Prayers for Bobby Audiobook By Leroy Aarons cover art

Prayers for Bobby

A Mother's Coming to Terms with the Suicide of Her Gay Son

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Prayers for Bobby

By: Leroy Aarons
Narrated by: Wentworth Miller
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30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Bobby Griffith was an all-American boy … and he was gay. Faced with an irresolvable conflict—for both his family and his religion taught him that being gay was “wrong”—Bobby chose to take his own life.

Prayers for Bobby, nominated for a 1996 Lambda Literary Award, is the story of the emotional journey that led Bobby to this tragic conclusion. But it is also the story of Bobby’s mother, a fearful churchgoer who first prayed that her son would be “healed,” then anguished over his suicide, and ultimately transformed herself into a national crusader for gay and lesbian youth.

As told through Bobby’s poignant journal entries and his mother’s reminiscences, Prayers for Bobby is at once a moving personal story, a true profile in courage, and a call to arms to parents everywhere.

©1995 Leroy Aarons (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing Grief & Loss LGBTQ+ Studies Personal Development Relationships
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This is a very sad yet necessary and relevant read, even in 2025.

I can relate to so many aspects of it. I’m grateful that some parents and individuals eventually come to understand that life is precious, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. Unfortunately, this realization sometimes comes too late, and the consequences of ignorance, hatred, and even silence cannot be undone.

I sincerely believe that humanity needs to take greater responsibility in understanding the real-world impact of our actions. While apologies and repentance are valuable, they do not erase the trauma and effects of our poor decisions.

Sad but very relevant and necessary

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Plenty of time has passed since Bobby Griffith ended his physical life. Much has changed since that time and yet much has stayed the same. The preoccupation that many religious denominations have with sex, and particularly the sex that gay men have, is fascinating. It’s difficult, as a reasoning human, to reconcile the hate disguised as love that many religions profess. That Bobby’s mother, Mary, had her beliefs about homosexuality converted from religious fundamentalism to one of acceptance is the uplifting part of the story. May we each learn the lessons from this book. Many will disagree but may those with eyes see and those with ears hear. Rest In Peace Bobby and Mary and so many LGBTQ members whose lives mattered and still do. Peace to all.

Sad but evolutionary

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Truly moving and inspiring from start to finish. Leroy Aarons masterfully capture the Griffith family, especially Mary and Bobby. Deeply moving and important.

Excellent overall.

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Mary is my hero, she made way for my only son to be who he is and exactly who our creator made him to be.

Excellent movie and book !

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Surprisingly enough, I never heard of Prayers for Bobby (movie or book) until last week (January 2025) and I must say, this book was gut wrenchingly beautiful. As someone who to this day still struggles with self acceptance and my religious family's acceptance of me, this was told in such raw emotions. To see Mary's transformation from neglect to full acceptance, even if it was after Bobby's death, was inspiring. And to Bobby, I hope you are living in peace and loving yourself to the fullest extent. May you forever feel your family's love. To my LGBTQ+ peers and allies, continue to love. Continue to be you. Continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. To those still against the LGBTQ+ community, I hope one day you are able to learn to love without shame, and that you become open minded and choose to continue to educate on these topics, as scary as it may seem. -Mel

Gut Wrenchingly Beautiful

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Storyline and presentation was excellent until the afterword where personal uneducated beliefs took over. People presenting narratives in the afterword need to do their due diligence before speaking.

Excellent for 1st 9 hrs

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