“Boy Erased” by Garrard Conley is a poignant and challenging read that left a profound impact on me. Conley’s narrative is starkly honest, delving deep into the complexities of his upbringing in an ultra-religious family while grappling with his own identity and enduring the horrors of gay conversion therapy.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the palpable homophobia depicted in the book resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the painful struggles many of us face in finding acceptance and understanding. Conley’s raw portrayal of his emotional and psychological turmoil evoked a sense of shared experience, making his journey feel all too familiar. The depiction of conversion therapy was particularly gut-wrenching, with Conley eloquently conveying the disturbing realities he endured. While reading, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger, yearning for him to reclaim his sense of self amidst the oppression he faced.
In today’s world, where LGBTQ+ rights are still fiercely contested, “Boy Erased” serves as a powerful reminder of the detrimental effects of homophobia and the urgent need for awareness and empathy. It should be required reading for all, especially young adults, to shed light on the lasting scars inflicted by such harmful practices.
Although memoirs aren’t typically my go-to genre, Conley’s story captivated me, illuminating the ongoing struggles and triumphs within the LGBTQ+ community. I wholeheartedly recommend “Boy Erased” to anyone seeking a profound exploration of the human spirit, but be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published on May 10, 2016 by Riverhead Books
About the Author
Garrard Conley is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Boy Erased, as well as the creator and co-producer of the podcast UnErased: The History of Conversion Therapy in America. His work has been published by The New York Times, Oxford American, Time, and Virginia Quarterly Review, among others. Conley is a graduate of Brooklyn College’s MFA program, where he was a Truman Capote Fellow specializing in fiction. He is an assistant professor of creative writing at Kennesaw State University.
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