Say a Little Prayer: A Powerful Exploration of Faith, Identity, and Growth
As a book blogger, I often find myself picking up titles that promise to challenge the status quo or tug at my heartstrings, but Jenna Voris’s Say a Little Prayer intrigued me in a uniquely personal way. Having previously enjoyed her earlier work, Every Time You Hear That Song, I was eager to dive into this new journey she crafted. The pitch of a queer teen grappling with her environment of faith and familial ties instantly caught my attention—and I’m so glad it did.
Set against the backdrop of the Pleasant Hills Baptist Church, the novel follows Riley, a young girl confronting her identity after her family’s painful departure from their community. Following the humiliation of her older sister, Hannah, at the hands of the church’s powerful Pastor Young, Riley quickly learns that the church can be more of a battleground than a sanctuary. The nuanced way Voris handles religion is both refreshing and necessary; she examines how a place typically seen as safe can morph into a prison of fear for many, particularly for queer youth.
What stands out vividly is Voris’s ability to weave humor and raw honesty throughout the narrative. Riley’s decision to write essays on the seven deadly sins to expose the hypocrisy of Pastor Young is a brilliant narrative device that offers both levity and a critique of moral absolutism. The pacing is spot-on, allowing the reader to marinate in Riley’s emotional ups and downs while rooting for her growth.
One of the most touching aspects of the novel is the dynamic between Riley and her best friend, Julia—who just happens to be Pastor Young’s daughter. Their relationship complicates the story beautifully, illustrating the tension faced by queer teens in religious environments. Julia, cornered by fear and doctrinal teachings, serves as a poignant reminder that not all stories regarding faith and sexuality are the same. Voris does an impeccable job of showcasing both Riley’s familial support and Julia’s isolation, making their journeys emotively resonant.
The moments that made me cheer and the ones that brought me to near tears were frequent throughout this roller coaster of a read. I found myself emotionally invested, celebrating Riley’s small victories and aching for Julia’s struggles. As I turned the pages, I often paused to reflect on how profound and relatable Voris’s characters are. There’s a line that lingers with me: “Who decides who is worthy?” It’s a simple question that unravels layers of societal expectations and personal introspection.
In conclusion, Say a Little Prayer is a powerful, thought-provoking read that invites not just young adults but anyone grappling with faith, identity, and acceptance to join the conversation. Voris has solidified herself as a must-read author for me, and I believe this book will resonate with many who have walked similar paths—or, indeed, anyone seeking a nuanced take on life’s complexities. It’s a compelling reminder of the importance of understanding and compassion in both faith and personal relationships.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful exploration of identity wrapped in wit and truth, I highly recommend picking up Say a Little Prayer. You won’t be disappointed.