“If I don’t write it, if I don’t say it, then it isn’t true.”
Hidden behind an air vent, wrapped in plastic and shame, lies a notebook no one was ever meant to read. But Jack writes anyway: about his body, his silence, the bruises he’s told are love, and the God he’s told will never love him back.
In the language of scripture, whispered desire, and unbearable confession, Jack’s secret diary becomes the only place he can tell the truth. It’s where he traces his journey through religious guilt, abuse, awakening, and the fragile, impossible hope of being known.
As his world closes in and self-denial threatens to consume him, a scout camp changes everything. Beneath starlight and secrecy, Jack discovers a love that doesn’t hurt, and for the first time, he writes not to erase himself, but to exist.
Jack’s Diary is a raw, lyrical LGBTQ+ coming-of-age novel about faith, shame, survival, and the radical power of truth-telling.
Perfect for readers of A Little Life, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Boy Erased.
Some Reviews from Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Jack’s every where
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2019
Abuse and even the fear of abuse is one of the most devastating events that can happen. If only there were more ways to help. You’re abused for your sexuality please let someone know. Find at least one person you can trust.
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved This Touching Story!
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2015
As soon as I started, I was interested in the first few pages. Before I knew it I refused to put it down. Clay does an excellent job of allowing the reader to experience everything Jack is going through. I had to thank the author for sharing this work with me. What makes this such a wonderful story is it seems so real. Everything Jack writes in his diary is something in which we all can relate. And if not, it gives you an insight to inner struggles youth may be going through. I loved how Jack had adults and others willing to help him in this heartfelt touching story!
A L H
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is really important.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Jack’s Diary is a really emotional read. The diary of a teenage boy who is gay, but his parents are very religious and do not agree with it. Reading it made me feel so sad. I cannot imagine being in his shoes, and I felt terrible to know that there really are people out there who can treat their own flesh and blood in this way.
Damian Jay Clay brings Jack fully to life with his writing, I felt like he was my friend telling me about his day. I wanted more than anything to be able to help him and stop his pain.
The clever thing about this story is that you can choose how it ends. You can just read up to the end of the story or you can read the additional chapter after the author’s note. I was pleased that the chapter was there. I wanted things to get better for Jack.
This book is really important. It ought to be required reading in schools, to teach people that regardless of sexuality, we are all people and deserve to be treated with kindness. I also think anyone who is considering becoming a parent should read this too, if you cannot love your child unconditionally regardless of who they grow up to be and who they end up loving, you really should reconsider reproducing.
A moving, important worthwhile book. Just read it.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2023
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This story was shorter than I expected but definitely worth the reading. It’s not often you get a story starting with the epilogue, but you soon realise why. The author continues his exposé of the so called christian churches and the stupid beliefs of some of their members. As is obvious I’m not a believer of any biblical texts, most are fairy stories, while the KJ Bible was expressly translated to prove the James the Sixth was the rightful king of england, not for nothing was he known as the Wisest Fool in Christendom.
As for the story I read it over around 4 hours, once started, only breaking for my tea. I prefer the happy ending being a softy of 75 years.