Reoriented by Tyler J. Francke

[Tyler]

Hey, everyone! I would love to offer a free ebook to anyone interested in reading and reviewing my novel. You can message me (Tyler J. Francke) or email me at reorientedbook@gmail.com for more information.

Title: Reoriented

Cover:

Number of copies available: 20 15

Formats available: ebook

Word count or pages: 176 pages and about 55,000 words

Blurb: Inspired by real events, Reoriented tells the story of D.J. Martinez, a gay Christian student who tries to start a support group for LGBT people at his conservative Bible college. Through dialogue and discord, conflict and friendship, Reoriented explores the modern-day intersection between evangelical Christianity and sexual identity, and confronts the central question — "Does the Bible really say it's a sin to be gay?" — from a variety of perspectives.

Editorial reviews:

With a keen eye to the pain, nuance, and hope of the moment, Tyler Francke uses this fascinating and well-told story to explore the evolving evangelical conversation about same-sex relationships and the dignity of LGBT people.
Tom Krattenmaker, USA Today contributing columnist and author of "The Evangelicals You Don't Know"

Reoriented opens up a safe conversation on Christianity, sexual orientation and gender identity. This book should be read as part of a group discussion in church-based teen ministries, high school, or college-based gay-straight alliances. Parents who read this book would gain tremendous understanding into the struggles of Christian LGBT teens and their friends who support them.
Ed Ness, communications director, The Evangelical Network

Francke avoids easy answers; this novel is an invi­ta­tion to think about our posi­tions and pre­sup­po­si­tions and to care­fully con­sider the con­se­quences of our beliefs. It's a start­ing point, not an end­ing.
Dan Wilkinson, blogger

One thing is for certain, both nonbelievers and believers alike will find Reoriented a spirited and delightful work that confronts long and deeply held beliefs regarding homosexuality head-on.
Race Hochdorf, blogger and skeptic

Loosely based on actual events, Reoriented is a moving story that challenges the assumptions of believers and skeptics alike and shows each of us the common humanity we share with both friends and enemies.
David Ozab, freelance writer and author

My only content disclaimer would be that my novel is really aimed at dissecting (and hopefully, impacting in a positive way) the conflict between Christians and the LGBTQ community. To that end, the book is written from and to a pretty Christian perspective (albeit a very open-minded, non-judgmental, non-douchey Christian perspective). Although I certainly have had non-Christians read it and like it, I also fully understand how much many LGBTQ individuals have been hurt by the church, and therefore, might not care for the religious tones the book contains. I hope I'm wrong about that, but I felt I should mention it. Thank you!

[Kaje]

I think that's good to point out. We've had discussions about Christianity, LGBT and YA fiction before, and there can be some hurt between people who believe and want to see their church be accepting, and those who have been hurt so badly by religious interpretation that they see no viable role for religion in LGBT lives. So it's good to have some starting perspective.

[Bert]

Since I nominated this book for the July Book of the Month, as well as wrote a review of it, I don't deny that I am a fan. But I am a fan because of the impact it had on my life--not just because it was for me, a gripping read.

I have an adult gay son. I am a devout Christian. Before I read this little book, it was a conflict in my life...for 4 years. I unconditionally love my son, but I struggled with whether homosexuality was a sin. Might I add "how dare I?!" as if I am free of sin? But this book was recommended to me--as a parent by someone more enlightened than I--and I read all the reviews on Amazon and couldn't believe what people say about it, so I bought it.

I read it in two days--couldn't put it down. I cried and prayed--for forgiveness for my arrogance about what sin is, and for the young LGBTQ folks who have been hurt...the Tyler Clementi(s), Matthew Shepherd(s), Charlie Howard(s), Bobby Griffith(s) and hundreds to thousands more kids who have been demonized by good "Christians". THAT is what this book did for me...I wanted answers and the debate between the characters actually gave them to me.

I don't want to ramble, but this book changed my heart. It liberated me in the simplest, yet most profound, way because the author reminded me--through well-written discourse between strong characters--that we are all here to love each other. Period. None of us is better than the other. So yes, there are religious tones, but it is the most compassionate book on this subject I've encountered.

Despite that it is said the author doesn't take a stand, but allows the reader to decide (which is basically true), anyone who reads his Author's Note knows this young man wants the church to just do what Jesus did: love everyone; accept everyone--because as he reminds us...we are all equal at the foot of the cross.

This book has touched hearts in my church already. Several people have said, "yeah...he said what I've wanted to say but didn't know how." This young author is on a mission and even if he doesn't change minds, he will make them WORK! And that is a great beginning.