1 out of 5 stars.

I really struggled with this audio book, it was just a bit dry and long for my tastes.

I didn't end up finishing it and that's not something that ever happens to me, not even for an audiobook.

Honestly, I think that if I had been more settled in my life, I would have had more time to enjoy this. The whole time I was listening I just missed my music and with a good audiobook that doesn't happen.

I did enjoy her voice and loved that she read it personally. I truly wish I had enjoyed it more.

This book was so raw and so real. I am very glad I was able to read this and share in the story of Stace. So beautiful

We don’t see many memoirs written from this perspective, especially for teens. I could see this book being a real lifeline to teens who are growing up in a religious community like the one I grew up in.

Thank you, Netgalley and the author/publisher, for the opportunity to read (listen to) and review an advanced reader's copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.

I was surprised how open Stacey was about her story, and that is something I really like. There are so many Christian out there who struggle with reconciling they sexuality with their Christian beliefs. It was great to dive into the thoughts and feelings of someone who went through all those struggles. With that being said, I once again have to point out that it is not our place as fellow Christians to judge anyone, we are to love them regardless of who they are, what they look like, what they do, etc. Only God has the power and authority to judge! I wholeheartedly believe in this command. We have to love people while still leading a life based on the principle "be in the world, but not of the world."

I appreciate this open and brave memoir of growing up gay in a church that doesn't accept you for the person you are. Trying to reconcile sexuality and faith is a struggle for so many young people, often times with both sides telling you that it doesn't work. This is a memoir that is needed - an honest look at the hardships the author has faced, and ultimately hopeful of finding love and acceptance as your whole self.

i am not religious anymore but reading this felt very relatable and i loved the authors take. this made me emotional to read and i really loved it

Great story that gave me insight and knowledge. A friend of mine grew up in a very religious household and was gay, this story felt so much like the things she used to tell me. Awesome read but I could see how it would be triggering for certain people who have experienced similar situations.

This memoir was so incredibly relatable. As someone who still struggles with identifying what my sexuality is (or is “allowed to be”) I found Still Stace to be relatable, sad, funny, reminiscent and so much more! 5 stars from me ❤️

Although it's ten years later than the narrator experienced it, growing up catholic and recently discovering I'm not straight, there were many part of the book I was able to relate too. I did struggle through some parts as it reminded me of some feelings I've had about myself in the past year as I've gone through my experience.

Big thanks to NetGalley & OrangeSky Audio for my DRC.

Here is my honest review:
When I was 40yrs old, I came out as gay to my family and friends. Being brought up as an evangelical Christian, working overseas as a missionary, it had been instilled in me that being Christian was the antithesis of being gay - the worst of the worst sins! We didn’t really talk about it much and the shame I felt from a young age was immense.

I look back and wonder what life would have been like if someone had put this book in my hand? Some of the presentation, writing style, or narration could have been “better”, but none of that outweighs the overall message and importance of this work by Stacey. There is much of Stacey’s memoir that I could relate to, having experienced the shame from feelings that the church called sinful, to the attempts to become “not gay” through programs devoted to “conversion (reparative) therapy, and of course, the desperate begging for God to “fix me”. I could relate, and that for me made this book, a good memoir.

In terms of styling, there were some aspects of phrasing, sentence structure and repetitions that frustrated me, and I wished the editor had suggested a more varied vocabulary. One major thing I feel I missed out on from the audiobook version were the illustrations that Stacey had created and included in the print version. Considering the book’s subtitle is “an illustrated memoir”, the audiobook will never live up to the print version. I wonder if there is some way of having those added to the audiobook as a downloadable pdf.

I would give the book 5 stars for being an absolute necessity in the world of evangelical Christianity, a story that NEEDS to be heard, or read, and valued for what it says about the disconnect and harm caused by the so-called “biblical truth about sexuality”. It shows that God’s creation and vision for humanity is more expansive and affirming than what has been preached over the centuries. However, in light of some of the stylistic choices with words, phrases, and narration I have given it 4 stars overall.

This is a powerful and moving story of reconciling identity with religion. I deeply related to this story and found myself crying along with Stace as she navigated her journey. Any young person struggling with their sexuality or anyone who wants to understand what that struggle is like should read this. It should be required reading for all PFLAG groups or parents who think their child may be queer. Well written and beautifully narrated, just a beautiful story all the way around.

An absolutely well told and well written story. I loved hearing the cadence of the audiobook. Beautiful!

If you're queer and have suffered through religious trauma, PLEASE read the trigger warnings. Having grown up in a very culty religious upbringing, this was triggering yet comforting. It's an all too real story that's heartbreaking and needs to be read.

This is the memoir for every gay Christian struggling with the heartbreak of reconciling love for their faith with the romantic desires of their heart when their church and community define the two as incompatible. Stacey Chomiak looks back at every moment of her journey with unflinching honesty. She tried nearly every way to squash her homosexual identity for more than a decade, and her pain and heartbreak are undeniable. But hers is a tale of triumph and love that will inspire hope and peace. Well worth a listen, but I bet the illustrated book is even better!

*I received a free copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review.*

This is by far the best Christian book I've read to date. I know reviewers want this review to be 100 characters long, but this book really left me speechless. Encouraging every Christian to read it is all I've got.

I just finished listening to the audiobook of "Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-Of-Age Story" by Stacey Chomiak. It was heartbreakingly beautiful to read. Her story is not the same exact story as my own because I wasn't even able to fully realize that I'm gay until I was 35 years old! But if I had realized it when I was in middle or high school I have no doubt my experiences would have been very similar to Stace's.

Sometimes it was hard to listen to the parts where she was hearing such harmful, homophobic theology from her church and family and church friends. It was hard because I've heard those same messages my entire life. And that toxic, traumatizing theology is still hurting people, even killing people. It's still causing parents to think they can't accept their gay/queer children for who they are. It's still keeping them from attending and celebrating their children's weddings and marriages and relationships.

It was good to hear how Stace was able to finally get that peace from God, knowing that there was nothing sinful about her relationship with her girlfriend. I wish I could get this book into the hands of every LGBTQ youth who is wrestling with these things. I wish I could make every parent of an LGBTQ person read this and have it open their eyes.

This book as an audiobook may have been without its illustrations, but gained so much in the voice of the narrator (the author). Being able to hear the emotion of the author’s voice in describing such difficult parts of her young adult life was beautiful and heartbreaking. I felt for Stace every step of the way on her journey and was rooting for her at every turn.
I did not grow up religiously but have some general knowledge about Christianity which would be helpful in reading this book. I was shocked by how the members of her parish reacted to an differences or perceived sin in their community.
I loved the inclusion of Stace’s prayer journal entries.
I would recommend this to those who enjoyed Honor Girl and Fun Home.

I rarely give 5 stars on books or audiobooks, but this audiobook earns full marks and more. Stacey, through her prayer journals and memories, takes us through the journey and struggles of a young adult as they discover they are attracted to those of the same sex. On top of this, she is a Christian that values her relationship with God and doesn't want to sin.

Parts of this book are absolutely heartbreaking. As a Christian, it is hard to see some of the views of others, turning their backs on Stacey. It hurts to see her end multiple relationships as she tries to hold onto her faith. Her parents try to "fix" her, when there is nothing to fix in her. I sincerely believe that this book would be a great help to other teens and young adults that are going through similar struggles and are losing their faith because they have no one to support them.

I was privileged to have been provided with a copy of this audiobook version in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Still Stace by Stacey Chomiak
# Memoir # LGBTQ+ representation

TW: Homophobia, Parental Rejection, Gay Conversion Therapy, Abusive Relationships, Religious Shame/Guilt

Stacey Chomiak's memoir, Still Stace, is an illustrated gay Christian coming-of-age story. She has beautifully presented her vulnerabilities, emotions, and inner struggles as she attempts to find peace on her journey of self-discovery. It's written in the form of a journal, capturing Stace's confusions, emotional ups, and downs at various points in her life.

I'm in awe of Chomiak for handling such a difficult subject in the course of a narrative that is simple to follow. This would be an inspiring read for all the young souls who’re fighting a similar battle.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was fantastic. It was like listening to her entire story while sitting on a bench next to her. I'm glad she was able to find peace and feel whole after all of her struggles.

While I was listening to the audiobook, out of curiosity, I looked at the illustrations for Chapter 1 excerpts on Amazon. They are just as lovely as her words.

Overall, Still Stace is an honest account of the author's hardships, insecurities, and dilemmas as she pursues self-discovery. I would recommend this to all young adults, regardless of their identity.

Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for the audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First, a word about the edition I previewed. The audiobook was excellent. Stacey did a wonderful job telling her story! But the more I learned about her, and that she was an artist, the more I wished that I had a print copy, so I could see the illustrations.

I think Stacey’s story is important, and I hope that many people get the opportunity to read her book, especially young, Christian, LGBTQ kids—and their parents. I am grateful that I belong to an open and affirming church, where all are welcome.

My heart bled for young Stacey, growing up in the church, having dreams of marrying a boy and having children, because that’s what was expected—but also realizing that she was really attracted to girls. And as important as Stacey’s overall story about growing up gay is, two other themes are particularly important—the existence of partner abuse in same-sex relationships, and the idea that you can “pray the gay away” and become “ex-gay” is wrong and damaging to sense of self.

As much as many individuals struggle with identifying as gay and coming out, Stacey makes it clear that this is even more complicated for many Christians—especially those who are not part of open and affirming congregations. As a mother, it is impossible for me to understand how a parent can react with such negativity to their child’s coming out, though I know it happens all the time.

Stacey is open and honest with the reader about her struggles throughout her memoir, though clearly this was an additional struggle with family and friends. And she shares what happened as a result of both staying in the closet and of sharing with others.

And at risk of giving away the ending, this review will end here. This was a powerful coming of age/coming out story. I truly hope that it will reach those who will relate to Stacey and may find it especially helpful, as well as those who may be initially offended by it, but may find the story helpful as the relate to gay people in their own lives.

And yes, the audiobook was excellent—but I’ll be looking for a print copy to check out the illustrations!