The God Box

A Must-Read for people struggling with sexuality and spirituality

Out of all of the books i've read about sexuality, this is the best one i have read yet. If you've ever had doubts about sexuality and spirituality, or even just one of the two, this book is a major help. It's a great love story and you will fall in love with Paul and Manuel.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

AMAZING

i am neither gay nor christian but this book was great for insight and perspective. WARNING:IF YOU, LIKE ME, ARE LIBERAL AND GAY-TOLERANT, THE CONSERVATIVES IN THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU VERY ANGRY!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Jeremey for TeensReadToo.com

Paul is a boy who is highly religious, goes to a Christian school, lives in a very small town, and loves God and his girlfriend of several years. Living in such a small town and going to a small school, everyone knows the new kids.

The knew person, Manuel, is weird. Everyone talks about him, especially when he joins Paul and his friends at their lunch table. Manuel proceeds to tell them that he is both gay and Christian, two things that don't mix well.

The girls love Manuel, but the boys want to stay far away from him -- except for Paul. Manuel is trying to be Pauls friend and all the guys start talking about the both of them.

As Paul and Manuel hang out, a friendship is formed and Paul challenges Manuel about God, the Bible, and being gay. Every answer Manuel gives makes Paul think differently about his religion and what it says. Is being gay okay, and can you still go to Heaven?

While examining his feelings, Paul wonders about his own sexuality and if his friendship for Manuel is just that -- a friendship. When a series of events happens, Paul finds his true feelings, his true identity, and, most importantly, love.

Alex Sanchez's latest novel is amazing. It gives a new interpretation of "the Bible says that being gay is a sin," an excuse that many use. Very thought-provoking, this book will keep a smile on your face until the end.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

this book opens your eyes

Ive read other books by Alex Sanchez and in the God Box this book opened up my eyes the most, if your a christian this book makes you more aware of what the bible can be interpreted as. Ive asked my friend to read this book too and she loved it and I love it too!! The characters were amazing and it was written so well! this is the type of book that the schools should be asking students to read, it opens your eyes and really makes you think of whats happening around you.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be the typical 'high-school teen' drama. I soon found out that this book went WAY beyond any of my expectations. Within the first three chapters it easily became my new favorite book. It not only changed my outlook about the christian community, but it also changed my view about the Bible. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to all readers!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Do not hesitate in purchasing this book. You will not regret it.

Do not hesitate in purchasing this book. You will not regret it. Especially young adults doing their best to navigate their sexuality and spirituality at the same time.

This book helps reinforce that mutual exclusivity does not exist among these two important structures in one's life.

The characters in "The God Box" are all incredibly endearing. As a young gay reader, it is impossible to not fall in love with the character of Manuel. Strong, confident and assured in himself and his faith. The reader also has Paul, whom just has to be cheered on by the reader throughout the duration of the story.

Loved it.

This is one of the stories that made Alex Sanchez one of my most favorite authors. I love everything about this book. :D

AMAZING BOOK!!!! VD Ama AMAZING BOOK!!!! :D

Read this book in three days, it was so good! I definatly recommend it for anyone who is religious and struggling with their sexuality.

A must read

This is one of the best books very sweet

VERY VERY GOOD

I loved this book, I would recommend you at least read it, I was half way when I decided to just finish the book, Paul struggles with coming to terms he is gay, but what amazes me is his transformation when he meets Manuel, he starts to have it all in control but as he progresses in his life he starts to loose himself and his spirituality with God and towards the end he becomes somewhat depressed. Good Good book!

Very Good

This book was one of the best gay fiction books I have read!! It reaches out to the gay community from a christain stand point. I couldn't put it down!!!!! Worth every penny!

Highly Recommended

If you dealing with the struggles of religion and sexuality then this a very good book to read.

great book

this book is leadin my journey of understanding of my faith and other beleifs

Amazing

I know how Paul feels, I have for a while, I couldnt put this book down it was so good, and at the same time it helped me believe God loved me too and that I could be closer to accepting myself also

Overall just a good book

This book is perfect for any teen caught in between religion and sexuality.

High hopes shattered.

After reading Rainbow Boys, I had high expectations for Sanchez. However, this book was plainly just a cliche. "Why am I having feelings bout other guys?" "Is this wrong?" It's terribly overdone, and it wasn't made in a different way. While the religious aspect was fairy decent, the storyline and characters just ruined it. Sorry, Sanchez, but thumbs down on this one.

Controversial yet amazing

The story is very controversial. However, it definitely goes deeper into Christianity and life in itself about people who love God, and have trouble loving themselves. This book is for anyone who feels something is "wrong" with them, especially in the eyes of God.

Compelling Coming Out Story

This book was an outstanding book. It help me come to terms with the reality tha not many people see and helps understand life a bit more. I recomend this book to any gay Christian.

yay

The characters in this book were memorable. I like the relatively peaceful view presented in this story; I would even think of it as more of a spiritual book than "pro-gay" book. The book did have its share of "big, bad, conservative" types and all that, but most of the characters - even the "bad guys" - were treated with at least some dignity. Some of it was a tad cliche, but also realistic - many scenes and internal thoughts of the protagonist reminded me of things I've gone through. Over all, not a bad read.

Excellent For Evangelical, Catholic or LDS Teens--and the PARENTS of Gay Teens

Surprisingly enough, THE GOD BOX is very sensitive to Evangelical Christianity and to the morals and standards of that community. At the same time, it is positive in its treatment of homosexuality. The book does NOT pit homosexuality against Christianity, but shows how teenage Evangelical Christians deal with and ultimately embrace being homosexual without surrendering their committment to Jesus.
That may seem radical--perhaps if "Un-Christian"--to some Evangelicals anmd Christian Fundamentalists. And THAT attitude IS the foundation of all the conflicts of this story.
What the author does so well is show how often the norms of popular American culture, the traditions of American culture and current political polemics are confused with the principles of Christian theology and the actual teachings of Christ Himself.
The central character (a devout Evangelical teenage boy)is struggling with a secret: he has erotic dreams about boys, and he often fights to keep his mind from drifting to sexual thoughts about a new student--a boy--at his school. This struggle is a SPIRITUAL struggle, and is explored through his prayers to Jesus and his meditations on the Bible. From the sensitivity of the author's portrayal of this, one assumes that the author himself must have been raised as an Evangelical. NO WHERE does the author attack Christianity itself or Jesus. In fact, his intent seems to be to rescue Christianity and Christ from blind traditions, popular culture and politics.
THIS IS AN EXCELENT BOOK FOR ANY RELIGIOUS TEEN (Evangelical, Catholic ir LDS) who is dealing with his/her own sexual orientation or the sexual orientation of a siblling or friend. If you are a teen and are scared/worried that you might be gay, THIS is the book for you.

It is also GREAT for ANY PARENTS who think, assume or fear that their child may be homosexual.

The story accurately and sympathetically explores the struggles and suffering that too many teens--AND ADULTS--experience when trying to reconcile homosexuality with their religion.

In addition to this book I HIGHLY recommend the recent released new book "Crisis" which deals with the experience of gay men and women who came from devoutly religious backgrounds. Some of those interviewed in "Crisis" are still in their late teens and early 20's. Others are middle aged and older. And more than a few are famous Americans--with accomplishments in business, politics and entertainment.