Review: Compelling Coming-Of-Age Story That Doesn't Shy Away From Homophobia
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 27, 2013
A 5-star rating for D.J Parkers "What's Not Broken" as it highlights the struggle of gay youth in gaining acceptance for themselves with their, family, friends, school, church and community.  As the setting is in a southern town, homophobia is pervasive and gay youth do not feel safe as there is a real danger of bullying and harassment that can ultimately lead to being ostracized, injured and even possible death. Religious and socializing institutions continue to teach intolerance to youth, adults and families.The core of the story is a love story between two teenagers each facing a world that they see as fraught with the unfortunate possibilities listed above. Other characters in the story demonstrate the types of behaviors that gay people face.I recommend this story to those readers that are looking for a deeper story than that of a simple romance. This is not erotica as sexual scenes are assumed rather than explicit. Challenges faced by the gay men in a homophobic environment and the growth that occurs when people have to face reality rather than try to "fix it" is at the core of "What's Not Broken."Personally, I enjoyed this story and I found it difficult to set the book down once I started.  The rough realities and heartbreaks were hard to read, but the healing and growth of the characters left me with a feeling the hope, acceptance and peace as they resolve their challenges.