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A Southern Thing #2
Sending Jack Off To Jesus
5 hrs 14 mins
Jack Miller has more than he could ask for with Andrew as his boyfriend, but it's being taken away from him and there isn't anything he can do. His father knows he's gay, and his mother wants him to have sex with a girl to make sure he's not mistaken.
Andrew Collins has found the perfect home in foster care with Cole and Melinda Kemp, but it won't last. The DA thinks his parents have proven they've changed, but Andrew doesn't believe the change will last.
Just when Jack and Andrew think it can't get any worse, it does. Jack's father sends him to New Life Christian Camp, a program that promises to pray the gay away. But Andrew has it worse than Jack as Andrew's father takes out his anger on him, leaving Andrew near death.
Both Jack and Andrew are lost to each other, their lives in tatters all because their parents wanted to pray the gay away.
Warning: This book contains graphic details, including abuse by physical abuse by adults.
Jack Miller has more than he could ask for with Andrew as his boyfriend, but it's being taken away from him and there isn't anything he can do. His father knows he's gay, and his mother wants him to have sex with a girl to make sure he's not mistaken.
Andrew Collins has found the perfect home in foster care with Cole and Melinda Kemp, but it won't last. The DA thinks his parents have proven they've changed, but Andrew doesn't believe the change will last.
Just when Jack and Andrew think it can't get any worse, it does. Jack's father sends him to New Life Christian Camp, a program that promises to pray the gay away. But Andrew has it worse than Jack as Andrew's father takes out his anger on him, leaving Andrew near death.
Both Jack and Andrew are lost to each other, their lives in tatters all because their parents wanted to pray the gay away.
Warning: This book contains graphic details, including abuse by physical abuse by adults.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 24, 2014
32 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Sara York
153 books567 followersSara York, the author of Colorado Wild, twists words together to create worlds where characters make good and bad decisions that don't always work out so well. Romance and books have been a part of Sara York's life since learning to read. Sara York is a trans-male author writing gay romance. Coming out is the best decision Sara York has made. Live your life out loud. Sara York encourages you to be yourself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 28, 2014
In 'Sending Jack Off to Jesus' by Sara York, the story picks up where the first book ended with Jack and Andrew still in the almost unbearable position of having to hide their love in order to keep each other safe. Jack and Andrew are determined to stay together no matter what anyone else thinks. In their hearts, they know that a love like theirs can't be wrong. The sin in this situation is not what the boys are doing, but with their parents who are failing miserably in their role as caregivers. Raising a child is not just providing them with material things, but, also, with love and compassion. If anyone is going to be condemned for their sins, it will be the parents.
When Jack's father finds out he's gay, he beats him severely. His bruises and cuts raise the eyebrows of people around him, but Jack tells no one the true story, nor will he give up Andrew. Jack is too afraid of what his father, and Andrew's parents, will do if they find out. When physical punishment and verbal abuse don’t work, Nathaniel takes even more drastic measures by enrolling Jack in a rehabilitation camp in order to force him to be straight. When Jack's father tells him where he's going, he's scared, but agrees to go since his father is blackmailing him with harming his little brother, Billy, if he doesn't. As bad as he thinks the camp might be, it's even worse. When Jack's mother finally realizes how much danger he's in, she goes to get him, but by that time, a lot of damage has been done. Jack will never be the same, no longer the innocent young man he was before. To make matters worse, no one knows where Andrew and his family have gone. Jack knows that Andrew would not just disappear and sets out to find him, with little luck.
It breaks Andrew's heart to have to leave his foster home and be forced to go back to his parents’ house, but things go better than expected, that is, until he comes home early one morning from a tryst with Jack. The next thing he's aware of is waking up in a hospital after being severely injured and left for dead. Andrew won't tell anyone at the hospital who he really is because he's afraid they will contact his parents. Andrew runs away as soon as he can and begins an exceedingly dark time in his life. Trying to stay alive, Andrew does things which he deeply regrets and it eats away at him. He doesn't think anyone cares about him and is afraid to trust a soul. Thinking Jack is lost to him and that he'd never want him back now, he contemplates suicide. Andrew's self-esteem, which wasn't great to begin with, is at an all-time low. Andrew is confused, and barely functioning, but before he dies, he wants closure and heads back to the only place he can get it—the town of Sweet.
This installment of the series is the hardest to read so far. I'm emotionally invested in Jack and Andrew and want them to succeed. Love like that deserves to be rewarded, not punished. It breaks my heart to know that, even though this is a fabrication, there are young people all over our country who are in similar situations. As a mother, I can't fathom it. Those of you who are fans of the series already, have to read this, but first, brace yourself because it will invoke a great deal of emotion, positive and negative. Those of you who haven't read the series are missing a painful, but important lesson in unconditional love and lack of it. I recommend this story to everyone who wants to be aware of the consequences when uncaring parents value other people's opinions over their children's happiness and who stubbornly cling to narrow-mindedness even though it can lead to disastrous consequences. Thanks, Sara, for continuing Jack and Andrew's story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When Jack's father finds out he's gay, he beats him severely. His bruises and cuts raise the eyebrows of people around him, but Jack tells no one the true story, nor will he give up Andrew. Jack is too afraid of what his father, and Andrew's parents, will do if they find out. When physical punishment and verbal abuse don’t work, Nathaniel takes even more drastic measures by enrolling Jack in a rehabilitation camp in order to force him to be straight. When Jack's father tells him where he's going, he's scared, but agrees to go since his father is blackmailing him with harming his little brother, Billy, if he doesn't. As bad as he thinks the camp might be, it's even worse. When Jack's mother finally realizes how much danger he's in, she goes to get him, but by that time, a lot of damage has been done. Jack will never be the same, no longer the innocent young man he was before. To make matters worse, no one knows where Andrew and his family have gone. Jack knows that Andrew would not just disappear and sets out to find him, with little luck.
It breaks Andrew's heart to have to leave his foster home and be forced to go back to his parents’ house, but things go better than expected, that is, until he comes home early one morning from a tryst with Jack. The next thing he's aware of is waking up in a hospital after being severely injured and left for dead. Andrew won't tell anyone at the hospital who he really is because he's afraid they will contact his parents. Andrew runs away as soon as he can and begins an exceedingly dark time in his life. Trying to stay alive, Andrew does things which he deeply regrets and it eats away at him. He doesn't think anyone cares about him and is afraid to trust a soul. Thinking Jack is lost to him and that he'd never want him back now, he contemplates suicide. Andrew's self-esteem, which wasn't great to begin with, is at an all-time low. Andrew is confused, and barely functioning, but before he dies, he wants closure and heads back to the only place he can get it—the town of Sweet.
This installment of the series is the hardest to read so far. I'm emotionally invested in Jack and Andrew and want them to succeed. Love like that deserves to be rewarded, not punished. It breaks my heart to know that, even though this is a fabrication, there are young people all over our country who are in similar situations. As a mother, I can't fathom it. Those of you who are fans of the series already, have to read this, but first, brace yourself because it will invoke a great deal of emotion, positive and negative. Those of you who haven't read the series are missing a painful, but important lesson in unconditional love and lack of it. I recommend this story to everyone who wants to be aware of the consequences when uncaring parents value other people's opinions over their children's happiness and who stubbornly cling to narrow-mindedness even though it can lead to disastrous consequences. Thanks, Sara, for continuing Jack and Andrew's story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 1, 2018
This is the second part of a 3 book series. Not a Standalone. And you really need all three books to get the entire, hard to hear, heartbreaking love story of these two Boys, because this book once again is basically a second cliffhanger.
The story is based in a small southern conservative Religious town, with a bunch of Bigots and homophobes, who do everything they can including abuse, to tear these two boys apart. This specific book also contains details of conversion therapy which is really hard to hear/read, knowing that this kind of horrific treatment did/does happen in real life. *This book will make your heart hurt and ache for them*
Jack and Andrew fell in love each other, they are both recently 18 with very religious families. All they want to do is finish school so they can get away and be together. The main flaw in their plan is Jack's youngest brother 8yo Billy, who is very obviously gay as well. Jack is worried that any wrong move he makes will have horrible consequences for Billy, so he is willing to do anything; including going to conversion therapy camp to help avoid his innocent little brother being hurt instead. *Enter heartbreak* Andrew has his own issues with his family he has to deal with while Jack is gone. Jacks mom finally realizes their mistake in sending Jack away to camp, but is it too late for Jack and Andrew..... Both of these boys show such strength in character in this book, just doing what they need to in order to get through it all, while still trying to protect the ones they care about as well.
Audio - Jason is doing a wonderful job with the narration of this series. Although the content was sometimes hard to listen to. He really pulls off the narration for this one making sure his tone, and emotions in his voice was set correctly for each scene and character, and meshed well with how you can tell they all felt during this book.
The story is based in a small southern conservative Religious town, with a bunch of Bigots and homophobes, who do everything they can including abuse, to tear these two boys apart. This specific book also contains details of conversion therapy which is really hard to hear/read, knowing that this kind of horrific treatment did/does happen in real life. *This book will make your heart hurt and ache for them*
Jack and Andrew fell in love each other, they are both recently 18 with very religious families. All they want to do is finish school so they can get away and be together. The main flaw in their plan is Jack's youngest brother 8yo Billy, who is very obviously gay as well. Jack is worried that any wrong move he makes will have horrible consequences for Billy, so he is willing to do anything; including going to conversion therapy camp to help avoid his innocent little brother being hurt instead. *Enter heartbreak* Andrew has his own issues with his family he has to deal with while Jack is gone. Jacks mom finally realizes their mistake in sending Jack away to camp, but is it too late for Jack and Andrew..... Both of these boys show such strength in character in this book, just doing what they need to in order to get through it all, while still trying to protect the ones they care about as well.
Audio - Jason is doing a wonderful job with the narration of this series. Although the content was sometimes hard to listen to. He really pulls off the narration for this one making sure his tone, and emotions in his voice was set correctly for each scene and character, and meshed well with how you can tell they all felt during this book.
April 1, 2014
OMG-Could I have needed more Kleenex. This is second book in Sara York's Southern Thing Series and the continuation of Jack and Andrew's love story. What can I say about this book except that the reality of this situation will slap you in the face. This book picks up where Jack's preacher father has found out he is gay and my God he is not happy about it. The abuse Jack suffers physically is horrible but the emotional pain will leave you heart broken. Andrew is finally getting a little healthier when he has to go back home. Both sets of parents are constantly there and a minute alone feels like a century for these two lovers. Both young men are forced to have faith in their love for each other as bad becomes unbearable in their family life. Jack is sent to a camp to become straight where all they really do is torture you and Andrew is just left for dead after his parents best him to a pulp. The thing that hit home for me is places like the camp Jack is sent do really exist and the ignorance of people believing these place work is so unbelievably sad. I cried and cried at the realization of this. I found my self cheering for Jack just saying "hold on cause Andrew is waiting you can do it. Just survive." I was so emotionally invested in this brilliant story. You can't help it. Sara York is amazing and this story is realistic and beautiful. You don't want to miss this series people. Get it.
September 28, 2018
This series keeps getting better and better. This is a mm contemporary story. Jack and Andrew’s world gets harder in a homophobic small town. Off to read book 3
January 10, 2016
OMG!!!! I mean...I mean… like... WOW …erm… WTF!...erm…HOLY CRAP…OMG!!!!
As I said in my review of the first book, Pray The Gay Away, if religion and homosexualtily is an explosive combination then the first book is only the incendiary device which detonates with an almighty bang in the second book!!! I have just been put through an emotional hell and back! I have run a gamut of indescribable feelings. Sara York packs a punch with this second book and does not shy away from the horrors of being gay in a strictly religious environment.
Despite all Jack’s and Andrew’s attempts at pretending to be normal outwardly, which is a word I hate in the first place as being gay is not abnormal unless your attitudes don’t allow you to think any differently, things just seem to go from bad to worse for the boys. This book was just beautiful but heart-breaking. I broke down in tears as Andrew had to leave his foster parents and go back to his biological parents. These people were so good to and for Andrew he first came to feel how loving adults can make a difference to n your life.
The situation begins to heat up with Jack too, culminating in his father, Nathaniel, sending him off to one of these reparative therapy camps to make you “ungay.” What a living hell hole!!! I just can’t believe that such places exist (I know they do in the US) and Jack lets himself be put in such a situation on order to protect Billy. This boy has more guts than any man I know. When I heard about what went on there, it was like listening to a medieval torture camp at its worst. It makes Guantanamo Bay sound like a 4 star holiday camp!! I can’t even believe these places are allowed to legally exist! OK, maybe for the sake of a good story and drama Jack’s experience might belong to the more extreme camps! But seriously?? Everyone should know that being gay is not a choice, it’s not an illness and it is most definitely not a mortal sin by any man’s standards. I wept and cried a river for both boys!
At least before they were separated they stole one fantastic, romantic and beautiful night together, both flying in the face of imminent danger if caught. I felt so sad for them, knowing they were about to be separated and hanging on to the forevers that they have promised each other. The one thing that keeps them strong for each other. Out of most desolate circumstances the strongest bonds of love can be forged. A greater love hath no man. This is Jack and Andrew. They were made to be together.
Well, unfortunately Andrew did get caught by his parents when he got back sneaking into the house. What his parents did to him was beyond words! You’ll have to listen to or read the book as I’m not going into that here.
Despite all these horrible things going on there are moments of light, first a small spark, then a flame which matures into a raging inferno. Her name is Diane! Oh my, never underestimate the love of a mother for her children. I know this is not always the case and it wasn’t in Andrew’s, but Jack’s mother, Diane, sees through the religious bullshit with the help and support of friends and her love for Jack leads her to having to make some very tough decisions. I said in my first review that I assessed her as a formidable woman. Well now she has my greatest respect. I take my hat off to her. A real lioness protecting her cubs at all costs which means dumping her husband, fleeing with the children and going to rescue Jack. When she does I was left inconsolable, crying buckets about the strength this woman displayed. The scene when she finds Jack just had me weeping.
However, the lies from Nathaniel still don’t stop and this leads Andrew on to a path of despair and destruction. The man is pure evil even though he calls himself a Pastor??? And he justifies his actions all in the name of religious freedom and everything being a sin in the eyes of God. Now I know why the church and the state are separated because when it comes to religious fanaticism then there will never be any compassion, understanding, peace, love and equality. Only the love that is deemed to conform. We would never have evolved out of the mediaeval age in Europe. I’m not saying that all religion is like this, of course not, I respect anyone one who has a belief. But in its most extreme and bigoted form it is a dangerous thing!
Sara York doesn’t shy away from anything in this book. The hypocrisy of religious fanaticism, the double standards of liars who profess to doing everything in the name of God’s Will. Yes, this whole explosive cocktail that just went up with an almighty boom in the speakers of my car was handled masterfully with no watering down of the hard core facts. A book that punched me in the gut and made me realise there is still so much work to do until these attitudes are completely eradicated, peacefully of course. I have never bought the next book in a series in Audible so fast in my life. There had better be a happy ending to all of this. So make sure you check out my review of the third and final book in Jack and Andrew’s story.
Narration
So with everything going on this would not have been half the emotional listening experience it was without the voice of Jason Frasier. Despite everything I said in my first review I felt his narration of this second book goes into overdrive. It seems to pick up, keeps the listener riveted to the story. After the book was finished I never pressed the icon on my iPhone to buy the next book as fast in my life as I did for this one.
Everything is cranked up a notch. The emotion, the anger, the loving, the longing expressed in the words are given life and lifted off the page. Jack and Andrew’s love making, beautifully narrated. All the stages of Diane’s moods until she breaks down and then stands up and fights were exquisitely voiced. And Billy, oh dear, brave little Billy, absolutely wonderful narration.
As I said in my review of the first book, Pray The Gay Away, if religion and homosexualtily is an explosive combination then the first book is only the incendiary device which detonates with an almighty bang in the second book!!! I have just been put through an emotional hell and back! I have run a gamut of indescribable feelings. Sara York packs a punch with this second book and does not shy away from the horrors of being gay in a strictly religious environment.
Despite all Jack’s and Andrew’s attempts at pretending to be normal outwardly, which is a word I hate in the first place as being gay is not abnormal unless your attitudes don’t allow you to think any differently, things just seem to go from bad to worse for the boys. This book was just beautiful but heart-breaking. I broke down in tears as Andrew had to leave his foster parents and go back to his biological parents. These people were so good to and for Andrew he first came to feel how loving adults can make a difference to n your life.
The situation begins to heat up with Jack too, culminating in his father, Nathaniel, sending him off to one of these reparative therapy camps to make you “ungay.” What a living hell hole!!! I just can’t believe that such places exist (I know they do in the US) and Jack lets himself be put in such a situation on order to protect Billy. This boy has more guts than any man I know. When I heard about what went on there, it was like listening to a medieval torture camp at its worst. It makes Guantanamo Bay sound like a 4 star holiday camp!! I can’t even believe these places are allowed to legally exist! OK, maybe for the sake of a good story and drama Jack’s experience might belong to the more extreme camps! But seriously?? Everyone should know that being gay is not a choice, it’s not an illness and it is most definitely not a mortal sin by any man’s standards. I wept and cried a river for both boys!
At least before they were separated they stole one fantastic, romantic and beautiful night together, both flying in the face of imminent danger if caught. I felt so sad for them, knowing they were about to be separated and hanging on to the forevers that they have promised each other. The one thing that keeps them strong for each other. Out of most desolate circumstances the strongest bonds of love can be forged. A greater love hath no man. This is Jack and Andrew. They were made to be together.
Well, unfortunately Andrew did get caught by his parents when he got back sneaking into the house. What his parents did to him was beyond words! You’ll have to listen to or read the book as I’m not going into that here.
Despite all these horrible things going on there are moments of light, first a small spark, then a flame which matures into a raging inferno. Her name is Diane! Oh my, never underestimate the love of a mother for her children. I know this is not always the case and it wasn’t in Andrew’s, but Jack’s mother, Diane, sees through the religious bullshit with the help and support of friends and her love for Jack leads her to having to make some very tough decisions. I said in my first review that I assessed her as a formidable woman. Well now she has my greatest respect. I take my hat off to her. A real lioness protecting her cubs at all costs which means dumping her husband, fleeing with the children and going to rescue Jack. When she does I was left inconsolable, crying buckets about the strength this woman displayed. The scene when she finds Jack just had me weeping.
However, the lies from Nathaniel still don’t stop and this leads Andrew on to a path of despair and destruction. The man is pure evil even though he calls himself a Pastor??? And he justifies his actions all in the name of religious freedom and everything being a sin in the eyes of God. Now I know why the church and the state are separated because when it comes to religious fanaticism then there will never be any compassion, understanding, peace, love and equality. Only the love that is deemed to conform. We would never have evolved out of the mediaeval age in Europe. I’m not saying that all religion is like this, of course not, I respect anyone one who has a belief. But in its most extreme and bigoted form it is a dangerous thing!
Sara York doesn’t shy away from anything in this book. The hypocrisy of religious fanaticism, the double standards of liars who profess to doing everything in the name of God’s Will. Yes, this whole explosive cocktail that just went up with an almighty boom in the speakers of my car was handled masterfully with no watering down of the hard core facts. A book that punched me in the gut and made me realise there is still so much work to do until these attitudes are completely eradicated, peacefully of course. I have never bought the next book in a series in Audible so fast in my life. There had better be a happy ending to all of this. So make sure you check out my review of the third and final book in Jack and Andrew’s story.
Narration
So with everything going on this would not have been half the emotional listening experience it was without the voice of Jason Frasier. Despite everything I said in my first review I felt his narration of this second book goes into overdrive. It seems to pick up, keeps the listener riveted to the story. After the book was finished I never pressed the icon on my iPhone to buy the next book as fast in my life as I did for this one.
Everything is cranked up a notch. The emotion, the anger, the loving, the longing expressed in the words are given life and lifted off the page. Jack and Andrew’s love making, beautifully narrated. All the stages of Diane’s moods until she breaks down and then stands up and fights were exquisitely voiced. And Billy, oh dear, brave little Billy, absolutely wonderful narration.
April 19, 2022
Picking up exactly where Pray the Gay Away leaves off, Jack and Andrew's romance really takes off. Unfortunately, once the ball starts rolling, there's no stopping it.
Jason Frazier delivers a beautiful performance! The variety of voices he comes up with for the boys and their peers, the younger siblings, and the wide range of adults is amazing. And he adds so much emotion to this heartbreaking tale. It's a truly lovely experience.
Word to the wise though, don't start this series unless you've got them all loaded up and ready to go.
Jason Frazier delivers a beautiful performance! The variety of voices he comes up with for the boys and their peers, the younger siblings, and the wide range of adults is amazing. And he adds so much emotion to this heartbreaking tale. It's a truly lovely experience.
Word to the wise though, don't start this series unless you've got them all loaded up and ready to go.
March 13, 2022
This series keeps getting better and better. This is a mm contemporary story. Jack and Andrew’s world gets harder in a homophobic small town. Off to read book 3
August 27, 2014
Jack Miller and Andrew Collins thought they had a future together until life through them such a curveball that neither can see beyond their own pain.
Jack is determined to finish high school, get hat football scholarship and get the heck out of town with Andrew by his side. But when his father decides that praying the gay away won’t work and instead decides to send him to a Gay conversion camp, well things just go from bad to worse. Can Jack find a way to get back to Andrew and heal his shattered spirit?
Andrew finds that life back home with his abusive parents is just as hard as ever. When he is left for dead after a vicious beating by his parents, can Andrew find a way to survive in order to be with Jack again?
Two souls longing for one another, two lives torn asunder. Can Jack and Andrew survive what they are dealt with in order to be together once and for all?
Author Sara York continues her saga of Jack and Andrew’s story and this time things get dangerous for them both. SENDING JACK OFF TO JESUS is a powerful continuation of their story that will leave you at turns horrified and emotional. With book one, Pray the Gay Away, you get introduced to Jack, Andrew and the residents of the tiny town of Sweet, Georgia. From the very first page, I was enamored with Jack and Andrew’s stories, rooting for them to overcome the prejudices of that tiny town and their families to get their own happily ever after. Except for these two to get there they need to cross some very dangerous things. From gay conversion camp that borders on torture to parental abuse so awful it made my heart clench in fear for the characters while I longed to smack some sense into them in the process. I have to caution you that this is a heart wrenching story and the trilogy should be read in order as the second and third books continue where the last one left off.
When Jack and Andrew met it was like lightning hit, friendship bloomed into love and for these two people, and life is changing even as they sleep. Jack has tried to be the perfect son, the best big brother and make his family proud. What he can’t do is deny who he is anymore and that is a gay man. Meeting Andrew leaves him breathless and when he falls in love with him, well let’s just say their sparks fly fast and furious. Andrew is an out gay man but living in this small town has left him reeling. Abused by their parents, both men have to stay strong when events conspire to destroy them completely. I have to admit, these two characters just tug on my heart. Both are wounded by the people who should be supporting them the most- emotionally, mentally and even physically. All through this second book I was torn into pieces as both Andrew and Jack find themselves in situations that a lesser man would die from. Their inner strength comes through the flames and I was rooting all through this story for them to get back to one another. The secondary characters have left me wanting to either hug them in gratitude for their kindness to these two young men to out right murder.
Ms. York doesn’t pull any punches in her second installment in the Southern Thing Trilogy and if you are expecting a happy ever after are doomed to disappointment. This is a brutal no holds barred story that showcases the extent that some may go to make sure their children are not gay. There are no hand holdings with those scenes. They are brutally honest and I, for one, am appalled to find that some places like these conversion camps are still in business. I cried and had my heart torn out a lot while reading this book and I, for one, am in awe of this author’s research into gay conversion camps, starvation and more. SENDING JACK OFF TO JESUS is an emotional heart wrenching story and the ending will leave you with tears in your eyes. If you are looking for a strong, powerful story that continues to stay in your head and heart long after the book is done then you need to read A Southern Thing Trilogy. I caution you to make sure to have tissues on hand because you will cry, you will rail against the bigots and you will feel like your heart is breaking for these two wonderful characters. This alone is the testament of this author’s storytelling and in that I salute Sara York for a phenomenal story that needed to be told and I look forward to reading the final installment of this amazing series soon.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement
Jack is determined to finish high school, get hat football scholarship and get the heck out of town with Andrew by his side. But when his father decides that praying the gay away won’t work and instead decides to send him to a Gay conversion camp, well things just go from bad to worse. Can Jack find a way to get back to Andrew and heal his shattered spirit?
Andrew finds that life back home with his abusive parents is just as hard as ever. When he is left for dead after a vicious beating by his parents, can Andrew find a way to survive in order to be with Jack again?
Two souls longing for one another, two lives torn asunder. Can Jack and Andrew survive what they are dealt with in order to be together once and for all?
Author Sara York continues her saga of Jack and Andrew’s story and this time things get dangerous for them both. SENDING JACK OFF TO JESUS is a powerful continuation of their story that will leave you at turns horrified and emotional. With book one, Pray the Gay Away, you get introduced to Jack, Andrew and the residents of the tiny town of Sweet, Georgia. From the very first page, I was enamored with Jack and Andrew’s stories, rooting for them to overcome the prejudices of that tiny town and their families to get their own happily ever after. Except for these two to get there they need to cross some very dangerous things. From gay conversion camp that borders on torture to parental abuse so awful it made my heart clench in fear for the characters while I longed to smack some sense into them in the process. I have to caution you that this is a heart wrenching story and the trilogy should be read in order as the second and third books continue where the last one left off.
When Jack and Andrew met it was like lightning hit, friendship bloomed into love and for these two people, and life is changing even as they sleep. Jack has tried to be the perfect son, the best big brother and make his family proud. What he can’t do is deny who he is anymore and that is a gay man. Meeting Andrew leaves him breathless and when he falls in love with him, well let’s just say their sparks fly fast and furious. Andrew is an out gay man but living in this small town has left him reeling. Abused by their parents, both men have to stay strong when events conspire to destroy them completely. I have to admit, these two characters just tug on my heart. Both are wounded by the people who should be supporting them the most- emotionally, mentally and even physically. All through this second book I was torn into pieces as both Andrew and Jack find themselves in situations that a lesser man would die from. Their inner strength comes through the flames and I was rooting all through this story for them to get back to one another. The secondary characters have left me wanting to either hug them in gratitude for their kindness to these two young men to out right murder.
Ms. York doesn’t pull any punches in her second installment in the Southern Thing Trilogy and if you are expecting a happy ever after are doomed to disappointment. This is a brutal no holds barred story that showcases the extent that some may go to make sure their children are not gay. There are no hand holdings with those scenes. They are brutally honest and I, for one, am appalled to find that some places like these conversion camps are still in business. I cried and had my heart torn out a lot while reading this book and I, for one, am in awe of this author’s research into gay conversion camps, starvation and more. SENDING JACK OFF TO JESUS is an emotional heart wrenching story and the ending will leave you with tears in your eyes. If you are looking for a strong, powerful story that continues to stay in your head and heart long after the book is done then you need to read A Southern Thing Trilogy. I caution you to make sure to have tissues on hand because you will cry, you will rail against the bigots and you will feel like your heart is breaking for these two wonderful characters. This alone is the testament of this author’s storytelling and in that I salute Sara York for a phenomenal story that needed to be told and I look forward to reading the final installment of this amazing series soon.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement
July 14, 2014
Fyi, this is primarily listed as an LGBT love story, but it is so much more. This story also isn't a stand alone. You have to read all three books to get the ENTIRE story, so my review is mostly based on all three, since I binge-read them over the weekend. I'll be posting the same review on all three books because they should be read together.
Yes, the story has a love at first sight element, but it carries through beautifully with the true love theme all the way through to the last book. I'm not going to give away spoilers, but it's not a happy-happy book. Be prepared for the reality of abuse, prejudice, and other ugliness. Also, be prepared for the tried in fire kind of true love that we all aspire to having.
The whole 'A Southern Thing' series goes a long way in showing basic ignorance and how it can hurt. It also shows the love and healing that a family can have for one another. I can't say enough good things about this series and highly suggest it. It's very much real and in your face with issues that kids and adults face every day. Unless you want fluff and gratuitous sex... Then read something else.
Yes, the story has a love at first sight element, but it carries through beautifully with the true love theme all the way through to the last book. I'm not going to give away spoilers, but it's not a happy-happy book. Be prepared for the reality of abuse, prejudice, and other ugliness. Also, be prepared for the tried in fire kind of true love that we all aspire to having.
The whole 'A Southern Thing' series goes a long way in showing basic ignorance and how it can hurt. It also shows the love and healing that a family can have for one another. I can't say enough good things about this series and highly suggest it. It's very much real and in your face with issues that kids and adults face every day. Unless you want fluff and gratuitous sex... Then read something else.
November 3, 2014
4 Bad Camp Stars
I went to a lot of summer camps. Church camp. Girl Scout camp. Horseback Riding Camp. One of my kids even went to Fencing Camp. But the summer camp in this book, on the Do Not Recommend List.
Warning: This is the second book in the series. Do not read it without reading the first. It is a continuation of the story.
Jack's dad knows he is gay. His answer is to send him to a camp where they will Un-Gay you. Pretty sure it doesn't work that way.
Andrew's parents also know he is gay. They take a slightly more drastic approach.
Andrew and Jack are separated and must do whatever they need to survive. They do survive, but definitely are not thriving.
This is a hard book to read because you can see how easily this happens to young people. How did those homeless kids get that way? How do they survive day to day? The answer is heartbreaking.
I have to read the third book. NOW. Thank God the whole series is written. I couldn't stand it if I had to wait. Wait like the dishes, the laundry, all those things that are waiting while I read the next one. NOW.
I went to a lot of summer camps. Church camp. Girl Scout camp. Horseback Riding Camp. One of my kids even went to Fencing Camp. But the summer camp in this book, on the Do Not Recommend List.
Warning: This is the second book in the series. Do not read it without reading the first. It is a continuation of the story.
Jack's dad knows he is gay. His answer is to send him to a camp where they will Un-Gay you. Pretty sure it doesn't work that way.
Andrew's parents also know he is gay. They take a slightly more drastic approach.
Andrew and Jack are separated and must do whatever they need to survive. They do survive, but definitely are not thriving.
This is a hard book to read because you can see how easily this happens to young people. How did those homeless kids get that way? How do they survive day to day? The answer is heartbreaking.
I have to read the third book. NOW. Thank God the whole series is written. I couldn't stand it if I had to wait. Wait like the dishes, the laundry, all those things that are waiting while I read the next one. NOW.
January 13, 2015
The story is progressing well, but I hate the idea that this is one book split into many as a ploy to get you to purchase each separately. I'm glad this is free on kindle unlimited, otherwise I would have stopped after the last book. It just feels really manipulative to have the book end in cliffhangers to rope people in. It's no lord of the rings.
April 27, 2016
This book was so hard to read. I just don't understand how parents can be so cruel to their children. It just doesn't compute in my brain. Rushing on to read book 3 with fingers crossed that Jack and Andrew get their happy ending.
July 19, 2016
Sorry, no time for a review... moving on to My Big Fat Southern Gay Wedding... once I get this series finished, I will be back with plenty to say....
June 1, 2014
I loved this story. I can't wait until book three. A MUST READ
August 21, 2015
Still want to beat the shit out of the bastard.....make that both bastards. So glad she came to her senses.
November 13, 2021
Wow, what can I say
I requested this audio, never having read this series before and not reading the blurb.
Sara has written a very emotional book on an even more emotional subject and sold it.
I have to say I cried a lot throughout this book and downloaded book three immediately as I need to know how the story ended. But, unfortunately, you don't get your HEA in book two.
This was the first audio I've listened to by Jason Frazier, but not my last. He did an excellent job, especially with the emotional side. I did speed up Audible to 1.25, which is usual for me.
Sending Jack off to Jesus
A Southern Thing, Book 2
By: Sara York
Narrated by: Jason Frazier
Series: A Southern Thing, Book 2
Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from the author at my request, and my review is my opinion and an honest review.
I requested this audio, never having read this series before and not reading the blurb.
Sara has written a very emotional book on an even more emotional subject and sold it.
I have to say I cried a lot throughout this book and downloaded book three immediately as I need to know how the story ended. But, unfortunately, you don't get your HEA in book two.
This was the first audio I've listened to by Jason Frazier, but not my last. He did an excellent job, especially with the emotional side. I did speed up Audible to 1.25, which is usual for me.
Sending Jack off to Jesus
A Southern Thing, Book 2
By: Sara York
Narrated by: Jason Frazier
Series: A Southern Thing, Book 2
Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.25 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from the author at my request, and my review is my opinion and an honest review.
January 2, 2019
Heartbreaking
Two teenage boys, meet and fall in love. Trying to hide how they feel about each other, living in a small town and both parents preaching that being gay is a sin. Jack is sent to a gay rehabilitation camp. Andrews parents beat him and leave him for dead. Jacks mom is having second thoughts about being able to change Jack. Can she save him in time? Does Andrew make it? Definitely a story that makes you think and realize how gays are treated, some from their own familys.
Two teenage boys, meet and fall in love. Trying to hide how they feel about each other, living in a small town and both parents preaching that being gay is a sin. Jack is sent to a gay rehabilitation camp. Andrews parents beat him and leave him for dead. Jacks mom is having second thoughts about being able to change Jack. Can she save him in time? Does Andrew make it? Definitely a story that makes you think and realize how gays are treated, some from their own familys.
September 21, 2020
The second part of Jack and Andrew’s journey.
This book absolutely wrecked and enraged me. Parents being so mean to their children is something completely unacceptable and I was fuming! Then the tears came…
You may have gotten from my ranting that this is a very emotional book and the themes it tackles are pretty heavy one.
This book does not stand alone as it follows the boys story together which began in book 1.
This book absolutely wrecked and enraged me. Parents being so mean to their children is something completely unacceptable and I was fuming! Then the tears came…
You may have gotten from my ranting that this is a very emotional book and the themes it tackles are pretty heavy one.
This book does not stand alone as it follows the boys story together which began in book 1.
August 15, 2024
What a story of parental abuse! Jack and Andrew's parents' reaction to finding out that the boys are gay is horrible. Jack is sent to a conversion therapy camp, which may as well be a torture chamber, Andrew is beaten and left for dead. Both survive, but neither can forget their time together and try to find their way back. Both believe that the other is dead at some point as they are separated for nearly a year. Learning to reconnect and trust will take some time and a lot of understanding.
May 26, 2020
This book picks up where the first left off. Both boys are so in love but need to hide it. Their parents are the WORST. The treatment these boys get as a result of who they are and who should love and protect them the most is very upsetting.
Jason , narrator, does a wonderful job with all the different character voices especially with the females
Jason , narrator, does a wonderful job with all the different character voices especially with the females
April 20, 2021
This topic is something most people don't want to discuss. But, it does happen. Sara York does a fantastic job with this. Jason does an excellent job with the narration. I have read all of this series, but the audible is fantastic. Sara and Jason are fantastic.
June 23, 2018
4.25 Stars
June 23, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
A friend recommended this but it took me a bit of time to finally pick this series up. Once I did though, all I could do was just read. I expected a really dramatic YA story, something that would leave me with a heavy heart even when the HEA is reached. This is an HEA, but it takes the author until the third book to tell the story of Jack and Andrew.
Jack and Andrew's story, as told in this series, is kind of a fairy tale. It is written lightly, it is easy to read, and although the drama and romance plot sounded heavy on the blurb, it actually was not. This is the main reason why I could not stop reading these three over the past two days. I could not put the books down and I could not be bothered to think of putting them down. This is written in a manner that can grip your attention and you live the lives of the two young men.
As the blurbs of each book implies, it is rough sailing for these two before they finally get to their wedding. It all starts out like a regular YA angst ridden story, of Jack hiding his homosexuality from his bigoted parents and siblings, hiding the homosexuality of his youngest brother who is transgender. He is the eldest of a brood of ten and he is a very responsible young man, a trait of an eldest child really. When he gets assigned to welcome Andrew into their community, the sense of responsibility is extended over to him as well.
Andrew comes from a not-so-sane family. His parents are practically cuckoo and twisted, hiding their abusive tendencies and actions within the pages of the Old Testament Bible. His situation tugs at the heart of Jack and Andrew is confused why a hunky jock like him would befriend him. When he finds out Jack's secret, it was confusing again, but exciting.
As their relationship moves on, and they get found out, the plot twists and the second book opens. This second book, Sending Jack Off To Jesus, is probably the lowest point in both the young men's lives. It drives them to the very hell they were cursed at but not because of their love. They were in their hell because they were placed there by their own parents whose need to insist on their own needs and wants and bigotry overwhelmed their logic. However, thinking back, I don't think they were logical in the first place so they were just plain stupid crazy.
The third book, this is the happy book. This is when the two men rediscover each other and move on with their lives. It reaches its climax in the My Big Fat Southern Gay Wedding scene that, as the author noted, was quite dubious. You need to find out by reading the books to know where that doubt comes from.
All the two boys wanted was to have love and be free about it. Their journey to that happiness was not paved smooth. It was more like a treacherous journey, a path filled with hate and bigotry. Their end of the rainbow is reached and we finally get the HEA.
This series should have been mega epic, it should have been mega dramatic and mega angst ridden. It was not. I thought hard about it and finally reached the conclusion that stories like those of Jack and Andrew may be difficult but it does not need to be told roughly and in a heavy handed manner either. Sara York managed to successfully weave a highly sensitive story and came out with a very light read. I honestly loved this, especially as it showed me things that I refused to see before for fear of being scared. The best part is: the whole series did not even leave any bad taste.
Highly recommended reads.
A friend recommended this but it took me a bit of time to finally pick this series up. Once I did though, all I could do was just read. I expected a really dramatic YA story, something that would leave me with a heavy heart even when the HEA is reached. This is an HEA, but it takes the author until the third book to tell the story of Jack and Andrew.
Jack and Andrew's story, as told in this series, is kind of a fairy tale. It is written lightly, it is easy to read, and although the drama and romance plot sounded heavy on the blurb, it actually was not. This is the main reason why I could not stop reading these three over the past two days. I could not put the books down and I could not be bothered to think of putting them down. This is written in a manner that can grip your attention and you live the lives of the two young men.
As the blurbs of each book implies, it is rough sailing for these two before they finally get to their wedding. It all starts out like a regular YA angst ridden story, of Jack hiding his homosexuality from his bigoted parents and siblings, hiding the homosexuality of his youngest brother who is transgender. He is the eldest of a brood of ten and he is a very responsible young man, a trait of an eldest child really. When he gets assigned to welcome Andrew into their community, the sense of responsibility is extended over to him as well.
Andrew comes from a not-so-sane family. His parents are practically cuckoo and twisted, hiding their abusive tendencies and actions within the pages of the Old Testament Bible. His situation tugs at the heart of Jack and Andrew is confused why a hunky jock like him would befriend him. When he finds out Jack's secret, it was confusing again, but exciting.
As their relationship moves on, and they get found out, the plot twists and the second book opens. This second book, Sending Jack Off To Jesus, is probably the lowest point in both the young men's lives. It drives them to the very hell they were cursed at but not because of their love. They were in their hell because they were placed there by their own parents whose need to insist on their own needs and wants and bigotry overwhelmed their logic. However, thinking back, I don't think they were logical in the first place so they were just plain stupid crazy.
The third book, this is the happy book. This is when the two men rediscover each other and move on with their lives. It reaches its climax in the My Big Fat Southern Gay Wedding scene that, as the author noted, was quite dubious. You need to find out by reading the books to know where that doubt comes from.
All the two boys wanted was to have love and be free about it. Their journey to that happiness was not paved smooth. It was more like a treacherous journey, a path filled with hate and bigotry. Their end of the rainbow is reached and we finally get the HEA.
This series should have been mega epic, it should have been mega dramatic and mega angst ridden. It was not. I thought hard about it and finally reached the conclusion that stories like those of Jack and Andrew may be difficult but it does not need to be told roughly and in a heavy handed manner either. Sara York managed to successfully weave a highly sensitive story and came out with a very light read. I honestly loved this, especially as it showed me things that I refused to see before for fear of being scared. The best part is: the whole series did not even leave any bad taste.
Highly recommended reads.
July 7, 2015
Oddly, this is my favorite book of the 3 thus far. It's disturbing and dark in some places but the strength of character that both Jack and Andrew possess while separated was astonishing considering their age and the dark place they are both in emotionally. While Andrew thinks he finally found some peace with his foster parents, his birth parents manage to convince the judge they've changed, and Andrew pays dearly for the justice systems stupidity. And poor Jack, shipped off to one of those horrid camps where their motto is "we can fix you" well, there wasn't anything wrong with him so all they do is fracture the teenagers psyche, not to mention he has to fend off the advances of one of the employees, a male employee, and they want to try and fix Jack???
Worlds apart, feeling trapped, depressed and utterly alone, both young men hit rock bottom and for a little while at least, it seems like all hope is lost. But like I said, these two young men still have just enough strength left to try and find their way back to each other. The road they have to travel is paved with hatred and ignorance though. Thankfully, one of the adults in their lives finally decides to act like one.
I think what is most appealing to me about this series is the severity and the reality of it. Not to sound like a broken record, but it's a deeply emotional, dark storyline. What these young men go through just because they fell in love with each other is... well, it's horrifying to be honest. But York has this way of just grabbing you and I was so immersed in their story that I felt like I knew them personally. Which only made their pain that much more real to me. As usual though, there is that glimmer of hope in the end that some how, some way, everything will be alright.
Jason Frazier continues to carry the torch as the narrator and let me just say, his best work yet. I was a kind of amazed with his ability to convey the scared, unsure and broken down tone of Andrew and Jack, and yet give them each a different tone so you always knew which character you were with. And then he could flip the switch and become a spawn of satan (Andrew or Jacks sperm donors, take your pick) quickly. The transition from one voice to another, then another, and often several in one scene was flawless.
Definitely a must listen series, or a must read, either way you want to go. But listening to Frazier bring the words York wrote to life, these characters that I'm certain took a lot of her blood, sweat and tears, well that is part of the beauty of this series in my opinion.
Worlds apart, feeling trapped, depressed and utterly alone, both young men hit rock bottom and for a little while at least, it seems like all hope is lost. But like I said, these two young men still have just enough strength left to try and find their way back to each other. The road they have to travel is paved with hatred and ignorance though. Thankfully, one of the adults in their lives finally decides to act like one.
I think what is most appealing to me about this series is the severity and the reality of it. Not to sound like a broken record, but it's a deeply emotional, dark storyline. What these young men go through just because they fell in love with each other is... well, it's horrifying to be honest. But York has this way of just grabbing you and I was so immersed in their story that I felt like I knew them personally. Which only made their pain that much more real to me. As usual though, there is that glimmer of hope in the end that some how, some way, everything will be alright.
Jason Frazier continues to carry the torch as the narrator and let me just say, his best work yet. I was a kind of amazed with his ability to convey the scared, unsure and broken down tone of Andrew and Jack, and yet give them each a different tone so you always knew which character you were with. And then he could flip the switch and become a spawn of satan (Andrew or Jacks sperm donors, take your pick) quickly. The transition from one voice to another, then another, and often several in one scene was flawless.
Definitely a must listen series, or a must read, either way you want to go. But listening to Frazier bring the words York wrote to life, these characters that I'm certain took a lot of her blood, sweat and tears, well that is part of the beauty of this series in my opinion.
March 26, 2014
Review written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This is the second book in the A Southern Thing Series, you really do need to read these in order. Sending Jack off to Jesus picks up where the last book left off with Jack now being under the watchful eye and threat of his tyrant of a father. In my opinion, Nathanial Miller should be the poster boy for family planning… and he has 10 kids... and a preacher to boot…Sorry about the rant. He has pulled the ‘if you don’t do as I say I will hurt your baby brother’ card to Jack. See what I mean? So, Jack is conflicted. He wants to hurry up and graduate, hoping for a scholarship so he can get on with his life and make a life for him and his boyfriend Andrew, but if he leaves he fears for Billy who at the tender age of 7 is very girly, and very proud of himself. Now I will talk about characters.
I will start with baby brother Billy. For only 7 this kid is a dream. I absolutely love Billy and he deserves a story of his own (hint, hint). He is such a sweet thing, and confident. In this book it is mostly Jack and Andrew but there i some scene with Billy that is a heart wrencher. I could just see him looking at awe at the photos of the two men and professing “How beautiful” then growling and yelling at his dad how ugly he is... yep the 7 year old is a scene stealer! Jack is also a very great character. For only 18 he is one heck of a responsible boy. I can say the same for Andrew. Both are fabulous characters. So I will say if you like amazing characters as you can see here we have great main characters, supporting characters ( I didn’t mention Jacks mom she really steps up here and becomes a game changer) she is the epitome of character growth. (if Jack’s dad sounds like meanie of the year you should get a load of Andrew’s dad he makes jacks dad look good.
Ok, so let’s move on to the story. As I said it is a continuation of the last book and does end as a cliffhanger too, but if you’re a big Sara York fan you know what to expect.. nail biting suspense!! This story is full of angst, love, strong emotion and suspense. I cannot wait for the next.
I highly recommend this if you like ongoing series that end in cliffhangers making you beg for more, boundless love, spunky seven year olds, amazing character, sweet, but hot sensual mansex, stories that make you think, over-controlling parents, and nail-biting suspense and a heart-wrenching story.( be sure to have a box of tissue on hand)
This is the second book in the A Southern Thing Series, you really do need to read these in order. Sending Jack off to Jesus picks up where the last book left off with Jack now being under the watchful eye and threat of his tyrant of a father. In my opinion, Nathanial Miller should be the poster boy for family planning… and he has 10 kids... and a preacher to boot…Sorry about the rant. He has pulled the ‘if you don’t do as I say I will hurt your baby brother’ card to Jack. See what I mean? So, Jack is conflicted. He wants to hurry up and graduate, hoping for a scholarship so he can get on with his life and make a life for him and his boyfriend Andrew, but if he leaves he fears for Billy who at the tender age of 7 is very girly, and very proud of himself. Now I will talk about characters.
I will start with baby brother Billy. For only 7 this kid is a dream. I absolutely love Billy and he deserves a story of his own (hint, hint). He is such a sweet thing, and confident. In this book it is mostly Jack and Andrew but there i some scene with Billy that is a heart wrencher. I could just see him looking at awe at the photos of the two men and professing “How beautiful” then growling and yelling at his dad how ugly he is... yep the 7 year old is a scene stealer! Jack is also a very great character. For only 18 he is one heck of a responsible boy. I can say the same for Andrew. Both are fabulous characters. So I will say if you like amazing characters as you can see here we have great main characters, supporting characters ( I didn’t mention Jacks mom she really steps up here and becomes a game changer) she is the epitome of character growth. (if Jack’s dad sounds like meanie of the year you should get a load of Andrew’s dad he makes jacks dad look good.
Ok, so let’s move on to the story. As I said it is a continuation of the last book and does end as a cliffhanger too, but if you’re a big Sara York fan you know what to expect.. nail biting suspense!! This story is full of angst, love, strong emotion and suspense. I cannot wait for the next.
I highly recommend this if you like ongoing series that end in cliffhangers making you beg for more, boundless love, spunky seven year olds, amazing character, sweet, but hot sensual mansex, stories that make you think, over-controlling parents, and nail-biting suspense and a heart-wrenching story.( be sure to have a box of tissue on hand)
March 25, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
And so the story continues......
This book takes up immediately where we left Jack and Andrew at the end of Pray the Gay Away. All Jacks freedoms have been taken away. He attends school, football and then home to pray. His father has taken to following him around town to make sure he behaves and he is allowed no contact with his friends. Pastor Miller refuses to entertain the idea that he has a gay son and nobody in the house is allowed to talk about.
Andrew is in foster care with what he considers to be the perfect family. They make him feel welcome and he is finally eating regularly. Much to his surprise and delight they are LGBT friendly and for the first time in a long time he feels some peace. Sadly his parents are already doing everything possible to ensure he has to return to them and their control.
Jack and Andrew try to sneak moments together at school but it is becoming more and more difficult and they are both feeling disheartened. Just as they think things can’t get any more out of control Jacks father announces that he is sending him away to New Life Christian Camp where they will pray the gay away and cure him. At Jacks refusal his father threatens him with the one thing he knows his son won’t fight against and the matter is settled.
Not knowing how long Jack will be away the boys steal one last time together where words of love are said and promises are made. They are both lost and heartbroken and you just want to wrap them both up and take them somewhere safe.
When Jack arrives at the camp the tone of his stay is quickly set and he soon fears for his safety. The only thought that gets him through the days are of seeing Andrew again but Andrew has his own problems to deal with when his parents commit the ultimate betrayal. If Jack is to escape with his life he might have to rely on someone he didn’t dare dream would save him.
This book leaves us with a massive cliff hanger!! Hurry up book 3!!!
And so the story continues......
This book takes up immediately where we left Jack and Andrew at the end of Pray the Gay Away. All Jacks freedoms have been taken away. He attends school, football and then home to pray. His father has taken to following him around town to make sure he behaves and he is allowed no contact with his friends. Pastor Miller refuses to entertain the idea that he has a gay son and nobody in the house is allowed to talk about.
Andrew is in foster care with what he considers to be the perfect family. They make him feel welcome and he is finally eating regularly. Much to his surprise and delight they are LGBT friendly and for the first time in a long time he feels some peace. Sadly his parents are already doing everything possible to ensure he has to return to them and their control.
Jack and Andrew try to sneak moments together at school but it is becoming more and more difficult and they are both feeling disheartened. Just as they think things can’t get any more out of control Jacks father announces that he is sending him away to New Life Christian Camp where they will pray the gay away and cure him. At Jacks refusal his father threatens him with the one thing he knows his son won’t fight against and the matter is settled.
Not knowing how long Jack will be away the boys steal one last time together where words of love are said and promises are made. They are both lost and heartbroken and you just want to wrap them both up and take them somewhere safe.
When Jack arrives at the camp the tone of his stay is quickly set and he soon fears for his safety. The only thought that gets him through the days are of seeing Andrew again but Andrew has his own problems to deal with when his parents commit the ultimate betrayal. If Jack is to escape with his life he might have to rely on someone he didn’t dare dream would save him.
This book leaves us with a massive cliff hanger!! Hurry up book 3!!!
April 21, 2014
Wow. I really feel for these guys. Since this is a series with reviews it's hard to write without too many spoilers. I will try my best...
Jack and Andrew are still in hiding so they can protect themselves and each other. Even more actually since Jack has been discovered and his father is beyond livid to have a gay son. He will not put up with it and wants to know who the other sinner in town is so he can put a stop to it. Jack and Andrew are now more determined to free themselves from their parents and the town of Sweet.
As the title implies, Jack is sent off to Jesus by going to a Pray away the Gay camp. This is heartbreaking. I have heard of these camps and I find it to be craziness. Anyway, Andrew goes through some of his own issues and it is so hard not to just go into the book and give them hugs....
You get a real insight on what some people actually have to go through. I know it's not a true story but I do know these type of situations and people are in the world. I want to beat Jack and Andrew's Fathers and I feel so bad for Jack's mother but Andrew's Mother is a whole other story.
I will be starting My Big Southern Gay Wedding today! Can't wait.
Quotes:
"Andrew, I want to assure you that not everyone thinks being gay is wrong. I think you and Jack should fight to stay together. What you two have is special. He loves you."
Nathaniel grabbed his hair and tugged him close. "You'll go because if you don't, I'll send Billy. The little baby won't last. So you can go to New Life and get fixed and then teach Billy how to not be gay, or I swear I'll make his life a living hell. He won't be gay, even if that means he'll be dead. So you'll go and you'll figure out how to be normal. And you'll thank me for it when you're done. So pack your bags and say good-bye to your friends."
The most important thing now was Andrew and building a life with him. They would be poor but he didn't care as long as they were together.
Jack and Andrew are still in hiding so they can protect themselves and each other. Even more actually since Jack has been discovered and his father is beyond livid to have a gay son. He will not put up with it and wants to know who the other sinner in town is so he can put a stop to it. Jack and Andrew are now more determined to free themselves from their parents and the town of Sweet.
As the title implies, Jack is sent off to Jesus by going to a Pray away the Gay camp. This is heartbreaking. I have heard of these camps and I find it to be craziness. Anyway, Andrew goes through some of his own issues and it is so hard not to just go into the book and give them hugs....
You get a real insight on what some people actually have to go through. I know it's not a true story but I do know these type of situations and people are in the world. I want to beat Jack and Andrew's Fathers and I feel so bad for Jack's mother but Andrew's Mother is a whole other story.
I will be starting My Big Southern Gay Wedding today! Can't wait.
Quotes:
"Andrew, I want to assure you that not everyone thinks being gay is wrong. I think you and Jack should fight to stay together. What you two have is special. He loves you."
Nathaniel grabbed his hair and tugged him close. "You'll go because if you don't, I'll send Billy. The little baby won't last. So you can go to New Life and get fixed and then teach Billy how to not be gay, or I swear I'll make his life a living hell. He won't be gay, even if that means he'll be dead. So you'll go and you'll figure out how to be normal. And you'll thank me for it when you're done. So pack your bags and say good-bye to your friends."
The most important thing now was Andrew and building a life with him. They would be poor but he didn't care as long as they were together.
February 8, 2022
omg
Second book is so heartbreaking and it makes you realise just how in todays society people are still bigots. I really hope book 3 will make me feel right again.
Second book is so heartbreaking and it makes you realise just how in todays society people are still bigots. I really hope book 3 will make me feel right again.
April 28, 2016
This was an unbelievably frustrating book to read. Not because of the writing, because Ms. York has gifted us with another stellar novel in this series, but because of the subject matter. Just in case you didn’t hate Jack’s father after the first book, rest assured that you will after this one. Because prayer didn’t succeed in curing Jack’s homosexuality, Nathaniel decides to send him to a gay rehabilitation camp (what a joke those are). Based upon the author’s description, this lovely hellhole is located in my neck of the woods (at least where I grew up) and that alone made me fear for Jack’s safety … and my fears were not unwarranted.
And if the torture that Jack endures is not painful enough, we also have to deal with the emotional turmoil that Andrew faces as he experiences the love and safety of a foster family that actually cares about him and accepts his sexuality only to have it yanked away when the judge orders reunification. Unfortunately, being forced to return to his parents’ home is not all that Andrew must endure but I can say no more without revealing spoilers.
While Andrew and Jack’s journey is a well-crafted work of fiction, it is unfortunate that teens and young adults face similar situations daily. Ms. York’s Sending Jack Off To Jesus is a heart wrenching read, yet I fear that the final book will see their lives getting worse before they get better. I’m off to find out as I have to know that these boys get their happy ever after, even if they have to travel through hell to get there.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
And if the torture that Jack endures is not painful enough, we also have to deal with the emotional turmoil that Andrew faces as he experiences the love and safety of a foster family that actually cares about him and accepts his sexuality only to have it yanked away when the judge orders reunification. Unfortunately, being forced to return to his parents’ home is not all that Andrew must endure but I can say no more without revealing spoilers.
While Andrew and Jack’s journey is a well-crafted work of fiction, it is unfortunate that teens and young adults face similar situations daily. Ms. York’s Sending Jack Off To Jesus is a heart wrenching read, yet I fear that the final book will see their lives getting worse before they get better. I’m off to find out as I have to know that these boys get their happy ever after, even if they have to travel through hell to get there.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
December 23, 2016
terrible. Just graphic sex, homophobia. again and again and again. the characters are two dimensional and have no chemistry whatsoever.
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