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Boy Erased

A Memoir

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Boy Erased

Written by: Garrard Conley
Narrated by: Michael Crouch
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About this listen

The New York Times best-selling memoir about identity, love, and understanding. Now a major motion picture starring Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Lucas Hedges, directed by Joel Edgerton.

"Every sentence of the story will stir your soul" (O Magazine).

The son of a Baptist pastor and deeply embedded in church life in small town Arkansas, as a young man Garrard Conley was terrified and conflicted about his sexuality.

When Garrard was a 19-year-old college student, he was outed to his parents and was forced to make a life-changing decision: either agree to attend a church-supported conversion therapy program that promised to “cure” him of homosexuality; or risk losing family, friends, and the God he had prayed to every day of his life. Through an institutionalized 12-Step Program heavy on Bible study, he was supposed to emerge heterosexual, ex-gay, cleansed of impure urges and stronger in his faith in God for his brush with sin. Instead, even when faced with a harrowing and brutal journey, Garrard found the strength and understanding to break out in search of his true self and forgiveness.

By confronting his buried past and the burden of a life lived in shadow, Garrard traces the complex relationships among family, faith, and community. At times heart-breaking, at times triumphant, this memoir is a testament to love that survives despite all odds.

©2016 Garrard Conley (P)2016 Penguin Audio Biographies & Memoirs LGBTQIA2S+ Creators Memoir

What the critics say

"Exceptionally well-written... This timely addition to the debate on conversion therapy will build sympathy for both children and parents who avail themselves of it while still showing how damaging it can be." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"In a sharp and shocking debut memoir, Conley digs deep into the ex-gay therapy system... An engaging memoir that will inevitably make readers long for a more equal future.” (Kirkus Reviews)
All stars
Most relevant
As a mother of a transgender adult, I could not imagine not loving him for who he is.

I loved how open and honest he was about what happened to him.

These so called conversion therapy groups IMO do more harm then good, and children/ young adults/adults have died because they're told it's sinful.
This group was literally trying to pray away what they thought was wrong.

I hope his happy and loving a fulfilling life

Thought provoking .

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Very interesting to compare with the screenplay. It is a very moving story in both versions.

Great Companion to Seeing the Movie

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Everyone should read this book. It illustrates the struggles of homosexuality whether you’re gay or not. I was not aware of the trauma the anti gay groups caused during their treatment. Binged this whole book in one evening lol

Would recommend

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This story moved me in ways I didn’t expect. As a queer person this story touched me and brought me a rollercoaster of emotion. Anyone regardless of sexuality should read this and feel the life radiating off these pages. Read and understand. Allow the story into your soul. #Audible1

Boy Understood

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I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book. Perhaps a shocking and dramatic account of the horrors of conversion therapy. The story line, however, was far less sensational than that. The writing was absolutely stunning and the author was honest and forthcoming which left me feeling completely depressed that this type of thing still happens, even today.

Beautifully written but the story was a bit slow.

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The story is a bit slow and I found it hard to get into. It felt like such a drag trying to follow the pace of how this story was written. There's great meaning behind it regardless. I like the performance.

Writing paced too slow

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This is a true story of inner conflict, and how the 19 year old son of a Baptist preacher chose to participate in conversion therapy.

The book is well written and, for the most part, it doesn't reads like a typical memoir. It reads like a story, but it's not an easy read\listen.

I chose to read this book after hearing the author speak on a podcast. I anticipated the methods of the conversion therapy to be heartbreaking. The real eye opener for me though, was how much Garrard was brainwashed prior to entering the program, and the role his community played in his shame.

Be aware that the author talks about scripture a lot. He desperately wanted to follow the faith he'd been taught. Also some of the language is a bit explicit, but only to the extent necessary to make his points.

I gave this book 4 stars because it's both interesting and important, however I wouldn't rank it that high if you are looking for a book for pure entertainment value. I'm glad I listened to it, but I wouldn't say I really "enjoyed" it. I do plan to watch the movie though.

Well done but not an easy read\listen

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