Prayers for Bobby - by Leroy Aarons (Paperback)

About the Book

Bobby Griffith, at the age of 15, realized that he was gay and in conflict with his religious upbringing. Through Bobby's journal entries and his mother's reminiscences we learn of the emotional torment that led Bobby to take his own life. Prayers for Bobby takes readers through his mother's anguish and disbelief to her transformation from biblical literalist to enlightened parent.

Book Synopsis

Bobby Griffith was an all-American boy ...and he was gay. Faced with an irresolvable conflict-for both his family and his religion taught him that being gay was "wrong"-Bobby chose to take his own life.

Prayers for Bobby, nominated for a 1996 Lambda Literary Award, is the story of the emotional journey that led Bobby to this tragic conclusion. But it is also the story of Bobby's mother, a fearful churchgoer who first prayed that her son would be "healed," then anguished over his suicide, and ultimately transformed herself into a national crusader for gay and lesbian youth.

As told through Bobby's poignant journal entries and his mother's reminiscences, Prayers for Bobby is at once a moving personal story, a true profile in courage, and a call to arms to parents everywhere.

Review Quotes

"The value of the Griffith story ...is undeniable. [It] should be required reading for every parent, every school teacher, and anyone who has ever doubted that words can kill."-- "The Washington Post" "This book will become an instant classic. And it will save lives of countless young people?" -- "The Advocate" ..".A heartrending story of two journeys: Bobby's spiral toward death and Mary's toward personal responsibility. Aarons has performed a major public service, as has the entire Griffith family-especially Bobby, whose death will surely save many others.""-- Los Angeles Times" "The book is not a tragedy. Because of Mary Griffith's gutsy sensibility and her tireless efforts to help others ."..Prayers for Bobby" is a book about hope." -- "San Francisco Chronicle"