Confessions of a Mormon Boy: Behind the Scenes of the Off-broadway Hit

by Steven Fales

2007 Lambda Literary Award Finalist

"The Mormon Augustin Burroughs." -- Boston Globe

"What a rare and skillful thing is Confessions of a Mormon Boy, Steven Fales' engrossing, funny and often quite harrowing tale. A fine writer and actor."-- Chicago Sun-Times

A hit at New York's Fringe Festival, Steven Fales' true-life story has become a smash across the country. Now playing off-Broadway, it continues to dazzle audiences with its honesty and wit as the author recounts his story of being excommunicated from the Mormon church for being gay, leaving his wife and children, and his subsequent descent into the dangers of sex and drugs.

Genres: Comedy

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Gerry Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Fales tells his story of growing up in a Mormon home in UTAH and trying so hard to be straight and hiding his true feelings, then the coming out as a GAY man to his wife and family and shares his experiences . The story of his early life, of being on a Mormon Mission for two years to Portugal and his return to college and graduation, marriage and children. His story continues with his days in NYC, as struggling young actor and what he did to survive as an actor and sexual worker. He tells of his finding himself and his recovery and success in the theater, as a writer, actor and singer. A Very good and interesting book that many of us who grew up in strict Christian homes, matters not, if Baptist, Catholic or Mormon, all have shared the same type of experiences. I recommend this to anyone who seeks an understanding of what it means to be GAY in modern America.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Fales writes a very poignant book about his attempts to not be gay. As he says, his Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) believes homosexuality is a disease, one which can be treated and cured. Steven takes part in many types of "conversion" therapy, trying to be what he finally realizes that he is not who everyone expects him to be -- but, in fact, is gay. The book is actually the script of his one-man theatrical play which he has written and performed with great success from coast to coast. Though he has been excommunicated from his church for his 'choices,' he still holds his faith close to his heart. He supports 'humanism' where there is no bigotry, only respect and understand for his fellow man. What a brave soul who finally finds his true self, Steven has not 'failed' in writing a very compelling story.

[Barbara Ixba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one-man show script made me laugh 'til I cried. Although there are plenty of laughs in the script, it is a heartbreaking account of Steven Fales' life. In an effort to not spoil the book, I won't give details, but this is worth the read.

[Robert Velasco · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was the literal translation of the play. No one reason to go see it, lol.