Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Beyond Diversity by Rohit Bhargava and Jennifer Brown is a collaborative effort directed at steering the world toward acceptance for all regardless of differences. It all started in early 2021, when more than 200 reputable specialists met online to discuss diversity and look for ways to curb injustice and discrimination. This book includes 12 topics that are carefully selected and compiled from this virtual event. Beyond Diversity is not only made up of opinions of different prominent figures but also compiled and reviewed by dozens of people who are passionate about equality. How can we look beyond diversity in storytelling, the workplace, government, and the future? Find out in Beyond Diversity as it reveals conversations, conversation starters, and stories about different people who are already making commendable moves in the world of diversity.

"This is a book about being more than a bystander." Beyond Diversity sows the seeds of change and acceptance through its thoughtful conversation starters and inspiring examples from different amazing people. It includes several quotable, punchy lines that make it easier to remember its messages. The book's design makes it a joy to read and navigate through with its eye-catching titles, subtitles, and highlighted points. I was quite impressed by the level of effort put into Beyond Diversity as it contains several elements that improve assimilation and increase engagement: quotes, reports, action steps, and more. As a Nigerian who has been discouraged from experiencing new cultures in different continents as a result of countless news of racist actions against Blacks, I'm quite excited about Beyond Diversity and recommend it to all readers. The world needs more changemakers like Rohit Bhargava, Jennifer Brown, and everyone that contributed to creating this phenomenal book!

Reviewed by Anelynde Smit for Readers' Favorite

Not ‘Him’ or ‘Her’ by Michelle Mann is an insightful book describing the lives and experiences of people who are non-binary. In each chapter, the book tells a story about the different views on being a non-binary person, ranging from the parent’s version to the kid’s version of how to deal with it. This book tells us to accept it with an open mind. We read about agender people, genderqueer people, and bigender people. We should not fear the pronouns and we should not be dismayed by which clothes they chose to wear. Parents should understand that their child is scared to tell them and guides readers on how to deal with that apprehension. This book is a great resource to advise you on what to do and say. This book prepares you for certain situations and talks you should have with your child. Of course, they are going to deal with bullying, confusion about bathroom use, and what pronouns they can use, and this book covers all those problems and more.

Not ‘Him’ or ‘Her’ by Michelle Mann is a bright spark in the darkness about non-binary people. The stories show incredible bravery on behalf of all those involved and give a true insight into the minds and lives of those who are non-binary. There are general do’s and do not’s that are helpful, while there are things that you should not say in the case of a non-binary conversation. This guide helps you to talk to other people and your child and encourages an open discussion about it. Some subjects are sensitive like which bathrooms to use and the fact that self-harm is one of the most often used forms of coping for a non-binary child. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with a non-binary child or adult. This book is not just for kids but also a lesson for adults going through the process. I found this book to be most helpful and wish other people luck in their journey to this strange new world - one of hope and understanding.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Married right after her high school graduation, Lorinda Boyer feels that her body doesn't belong to her. She tries very hard to follow the rules imposed by the Bible on Christian women, rules which seem to favor only men. Sadly, Lorinda is too frightened to say no to her husband. She believes that being a good Christian means always sacrificing yourself, your happiness, your time, and your needs for others. However, when Lorinda meets Robin, she judges her for being gay and voices her beliefs that homosexuality is a sin. But Robin reminds her that she has no right to judge her when her own marriage seems controlling and abusive. From now on, Lorinda will struggle for many years to get her life right, stop feeling guilt and shame for her attempts to embrace her true nature, and stop denying the right to be happy.

From the very first pages, Lorinda Boyer's pile of confessions moved me. Lorinda is a master with a pen. She incomparably describes what it feels like to be a Christian woman who must comply with fulfilling the role of being a perfect, dutiful wife and mother at any cost. No saints exist in the pages of this exceptionally written memoir, yet what stands out is the way Lorinda writes about how much her beliefs, confusion, and other people's actions or lack of them affected her behavior. Overall, Straight Enough by Lorinda Boyer is a triumph of embracing one's identity, redefining love, expressing one true self, and freeing oneself from feeling unworthy of love. It portrays ​a flawed, loving woman who repetitively struggles with excruciating guilt and thoughts that say she deserves to be punished by God.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

My Gay Church Days is a work of non-fiction in the LGBTQ+ and memoir genres. It is aimed at mature readers owing to the use of explicit language throughout and was penned by author George Azar. The book follows the author’s life as he gets involved in Evangelical Christianity as an escape from the bullying he suffered at school. But his faith and the community he had joined forced him to repress an important aspect of his personality for fear of being banished from the one place he felt accepted. As George finds the strength to break away from his oppressors, a new and confusing frontier awaits.

This book is an important read not just for LGBTQ+ individuals growing up within the church community, but as a source of introspection for members of that community at large. It’s an act of bravery to share such a painful story, in particular when author George Azar shows such willingness to share deep and damaging parts of their story. It is my sincere hope that as progress continues to be made in acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community that this book helps those in extreme Christian groups to understand the damage they do and to help LGBTQ+ people recognize that their worth and their identity are not to be defined by the people who don’t have their best interests at heart. A powerful read with lessons for us all, My Gay Church Days has the potential to grow an understanding of the appalling way evangelical Christians have treated their LGBTQ+ members. I recommend it to any readers, and I hope that when you read it that it helps you grow and understand your world a little better.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

There are as many opinions concerning sexual orientation as there are people. Unfortunately, most base their opinion on emotions. James Rondinone, in Testimony, approaches the topic of sexual sins from a different view. He is not the least bit judgmental in this book. Instead, James writes with compassion and love for all without wavering from the unchanging truth of the Word of God. James shares his personal story of life before Christ, how he came to a saving knowledge of Christ, and how his life changed as he grew in Christ. Interwoven with his personal testimony, James uses news stories and the personal stories of many to emphasize his points. Gender identity is tricky and touchy, but James navigates the topic professionally. The ultimate guide for a Christian’s life is the Word of God. James includes the Scriptures and leads the reader to a biblical answer.

Is there any such thing as a homosexual Christian or a greedy Christianity? Too many people today identify their Christian life with their former sinful adjectives. James Rondinone challenges this erroneous belief in Testimony. The Scriptures tell us that they are a new creation when one is in Christ. James contends that, as a new creation, we are in error when we refer to ourselves by our old sinful nature. His belief is that if one becomes familiar with who Christ says they are, they will change their lifestyle to match God’s standards. James presents this without judgment. Instead, he gently leads the reader to come to their own conclusion by paying attention to the Word of God. The only proper rule for life and belief for a Christian is the Bible.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

In the introduction to Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir, Lewis Kempfer tells readers what his book is not: “It’s not a typical memoir that focuses on one event, nor is it an autobiography, chiefly because I’m not a celebrity. But I believe my story must be told and that someone out there desperately needs to hear the message of hope that’s woven through it.” It turns out this is an unusual memoir indeed, the story of one man’s journey through the lows of life, from childhood trauma, failed relationships, crystal-meth, sex and drug abuse to an uplifting hope in an encounter with God. From the first chapter, the author offers an introspective look at himself and tells readers that one of the things that caused him to indulge in negative and traumatic experiences was the lack of self-love.

This is a story of hope. It begins at the lowest moment in the author’s life and takes readers through his terrible experiences. Here is how he describes that moment between life and death: “No, I didn’t want to die—at least not this way. Naked, except for the leather restraints on my wrists and ankles, I found myself sliding around in my own bodily fluids on the filthy floor of an infamous gay drug motel in east Hollywood.” The writing is fluid and filled with humor, the descriptions allow for clear and powerful images, and the author does an incredible job of exploring the dark despair that stole into his soul many times. Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir is a conversion story, the tale of someone who reached rock bottom in his moral life and whom God drew out from the pit. Lewis Kempfer’s writing is filled with wisdom and insight, a story that is shared with unusual honesty and a voice that is irresistible. There is a bit of every one of us in this memoir and that’s what makes it so appealing and enjoyable.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

My Gay Church Days is a work of non-fiction in the LGBTQ+ and memoir genres. It is aimed at mature readers owing to the use of explicit language throughout and was penned by author George Azar. The book follows the author’s life as he gets involved in Evangelical Christianity as an escape from the bullying he suffered at school. But his faith and the community he had joined forced him to repress an important aspect of his personality for fear of being banished from the one place he felt accepted. As George finds the strength to break away from his oppressors, a new and confusing frontier awaits.

This book is an important read not just for LGBTQ+ individuals growing up within the church community, but as a source of introspection for members of that community at large. It’s an act of bravery to share such a painful story, in particular when author George Azar shows such willingness to share deep and damaging parts of their story. It is my sincere hope that as progress continues to be made in acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community that this book helps those in extreme Christian groups to understand the damage they do and to help LGBTQ+ people recognize that their worth and their identity are not to be defined by the people who don’t have their best interests at heart. A powerful read with lessons for us all, My Gay Church Days has the potential to grow an understanding of the appalling way evangelical Christians have treated their LGBTQ+ members. I recommend it to any readers, and I hope that when you read it that it helps you grow and understand your world a little better.