Gay the Pray Away feels like such a vitally necessary book that I know it will be immediately met with book challenges. This is a strength, not a weakness. Naudus sheds light on the life-saving potential of queer literature, particularly in the hands of queer adolescents. It is unflinchingly brave, and I hope it finds its way into the hands of young readers who, like Valerie, need to see themselves represented in the pages of the books they are reading. The final passages brought me to tears, and I look forward to adding to my shelf once it is published.