A new novel written by an ex-JW received a mainly positive review in today's Minneapolis newspaper. The author posted on this board about 2 months ago under the username "mutinyinheaven" , but hasn't posted since.
The book is available through amazon.com.
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/books/88705662.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
Reviews: "Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk"
Last update: March 21, 2010 - 2:04 PM
CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE JESUS JERK By Tony DuShane (Soft Skull Press, 224 pages, $14.95)
In many ways, Gabe is a typical adolescent boy, but in one very important way he is not: He is a Jehovah's Witness. In addition to all the usual struggles a teen boy faces, he must deal with the embarrassment of preaching door to door, the scrutiny of church elders who watch his every move, and the threat of being disfellowshipped (thrown out of his congregation) for any error in judgment. No wonder he questions his sanity. The novel follows Gabe from middle school through high school along a journey of faith, questioning and, ultimately, growth. There are lighthearted scenes, such as the one in which Gabe arranges to sit beside the beautiful Jasmine in the back seat of the car as they go out preaching, and there are poignant scenes, such as much later when Gabe learns that Jasmine is engaged. I was drawn to the book by the cover's comical illustration and the recommendation by Janet Fitch, author of "White Oleander," who called the book, "Addictive, informative, heartbreaking and utterly satisfying." The book was very readable, and I did learn a lot about the Jehovah's Witnesses and even more about the thoughts of a teen boy (sex, sex, sex and sex). Heartbreaking and utterly satisfying? Not so much.
JUDY ROMANOWICH