Tammy Ferebee

Compelling, emotional, and above all-absolutely RAW. Born this way provides an inner struggle of a young adult trying to come to terms with traumatic events surrounding his sexuality in a small town. Tammy Ferebee sucks the reader in right from the start. I could not put it down even though it takes you through an emotional roller-coaster, especially when you get thrown a massive curveball at the end of chapter 4. Most of all, the biggest turn I never expected was at the end of chapter 7.
What Ferebee wrote was captivating and so realistic, I just wish it had been longer. There were many questions that followed, things I wanted to see play out, especially the “day after”. I know Born This Way was supposed to be a novella, and I guess I should have known how it would end with the cover’s tagline, but I never could have fathomed exactly how heart-wrenching the conclusion would be.… (more)

Disturbing, enlightening, powerful, rewarding. All these words and others come to mind when I think about this book. Ms. Ferebee has painted a picture that is all too common within the LGBTQ community of hatred, bigotry, religious intolerance,loss of self esteem and even suicide.

Set in a small town in the American South, the author teases out the story slowly but inexorably toward its climax. Anybody who grew up gay in the 1950's, 1960's or even today in many small towns will relate to the story she tells. Many people will have flashbacks of the personal attacks by "friends", family and communities. Some will have flashbacks of thought of suicide or memories of friends who took that way of release from the pain.

When I finished the book I had to sit quietly as so many emotions flowed over me. I was stunned at the power of her words. I was angry and I was sad. I kept hoping that Nikki would save him in the end, but as in reality, there is not always a happy ending to the story.

I wanted the book to continue to find out how his death affected the trial, his father, Nikki and the religious bigots who killed him. I wanted retribution for the loss of a beautiful soul because of lies, ignorance and hate. I didn't get them, but there was some sense of closure. It will have to suffice.

I highly recommend this book.… (more)