Caught in the Crossfire

by Juliann Rich

Overview

Two boys at Bible camp; one forbidden love.


That is the dilemma sixteen-year-old Jonathan Cooper faces when he goes away to Spirit Lake Bible Camp, an oasis for teen believers situated along Minnesota’s rugged north shore. He is expecting a summer of mosquito bites, bonfires with S’mores, and photography classes with Simon, his favorite counselor, who always helps Jonathan see his life in perfect focus.


What he isn’t expecting is Ian McGuire, a new camper who openly argues against phrases like pray the gay away. Ian is certain of many things, including what could happen between them if only Jonathan could surrender to his feelings. Jonathan, however, tosses in a storm of indecision between his belief in God and his inability to stay away from Ian. When a real storm hits and Ian is lost in it, Jonathan is forced to make a public decision that changes his life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626390706
Publisher:	Bold Strokes Books
Publication date:	06/17/2014
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Born and raised in Minnesota, Juliann Rich spent her childhood dividing her time between the library across the street and the candy store two doors away. At least one was good for her!


Juliann continued her pursuit of the story throughout high school and in college where she graduated with a degree in English writing. She furthered her education at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, Mn. Caught in the Crossfire is Juliann’s debut novel.


Juliann is a PFLAG Mom who can be found walking Pride parades with her son. She is also the daughter of evangelical Christian parents. As such, Juliann has been caught in the crossfire of the most heated topic to challenge our society and our churches today. She is committed to writing stories that shed light on the conflicts that arise when sexual orientation, spirituality, family dynamics, and peer relationships collide.


Juliann lives in Minnesota with her husband and two quirky dachshunds. When she is not writing, she enjoys hiking through a forest or canoeing the many lakes in the Minnesota River Valley.

Editorial Reviews

07/01/2014
Gr 10 Up—Sixteen-year-old Jonathan is back at Spirit Lake Bible Camp for the seventh summer in a row while his dad serves in Iraq. But this year he can't focus on singalongs, arts and crafts, or even worry about his dad, because he finds himself attracted to a new camper, Ian. Jonathan spends the month of camp torn between the evangelical faith in which he was raised and his relationship with Ian, which they consummate in a fairly explicit scene. While the camp director considers Jonathan's feelings for Ian a "satanic attack," a sympathetic counselor offers Scriptural support for loving, committed same-sex relationships. With the latter's help, Jonathan begins to accept his sexuality and consider coming out to his parents. This well-intentioned effort may fill a niche for teens who identify as both gay and Christian, especially those from military families. However, the frequent use of clichéd language, stereotyped characters (including a local Ojibwe biologist), and well-worn plot devices will limit the book's appeal.—Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library

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