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Burned, Not Broken: A Young Man's Story of Rise, Ruin, and Redemption
Taylor Bennington had it all — the titles, the awards, the polished image that made him look untouchable. Behind the mask, he was unraveling.
Growing up in small-town Ohio, Taylor was a natural leader with an unshakable faith… and a secret he couldn’t pray away. As a young gay man in conservative Christian spaces, he wrestled with who he was and who he thought God wanted him to be. He buried his questions beneath relentless achievement, public service, and a carefully curated life.
But the mask couldn’t hold forever. Depression, anxiety, and shame festered in the shadows until alcohol became his escape — and then his master. From political boardrooms to hospital beds in foreign countries, from leading worship to drinking until dawn, Taylor’s life became a study in contradictions.
Burned, Not Broken is the raw, unfiltered story of how everything fell apart — and how, through faith, recovery, and love, he built something better. With vulnerability and unapologetic honesty, Taylor invites you into his journey
Faith that survives the fire of doubt.
Sexuality embraced as part of God’s design.
Mental health struggles fought in silence and brought into the light.
Addiction and recovery — the long road from rock bottom to hope.
This is not a polished “after” photo. It’s a story for anyone who’s still in the middle of the mess. For the one who feels too far gone. For the one who wonders if faith and authenticity can coexist. For the one who needs to believe that burned doesn’t mean broken.
If you’re not dead, you’re not done.
Growing up in small-town Ohio, Taylor was a natural leader with an unshakable faith… and a secret he couldn’t pray away. As a young gay man in conservative Christian spaces, he wrestled with who he was and who he thought God wanted him to be. He buried his questions beneath relentless achievement, public service, and a carefully curated life.
But the mask couldn’t hold forever. Depression, anxiety, and shame festered in the shadows until alcohol became his escape — and then his master. From political boardrooms to hospital beds in foreign countries, from leading worship to drinking until dawn, Taylor’s life became a study in contradictions.
Burned, Not Broken is the raw, unfiltered story of how everything fell apart — and how, through faith, recovery, and love, he built something better. With vulnerability and unapologetic honesty, Taylor invites you into his journey
Faith that survives the fire of doubt.
Sexuality embraced as part of God’s design.
Mental health struggles fought in silence and brought into the light.
Addiction and recovery — the long road from rock bottom to hope.
This is not a polished “after” photo. It’s a story for anyone who’s still in the middle of the mess. For the one who feels too far gone. For the one who wonders if faith and authenticity can coexist. For the one who needs to believe that burned doesn’t mean broken.
If you’re not dead, you’re not done.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 25, 2025
The author is clearly a gifted writer. I could not put the book down. It delivered exactly what I was hoping for, to hear from a brother in Christ’ heart. While I do not agree with his theology regarding his choice to lead a gay lifestyle while being a Christian, I can still love a brother in Christ and listen to his heart. Taylor has been through a lot in his young years, which is very evident in his book. My review is for his writing and honesty in pouring his heart out. Reading this book will really help me to be more intentional in loving people I don’t necessarily agree with. Above all else, love each other deeply. 1 Peter 4:8
December 5, 2025
It's not really an objective review here. I love the man who wrote this. The one who lived this hard and complicated story. The man who continues to amaze and impress. He's my nephew. If you are struggling with addiction and/or feeling 'othered,' this is the book for you. If you love someone who is struggling with addiction and/or feeling like they don't belong, this 1st person account may be helpful for you. Dig in for a hard, but ultimately hopeful story.
August 24, 2025
Taylor’s story is so inspiring and moving. If you’re looking for a book that is raw and full of inspiration give this a read. Taylor has experienced so much but has overcome so much as well. Give it a read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews