writing is about because the author held back, refused to portray any sense of vulnerability, gut-wrenching honesty, or fear. Dorothy Allison said in Skin: Talking About Sex, Class, & Literature:

"Write what you love. Write about people you can't forget. It's time for books written by people who are in love with their characters and can make us feel that."

"Each of us has our own bitterness, our own fear and that stubborn tenderness we are famous for. Each of us has our own stories and none of them are the same no matter how similar some of the details. Tell me the truth and I make you a promise. If you show me yours, I'll show you mine. That's what writers do for each other."

This book lacked these things; he can say over and over again how much he loves someone or something, but it wasn't shown. There was nothing original in how these experiences were presented. The experiences aren't supposed to speak for themselves, that's what words are for, and this book lacked those words.

[Dolphe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can certainly see how this novel is going to lead to some debate among readers. On one hand, it lacks any true style in the storytelling which aims to tackle a compelling subject: religion and homosexuality. Oddly enough, that lack of style may be intentional since it has a diary/memory quality to it which easily allows the reader to overlay their own experiences upon the narrative. That quality; however, allows the author's words to speak only to a select few. The book could be easily dismissed as a gay "beach read" or even less than that -- and that is a shame since the subject matter opens itself up to so much more in an era too often plagued by religious fundamentalism.

[Carol Wagers · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I am sympathetic to his topic, I felt this was a VERY poorly written book. Adams' Baptist preacher father was a harsh, punitive, and vicious man who physically abused all his children. Adams had a difficult time accepting his homosexuality because of the hell & damnation preaching he had been subjected to all his life. There are far better written books on this topic.

[Jeni Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart. I met Narc Adams when he spoke at the university I was at. I actually donated to his organization monthly for awhile so he and his spouse could help others at risk for suicide from religious shaming for their sexuality.. This book describes the deep shame people go through when the way they were raised religiously doesn't fit their truth.

[Becky Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and inspiring story of what it is to be a gay kid growing up in a fundamentalist Christian home. I believe this is the author's first book and the writing is choppy at times, but it is always totally honest which made it quite absorbing for me.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy this book, I thought that the writing at times was flat. Some of the dialogue (yes, it's remembered dialogue, but still) seemed unbelievable. Decent enough read.

[Dallas · Rating 3 out of 5]

While well-written this is just not my kind of book.

[Christine Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad and interesting at the same time. His story could inspire discussion, especially in our present culture.