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Inclination
Sixteen-year-old Anthony Duck-Young Del Vecchio is a nice Catholic boy with a very big problem. It’s not the challenge of fitting in as the lone adopted South Korean in a close-knit family of Italian-Americans. Nor is it being the one introverted son in a family jam-packed with gregarious daughters. Anthony’s problem is far more serious—he is the only gay kid in Our Way, his church’s youth group. As a high school junior, Anthony has finally come to accept his sexual orientation, but he struggles to determine if a gay man can live as a faithful Christian. And as he faces his dilemma, there are complications. After confiding his gayness to his intolerant adult youth group leader, he’s asked to find a new organization with which to worship. He’s beaten up in the church parking lot by a fanatical teen. His former best pal bullies him in the locker room. His Catholic friends even stage an intervention to lead him back to the “right path.” Meanwhile, Anthony develops romantic feelings for David Gandy, an emo, out and proud junior at his high school, who seems to have all the answers about how someone can be gay and Christian, too.
Will Anthony be able to balance his family, friends and new feelings for David with his changing beliefs about his faith so he can live a satisfying life and not risk his soul in the process?
Will Anthony be able to balance his family, friends and new feelings for David with his changing beliefs about his faith so he can live a satisfying life and not risk his soul in the process?
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First published February 4, 2015
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About the author
Mia Kerick
42 books539 followersMia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—one in law school, another at a dance conservatory, a third studying at Mia’s alma mater, Boston College, and her lone son still in high school. She has published more than twenty books of LGBTQ romance when not editing National Honor Society essays, offering opinions on college and law school applications, helping to create dance bios, and reviewing English papers. Her husband of twenty-five years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about this, as it is a sensitive subject.
Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young people and their relationships. She has a great affinity for the tortured hero in literature, and as a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with tales of tortured heroes and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to her wonderful publishing houses for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.
Her books have been featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine, and have won Rainbow Awards for Best Transgender Contemporary Romance and Best YA Lesbian Fiction, a Reader Views’ Book by Book Publicity Literary Award, the Jack Eadon Award for Best Book in Contemporary Drama, an Indie Fab Award, and a Royal Dragonfly Award for Cultural Diversity, among other awards.
Mia Kerick is a social liberal and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology. Contact Mia at miakerick@gmail.com or visit at www.miakerickya.com to see what is going on in Mia’s world.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 6, 2015
I’m a huge Mia Kerick fan. I’ve read most of her books and I have more on my tbr waiting for me to read. I’ve always enjoyed her work but Intervention was the turning point for me. Since then, I’ve eagerly awaited news on her newest releases and always done my best to keep my eye out for her books. So when she told me about a Christian YA m/m romance that she was writing, I knew I would have to give it a shot because I just happen to be Catholic like the MC in the book. And right now I’m really glad I did!
I connected with this book in a lot of ways. As someone who was raised in a Catholic household, went to two Catholic Primary Schools and lives in a Catholic Country, it’s a weird slightly familiar feeling when I read a book about someone struggling with that particular religion. It also helps when the characters are young like Anthony, because I can definitely connect with that.
I really liked Anthony. He was confused and young and wasn’t sure what he was going to do. It felt very realistic and I actually sort of felt like I knew him. There were times I wanted to jump into this book so I could be there for him and help him as he struggled to accept his sexuality. There were times he was angry and acted out and said things he shouldn’t have said. But all that fit really well with the story. It was how I imagine someone like him struggling and it didn’t make him any less of a likable character.
David was amazing! Absolutely amazing! He was exactly what Anthony needed and I thought the two of them were really great together. There were ups and downs in their relationship and there were times it seemed like something bad was going to happen. But no matter what, David was there for Anthony and he stood by him and helped him deal with everything. He’d been there, done that and was wearing the t-shirt to prove it. So he understood what Anthony was going through a bit more than most would have.
There were other secondary characters I really liked. Like the two families. There were secondary characters I didn’t like. Like Anthony’s “friends” from his Church. I don’t even know what to think about them. All I can say is I’m thankful I didn’t go to school with kids like that. It would have been pure hell, I think. Though not all the kids in this book were bad, some were actually quite good, and one was a bit of a surprise, so that was a good thing.
Inclination doesn’t Catholic bash. It doesn’t even really insult the religion. It just shows how you can believe in God, follow your religion and still be openly and actively gay. There was a priest in this who made me smile and reminded me of a priest in Dublin who acknowledged his support for gay marriage, as well as another one who came out just a couple of weeks ago during Mass.
Do I think this book is for everyone? No, not really. Actually, I know it won’t be for everyone. But I also think there are people who will love this book as much as I did. It’s definitely one of my favorites from Mia. I’d gladly read it again and again, whenever the mood strikes. And I’m really glad I had the chance to read it because it definitely left me thinking.
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My review can also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
I connected with this book in a lot of ways. As someone who was raised in a Catholic household, went to two Catholic Primary Schools and lives in a Catholic Country, it’s a weird slightly familiar feeling when I read a book about someone struggling with that particular religion. It also helps when the characters are young like Anthony, because I can definitely connect with that.
I really liked Anthony. He was confused and young and wasn’t sure what he was going to do. It felt very realistic and I actually sort of felt like I knew him. There were times I wanted to jump into this book so I could be there for him and help him as he struggled to accept his sexuality. There were times he was angry and acted out and said things he shouldn’t have said. But all that fit really well with the story. It was how I imagine someone like him struggling and it didn’t make him any less of a likable character.
David was amazing! Absolutely amazing! He was exactly what Anthony needed and I thought the two of them were really great together. There were ups and downs in their relationship and there were times it seemed like something bad was going to happen. But no matter what, David was there for Anthony and he stood by him and helped him deal with everything. He’d been there, done that and was wearing the t-shirt to prove it. So he understood what Anthony was going through a bit more than most would have.
There were other secondary characters I really liked. Like the two families. There were secondary characters I didn’t like. Like Anthony’s “friends” from his Church. I don’t even know what to think about them. All I can say is I’m thankful I didn’t go to school with kids like that. It would have been pure hell, I think. Though not all the kids in this book were bad, some were actually quite good, and one was a bit of a surprise, so that was a good thing.
Inclination doesn’t Catholic bash. It doesn’t even really insult the religion. It just shows how you can believe in God, follow your religion and still be openly and actively gay. There was a priest in this who made me smile and reminded me of a priest in Dublin who acknowledged his support for gay marriage, as well as another one who came out just a couple of weeks ago during Mass.
Do I think this book is for everyone? No, not really. Actually, I know it won’t be for everyone. But I also think there are people who will love this book as much as I did. It’s definitely one of my favorites from Mia. I’d gladly read it again and again, whenever the mood strikes. And I’m really glad I had the chance to read it because it definitely left me thinking.
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My review can also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
March 27, 2015
Wow.
This book.
Oh my goodness, this book. What can I say? Mia Kerrick does it again, so wonderfully, beautifully well. I have a great love for well written YA books, I feel often times they have more depth to them than adult novels in a strange way. Maybe because the characters are just heading towards their adult lives and independence, maybe because they have the whole world before them, theirs but for the right choices. I don't know, but I find the characters often very engaging.
Mia Kerrick has written about difficult situations before - bullying, domestic abuse...so many different ways. She always, always, gives her characters a challenge. The fact that her characters are gay can sometimes be the secondary worry amongst the other crap they are dealing with in life. In this book though, the two issues have a direct link to each other, at least in the head of MC Anthony. Anthony is a devout catholic, the ultimate good boy, who is struggling with his own acceptance of being gay and how this affects his relationship with God.
If, like me, the fact that this book is written about religion may seem off-putting, I would urge you to read it because it is pure brilliance. I had some unease when I started reading, the way Anthony is, his belief so strong, is so far from me and my experience that I wondered if I would find it hard to connect to him as a reader. I should not have feared because I understood him perfectly. I was rooting for him from so early on - and not as I thought to ditch his religion and accept his sexuality, and that is because of how clever Mia Kerrick is.
I wanted Anthony to have both. His faith is so strong and important to him, it is as much part of who he is as his sexuality. It is a fundamental part of him and his life, and I loved how Kerrick kept this and didn't write him as someone who loses his faith. Writing as a reader who has no specific beliefs but respects those others have, I wouldn't have found this halfway as believable if Anthony ditched his beliefs. It wouldn't have been him.
That's not to say this book wasn't damn hard to read at times. So hard. Any sort of homophobia is hard to read about. Any form of bullying, of violence, of friendships being torn apart - and really this is the catalyst for this whole story. One devout boy trying to come to terms with the fact he's gay and losing the support of those he trusts the most at the time he is most vulnerable. How often is that the case? Too frequent I'm afraid. In this book, in the space of one meeting Anthony loses the strong group of friends he has had around him since he was young. He comes to realise that they areas much a clique as every other group, but at that moment it is heartbreaking. Even his best friend turns against him. It's so hard to read.
Two things though are there to help Anthony deal with all of his pain. Firstly, I have to mention his family. It would have been so easy to turn them into non-supportive antagonists, yet Kerrick did the opposite and instead they fully support their son, they worked with him to try and make it possible to align their faith in God and Anthony's sexuality. His family were amazing. Like truly brilliant - if only everyone had this support at home, the world would be a happier place.
The second thing - or person - was the second MC, David. David has walked the path that Anthony is on and is there to help guide Anthony to a place of reconciliation. Reconciliation between himself, his beliefs and God. Although religion is the theme of this book it really is about so much more. It is about self-belief, about family and friends, about trust. Mostly though it is about love. Love between Anthony and Jesus, love between Anthony and his family, and the burgeoning love between Anthony and David.
I don't think whatever review I write will do this book justice and I would urge everyone to read it. Please don't feel you need to have a faith to read it, or that it is going to either try and convert you to religion or tell tale of the evils of religion. It shows quite clearly the good and the bad and how much a burning faith is a part of who Anthony is and how he works to make it still the focal of his ever-changing life.
Review soon at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
This book.
Oh my goodness, this book. What can I say? Mia Kerrick does it again, so wonderfully, beautifully well. I have a great love for well written YA books, I feel often times they have more depth to them than adult novels in a strange way. Maybe because the characters are just heading towards their adult lives and independence, maybe because they have the whole world before them, theirs but for the right choices. I don't know, but I find the characters often very engaging.
Mia Kerrick has written about difficult situations before - bullying, domestic abuse...so many different ways. She always, always, gives her characters a challenge. The fact that her characters are gay can sometimes be the secondary worry amongst the other crap they are dealing with in life. In this book though, the two issues have a direct link to each other, at least in the head of MC Anthony. Anthony is a devout catholic, the ultimate good boy, who is struggling with his own acceptance of being gay and how this affects his relationship with God.
If, like me, the fact that this book is written about religion may seem off-putting, I would urge you to read it because it is pure brilliance. I had some unease when I started reading, the way Anthony is, his belief so strong, is so far from me and my experience that I wondered if I would find it hard to connect to him as a reader. I should not have feared because I understood him perfectly. I was rooting for him from so early on - and not as I thought to ditch his religion and accept his sexuality, and that is because of how clever Mia Kerrick is.
I wanted Anthony to have both. His faith is so strong and important to him, it is as much part of who he is as his sexuality. It is a fundamental part of him and his life, and I loved how Kerrick kept this and didn't write him as someone who loses his faith. Writing as a reader who has no specific beliefs but respects those others have, I wouldn't have found this halfway as believable if Anthony ditched his beliefs. It wouldn't have been him.
That's not to say this book wasn't damn hard to read at times. So hard. Any sort of homophobia is hard to read about. Any form of bullying, of violence, of friendships being torn apart - and really this is the catalyst for this whole story. One devout boy trying to come to terms with the fact he's gay and losing the support of those he trusts the most at the time he is most vulnerable. How often is that the case? Too frequent I'm afraid. In this book, in the space of one meeting Anthony loses the strong group of friends he has had around him since he was young. He comes to realise that they areas much a clique as every other group, but at that moment it is heartbreaking. Even his best friend turns against him. It's so hard to read.
Two things though are there to help Anthony deal with all of his pain. Firstly, I have to mention his family. It would have been so easy to turn them into non-supportive antagonists, yet Kerrick did the opposite and instead they fully support their son, they worked with him to try and make it possible to align their faith in God and Anthony's sexuality. His family were amazing. Like truly brilliant - if only everyone had this support at home, the world would be a happier place.
The second thing - or person - was the second MC, David. David has walked the path that Anthony is on and is there to help guide Anthony to a place of reconciliation. Reconciliation between himself, his beliefs and God. Although religion is the theme of this book it really is about so much more. It is about self-belief, about family and friends, about trust. Mostly though it is about love. Love between Anthony and Jesus, love between Anthony and his family, and the burgeoning love between Anthony and David.
I don't think whatever review I write will do this book justice and I would urge everyone to read it. Please don't feel you need to have a faith to read it, or that it is going to either try and convert you to religion or tell tale of the evils of religion. It shows quite clearly the good and the bad and how much a burning faith is a part of who Anthony is and how he works to make it still the focal of his ever-changing life.
Review soon at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2015
I'm not Catholic, but I am an orthodox Christian and what Mia has written is very very close to what pretty much every gay Christian youth has felt and gone through. I would actually recommend this book to every youth pastor out there so they can understand what some of the kids under their care are going through.
February 25, 2015
Realizing he liked boys sends Anthony Del Vechio on a search for his soul He has been raised in a Catholic church and loves his youth Group Our Way. Everything he has been taught goes against what he is now feeling. He sets out doing a lot of research and trying his best to change how he feels, then realizes it’s how he is made and can’t be changed.
This story is such a breath of fresh air from other young adult stories about young men figuring out or growing up gay. His family doesn’t toss him out. On the contrary, they do everything they can to help him figure this out. There is a bully or two, but you can’t hate them when you find out the reason they are lashing out as well.
Inclination is a beautifully written story of emotional growth and one I think many gay families should read.
If you are tired of all the angst-filled stories of young men tossed because they are gay or evil families and want a sweet emotional read full of love and understanding this is definitely one for you!
This story is such a breath of fresh air from other young adult stories about young men figuring out or growing up gay. His family doesn’t toss him out. On the contrary, they do everything they can to help him figure this out. There is a bully or two, but you can’t hate them when you find out the reason they are lashing out as well.
Inclination is a beautifully written story of emotional growth and one I think many gay families should read.
If you are tired of all the angst-filled stories of young men tossed because they are gay or evil families and want a sweet emotional read full of love and understanding this is definitely one for you!
March 9, 2015
To say that I loved this book is the understatement of the century.
Honestly, I can't think of another book like this one.
I've read it because I was intrigued. How can a Christian gay boy can find the love of God in his life ? What does he feel when he reads the Bible ? How would others Christians react to his announcement ?
This is the story of a young South Korean adopted in an Italian family gay boy, Anthony. Yeah, I know. This starts rough. Adding to that the fact that he has four younger sisters (very lovely little sisters actually :) ) and belongs to a youth group where everyone says faggots like him will end in Hell, it's getting worse. And then he meets David.
David is another young Christian gay boy but he seems to feel okay with his life. So when David starts to explain to Tony that everything he's been taught since is a little boy can be seen in another way, he's even more confused.
He never saw his life like that and it confuses him to learn that he can have another point of view on the learning of the Bible he's read all his life and tried to understand.
This book is about all that : loving each others, the love of God, trust issues, how to be a parent for a Christian gay boy, how to be a Christian gay boy now and feel good about it,... It's really about feeling better about yourself, find yourself in the hands of God AND being gay altogether.
It's about love.
This book should be taught at school or at least in every Christian youth group. Yes People, you can learn a lot from this story. It's not only a love story between two boys, but also between God and gay boys. Mia Kerick has obviously made a lot of research. She quotes the Bible and makes a point of showing kids that there's not only hate towards gays in the Bible. Actually there's none. I won't quote any of the excerpts she's chosen. Read the book, and learn. If you're a gay boy and you're confused about how your religion can alter your love life, read the book. You'll feel better after, I promise.
There are two things that bothered me. Anthony repeats his whole name (first, nickname and all) far too much in my opinion. It didn't serve any purpose and it just confused me. And the way they feel when they make out a little farther than usual... well, they're just kids ! The whole "don't touch each other before marriage"... I don't buy it but maybe because I'm not so religious myself. These points are very minor so it's still a 5-stars review.
Would I recommend this book ?! YES !!! highly actually :D
Enjoy :D
Honestly, I can't think of another book like this one.
I've read it because I was intrigued. How can a Christian gay boy can find the love of God in his life ? What does he feel when he reads the Bible ? How would others Christians react to his announcement ?
This is the story of a young South Korean adopted in an Italian family gay boy, Anthony. Yeah, I know. This starts rough. Adding to that the fact that he has four younger sisters (very lovely little sisters actually :) ) and belongs to a youth group where everyone says faggots like him will end in Hell, it's getting worse. And then he meets David.
David is another young Christian gay boy but he seems to feel okay with his life. So when David starts to explain to Tony that everything he's been taught since is a little boy can be seen in another way, he's even more confused.
He never saw his life like that and it confuses him to learn that he can have another point of view on the learning of the Bible he's read all his life and tried to understand.
This book is about all that : loving each others, the love of God, trust issues, how to be a parent for a Christian gay boy, how to be a Christian gay boy now and feel good about it,... It's really about feeling better about yourself, find yourself in the hands of God AND being gay altogether.
It's about love.
This book should be taught at school or at least in every Christian youth group. Yes People, you can learn a lot from this story. It's not only a love story between two boys, but also between God and gay boys. Mia Kerick has obviously made a lot of research. She quotes the Bible and makes a point of showing kids that there's not only hate towards gays in the Bible. Actually there's none. I won't quote any of the excerpts she's chosen. Read the book, and learn. If you're a gay boy and you're confused about how your religion can alter your love life, read the book. You'll feel better after, I promise.
There are two things that bothered me. Anthony repeats his whole name (first, nickname and all) far too much in my opinion. It didn't serve any purpose and it just confused me. And the way they feel when they make out a little farther than usual... well, they're just kids ! The whole "don't touch each other before marriage"... I don't buy it but maybe because I'm not so religious myself. These points are very minor so it's still a 5-stars review.
Would I recommend this book ?! YES !!! highly actually :D
Enjoy :D
February 25, 2015
On the surface, Anthony has the perfect life, a loving family, good friends, and his faith. Yet he has sleepless nights, worried about one thing he cannot change - he is gay. And Anthony, like so many young gay teens is trying to make sense of who he is while the world tells him what he is, being gay, is an abomination. The Catholic Church is pretty clear on its position about homosexuality, so Anthony can either hide it, or reject his religion. Those are the typical paths. Anthony, with help from his friend, David, discover another path which is to look at the Bible in historic context, learn passages that speak of love, not hate.
This is a fantastic YA fiction. Ms. Kerick is a master of first person narrative. She really brings out Anthony to be a believable young man who struggles with his identity and his place in the religion that he loves. David is a confident young man who shows Anthony that God's love is for everyone, including gays. Their friendship and emerging romance is sweet.
From the opening scene which sets up the struggle Anthony faces, to the end, Inclination is filled with typical teenage drama as well as soul-searching revelations. I highly recommend this book to any teen and I also recommend this to all the LGBT allies who may need counter-arguments to all the religious-based homophobic notion that homosexuality is forbidden in the bible. I learned so much reading Inclination. Kudos to Mia for writing this.
This is a fantastic YA fiction. Ms. Kerick is a master of first person narrative. She really brings out Anthony to be a believable young man who struggles with his identity and his place in the religion that he loves. David is a confident young man who shows Anthony that God's love is for everyone, including gays. Their friendship and emerging romance is sweet.
From the opening scene which sets up the struggle Anthony faces, to the end, Inclination is filled with typical teenage drama as well as soul-searching revelations. I highly recommend this book to any teen and I also recommend this to all the LGBT allies who may need counter-arguments to all the religious-based homophobic notion that homosexuality is forbidden in the bible. I learned so much reading Inclination. Kudos to Mia for writing this.
February 25, 2015
INCLINATION is a story whose time has come. It is a timely story. It is a timeless story. This is what it means to grow up a gay teen in America today for, maybe not everyone, but for quite a few. Friendships come. Friendships go. Gay stays. Throw in growing up in a religious household and navigating thru the (imho) religious and political B.S. Hate Mongering and Bible misquoting that is a constant barrage at today's gay people and it is no wonder there is so much suicide. Mia Kerick writes characters who struggle. Mia writes characters who are real. Mia writes characters who deal and fall down and get back up to deal some more. Ok, so this isn't going to get a +22 rating on the heat scale but there are other, perhaps more important reasons to read this book. Anthony Duck-Young Del Vecchio is an amazing kid. Thank you, Mia, for putting him in our lives so we can fight with and for him to succeed to become a man of whom we can be proud because he sure is a teen we can cheer for... If you like M/M romance buy this book. If you like to think about things from a different perspective than one you might have always assumed to be truth buy this book. If you like characters who will fight for their right to have the family of their choosing and to love whomever they choose buy this book... Oh, hell... just buy this book... it is GREAT and I want to read more about this kid.
March 8, 2015
I was very lucky to be given a review copy of "Inclination" by Mia Kerick in exchange for an honest review Not a hard thing to do, it is a gem!
I highly recommend this book to teens who may be looking for answers to sometimes difficult questions or those teens looking for guidance. I think parents would also benefit from reading it by seeing these topics from a teens perspective. Mia has again managed to speak in the voice of a teen, to send a positive message to teens who may be struggling with the question " Can I be gay and still be a good Christian"? Kudos, Mia! A job well done !!
I highly recommend this book to teens who may be looking for answers to sometimes difficult questions or those teens looking for guidance. I think parents would also benefit from reading it by seeing these topics from a teens perspective. Mia has again managed to speak in the voice of a teen, to send a positive message to teens who may be struggling with the question " Can I be gay and still be a good Christian"? Kudos, Mia! A job well done !!
February 24, 2015
After receiving my copy of “Inclination” I was skeptical to say the least. Mixing religion with a homosexual character is a tricky subject. When I actually got involved in the story, however, I was amazed at the depth of the characters. A lot of my past came rushing back and I forgot the story was ever about Anthony Duck Young Del Vecchio. Mia Kerick took a risk with such a touchy topic, but she nailed the emotions of young Anthony to a ‘T.’ With this issue at the forefront of America, it is a welcome change from the run of the mill feel good stories we see all too often.
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March 15, 2015There are a few things to know before you decide if this is the book for you.
First, this book is written as a first person present narration. For some people this is hard to read. (Read a sample before you buy it if you are picky about writing styles.) It’s well done here. It reads sort of like a diary or journal, but in the present tense, sort of like you are just glimpsing into the brain of Anthony as he goes through life.
Second, this is definitely a YA novel. There is almost no intimacy of any kind, a little bit of kissing but even a hand-job is aborted because “it’s not the right time for that”.
Third, this is all about being Catholic and/or devoutly Christian. Not just that Anthony is those things, but this is about his struggle with being gay and a Christian.
Fourth, it is written very well and would do well to be read by any young gay person or parent of a gay child who struggles with merging ideas from the church with being gay.
There were parts I really enjoyed. I loved the progression along the fear axis Anthony takes, from denial, to anger, to regret, to anger again, etcetera. I loved how supportive his family and his (to-be) boyfriend were in this struggle.
I didn’t grow up Catholic, never attended Parochial schools, did not have that vision of God as it was described in the Bible or in this book… so I couldn’t really relate to this story personally. But, I could totally see how it would be wonderful if that was your history.
For me, I got mired down in the religious stuff and was disappointed the romance wasn’t a bigger part of the story.
However, knowing that this is a coming of age story about a gay boy dealing with his religion and there is a little romance thrown in, I think if you choose this book based on that information you will be quite pleased with your choice.
First, this book is written as a first person present narration. For some people this is hard to read. (Read a sample before you buy it if you are picky about writing styles.) It’s well done here. It reads sort of like a diary or journal, but in the present tense, sort of like you are just glimpsing into the brain of Anthony as he goes through life.
Second, this is definitely a YA novel. There is almost no intimacy of any kind, a little bit of kissing but even a hand-job is aborted because “it’s not the right time for that”.
Third, this is all about being Catholic and/or devoutly Christian. Not just that Anthony is those things, but this is about his struggle with being gay and a Christian.
Fourth, it is written very well and would do well to be read by any young gay person or parent of a gay child who struggles with merging ideas from the church with being gay.
There were parts I really enjoyed. I loved the progression along the fear axis Anthony takes, from denial, to anger, to regret, to anger again, etcetera. I loved how supportive his family and his (to-be) boyfriend were in this struggle.
I didn’t grow up Catholic, never attended Parochial schools, did not have that vision of God as it was described in the Bible or in this book… so I couldn’t really relate to this story personally. But, I could totally see how it would be wonderful if that was your history.
For me, I got mired down in the religious stuff and was disappointed the romance wasn’t a bigger part of the story.
However, knowing that this is a coming of age story about a gay boy dealing with his religion and there is a little romance thrown in, I think if you choose this book based on that information you will be quite pleased with your choice.
March 8, 2015
When I think about God I think about an all-inclusive God, not a partially inclusive God. Saying that I think that we have made God look less than because as society we have such a split vision of what He will approve or not approve.
Mia Kerick has capture an essential truth with this book , in my perspective , organize so called religion has separate us from the true meaning of being a Christian … and has separate our brothers and sisters of the feeling of that inclusiveness.
Anthony is conflicted as a young adult and gay about his relationship with God because of what he has learned in church and it is sad to say, in real life I bet he is not the only one. Something important to say his family is there for him. A true Christian family.
When Anthony finally meets David, his world changes … because David knows what Anthony is going through and has been studying the word of God in reference to be gay and same sex love.
The scriptures that they share and the bond they formed it is something that you feel will last them forever.
This is a story , in my opinion, that would open the eyes of someone struggling with their beliefs.
Mia Kerick has capture an essential truth with this book , in my perspective , organize so called religion has separate us from the true meaning of being a Christian … and has separate our brothers and sisters of the feeling of that inclusiveness.
Anthony is conflicted as a young adult and gay about his relationship with God because of what he has learned in church and it is sad to say, in real life I bet he is not the only one. Something important to say his family is there for him. A true Christian family.
When Anthony finally meets David, his world changes … because David knows what Anthony is going through and has been studying the word of God in reference to be gay and same sex love.
The scriptures that they share and the bond they formed it is something that you feel will last them forever.
This is a story , in my opinion, that would open the eyes of someone struggling with their beliefs.
March 19, 2015
If you know a young person (or any age for that matter) who is gay and who is trying to come to terms with what that means in their relationship with God, then this is a must read book. Honestly, I’d have to say that this is the most important story I’ve read on the subject to date.
I can tell that the author, Mia Kerick, has done extensive research of the Bible and I love how she gives a portion of scripture and then her character, David, explains what he feels God’s intent was as it pertains to His gay followers. I think she hit the nail right on the head. The God I grew up learning about in Catholic school loved everyone. Period.
This is a very moving story of a young man who is struggling to reconcile being gay while still being a Christian and serving the God he so dearly loves.
Beautifully done, Mia. I think every young gay Christian would benefit from reading this.
I can tell that the author, Mia Kerick, has done extensive research of the Bible and I love how she gives a portion of scripture and then her character, David, explains what he feels God’s intent was as it pertains to His gay followers. I think she hit the nail right on the head. The God I grew up learning about in Catholic school loved everyone. Period.
This is a very moving story of a young man who is struggling to reconcile being gay while still being a Christian and serving the God he so dearly loves.
Beautifully done, Mia. I think every young gay Christian would benefit from reading this.
March 7, 2015
I'm not overly religious, so I wasn't sure this would be the book for me. But Mia Kerick has written the same compelling kinds of guys as in her other books. I think LGBT teens who are very Christian would really like this book because it clearly explains why the Bible does NOT say that acting on your homosexuality is sinful. I like the way Mia Kerick uses some words from the Bible, some lyrics from songs, and some heartfelt prayers to make the story come alive. This book is a little different than other stories by this author, but you could still tell it is Mia Kerick who wrote it when you get to know Anthony and David.
March 7, 2015
The time for a book like Inclination has surely come. Anthony Del Vecchio's struggle with coming out as a Christian is poignant and relatable even if you are not very religious. It is a similar type of book to The God Box by Alex Sanchez. More books like this need to be available to all teens, not just LGBT ones. Do not miss this book.
Read
September 22, 2015Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Exodus 20:4
Drinking Buddy: Proverbs 29:31
Testosterone Level: Genesis 3:11
Talky Talk: Revelation 3:16
Bonus Factors: Leviticus 18:22
Bromance Status: Luke 6:22
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Exodus 20:4
Drinking Buddy: Proverbs 29:31
Testosterone Level: Genesis 3:11
Talky Talk: Revelation 3:16
Bonus Factors: Leviticus 18:22
Bromance Status: Luke 6:22
Read the full book report here.
February 27, 2015
Really got bogged down with Scripture and details about the bible.
March 10, 2015
For so many young people, coming to terms with being gay involves an agony of shame and confusion. For a Christian, brought up with the unequivocal message that homosexuality is a sin, it can be torment. This is a sensitive subject, no doubt about that, but one I feel to be incredibly important. Mia Kerick certainly hasn't shied away from it in this story. She tackles the issue head-on, and with a depth of compassion and understanding that impressed me no end.
On the surface, sixteen-year-old Anthony Del Vecchio would appear to have a charmed life. Adopted as a baby into a close-knit Italian-American family, he has parents who dote on him and a brood of younger sisters who worship the ground he walks on. Raised to be a devout Catholic, he has a circle of good friends from Our Way, the youth group at his local church, and a strong relationship with God. Yet, Anthony also has a secret, one he fears will destroy everything he values most. He is gay.
Bombarded with information on how he will burn in hell if he acts on his feelings, Anthony sinks into a black hole of unhappiness and self-loathing. Desperate for guidance, he turns to his youth group leader for help, only to be thrown out of Our Way and shunned by those he once called friends. Then Anthony meets David Gandy, notorious at school for being an out and proud gay Christian. As the two boys explore their budding friendship and growing attraction, Anthony starts to believe it might be possible for him to stay true to both his sexuality and his faith.
'Inclination' is a sweet, thought-provoking novel that warmed my heart and left me with an enormous sense of well being. The arguments for the acceptance of homosexuality by the church, as well as those against, have been meticulously researched. Anthony's struggle to make peace with himself is as powerful as it is authentic, and his developing relationship with David deeply touching. You don't need to be a Christian to enjoy this story. If you're seeking an inspiring read that deals with a difficult topic in a positive way, I can recommend this book.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
On the surface, sixteen-year-old Anthony Del Vecchio would appear to have a charmed life. Adopted as a baby into a close-knit Italian-American family, he has parents who dote on him and a brood of younger sisters who worship the ground he walks on. Raised to be a devout Catholic, he has a circle of good friends from Our Way, the youth group at his local church, and a strong relationship with God. Yet, Anthony also has a secret, one he fears will destroy everything he values most. He is gay.
Bombarded with information on how he will burn in hell if he acts on his feelings, Anthony sinks into a black hole of unhappiness and self-loathing. Desperate for guidance, he turns to his youth group leader for help, only to be thrown out of Our Way and shunned by those he once called friends. Then Anthony meets David Gandy, notorious at school for being an out and proud gay Christian. As the two boys explore their budding friendship and growing attraction, Anthony starts to believe it might be possible for him to stay true to both his sexuality and his faith.
'Inclination' is a sweet, thought-provoking novel that warmed my heart and left me with an enormous sense of well being. The arguments for the acceptance of homosexuality by the church, as well as those against, have been meticulously researched. Anthony's struggle to make peace with himself is as powerful as it is authentic, and his developing relationship with David deeply touching. You don't need to be a Christian to enjoy this story. If you're seeking an inspiring read that deals with a difficult topic in a positive way, I can recommend this book.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
March 25, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Five stars!
This book is wonderful. You can quite literally feel Anthony’s struggle with himself and his Faith, the hurt of how his friends treat him when he comes out. It’s so raw and heartbreaking, I felt all of it as I read. David is a wonderful character. I liked how he used his own struggles to help Anthony. I loved how Anthony’s parents were supportive of him. They worshiped as a family and dealt with problems as a family. One of the things I loved was the distinction between homosexual relations outside of marriage and ANY sexual relations outside of marriage. David helped to show Anthony that it wasn’t the ‘homosexual’ part that makes it a sin. It’s the ‘outside of marriage’ part that does.
Any teen that is struggling with their faith and being themselves for whatever reason should read this book. It will help you see you don’t have to give up your faith to be yourself.
Five stars!
This book is wonderful. You can quite literally feel Anthony’s struggle with himself and his Faith, the hurt of how his friends treat him when he comes out. It’s so raw and heartbreaking, I felt all of it as I read. David is a wonderful character. I liked how he used his own struggles to help Anthony. I loved how Anthony’s parents were supportive of him. They worshiped as a family and dealt with problems as a family. One of the things I loved was the distinction between homosexual relations outside of marriage and ANY sexual relations outside of marriage. David helped to show Anthony that it wasn’t the ‘homosexual’ part that makes it a sin. It’s the ‘outside of marriage’ part that does.
Any teen that is struggling with their faith and being themselves for whatever reason should read this book. It will help you see you don’t have to give up your faith to be yourself.
February 18, 2017
I really loved the premise and the main character (yay an asian for once!) but I couldn't really handle all the Jesus talk. Though I do love books where gay characters struggle with their faith but this one was too much. Also I felt that the characters other than MC were not really that interesting.
April 5, 2016
Title: Inclination
Author: Mia Kerick
Publisher: Young Dudes Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-620-64556-0
Buy Link: http://www.cooldudespublishing.com/
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Anthony Duck-Young Del Vecchio is a nice Catholic boy with a very big problem. It’s not the challenge of fitting in as the lone adopted South Korean in a close-knit family of Italian-Americans. Nor is it being the one introverted son in a family jam-packed with gregarious daughters. Anthony’s problem is far more serious—he is the only gay kid in Our Way, his church’s youth group. As a high school junior, Anthony has finally come to accept his sexual orientation, but he struggles to determine if a gay man can live as a faithful Christian. And as he faces his dilemma, there are complications. After confiding his gayness to his intolerant adult youth group leader, he’s asked to find a new organization with which to worship. He’s beaten up in the church parking lot by a fanatical teen. His former best pal bullies him in the locker room. His Catholic friends even stage an intervention to lead him back to the “right path.” Meanwhile, Anthony develops romantic feelings for David Gandy, an emo, out and proud junior at his high school, who seems to have all the answers about how someone can be gay and Christian, too.
Will Anthony be able to balance his family, friends and new feelings for David with his changing beliefs about his faith so he can live a satisfying life and not risk his soul in the process?
Total Score: 50/50
Summary:
As this book unfolded, I was horrified that the people who should have supported and loved him, the church, were the first ones to turn their backs on Anthony. It was despicable how Mrs. Martine, the adult in charge of the Our Way youth group, not only turned on him, but outed him to his family too. This coming of age story allowed the reader to experience all the heartbreak, betrayal, and inner struggle that Anthony to understand how his sexual orientation could coexist with his religious upbringing. Unable to resolve these problems on his own, help came from an unexpected source as David, a student in school and former member of the their youth group, not only befriended Anthony, but opened his eyes to the possibility that there were people out there who to help him. As Anthony struggled with his sexuality versus his faith, it became apparent that the churches inflexible stance did more harm than good adding to his feelings of despair and self loathing. His families determination to stand at his side giving him all the love and support he needed was inspiring. This book should be a must read to all young adults to show them that they are not alone and how to help available if they need it.
Author: Mia Kerick
Publisher: Young Dudes Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-620-64556-0
Buy Link: http://www.cooldudespublishing.com/
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Anthony Duck-Young Del Vecchio is a nice Catholic boy with a very big problem. It’s not the challenge of fitting in as the lone adopted South Korean in a close-knit family of Italian-Americans. Nor is it being the one introverted son in a family jam-packed with gregarious daughters. Anthony’s problem is far more serious—he is the only gay kid in Our Way, his church’s youth group. As a high school junior, Anthony has finally come to accept his sexual orientation, but he struggles to determine if a gay man can live as a faithful Christian. And as he faces his dilemma, there are complications. After confiding his gayness to his intolerant adult youth group leader, he’s asked to find a new organization with which to worship. He’s beaten up in the church parking lot by a fanatical teen. His former best pal bullies him in the locker room. His Catholic friends even stage an intervention to lead him back to the “right path.” Meanwhile, Anthony develops romantic feelings for David Gandy, an emo, out and proud junior at his high school, who seems to have all the answers about how someone can be gay and Christian, too.
Will Anthony be able to balance his family, friends and new feelings for David with his changing beliefs about his faith so he can live a satisfying life and not risk his soul in the process?
Total Score: 50/50
Summary:
As this book unfolded, I was horrified that the people who should have supported and loved him, the church, were the first ones to turn their backs on Anthony. It was despicable how Mrs. Martine, the adult in charge of the Our Way youth group, not only turned on him, but outed him to his family too. This coming of age story allowed the reader to experience all the heartbreak, betrayal, and inner struggle that Anthony to understand how his sexual orientation could coexist with his religious upbringing. Unable to resolve these problems on his own, help came from an unexpected source as David, a student in school and former member of the their youth group, not only befriended Anthony, but opened his eyes to the possibility that there were people out there who to help him. As Anthony struggled with his sexuality versus his faith, it became apparent that the churches inflexible stance did more harm than good adding to his feelings of despair and self loathing. His families determination to stand at his side giving him all the love and support he needed was inspiring. This book should be a must read to all young adults to show them that they are not alone and how to help available if they need it.
June 11, 2015
3.5
I loved this. I, like many people who were raised religious to one extent or another (not much in my case, one of my parents being an atheist) have many issues with it. Religious views on women, homosexuality, abortion and other 'hot' topics that come down to equality can get me into a rage.
But Ms Kerick sold me on it. Tony (who's got an interesting background as an adopted son of a Italian-American family but is originally from South Korea and feels very much a part of his family because his parents are pretty much perfect)is a rule follower, the kind of boy who doesn't like to stand out or stand up. He is Catholic and he's let his relationship with God through the Church define his whole identity... till he can't anymore because Tony is gay and there's very little he can do about it, but how can he practice his faith honestly if it means renouncing who he is? Most people would struggle and then drop the ball on one or the other, but Kerick refuses to take an easy out and instead has us follow Tony through a rollercoster both emotional and intellectual as love for Christ and samesex attraction battle it out.
I love the supporting cast, the love interest, the families. I don't think organized religion is great, since, like Kerick herself explains, it demands an impossible standard of perfection from its followers and the reward for failing to meet those standards is an almost unthinkable amount of guilt. For Tony the guilt is worse than any other consequence his feelings and actions bring, his belief that he is betraying the God he loves and worships an almost unbearable pain. But I found something comforting in Tony's obsessive behaviour and devoted love: the idea that you are never alone and always beloved is a hard one to give up on and that is probably the reason religion endures like it does even as science keeps poking holes into it.
Kerick is not the type of author whose writing I feel like copying out in hopes I will absorb some of the skill but she's damn near impossible to put down and she doesn't back down from hard truths and difficult topics. I appreciate the alternative approach taken to bullying here where the attacker's actions are understood in context and penance can be offered instead of simply compensation.
I loved this. I, like many people who were raised religious to one extent or another (not much in my case, one of my parents being an atheist) have many issues with it. Religious views on women, homosexuality, abortion and other 'hot' topics that come down to equality can get me into a rage.
But Ms Kerick sold me on it. Tony (who's got an interesting background as an adopted son of a Italian-American family but is originally from South Korea and feels very much a part of his family because his parents are pretty much perfect)is a rule follower, the kind of boy who doesn't like to stand out or stand up. He is Catholic and he's let his relationship with God through the Church define his whole identity... till he can't anymore because Tony is gay and there's very little he can do about it, but how can he practice his faith honestly if it means renouncing who he is? Most people would struggle and then drop the ball on one or the other, but Kerick refuses to take an easy out and instead has us follow Tony through a rollercoster both emotional and intellectual as love for Christ and samesex attraction battle it out.
I love the supporting cast, the love interest, the families. I don't think organized religion is great, since, like Kerick herself explains, it demands an impossible standard of perfection from its followers and the reward for failing to meet those standards is an almost unthinkable amount of guilt. For Tony the guilt is worse than any other consequence his feelings and actions bring, his belief that he is betraying the God he loves and worships an almost unbearable pain. But I found something comforting in Tony's obsessive behaviour and devoted love: the idea that you are never alone and always beloved is a hard one to give up on and that is probably the reason religion endures like it does even as science keeps poking holes into it.
Kerick is not the type of author whose writing I feel like copying out in hopes I will absorb some of the skill but she's damn near impossible to put down and she doesn't back down from hard truths and difficult topics. I appreciate the alternative approach taken to bullying here where the attacker's actions are understood in context and penance can be offered instead of simply compensation.
March 28, 2015
I picked this up because I loved the premise--a teenager learning to embrace both his sexuality and his faith. I really like reading about lgbtq people of faith. I was also excited to see that it had two other things I love: Boston and Italian families, both things that are familiar to me.
At first, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the main character right away. There were so many great facets, and the story dives right into his intense feelings of insecurity and anxiety. These are relatable for teens in a lot of ways.
Unfortunately, I ended up being disappointed. The story is very black-and-white: there are clear "bad guys" and "good guys," and clear lines about what "sin" is. I was frustrated so often with Anthony's friend/love interest, David, because despite being one of the supposed "good guys," he was even more self-righteous than the obviously bigoted Catholic kids. He was incredibly preachy, and a lot of his scenes were hard to read because they came off as moralizing rather than empathetic.
I was also frustrated by the constant theme of "sex is bad outside marriage" and a lot of heteronormativity, including the expectation (rather than the option) of marriage and family. I was so disappointed in the way the intimacy between the two boys was explored. Again, it only talked about one single view on sexual expression, and it sometimes read like an ad for abstinence.
I think there were some great themes in there--like bullying and forgiveness--but the message about sex outside marriage was actually far louder and spoiled a lot of the enjoyment for me. I really would have liked instead for more on the gay-bashing incident and the fallout from that. I think that was probably the place where I saw the best examples of what being a person of faith and being gay meant.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
3 stars
Amy
At first, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the main character right away. There were so many great facets, and the story dives right into his intense feelings of insecurity and anxiety. These are relatable for teens in a lot of ways.
Unfortunately, I ended up being disappointed. The story is very black-and-white: there are clear "bad guys" and "good guys," and clear lines about what "sin" is. I was frustrated so often with Anthony's friend/love interest, David, because despite being one of the supposed "good guys," he was even more self-righteous than the obviously bigoted Catholic kids. He was incredibly preachy, and a lot of his scenes were hard to read because they came off as moralizing rather than empathetic.
I was also frustrated by the constant theme of "sex is bad outside marriage" and a lot of heteronormativity, including the expectation (rather than the option) of marriage and family. I was so disappointed in the way the intimacy between the two boys was explored. Again, it only talked about one single view on sexual expression, and it sometimes read like an ad for abstinence.
I think there were some great themes in there--like bullying and forgiveness--but the message about sex outside marriage was actually far louder and spoiled a lot of the enjoyment for me. I really would have liked instead for more on the gay-bashing incident and the fallout from that. I think that was probably the place where I saw the best examples of what being a person of faith and being gay meant.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
3 stars
Amy
August 20, 2016
I picked this up because I loved the premise–a teenager learning to embrace both his sexuality and his faith. I really like reading about lgbtq people of faith. I was also excited to see that it had two other things I love: Boston and Italian families, both things that are familiar to me.
At first, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the main character right away. There were so many great facets, and the story dives right into his intense feelings of insecurity and anxiety. These are relatable for teens in a lot of ways.
Unfortunately, I ended up being disappointed. The story is very black-and-white: there are clear “bad guys” and “good guys,” and clear lines about what “sin” is. I was frustrated so often with Anthony’s friend/love interest, David, because despite being one of the supposed “good guys,” he was even more self-righteous than the obviously bigoted Catholic kids. He was incredibly preachy, and a lot of his scenes were hard to read because they came off as moralizing rather than empathetic.
I was also frustrated by the constant theme of “sex is bad outside marriage” and a lot of heteronormativity, including the expectation (rather than the option) of marriage and family. I was so disappointed in the way the intimacy between the two boys was explored. Again, it only talked about one single view on sexual expression, and it sometimes read like an ad for abstinence.
I think there were some great themes in there–like bullying and forgiveness–but the message about sex outside marriage was actually far louder and spoiled a lot of the enjoyment for me. I really would have liked instead for more on the gay-bashing incident and the fallout from that. I think that was probably the place where I saw the best examples of what being a person of faith and being gay meant.
At first, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the main character right away. There were so many great facets, and the story dives right into his intense feelings of insecurity and anxiety. These are relatable for teens in a lot of ways.
Unfortunately, I ended up being disappointed. The story is very black-and-white: there are clear “bad guys” and “good guys,” and clear lines about what “sin” is. I was frustrated so often with Anthony’s friend/love interest, David, because despite being one of the supposed “good guys,” he was even more self-righteous than the obviously bigoted Catholic kids. He was incredibly preachy, and a lot of his scenes were hard to read because they came off as moralizing rather than empathetic.
I was also frustrated by the constant theme of “sex is bad outside marriage” and a lot of heteronormativity, including the expectation (rather than the option) of marriage and family. I was so disappointed in the way the intimacy between the two boys was explored. Again, it only talked about one single view on sexual expression, and it sometimes read like an ad for abstinence.
I think there were some great themes in there–like bullying and forgiveness–but the message about sex outside marriage was actually far louder and spoiled a lot of the enjoyment for me. I really would have liked instead for more on the gay-bashing incident and the fallout from that. I think that was probably the place where I saw the best examples of what being a person of faith and being gay meant.
March 27, 2016
I’m always interested in novels that explore the theme of stretching faith to include sexual acceptance. "Inclination" gives us Anthony, a teenager who struggles to reconcile his newly confirmed sexual orientation with the loss of his lifelong membership in a Catholic parish. He has a genuinely loving relationship with the God of his understanding. Another devout young man helps him accept himself and explore a deeper, more personal aspect of faith that goes beyond rules. Unlike Anthony, I absolutely do not believe sex before marriage is “hurting Jesus." However, I adamantly agree with Merrick's point that truly loving, faithful Christians are responsible for doing much MORE than following rules.
November 20, 2016
Gros coup de coeur. Etant une fervente catholique, je me suis retrouvée dans les doutes les angoisses qu'éprouvait Anthony. Nous devons jamais oublier l'essentiel:
1-nous sommes tous enfants de Dieu
2- Jesus nous aime.
Merci pour cette merveille
1-nous sommes tous enfants de Dieu
2- Jesus nous aime.
Merci pour cette merveille
December 14, 2015
Inclination by Mia Kerick: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
April 11, 2017
This is such an interesting look at gays and religion. It is a much more in-depth view than most stories give, as it delves into actual Bible passages and interprets them. Perfect for young people (and their parents and laymen) searching for answers.
Your heart will go out to David and Duck-Young as they struggle with their place in their church and their acceptance of being gay. High school isn't for the faint of heart and neither is a Catholic youth group.
Hopefully our nation and world is moving to be more accepting so we never have to wonder 'Do you think this really happens?'
Your heart will go out to David and Duck-Young as they struggle with their place in their church and their acceptance of being gay. High school isn't for the faint of heart and neither is a Catholic youth group.
Hopefully our nation and world is moving to be more accepting so we never have to wonder 'Do you think this really happens?'
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