To Be Loved: Because It was forbidden

by J.R. Dewesse

Jericho Diggs, the preacher's son, falls in love with another boy during his first year of Junior High School, a sissy-or so he had expected-with imaginary breasts. Surely, he doesn't fall in love on purpose-neglecting to anticipate the imminent chaos-the hate, abuse, or shame it will bring. He wouldn't choose a life that would send him running forever, living for the approval of a father he hates. To be Loved traces the lives of two black boys from their childhood friendship and later, tragic love affair in Vicksburg, a small town in Mississippi. The story follows them through their divergent paths to adulthood in search of love, acceptance, happiness, and normalcy. It leads ultimately to a confrontation in Atlanta, Georgia that teaches them lessons they learn far too late.

312 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2009

Reviews

[Shix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely phenomenal read. When I initially received this book to read, I was a little leery about reading it. I was used to the mainstream African American gay fiction (no need to call the name), but had always walked away a little disappointed at the soap opera style of the story-telling, it always seemed to make an effort to make you wanting the next part in the saga, but not bringing any real depth to the characters. J.R. Dewesse did none of that.

Because the author detailed the formative years of Jordan and Jericho, one was able to see how they came to be the men that they evolved into. I could not put the book down as I traveled through the journey of their lives that seperated in completely different directions after high school, reuniting for only a short time period, only to dead end in the end.

I would love to discuss this book with those who have their strong views about the homosexual lifestyle in order to hear their honest assessment on how we could do a better job of displaying compassion and empathy to those who have chosen a different path in life than what is considered the norm.