"Two boys at Bible camp; one forbidden love. That is the dilemma sixteen-year-old Jonathan Cooper faces when he goes away to Spirit Lake Bible Camp, an oasis for teen believers situated along Minnesota's rugged north shore. He is expecting a summer of mosquito bites, bonfires with S'mores, and photography classes with Simon, his favorite counselor, who always helps Jonathan see his life in perfect focus.
What he isn't expecting is Ian McGuire, a new camper who openly argues against phrases like pray the gay away. Ian is certain of many things, including what could happen between them if only Jonathan could surrender to his feelings. Jonathan, however, tosses in a storm of indecision between his belief in God and his inability to stay away from Ian. When a real storm hits and Ian is lost in it, Jonathan is forced to make a public decision that changes his life."
Caught in the Crossfire by Juliann Rich is a cute story about a boy named Jonathan who struggles with his love for is fellow camper Ian and his Christian faith. The book is very short and moves along quickly, sometimes too quickly, but Rich is entirely capable of creating characters with personalities that are 3 dimensional and thankfully real.
I thought that the romance between Jonathan and Ian was sweet, albeit quick and I really appreciated Jonathan's turmoil over being a Christian, while having not only romantic feelings for another boy, but sexual ones as well. Rich doesn't just label him Christian and be done with it, the character is completely Christian and prays and has faith and is in love with his religion and is very hot and cold with Ian because of itwhich causes quite a bit of conflict.
Ian was also interesting and has a complex background which bonds the two boys.
The writing is great and Rich does provide some great details, but at times, because the book is under 200 pages, the story felt rushed and jumpy, but it didn't deter me from enjoying it.
It is a great summer read!
- A
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