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Exclude Not Thyself: Thriving as a Covenant-Keeping Gay Latter-Day Saint
Skyler Sorensen is a man who is attracted to men. He is married to a wonderful woman who knew all about his sexual preferences before she married him. Together they are each committed to and have faith in their covenants, the Savior, and His Church.
Exclude Not Thyself will remove any doubt you might have as to whether a gay Latter-day Saint can remain a faithful member of the Lord's Church. It walks you through the valuable lessons learned by the author on how to use life's trials to your advantage and remove the self-inflicted barriers to receiving "all that the Father hath."
Author Skyler Sorensen is living proof that mixed-orientation marriages can work, and happiness can be achieved by those who live the pure gospel found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is his story . . .
Exclude Not Thyself will remove any doubt you might have as to whether a gay Latter-day Saint can remain a faithful member of the Lord's Church. It walks you through the valuable lessons learned by the author on how to use life's trials to your advantage and remove the self-inflicted barriers to receiving "all that the Father hath."
Author Skyler Sorensen is living proof that mixed-orientation marriages can work, and happiness can be achieved by those who live the pure gospel found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is his story . . .
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 13, 2023
Just what I needed…
After watching yet another person leave their covenants for a same-sex relationship, I came looking for validation that the covenant path really is for everyone. This book gave me more than that. Skyler’s experiences spoke to some of my own struggles, showed me why I absolutely need Jesus Christ and his covenants, and reminded me why I stick with it during the times I don’t feel it.
After watching yet another person leave their covenants for a same-sex relationship, I came looking for validation that the covenant path really is for everyone. This book gave me more than that. Skyler’s experiences spoke to some of my own struggles, showed me why I absolutely need Jesus Christ and his covenants, and reminded me why I stick with it during the times I don’t feel it.
September 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, but I will just say this. You *really* need to have an open mind in order to get anything out of this book. If you are a radical on either the left or the right, then you will not enjoy this. You really have to be willing to listen and find middle ground and respect the authors religious & personal stances, experiences and life choices. Otherwise, you will just find yourself bitterly angry and triggered.
Read
June 14, 2023Not rated because, while it's set up with a self-help subtitle, it's got enough of a memoir-type feel to it that I'd be uncomfortable attaching a value that way.
But for the sections that weren't a memoir:
I found Sorensen via a post a mutual follower shared two years-ish ago. But the story really begins a bit before. When I was 17 one of my coworkers told me that a mutual coworker was gay, but married to a woman, and that the fact that he was open about being gay (the married part was supposedly unrelated) was the reason that he was not hired as a manager. This was(the married part, not the job loss part), in many ways, so counter to anything I was hearing that it stuck.
So when I found @sitdownwithsky I was curious. He, and then his co-host, Preston Jenkins gave me a lot to think about that was different than the typical narrative. I highly recommend it for multiple reasons, but especially if you're interested in the topic. I have been astounded at the range of experiences that Preston, Sky, and Amanda have experienced as just three people.
Sorensen's book occupies a unique niche. I'm admittedly not in that niche but I think that a lot of the points are valuable, especially the title point which really applies to everyone. It definitely does offer more nuanced advice than we see usually. I particularly liked his opinions about influencers. Also, can we celebrate the citation style? Footnotes are always the way to go.
I don't think I'm an unbiased reader because I have the benefit of having listened to their podcast episodes so I know the voice, some of the stories, have heard his wife on several episodes and gotten a good feeling for what a solid relationship they have, etc. I'd recommend either checking out the podcast first or getting the audio book for this one...
which leads into a short list of things I wish were a bit different.
1) Editing (and I'm not just talking about the commas): I've read a lot of posts, both short and blog-size, by this author and it feels different. I would have done something to encourage the natural tone. And I would have done some things differently(length of chapters for instance). Perhaps I see it that way because I know a bit more about what goes on at CFI on the back end.
2) He points out that loving everyone is the message that the liberal side is selling (which might be true---I haven't read everyone else's books), but when he talks about the political right vs left he doesn't mention a very real thing that I have seen in person: that right extremists tend to get extreme. I work with someone who is that way and have seen other nasty instances of bullying from that side towards people who identify as anything other than heterosexual.
3)There could have been more scripture/quotes in it. That being said maybe that expectation was created by the way my library catalogued it and less by the author. My expectation was something more like the intro which had a quote per page.
All in all, a valuable entry. I know from experience it's hard enough to write nonfiction. I can't imagine including personal experiences too.
But for the sections that weren't a memoir:
I found Sorensen via a post a mutual follower shared two years-ish ago. But the story really begins a bit before. When I was 17 one of my coworkers told me that a mutual coworker was gay, but married to a woman, and that the fact that he was open about being gay (the married part was supposedly unrelated) was the reason that he was not hired as a manager. This was(the married part, not the job loss part), in many ways, so counter to anything I was hearing that it stuck.
So when I found @sitdownwithsky I was curious. He, and then his co-host, Preston Jenkins gave me a lot to think about that was different than the typical narrative. I highly recommend it for multiple reasons, but especially if you're interested in the topic. I have been astounded at the range of experiences that Preston, Sky, and Amanda have experienced as just three people.
Sorensen's book occupies a unique niche. I'm admittedly not in that niche but I think that a lot of the points are valuable, especially the title point which really applies to everyone. It definitely does offer more nuanced advice than we see usually. I particularly liked his opinions about influencers. Also, can we celebrate the citation style? Footnotes are always the way to go.
I don't think I'm an unbiased reader because I have the benefit of having listened to their podcast episodes so I know the voice, some of the stories, have heard his wife on several episodes and gotten a good feeling for what a solid relationship they have, etc. I'd recommend either checking out the podcast first or getting the audio book for this one...
which leads into a short list of things I wish were a bit different.
1) Editing (and I'm not just talking about the commas): I've read a lot of posts, both short and blog-size, by this author and it feels different. I would have done something to encourage the natural tone. And I would have done some things differently(length of chapters for instance). Perhaps I see it that way because I know a bit more about what goes on at CFI on the back end.
2) He points out that loving everyone is the message that the liberal side is selling (which might be true---I haven't read everyone else's books), but when he talks about the political right vs left he doesn't mention a very real thing that I have seen in person: that right extremists tend to get extreme. I work with someone who is that way and have seen other nasty instances of bullying from that side towards people who identify as anything other than heterosexual.
3)There could have been more scripture/quotes in it. That being said maybe that expectation was created by the way my library catalogued it and less by the author. My expectation was something more like the intro which had a quote per page.
All in all, a valuable entry. I know from experience it's hard enough to write nonfiction. I can't imagine including personal experiences too.
September 11, 2023
I appreciate that Skyler has a different perspective on being part of the LGBTQ+ community and a member of the church, and respect that he wants to share his perspective. I did not particularly enjoy this book, nor would I recommend it to family or friends. I did not appreciate the chapter on political radicalism or the references to politics in general throughout the book. It also felt like Skyler would share personal stories to illustrate a point, and then would explain why the other person was wrong and he was right. I felt like he made many generalizations in his book which felt somewhat divisive. There were a couple of positive takeaways that I took from this book, but overall didn’t find it very uplifting or helpful.
October 1, 2023
Unlike all other books I've read by Latter-day Saint LGBT+ authors and book about Latter-day Saint LGBT+ people, this book TOPS THEM ALL.
Here's why:
- The author does not try to get the reader to come over to his side of the story, nor talk the reader into being what modern-day narrative and rhetoric call "accepting and affirming." Instead, he discusses how both pro and con LGBT+ people from all walks of life, as well as all those in between, need to have the correct paradigm, the correct lenses through which we view this modern day phenomenon issue (aka: the Lord's view point) and how it IS possible to be LGBT+ and still live the gospel of Jesus Christ, make and keep covenants, and find true and great fulfillment, while being true and honest with oneself and all those around them.
- The author shares by example how we need to look within our own selves first, if we wish to change or improve the world we live in. It does not good to be proud, stubborn, and aggressively "support", "affirm", "accept", and "defend" any one ideology, but rather we should seek truth from God, align ourselves with God, and find how He wants us to live, then live that way.... trusting through faith that He will guide, help, strengthen and support us along the way. After all, the only support that truly fulfills us, is not the "affirmation" and "acceptance" of the world around us, but that we receive from our Father in Heaven.
- The author shares very personal stories of real pain, struggle, doubt, and overcoming that serve to remind us that we ALL experience those, albeit each in a unique way, in our own lives. Therefore ....
- This book reminds us that we're all in this together, really. We need to come together, and "be one", and understand that (1) it's not right nor helpful to "support" something that is wrong in God's eyes, but at the same time (2) we are not the ones to condemn others who choose to do so, (3) our is only the place to hold up His light, invite other to come unto Him, live in His way and be good examples of that and (4) understand that ultimately, not a single one of us has all the answers, so (5) Only God knows what is best for us, as humans, and if we want the most fulfilling and best way of living then we would be wise to listen to Him and follow His Plan, not our own.
- The author shares some good statistics and honest science/psychiatry of the LGBT+ experience and it is enlightening.
- The author shares some false paradigms offered by others that are doctrinally incorrect, and this serves as a good warning to the rest of us. I have seen heard and read some of these doctrinally incorrect paradigms by other Latter-day Saint LGBT+ authors and they are dangerous, as they are leading people away from God while claiming to be leading them to God. I fear they will find out too later that they were duped. It's an upside down world we live in, and more and more it is hard to tell what is truth and what is falsehood. Only through the Holy Spirit will we be able to tell, and that an only happen if we ourselves are living in close to the Spirit by living in accordance to correct gospel doctrines and principles. Such a huge topic that needs some deep digging and understanding in today's day-and-age, but that's a topic for another day.
- The author puts sex in it's correct place. It is NOT what defines love, nor a relationship. It only enhances a relationship, but that relationship, being built upon true friendship, non-sexual love, caring, responsibility, support, understanding, forgiveness, empathy/sympathy, etc.etc., and that relationship CAN be had among a SSA person and a spouse of the opposite sex, in perfect fulfillment, precisely because a true relationship is not built upon sex. He discusses this much better than I do!
This book is a great read for anyone 15+ who is serious about either finding a way to lives as someone who experiences SSA (same sex attraction) or who wishes to better understand those who do and who wish to align themselves with God's plan, and live in this world without being of the world.
It is a great read for ANY problems that we might have (and we ALL have problems of one sort or another!) This is a great "blue print" of how to align ourselves with God, the blessings that come from doing so, and how it's not just SSA that weighs heavy on people's shoulders.
In today's world the LGBT+ "agenda" tries hard to make themselves martyrs in this world, and make everyone feel like no one has such a hard trial as they do. But this book shows is that is FALSE. The trials and issues that weight heavy on the shoulders of LGBT+ people, in and out of the Church, are equal in weight to any other trials that any of carry. What is heavy for one person may be light for another, and what is heavy for the other might seem like nothing to the one. We cannot judge the weight of each other's trials.
If you are human, and you wish to handle your problems and trials better, in a way that will bring you still the greatest peace and joy even while suffering through those trials, then this book is a good option for you.
So many people, especially within the Church, don't truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. They still can't get away from the idea that "men lead the Church," when in fact, no they don't. Those who do not understand the gospel will likely not understand the author's approach to this subject. And that's ok. Everyone is at a different level, on a different path. But if anyone is ready for correct gospel understanding, and wishes to "level up" in their life and understand things from an eternal perspective that brings hope, fulfillment peace and joy amidst the trials of life, then read this book with a humble, open and prayerful heart.
A correct paradigm and eternal perspective is necessary in order to understand anything that God has given us. Only those who seek to have such, will be able to learn line upon line and come to a fuller, more hopeful and correct understanding of their lives and purpose.
Highly recommend this book. It is inspiring and made me want to be a better human - and for the first time I didn't feel like someone was trying to tell ME that I had to do things in order to satisfy others, but instead I was being shown by example how to satisfy God and thereby improve my and others' lives in the process. And it really all beings with taking a deep and honest look within myself first. That's where this book beings!
READ IT!
Here's why:
- The author does not try to get the reader to come over to his side of the story, nor talk the reader into being what modern-day narrative and rhetoric call "accepting and affirming." Instead, he discusses how both pro and con LGBT+ people from all walks of life, as well as all those in between, need to have the correct paradigm, the correct lenses through which we view this modern day phenomenon issue (aka: the Lord's view point) and how it IS possible to be LGBT+ and still live the gospel of Jesus Christ, make and keep covenants, and find true and great fulfillment, while being true and honest with oneself and all those around them.
- The author shares by example how we need to look within our own selves first, if we wish to change or improve the world we live in. It does not good to be proud, stubborn, and aggressively "support", "affirm", "accept", and "defend" any one ideology, but rather we should seek truth from God, align ourselves with God, and find how He wants us to live, then live that way.... trusting through faith that He will guide, help, strengthen and support us along the way. After all, the only support that truly fulfills us, is not the "affirmation" and "acceptance" of the world around us, but that we receive from our Father in Heaven.
- The author shares very personal stories of real pain, struggle, doubt, and overcoming that serve to remind us that we ALL experience those, albeit each in a unique way, in our own lives. Therefore ....
- This book reminds us that we're all in this together, really. We need to come together, and "be one", and understand that (1) it's not right nor helpful to "support" something that is wrong in God's eyes, but at the same time (2) we are not the ones to condemn others who choose to do so, (3) our is only the place to hold up His light, invite other to come unto Him, live in His way and be good examples of that and (4) understand that ultimately, not a single one of us has all the answers, so (5) Only God knows what is best for us, as humans, and if we want the most fulfilling and best way of living then we would be wise to listen to Him and follow His Plan, not our own.
- The author shares some good statistics and honest science/psychiatry of the LGBT+ experience and it is enlightening.
- The author shares some false paradigms offered by others that are doctrinally incorrect, and this serves as a good warning to the rest of us. I have seen heard and read some of these doctrinally incorrect paradigms by other Latter-day Saint LGBT+ authors and they are dangerous, as they are leading people away from God while claiming to be leading them to God. I fear they will find out too later that they were duped. It's an upside down world we live in, and more and more it is hard to tell what is truth and what is falsehood. Only through the Holy Spirit will we be able to tell, and that an only happen if we ourselves are living in close to the Spirit by living in accordance to correct gospel doctrines and principles. Such a huge topic that needs some deep digging and understanding in today's day-and-age, but that's a topic for another day.
- The author puts sex in it's correct place. It is NOT what defines love, nor a relationship. It only enhances a relationship, but that relationship, being built upon true friendship, non-sexual love, caring, responsibility, support, understanding, forgiveness, empathy/sympathy, etc.etc., and that relationship CAN be had among a SSA person and a spouse of the opposite sex, in perfect fulfillment, precisely because a true relationship is not built upon sex. He discusses this much better than I do!
This book is a great read for anyone 15+ who is serious about either finding a way to lives as someone who experiences SSA (same sex attraction) or who wishes to better understand those who do and who wish to align themselves with God's plan, and live in this world without being of the world.
It is a great read for ANY problems that we might have (and we ALL have problems of one sort or another!) This is a great "blue print" of how to align ourselves with God, the blessings that come from doing so, and how it's not just SSA that weighs heavy on people's shoulders.
In today's world the LGBT+ "agenda" tries hard to make themselves martyrs in this world, and make everyone feel like no one has such a hard trial as they do. But this book shows is that is FALSE. The trials and issues that weight heavy on the shoulders of LGBT+ people, in and out of the Church, are equal in weight to any other trials that any of carry. What is heavy for one person may be light for another, and what is heavy for the other might seem like nothing to the one. We cannot judge the weight of each other's trials.
If you are human, and you wish to handle your problems and trials better, in a way that will bring you still the greatest peace and joy even while suffering through those trials, then this book is a good option for you.
So many people, especially within the Church, don't truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. They still can't get away from the idea that "men lead the Church," when in fact, no they don't. Those who do not understand the gospel will likely not understand the author's approach to this subject. And that's ok. Everyone is at a different level, on a different path. But if anyone is ready for correct gospel understanding, and wishes to "level up" in their life and understand things from an eternal perspective that brings hope, fulfillment peace and joy amidst the trials of life, then read this book with a humble, open and prayerful heart.
A correct paradigm and eternal perspective is necessary in order to understand anything that God has given us. Only those who seek to have such, will be able to learn line upon line and come to a fuller, more hopeful and correct understanding of their lives and purpose.
Highly recommend this book. It is inspiring and made me want to be a better human - and for the first time I didn't feel like someone was trying to tell ME that I had to do things in order to satisfy others, but instead I was being shown by example how to satisfy God and thereby improve my and others' lives in the process. And it really all beings with taking a deep and honest look within myself first. That's where this book beings!
READ IT!
May 23, 2025
I interpret Skyler’s viewpoints with conviction and skepticism simultaneously. There are certain perspectives I agree with and others I disagree with. I sincerely commend his boldness in addressing the following pertinent topics: embracing the title of outcast, accepting disagreement, owning one’s masculinity, remaining wary of radical politics, improving oneself, avoiding victimhood, finding purpose through trials, and setting intentional goals. These subjects are paramount to discuss in an increasingly polarized society. I find it more critical now than ever before to pursue peace, stillness, harmony, and balance in this chaotic world.
The targeted audience of this novel is evidently gay Latter-day Saints who hope to remain involved in the church. While he continuously mentions that no one is forced to follow this identical trajectory, there is still a sense of judgment for others as evidenced in the quotation “the covenant path is hard, but the alternative path is harder”. I strongly believe it is impossible to definitively draw this conclusion, as direct exposure is warranted to do so with a clear conscious. I also strongly believe that God has provided humanity with various paths that lead back to Deity / Divinity since the beginning of time. There is simply no one-size-fits-all journey in life.
The targeted audience of this novel is evidently gay Latter-day Saints who hope to remain involved in the church. While he continuously mentions that no one is forced to follow this identical trajectory, there is still a sense of judgment for others as evidenced in the quotation “the covenant path is hard, but the alternative path is harder”. I strongly believe it is impossible to definitively draw this conclusion, as direct exposure is warranted to do so with a clear conscious. I also strongly believe that God has provided humanity with various paths that lead back to Deity / Divinity since the beginning of time. There is simply no one-size-fits-all journey in life.
February 26, 2025
A must read for anyone who cares to understand there is more nuance to being gay and faithful in the world today. Hint: it's more than secularists, left leaning Christians, and other activists think it must mean.
There's enough in Sky's perspective to challenge both those who consider themselves to be open minded & progressive and those who assert someone can't possibly be gay and Christian.
His lived experiences are just as valid and meaningful as anyone else's and I'm grateful for his courage to tell a story so different from what the vocal majority wants to hear these days- and he does it while striving to be a peace maker, loving and valuing those who may disagree.
There's enough in Sky's perspective to challenge both those who consider themselves to be open minded & progressive and those who assert someone can't possibly be gay and Christian.
His lived experiences are just as valid and meaningful as anyone else's and I'm grateful for his courage to tell a story so different from what the vocal majority wants to hear these days- and he does it while striving to be a peace maker, loving and valuing those who may disagree.
May 9, 2024
This book wasn’t very compassionate or understanding to others. It was one man’s perspective on what he chose in his life to reconcile his sexuality and how he has been happy in a mixed orientation marriage. It is marred with judgment for anyone who may choose a different path than he did. I understand and can believe that this was the choice that worked for him, and was right for him, but to assume something so intimate would be the correct path for every other person who faced similar choices is single minded.
April 19, 2025
He had some interesting thoughts that I liked considering, but for some reason thinking back, I just have a feeling of judgement. Not to him but from him. While I loved the idea of remembering that we all have an identity, purpose and place in the gospel (so important!), I also felt sometimes a lack of love or openness with his opinion. If you disagree, question or pause at all, you’re wrong and he wasn’t afraid to name you personally. I would love to hear more about his experience but without so much judgement.
March 1, 2026
I always thought I was alone in this perspective. I had grown comfortable considering myself an anomaly.
It never seemed worthwhile to wade through all the anti-religious or pseudo-religious perspectives to find someone who shares my experience with same-sex attraction AND my values and priorities as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a member of His church.
I didn't think I needed to hear that I wasn't the only one, but how glad I am to know I'm not!
So much of this book felt as if I had written it myself.
It never seemed worthwhile to wade through all the anti-religious or pseudo-religious perspectives to find someone who shares my experience with same-sex attraction AND my values and priorities as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a member of His church.
I didn't think I needed to hear that I wasn't the only one, but how glad I am to know I'm not!
So much of this book felt as if I had written it myself.
November 3, 2024
Definitely more of a memoir vibe with lots of random stories or thoughts. However, I appreciated this author’s story and reminders of covenants, our relationship with God, and what faith looks like when religious views do not match those of the world.
February 21, 2025
Great book - I couldn’t put it down. I appreciate Sorenson’s unique perspective and that he doesn’t employ flattery when defending gospel truths or sharing his opinions.
December 2, 2024
This book reveals an interesting and valuable perspective in the LDS conversation around LGBTQIA matters. I can’t say I agree with everything Skyler says in this book, but honestly, as he points out in his book, he’s in a niche where very few people agree with him on everything, just given his orientation, heteronormative marriage, religious faith, etc. Though it certainly could be an emotionally-wrenching book for many (for multiple reasons), I think his arguments and his life story deserve thoughtful consideration, rather than a gut reaction based on emotion.
This book is part treatise on why LGBT+ people of the LDS faith should (like Skyler) choose a mixed orientation marriage, and part memoir detailing his coming out to his now-wife, the early birth and subsequent death of their first baby, and then their struggles with secondary infertility. Throughout it all, Skyler is startlingly open and vulnerable. I cannot help but give him kudos for the bravery it takes to put that much skin in the game (book).
At the same time, Skyler shows a disappointing lack of intellectual charity for people holding positions differing from his. This is especially true of LDS people who consider themselves LGBT+ allies. Skyler lumps these people together under a somewhat derogatory nickname, “cultural saints” who only accept a “cafeteria style gospel,” when it fits their political narrative, implying that these people do not have real testimonies.
Skyler has and argues for a number of interesting social theories (like the idea that labeling “toxic masculinity” is just putting masculinity under fire in the name of actions of a few bad men). He does not seem to differentiate between social theories and political stances, and he has serious problems with “the political left.” He briefly acknowledges that there are extremes on both sides, but he dwells almost exclusively on how he believes leftist politics are the source of all problems for LGBT+ people of faith.
Additionally, his argument seems largely based on (and is mostly backed up by) personal experience, not research, but he does cite a few sources that agree with his arguments.
It also seemed to me that the order and organization of the points of his argument and the scenes from his memoir were rather haphazard. I think it lacks some flow and cohesion.
Despite the flaws in his presentation of his thoughts, he does make a number of good points. I listened to the audiobook and rather wish I had read the physical book so I could underline the nuggets of wisdom in it. (Also, the author reads the book, and I guess I’m too accustomed to professional narration because his reading came off a bit flat.) As an LDS gay man who is determined to live up to his covenants and who has entered a mixed orientation marriage, Skyler represents a minority of a minority whose voice adds valid nuance to a conversation that is often painted in black and white by all sides. As an active member, I can find value in his thoughts, even if I find myself agreeing and disagreeing in equal measure with the social theories and political opinions he mingles with the gospel principles I espouse.
This book is part treatise on why LGBT+ people of the LDS faith should (like Skyler) choose a mixed orientation marriage, and part memoir detailing his coming out to his now-wife, the early birth and subsequent death of their first baby, and then their struggles with secondary infertility. Throughout it all, Skyler is startlingly open and vulnerable. I cannot help but give him kudos for the bravery it takes to put that much skin in the game (book).
At the same time, Skyler shows a disappointing lack of intellectual charity for people holding positions differing from his. This is especially true of LDS people who consider themselves LGBT+ allies. Skyler lumps these people together under a somewhat derogatory nickname, “cultural saints” who only accept a “cafeteria style gospel,” when it fits their political narrative, implying that these people do not have real testimonies.
Skyler has and argues for a number of interesting social theories (like the idea that labeling “toxic masculinity” is just putting masculinity under fire in the name of actions of a few bad men). He does not seem to differentiate between social theories and political stances, and he has serious problems with “the political left.” He briefly acknowledges that there are extremes on both sides, but he dwells almost exclusively on how he believes leftist politics are the source of all problems for LGBT+ people of faith.
Additionally, his argument seems largely based on (and is mostly backed up by) personal experience, not research, but he does cite a few sources that agree with his arguments.
It also seemed to me that the order and organization of the points of his argument and the scenes from his memoir were rather haphazard. I think it lacks some flow and cohesion.
Despite the flaws in his presentation of his thoughts, he does make a number of good points. I listened to the audiobook and rather wish I had read the physical book so I could underline the nuggets of wisdom in it. (Also, the author reads the book, and I guess I’m too accustomed to professional narration because his reading came off a bit flat.) As an LDS gay man who is determined to live up to his covenants and who has entered a mixed orientation marriage, Skyler represents a minority of a minority whose voice adds valid nuance to a conversation that is often painted in black and white by all sides. As an active member, I can find value in his thoughts, even if I find myself agreeing and disagreeing in equal measure with the social theories and political opinions he mingles with the gospel principles I espouse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2026
Skyler’s story is such an important addition to this conversation. I love the premise behind the title, as well as Sky’s thoughtful reasoning. As a book, I think it was fairly scattered, jumping between storytelling and exposition in a haphazard way. I think I prefer Sky’s Instagram posts that are concisely focused on specific issues and theological questions.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews