The Perfect Family — Kathryn Shay

Kathryn Shay's debut mainstream novel tracks the joys and struggles of the Davidson family at the most vulnerable time in their lives -- when their seventeen year old son, Jamie, tells them he's gay. Jamie's father Mike can't reconcile his religious beliefs with his son's sexuality. His brother Brian is harassed by his jock buddies and angry at Jamie for complicating all their lives. Maggie, his mother, fears being able to protect her son while struggling to save her crumbling marriage. And even as Jamie celebrates no longer needing to hide his true self and looks forward to the excitement of openly dating another boy, he feels guilty for the unhappiness his disclosure has caused. Every member of their "perfect family" must search their hearts to reconnect with each other in this honest, heartwarming, and hopeful look at the redemptive power of love and family.