Without A Testimony

by Jerod Killick

Brad and Jordan meet as first semester roommates at the University of Idaho in the 1990s. For most, university is an exciting time of new friendships and self-exploration. However, Jordan is overwhelmed by the biggest threat to his spirituality that he will ever face. Fear-stricken by what his family already understands, Jordan attempts to reconcile his identity with the values of his Mormon faith. Meanwhile, Brad finds himself ensnarled with the complexities of his attachment, desperately trying to save the one person who understands him the most.

Genres: Contemporary, M M Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2012

About the author

Jerod Killick is a writer and photographer from Vancouver, British Columbia. After studying as an undergraduate at the University of Idaho, he went on to complete a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology. Jerod has worked in acute psychiatric care, academia, health care operations management, and community psychotherapy as a private practitioner. He currently holds a position as a senior leader in mental health and addictions for Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

Reviews

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I feel kind of bad that I rated this so low back when I read it, but without rereading it now, I don't know if my changed perspective on the Mormon faith would inspire me to change the rating. I think I was still in denial back then about just how insidious the Mormon leadership was towards LGBT members, and sadly, it's only gotten worse over the years. So I can't say that this is incorrect about its views, even while it is clearly written as propaganda against those views (and rightly so). So I understand the anger the author clearly had while writing this. So I'll nudge the rating up to 2.5 stars, since I think that's the fairest thing to do without rereading it (and I definitely do not want to do that.)

All that said, I think I'd still have the same main issues now as I did then: it's written as someone telling someone else this entire story. Like, literally telling it. As in this is one long monologue. And I'm sorry, but no one talks like this, much less relays tales of their life like they're narrating a novel. It really hurt the flow of the story.

Warning: suicide

[Susie Williston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerod's book gives one a terrific insight into the stuffy attitude of religious fundamentalism. I could not put this book down. I am very gratified that I live in a free thinking place that accepts all religions, cultures, and orientations. The story of Brad and Jordon is so sad. The outcome so preventable-do buy this book and find out for yourself!

[Earlene Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes to the heart of the continuing struggles of the LGBTQ community to fulfill their own hopes and dreams while faced with fear and misunderstanding of a number of those people living around them. In this case fundamentalist religion is also involved and the end result of that conflict is not what most of us would have hoped for. (Having grown up in Moscow, Idaho I was impressed by its apparent growth in acceptance of the the gay community )

[Jeremy Keele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It was, in the beginning, a bit slow, but once I figured out why, it was really quite perfectly paced. It did take me longer to read Without A Testimony than normal, but that is definitely my issue with the subject matter and not the fault of the author or story. I highly recommend this one!!

[Nancy Carbajal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful, very powerful read about the Mormon faith and the hold it has on a young man who is in love with another. Be warned though...it does not have a HEA ending, but does bring to question the act of faith and the negative impact it can have.

[Mark Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a lot on several levels. This calls out to be read, but also is in need of some editing. Despite the typos and punctuation issues, Mr. Killick is a gifted writer who has produced a more than worthy manuscript here.

[Jerod Killick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it....so ya! I love it! In her second edition with new cover and updates. :)