Rate this book

The Perfect Family (2010)

by Kathryn Shay(Favorite Author)

3.83 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

160282181X (ISBN13: 9781602821811)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Bold Strokes Books

review 1: I had a hard time deciding between 2 & 3 stars for this book. I would give it 2.5 stars if goodreads would let me! I appreciate what Shay is trying to do, but it seems too contrived. Her characters are stereotypical & just like every other homophobic bully, confused/angry parent, judgmental Christian, supportive parent, progressive Christian, confused friend, etc. - they are either too nice, too harsh, too perfect, too ignorant, etc. I'm glad that it is an accurate portrayal of what could happen to a family and community when someone comes out, but it felt like Shay tried too hard. I didn't need to be convinced of her agenda, so maybe for others it was just the right amount of pushy. On a lighter note, the nicknames she gave everyone really bugged me (Bri for Brian, Jame f... moreor Jamie, Terry for Theresa, Magpie or Mag for Maggie, Caro for Caroline)!I think I would have liked this book more if it been autobiographical (it isn't, but it is based on her experiences and those of her friends). It succeeds as a sort of how-to (& how not to) for families with gay members, but as a work of fiction, it fell flat for me. I'm looking forward to discussing this with my book club!
review 2: I loved this book. It's the story of how a Catholic family deals with their youngest son coming out as gay. The struggles inside the family as they deal with their faith and the community and prejudice are all here. This is a must read for parents of a gay child or a gay child who is thinking of coming out. While the book is fiction, the author has a gay son and a lot of the situations in the book really happened. I've read around 140 books this year and this is the best by far. less

Download links for: The Perfect Family

Advertising