Reviews

Rev. Rebecca Harrison says:

Franklin tells his own story, and readers will find themselves being drawn to him because he's so real, so honest; in fact, the danger might be in so closely connecting with Franklin that one feels the depth of his pain. Franklin's salvation, in every sense of the word, comes when he meets Jim: off-beat, gay, married (same-sex), pastor - in that order.

One of the things I love about Franklin is the church which Franklin encounters. It's another whole way to do church, something we might all consider seriously as we ponder our own pastoral experiences. But what's most important is how Jim teaches Franklin about the "real" meaning of some of those troubling scriptures, and how that teaching helps Franklin grow into acceptance of himself, and beyond.

Rev. Nancy Matthias says:

"Can you imagine a world where being Gay is okay...even normal?" After reading this book, I want not only to imagine it, but to help create that world. I spent my early years totally unaware that "Gay" even existed. That kind of ignorance helps to create a world where being Gay is not okay, where people - especially young people - want to die because they are Gay.

This is exactly the kind of book I looked for but could not find when I was a parish pastor - a book that would have been so helpful for teens and their families - and what a great resource for adult and teen discussion groups. It's the way this book is written - I could really feel and understand the pain and confusion Franklin experienced - and the people he meets, who embody unconditional love, are the kind of people I want to be. There is a lot of solid theology in this book, and none of it in preachy language.

Franklin is uplifting and inspiring. It belongs in the genre of writings by Bishop Tutu or Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King, Jr. because it is offers a compelling vision of a world transformed by love. The only thing missing is a discussion guide. Perhaps one will be available soon?