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Born This Way
Being yourself should never come at this price. Joseph is the son anyone would wish to have—anyone except his pastor father, that is. Joseph is gay, and where he comes from, his sexual orientation makes him a pariah. Tormented by the incorrigible denizens of his unprogressive Southern town, Joseph finds himself desperate for support from other members of the LGBT community. He turns to the internet with the hope of finding it, and, unexpectedly, Joseph finds more. Bruce. An unlikely virtual friendship between Joseph and Bruce grows into something more, leading to a seemingly fated meeting. Joseph’s future suddenly looks brighter than ever, but no one could’ve ever predicted what would transpire after the two finally meet.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2018
10 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 11, 2018
BORN THIS WAY chronicles the story of Joseph, a young man forced to take on the world, justy for being gay. This is a serious book that outlines problems that many young men face when coming out of the closet. It's dark and sad, simply, no happily ever after.
Recommended if you like dark, coming-of-age LGBT fiction.
Recommended if you like dark, coming-of-age LGBT fiction.
April 2, 2018
Wow! I really don’t know how to put this book into words. This a truly a heart breaking story that so many I know can relate to. I am honestly just blown away about this book. A must read.
January 26, 2019
Wow, such a heartbreaking story, yet so relevant in todays world that we live in. My oldest grandson has came out this past year and that has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me, not because I don't accept and love him unconditionally its because I see the larger picture and all that he will have to endure in this chosen path. His parents accept him, but others in the family are very religious and are not willing to accept this life style. This story brought out a whole range of emotions from sadness to amazement at all he had too endure. The ending was even more heartbreaking, but I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
June 5, 2022
Joseph, a black teenager is gay, and because of the strict upbringing he has had from his religiously-minded parents who refuse to accept that he is gay, he is extremely unhappy. Joseph as a character is well-drawn, and the book focuses on his inner thoughts as we slowly learn what has brought him through an unfortunate series of incidents to his depressed state. The book explores the problems that African American gays face living in the South in an oppressive religious community where there is zero tolerance. It is a heartfelt book that should be read so that we learn from it.
September 3, 2018
"Heartbreak isn’t fast, isn’t brief, isn’t uncomplicated. It’s an experience. It’s sickening, traumatic, dreadful. You break bit by bit until you feel irreparable. You feel like you’re dying, but death, the end result, the finale, never arrives. "
I highly recommend this short novel by Tammy Ferebee. It is my first time reading this author’s work. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I was not disappointed. The story of JJ’s trauma raised strong emotions in my heart and mind. The protagonist’s character was written in great depth and thus his pain was palpable.
The author reaches inside the reader’s chest and grabs their heart and never releases her hold. The main character Joseph (JJ) is gay, his father is a minister at a local church in a very small town, and he unexpectedly is forced out of the closet, portrayed as the victim of a “pervert”, and sustains a bullet wound to the chest that heals like the wounds to his heart and spirit can never do.
The narrative pushes forward as his public life (school, peers), his religious life(the act of going to church and participating regularly), and his private life ( parents, aunt, best friend, boyfriend), all spiral out of control. There are fragments of secrets that piece together with each passing chapter until the most damaging and unbelievable secret is revealed. The author lets us meet JJ and get to know him. He is loving, caring, intelligent, spiritual (he has a personal relationship with God), honest ( until he keeps secrets; his and someone else’s), and a son most parents would rave about. He is also a young black homosexual man in a predominantly Christian and/or conservative community where he knows only torment and pain. Pain due to the callousness and ignorant, ill-willed behavior of those in all areas of his life, even those who have watched him grow up his entire life and worst of all, those who should love him unconditionally. JJ is treated like he has committed a crime that is unforgivable, simply because he was born gay. His parents don’t get it. His church family doesn’t get it. Only his best friend Nikki understands and really looks at him where he is and sees his pain and torment. Nikki is his lifeline through so much that he endures, the only person who treats him the same after his homosexuality is known. Nikki knows what is important; JJ. When you close this novel you will know this is true.
I highly recommend this short novel by Tammy Ferebee. It is my first time reading this author’s work. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I was not disappointed. The story of JJ’s trauma raised strong emotions in my heart and mind. The protagonist’s character was written in great depth and thus his pain was palpable.
The author reaches inside the reader’s chest and grabs their heart and never releases her hold. The main character Joseph (JJ) is gay, his father is a minister at a local church in a very small town, and he unexpectedly is forced out of the closet, portrayed as the victim of a “pervert”, and sustains a bullet wound to the chest that heals like the wounds to his heart and spirit can never do.
The narrative pushes forward as his public life (school, peers), his religious life(the act of going to church and participating regularly), and his private life ( parents, aunt, best friend, boyfriend), all spiral out of control. There are fragments of secrets that piece together with each passing chapter until the most damaging and unbelievable secret is revealed. The author lets us meet JJ and get to know him. He is loving, caring, intelligent, spiritual (he has a personal relationship with God), honest ( until he keeps secrets; his and someone else’s), and a son most parents would rave about. He is also a young black homosexual man in a predominantly Christian and/or conservative community where he knows only torment and pain. Pain due to the callousness and ignorant, ill-willed behavior of those in all areas of his life, even those who have watched him grow up his entire life and worst of all, those who should love him unconditionally. JJ is treated like he has committed a crime that is unforgivable, simply because he was born gay. His parents don’t get it. His church family doesn’t get it. Only his best friend Nikki understands and really looks at him where he is and sees his pain and torment. Nikki is his lifeline through so much that he endures, the only person who treats him the same after his homosexuality is known. Nikki knows what is important; JJ. When you close this novel you will know this is true.
April 27, 2018
Occasionally, it’s hard enough for any guy who’s gay to be accepted by their fathers; however, for Joseph this situation is increased exponentially not only because his father happens to be a pastor for a church, but also because of the persistent, old-fashioned citizens who inhabit his town, who can only view him as being an unwelcomed outsider. What this lack of approval for his chosen lifestyle does for Joseph is to create one obstacle after another which he needs to conquer so he can move on with his life.
Eventually, this unending anguish leads Joseph to seek out support from the greater LGBT community, as well as to the internet with the desire in obtaining it. Throughout this entire story, Joseph, besides the negative experiences he’s had to face, has accepted and happy with the lifestyle he’s chosen to live. And if I were to create a playlist of songs which epitomizes the essence of his chosen gay lifestyle, on the top of the list I would place I Am What I Am, the finale number from the Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles.
I am what I am
I am my own special creation
So come take a look
Give me the hook or the ovation
It's my world that I want to have a little pride in
My world and it's not a place I have to hide in
Life's not worth a dam
'Til you can say I am what I am
I am what I am
I don't want praise, I don't want pity
I bang my own drum
Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty
And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle
Why not try to see things from a different angle
Your life is a sham
'Til you can shout out, I am what I am….
In writing this heartfelt, fictional real-life story, the author, Tammy Ferebee, makes sure to have its protagonists find someone with whom he can connect with, and with he might obtain be able to have a happier future life in more ways than one; which is why I’ve given Born This Way, 5 STARS.
Eventually, this unending anguish leads Joseph to seek out support from the greater LGBT community, as well as to the internet with the desire in obtaining it. Throughout this entire story, Joseph, besides the negative experiences he’s had to face, has accepted and happy with the lifestyle he’s chosen to live. And if I were to create a playlist of songs which epitomizes the essence of his chosen gay lifestyle, on the top of the list I would place I Am What I Am, the finale number from the Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles.
I am what I am
I am my own special creation
So come take a look
Give me the hook or the ovation
It's my world that I want to have a little pride in
My world and it's not a place I have to hide in
Life's not worth a dam
'Til you can say I am what I am
I am what I am
I don't want praise, I don't want pity
I bang my own drum
Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty
And so what if I love each sparkle and each bangle
Why not try to see things from a different angle
Your life is a sham
'Til you can shout out, I am what I am….
In writing this heartfelt, fictional real-life story, the author, Tammy Ferebee, makes sure to have its protagonists find someone with whom he can connect with, and with he might obtain be able to have a happier future life in more ways than one; which is why I’ve given Born This Way, 5 STARS.
January 19, 2021
My heart still hurts after it’s over.
I’m such a happily ever after reader that it’s difficult to say why I picked this book. But, it’s was incredibly moving, gripping, and I’m so grateful I did. I read it all in one sitting, but it’s taken me days to be able to write the review. I don’t know how to describe the pain that I felt with every page, and the punishing pace, the way I just couldn’t look away. From the story, from Joseph. As beautifully nuanced and complicated as any novel, it broke my heart. Giving Joseph the brutally naive lens of youth to see his entire life through, letting him see and feel his own gifts and imperfections, like every teenager, everywhere, but without the perspective to see everyone else’s complicated truths... to have such a tender heart, but the limited life to not be able to imagine a way forward. The knowledge the what he’d been taught was flawed, but to have no experiences or teachings to replace it. Ugh. Just so honest. Thank you for writing this book. It hurt.
I’m such a happily ever after reader that it’s difficult to say why I picked this book. But, it’s was incredibly moving, gripping, and I’m so grateful I did. I read it all in one sitting, but it’s taken me days to be able to write the review. I don’t know how to describe the pain that I felt with every page, and the punishing pace, the way I just couldn’t look away. From the story, from Joseph. As beautifully nuanced and complicated as any novel, it broke my heart. Giving Joseph the brutally naive lens of youth to see his entire life through, letting him see and feel his own gifts and imperfections, like every teenager, everywhere, but without the perspective to see everyone else’s complicated truths... to have such a tender heart, but the limited life to not be able to imagine a way forward. The knowledge the what he’d been taught was flawed, but to have no experiences or teachings to replace it. Ugh. Just so honest. Thank you for writing this book. It hurt.
April 4, 2018
Indie authors have the burden of building trust in new readers, showcasing their style and telling a story that captures the attention of audience. Tammy Ferebee does all these things with this book. The novella is a dark story discussing the plight of being LGBTQ in a society that is cold and unwelcoming. Perhaps more important than the plot line is the social commentary of the Christian community, an invasive headline seeking media, and fragile masculinity definitions. A short read with plenty of punch.
September 3, 2018
Warning!!! Story may contain triggers for some individuals. From the opening sentence, I was intrigued. You are pulled in and the story takes you one place and makes a sharp turn down another path. Joseph is a teenage boy grappling with so many emotions and issues no one should struggle with alone especially a teenage boy on the cusp of manhood. I enjoyed the character of Nikki as I saw so much of myself in her loving yet rebellious nature, caring for and defending her friend. This was a quick read that left me wondering what happened next?!?!? 4.5 stars.
March 13, 2018
To be honest, I had a hard time trying to come up with a way to write this review. This was a heartfelt and heartbreaking story from start to finish about a teen struggling with his sexual identity in a strongly religious community and family. I was hoping to see a little bit more of what had happened at the end of the story, like an epilogue, but the ending itself was heartbreaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2018
Born This Way
This book hurts my heart like no other. The story is well-written and the main character is complex, but the hopelessness hurts.
This book hurts my heart like no other. The story is well-written and the main character is complex, but the hopelessness hurts.
November 4, 2021
This is a truly heartbreaking but beautiful story about a young man trying to come to terms with his sexuality. He is surrounded by people who hate him, under the guise of Christianity. In desperation, and guided by youth and sadness, he seeks comfort in the wrong place.He has one true friend but that just isn't enough. This is a hard read but so memorable. Sadly, I think this book is quite timely and an accurate depiction of what many innocent people expeience. The author really captures Joseph's feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. I do recommend this but it is very dark and sad and has many triggers so proceed with that in mind.
July 25, 2023
I WANT TO TUSSLE WITH EVERYBODY...
When a book pulls you in so deep you wish the characters were real enough for you to reach out and touch them...to lay hands on them...to really put the paws on them...you know it's good!
This was an amazing read. It snatches your attention from the start and keeps it in a chokehold to the very end! This work takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster with a compelling storyline, chock-full of suspense and excellent character development in such a quick read. TW though, this one is heavy. So make sure you buckle up mentally before you go on this ride!
When a book pulls you in so deep you wish the characters were real enough for you to reach out and touch them...to lay hands on them...to really put the paws on them...you know it's good!
This was an amazing read. It snatches your attention from the start and keeps it in a chokehold to the very end! This work takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster with a compelling storyline, chock-full of suspense and excellent character development in such a quick read. TW though, this one is heavy. So make sure you buckle up mentally before you go on this ride!
September 11, 2024
A must read in the teen/adult fiction LGBTQ genre
Author, Tammy Ferebee, really breaks the silence and chains surrounding religion and “coming out gay” in this novella. It might be fiction, but they’re people living with these struggles, “as J.J. does in the story. An overly restrained religious father, an absent mother tied to her husband, a community full of rejection and hatful words, and a lovers rejection”.
As part of the LGBTQ myself, I thank this author for her amazing story and hope it spreads love into the hearts of those who need it most!
Awareness and compassion is essential 🥰❤️🙏🏼🌈
Author, Tammy Ferebee, really breaks the silence and chains surrounding religion and “coming out gay” in this novella. It might be fiction, but they’re people living with these struggles, “as J.J. does in the story. An overly restrained religious father, an absent mother tied to her husband, a community full of rejection and hatful words, and a lovers rejection”.
As part of the LGBTQ myself, I thank this author for her amazing story and hope it spreads love into the hearts of those who need it most!
Awareness and compassion is essential 🥰❤️🙏🏼🌈
June 3, 2022
I think this book could be really helpful and it grabs you from the first page. It’s essentially a novella at 127 pages (approx) There’s a hell of a twist at one point and its ending smacks you in the face.
I think it would have been good to have some contact numbers/links for charities (mental health and LGBTQIA)
I also think with the heavy and triggering issues it should have trigger warnings at the start (suicide, online grooming, catfishing, being shot, homophobia)
and the book could have been longer to explore the issues more.
I think it would have been good to have some contact numbers/links for charities (mental health and LGBTQIA)
I also think with the heavy and triggering issues it should have trigger warnings at the start (suicide, online grooming, catfishing, being shot, homophobia)
and the book could have been longer to explore the issues more.
May 24, 2020
Oh, what can I say about this novella. It’s just a short story but it hurts, it incredibly hurts. And so sad, so incredibly sad. To know that this kind of behavior still exists, it’s heartbreaking. This story needs advanced warning because I don’t think everybody is able to read this. I had to put the book away a couple of times because I couldn’t handle it anymore, especially at the end. That’s why I rated it 4 instead of 5 stars. But if you’re prepared in advance then it’s a must read.
January 3, 2022
Whew Chile I'm not crying, you are! This book will never leave me. Black indie authors don't get enough love. How is this book not more well known? It was short, beautifully written, heartbreaking, honest, and really shed light on religious fanatics and the harm done to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Hands down 5 stars!
September 14, 2022
I picked up this book, and then devoured it in one day. From the first sentence, I was hooked. Born This Way is an emotional, vivid tale that highlights the harsh reality of the danger the LQBTQ community faces.
The plot did lag in some places, and there were times when the writing seemed repetitive, but the message it gives in the end is what truly makes this an incredible book.
The plot did lag in some places, and there were times when the writing seemed repetitive, but the message it gives in the end is what truly makes this an incredible book.
December 29, 2022
Difficult Topic, Timely Read
I live in Florida, home of the "Don't Say Gay" movement. People really need to read books like this one. Well written, complex well drawn characters. Pacing could be better, and the ending needed more development. Hence 4 stars instead of 5. Still- I highly recommend this book.
I live in Florida, home of the "Don't Say Gay" movement. People really need to read books like this one. Well written, complex well drawn characters. Pacing could be better, and the ending needed more development. Hence 4 stars instead of 5. Still- I highly recommend this book.
August 23, 2023
Amazing. Just amazing.
That was incredible. I've never read a book that struck me like that. I am amazed by the quality of the writing. Showing his emotional depth, his relationship with his mom and dad, his complicated affair with Bruce, and his love for Nikki. Those last moments will stick with me for. While. If I could give six stars, I would.
That was incredible. I've never read a book that struck me like that. I am amazed by the quality of the writing. Showing his emotional depth, his relationship with his mom and dad, his complicated affair with Bruce, and his love for Nikki. Those last moments will stick with me for. While. If I could give six stars, I would.
August 26, 2023
Powerful
This book is a profoundly emotional and impactful read that I devoured in one sitting. It's a heart-wrenching and life-changing exploration of transgender experiences, woven with interviews and personal journeys. Highly recommended for anyone seeking insight into this topic. A must-read that will leave you forever changed.
This book is a profoundly emotional and impactful read that I devoured in one sitting. It's a heart-wrenching and life-changing exploration of transgender experiences, woven with interviews and personal journeys. Highly recommended for anyone seeking insight into this topic. A must-read that will leave you forever changed.
September 26, 2023
Beautifully Written
In addition to being intellectually stimulating, the novel "Born This Way" is also emotionally taxing and beautifully written. This is not an easy read, but it is one that will leave you changed. If you're looking for a novel that shakes things up and addresses the human need to feel like you belong, this is the book for you.
In addition to being intellectually stimulating, the novel "Born This Way" is also emotionally taxing and beautifully written. This is not an easy read, but it is one that will leave you changed. If you're looking for a novel that shakes things up and addresses the human need to feel like you belong, this is the book for you.
March 16, 2024
Devastating
Right from the beginning the reader can determine the final outcome. The journey to the final chapter is an incredible observation of how a mind wracked with pain and guilt can persevere. I found Ferebee's writing strong and the main character's voice comes through loud and strong. I am becoming a fan of this author and her choices in material.
Right from the beginning the reader can determine the final outcome. The journey to the final chapter is an incredible observation of how a mind wracked with pain and guilt can persevere. I found Ferebee's writing strong and the main character's voice comes through loud and strong. I am becoming a fan of this author and her choices in material.
May 4, 2024
Intense
This story will definitely make you question your beliefs, even about lovemaking and sexuality in general . The narration is smooth , seamless , taking the reader from one page to the next without a desire to stop . Captures from the first page to the very last . Loves it A+
This story will definitely make you question your beliefs, even about lovemaking and sexuality in general . The narration is smooth , seamless , taking the reader from one page to the next without a desire to stop . Captures from the first page to the very last . Loves it A+
October 9, 2024
incredibly powerful and important read
I admire the author for putting these words to paper. It was emotional enough reading, but the crafting of this story took a true labor of love and commitment. I only wish stories like this were from days gone by, but as we all know, someone is living this very nightmare right now.
I admire the author for putting these words to paper. It was emotional enough reading, but the crafting of this story took a true labor of love and commitment. I only wish stories like this were from days gone by, but as we all know, someone is living this very nightmare right now.
December 12, 2021
I was not prepared for this all too relatable, heart breaking, soul smashing reality; Ferebee held no punches with this one!! This book masterfully tells a story centered around the judgment, prejudices & life of longing and lacking that too many are currently living through.
Ferebee manages to tell a unique story that mirrors stuggles and heartache many are faced with. She challenges the family dynamic by shining light on some of those dirty family secrets and forcibly drags the skeletons from the closet. This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. Without a doubt FIVE STARS!!!
Ferebee manages to tell a unique story that mirrors stuggles and heartache many are faced with. She challenges the family dynamic by shining light on some of those dirty family secrets and forcibly drags the skeletons from the closet. This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. Without a doubt FIVE STARS!!!
January 21, 2023
painful
A painful descent of a young man. Born This Way shows the destruction of bigotry and hatred. With a sharp twist and a raw ending, this book makes me want to hug every struggling child I meet. Or person.
A painful descent of a young man. Born This Way shows the destruction of bigotry and hatred. With a sharp twist and a raw ending, this book makes me want to hug every struggling child I meet. Or person.
January 24, 2020
As someone apart of the lgbt family this hurt so badly to read. It was short and to the point but I loved it. I cried a lot and I felt understanding in what we go through.
April 13, 2020
Such an amazing heartbreaking disturbing story!!
August 31, 2020
Powerful and heartbreaking. I'm left speechless after reading this tragic story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews