A Book Riot Best Young Adult Book of 2024, According to All the Lists

“The courage of this book blew me away. It’s achingly authentic, composed with equal parts sweetness, care, and stubborn queer perseverance. For people raised in fundamentalism, people who’ve escaped fundamentalism, or anyone who’s struggled to be who they are in the circumstances of their life, this book is a buoy and a balm. I’m so thankful it exists.”—Casey McQuiston, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Red, White & Royal Blue

“Through heartfelt and often personal storytelling, Natalie bravely explores the complexities of identity, faith, and queerness, shedding light on the powerful transformation that comes from embracing who you truly are, despite the expectations of those around you.”—Hayley Kiyoko, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Girls Like Girls

“Gay the Pray Away is a captivating debut novel, filled with self-discovery, authenticity, and, above all, love. Naudus remarkably illustrates a swoony budding romance alongside a story of fighting for yourself and your own liberation.”—Rachael Lippincott, #1 New York Times best-selling coauthor of She Gets the Girl

“Gay the Pray Away is both a comfort read and a reality check, a harrowing truth wrapped in a happily ever after. Naudus’s story is a necessary joy.”—Alix E. Harrow, New York Times best-selling author of Starling House

“Beautiful, gripping, and crafted with such care, Gay the Pray Away is a vitally important book about how love and hope shine through the darkness. Natalie Naudus’s debut marks her as an author to watch.”—Ann Liang, New York Times best-selling author of I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

“For any reader who had their identity or sexuality constrained or compressed by religion, this book offers hope, compassion, and healing.”—Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer: A Memoir

“A brave, compassionate story about deconstructing the harmful messages queer people internalize from religious extremism. Valerie’s journey from darkness to light is hard to read at times, but it’s a miracle to watch her embrace queer joy and learn to love herself for who she is.”—Kelly Quindlen, best-selling author of She Drives Me Crazy

“Reading Gay the Pray Away feels like taking a satisfying breath that warms and cleanses you from head to toe. Val’s budding hope, wonder, and joy leap off the page, and will no doubt be a lifeline for readers who see themselves in her experience. Naudus has long been a narrator to revere, and now she’s absolutely an author to watch.”—Dahlia Adler, award-winning author of Cool for the Summer

“A moving, fiercely tender book that I will hold dear to me for a long time. Valerie’s story radiates, with courageous and compelling sincerity, the hard-fought and joyous possibilities of self-discovery, of queer first love, of coming into one’s true self.”—Christina Li, award-winning author of True Love and Other Impossible Odds

“A tender, queer coming-of-age story about finding oneself within an oppressive religious environment. An impressive debut!”—Julie Tieu, author of Fancy Meeting You Here

“Achingly heartfelt and resoundingly beautiful. I need more books from Natalie Naudus ASAP!”—Julie Abe, author of The Charmed List and Our Cursed Love

“Gay the Pray Away is a beautiful, hopeful story. Natalie Naudus has created characters with nuance and life. I inhaled this book in just one afternoon.”—Ann Zhao, author of Dear Wendy

“Sweet as peach slices, Gay the Pray Away is a gentle, passionate, and hopeful tale of love conquering fear.”—Elliott Gish, author of Grey Dog

“A moving journey of discovery, first love, and resilience, with a timely and urgent message. Many people need this story and don’t know it yet; I hope they somehow find it.”—Jessica Mary Best, author of Stars, Hide Your Fires