Nothing Pink

Caroline Coy

Sin is a major part of Vincent's life; it must be identified and then destroyed. Every moment since hearing the word "queer," Vincent has known he was gay and prayed for salvation. He prayed every day until he met Robert. Now, as he revels in the joy of being loved, he must also face the prospect of awaiting damnation. However, the discovery of his homosexuality is accompanied by a freeing religious revelation. Nothing Pink by Mark Hardy opens up the closed book policies when talking about gays and religion. Placing a homosexual young man in the family of a Baptist minister produces the unique conflict present in this novel. Hardy writes about issues that adolescent readers are deeply invested in. Written with a strong voice, yet still filled with topical sensitivity, Nothing Pink will allow students to validate their own thoughts and experiences concerning homosexuality. Reviewer: Caroline Coy

School Library Journal

Gr 8-10

A story of first love set in late-1970s Virginia. Vincent, 15, is the only son of a Baptist preacher. He has grown up knowing all of his father's sermons, the Gospel songs, and that he is going to go to hell for being gay. But no matter how hard he prays to God to change him, he stays the same. When his family moves to a new parish, he meets Robert, and the teens strike up a friendship that turns into romance. Despite his family's views and those of his religion, Vincent comes to realize that God loves him just as he is. The teen's angst and his desire to fit in are somewhat believable. What is difficult to accept is that when his parents discover proof of his orientation, they merely pray over him. Their reaction seems too subdued compared to the hellfire-and-brimstone of his father's ministry. And, at the end of the book, Vincent resolves his feelings quite quickly, despite having been fighting them for so long. A decent effort that falls short of the mark.-Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada