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Holy Communion

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This is again, like Times Queer, not a romance and not even a gay novel. It was probably tagged as "gay" (and I'm not saying that as a derogatory meaning), since people think at what was the following life of the author of this book, and they probably identified the 7 years old of the story with the author himself... maybe it's like that, maybe not. In every book there is something of his author, but there is also the evidence of a reality that maybe it's not the one experienced by him.

This is the story of a 7 years old, and I find still very difficult to think at sex linked to that age, above all to sexual orientation. It's true, I read just last night a book where the main character said that he knew he was gay at that same age, but I still believe that at 7 years old, more than a sexual orientation you have a vague idea of what is sex and what you are attracted to, the mystery of it more than the physical representation, the male or female body. There is no doubt that the young boy of this book (no name I believe), is forced to face things that make him question about "that", but he doesn't know what "that" is. His body is changing, and he is starting to feel something, parts of his body that before where only there, without purpose, now make him do strange things.

To the changing happening to his body, he has to add also the big change outside, he is preparing for the "Holy Communion"... another mystery, another strange thing happening to him on which he has no control and that he is not sure to like. Who represents it, nuns and priests, are no people he likes, and it seems a too big weight for his small age. After the Holy Communion you will be no more a child, you will loose your innocence... like doing "those" acts. The boy is not sure that it's something he wants to do, he is not sure that he wants to loose his innocence, in his mind the Holy Communion is not something good, it's at the same level with committing a sin.

And for the boy is not ended here, the only figure he trusts, the only person who seems to love him, his mother, has an accident and she is taken to hospital, far from him, right in the moment when he would need her more. It's not said, but maybe in his mind he is the estrangement from his mother like a punishment for all is happening around him, all things that he has no power on. The boy is involved in unwilling sexual acts with adults, both men than women, and everytime he runs away, scared. The fear for the unknown will be his salvation, not the Holy Communion: since he is not guilty, he has no sin, and he is safe.

Holy Communion

Mykola Dementiuk

Synergy Press

PO Box 8

Flemington, NY 08822

ISBN:0-9758581-4-9

$ 25.00 2009

Fantastic and Informative Read

5 Stars

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD

This was one of the most informative books I have read about sexual abuse, the Catholic Church and growing up in a gay-lesbian world.

I found the author's words were passionate and compelling. Many do not understand this world and are not forgiving of those who have this life. Although I have had many discussions with individuals who choose this life, never have I thought about how it comes to be.

I felt as if the author were talking to me and giving me more insight into his world and thoughts. The passion in his voice talking about all who had taken advantage of him and at the same time the feelings he felt while trying to figure out who he was were quite informative.

It is quite interesting in how we seek what we want most - love. I have recommended this book to my Psychology students so they have a better insight into this world. We all seek love and attention, and if we don't have the correct information, we make bad assumptions.

The author gives us answers to so many questions and an insight into his world. I felt it must have been a great journey of searching and putting his life in perspective.