Finding the strength to cope with same-gender attraction can prove to be a daunting task. “In Quiet Desperation” seeks to provide those with same-gender attraction with the spiritual power to deal with this mortal challenge.

“In Quiet Desperation” is written by husband and wife team Fred and Marilyn Matis, whose son ultimately committed suicide because of the pressures of living with same-gender attraction, and by Ty Mansfield, a member of the LDS Church who currently struggles with same-gender attraction. This book aims to dispel some of the myths that follow members of the LDS Church who deal with same-gender attraction. It also seeks to educate those who are dealing with same-gender attraction on ways to cope with their difficulty and also to educate parents, friends, family, and clergy on ways to show compassion for their loved ones.

As you read this book, it is important to remember that it is published by Deseret Book, which is owned by the LDS Church. It is their mission to provide books that will “strength individuals, families, and the larger society”. Keep in mind that they would not have published this book on this seemingly contraversial topic if they did not feel that it would be spiritually uplifting.

That being said, I found the book highly interesting and informative on the struggles of faithful Latter-day Saints who experience this attraction. I do feel a greater sense of compassion towards those who have this struggle in their lives, but I can’t help but feel if this book is a bit one-sided. The two young men in this book never abandoned their attraction, and I think it might have been helpful to have at least one person who was successful in distancing themselves from their attraction. While I’m not trying to say that same-gender attraction is something that is easily removed from one’s life, I do wonder if there are “success” stories out there. To co-author Ty Mansfield’s credit, he did include stories of men who had learned how to deal with their attraction and had met and married wonderful women, but I think that there must be some men out there who have completely forgone their attraction.

This book evoked a lot of discussion in my household, and while I definitely have my own viewpoints on the topic of this book, you won’t find them on this review. Read the book for yourselves with an open mind, and you might learn something new.

“In Quiet Desperation” is published by Deseret Book and retails for $15.95.