The God Box: A story of redemption, love

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The God Box: A story of redemption, love

By David W. Shelton | October 28, 2007 |

In Alex Sanchez’ newest novel for young readers, The God Box introduces a teenage boy to the greatest struggle of his life: his sexuality. The Lambda Award-winning author of Getting It tackles a subject ripped from headlines in this exciting and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be both Christian and gay in a small, Southern town.

I’m not sure if I can adequately relate just how refreshing it was to read a book that so accurately portrays the struggle that young gay Christians endure. I’ve seen so many stories about young gay teens and adults that are all about the sex, drugs, and clubbing that is so often associated with the gay community.

To me, “refreshing,” is neither accurate nor appropriate to describe my feelings as I read through its pages. A far better word is “living.” This is a story about life, faith, and love in a way that is as crisp as it is timely.

From the book cover:

High-school senior Paul has dated Angie since middle school, and they’re good together: they have a lot of the same interests, like singing in their church choir, and being active in Bible club. But when a new boy, Manuel, transfers to their school, Paul has to rethink his life. Manuel is the first openly gay teen anyone in their small town has ever met, and yet he says he’s also a committed Christian. Talking to Manuel makes Paul reconsider thoughts he has kept hidden, and listening to Manuel’s interpretation of Biblical passages on homosexuality causes Paul to re-evaluate everything he believed. Manuel’s outspokenness triggers dramatic consequences at school, culminating in a terrifying situation that leads Paul to take a stand.

“I wasn’t sure who was crazier, him or me. During prayers one night, I’d ask forgiveness for hanging out with Manuel, but the next day I’d thank Jesus for bringing him into my life. I couldn’t stop thinking about Manuel, and every time I stormed away from him, swearing never to return, five minutes later I wanted to come running back. How could I choose between my sexuality and my spirituality, two of the most important parts that made me whole?”

It’s rare that I can find myself relating to any young character in any book for teens, and not just because I’m in my thirties. But as I turned the pages I found a part of myself in the lead character, Paul. As a Christian, I wasn’t interested in sex. I wanted something real, a relationship that was meaningful. I thank God every single day for my partner, who still miraculously puts up with all of my shortcomings.

What makes this story so powerful is that it shows the compassionate heart behind evangelical and even fundamentalist Christianity. These are people that genuinely believe they’re working for our very souls, often not realizing just how hurtful their actions truly are. Even as I was angered by their actions, I felt compassion for them because they were just SO close to the truth.

When the characters begin to bond friendships and seek to form a gay-straight alliance, the adults in their otherwise-conservative town are reluctant to embrace it. The new club eventually brings out the best and worst of their classmates and neighbors.

Although most readers can find The God Box to be somewhat predictable, it’s only because of their own life experiences. Anyone who’s gone through the coming-out process can go back into their life and see some of their own story in these pages. The joys, the frustrations, and the tragedies; we all know them too well. Sanchez knows them well too, as he writes from a distinctly gay and Latino perspective.

I’ve read plenty of stories of how young gay and lesbian people eventually come to terms with both their faith and their sexuality. The beauty of fiction is that all of those elements can be wrapped together into one package, and can become a story for all of us.

The God Box is recommended for young adults, teens, and anyone who works with youth.

On the Web: The God Box by Alex Sanchez

Read an excerpt from the book here.