We all have the need for guidelines and background before we have the ability to reason independently. These and other author intrusions and parenthetical comments insult the reader. She threads her words with such descriptions as He was gambling that the live wire of a preacher over at the First Baptist Church of Ratchetville would hold Frank's interest better than the monotone priest had over at Our Lady of the Mountain Chapel. In a novel that tries to point out that society persecutes gay people because of stereotypes, the author reinforces many others. The Drowning of Stephan Jones is laden with barbs against organized religion, suggesting that there can be nothing positive in one's denomination.
Stereotypes appear in other forms.
Unfortunately, the author also unintentionally uses homophobic language. If her audience involves the homophobes in society, few people would see themselves in the role of the hate-monger, Andy Harris, and Greene's intent is ineffective. Her position inadvertently antagonizes. The irony is that the author appears to be trying to get the reader to 'hate' the Religious Right. This dichotomy boxes people in and offers no hope for growth or dialogue.