Nephi's Courage - Story of a Bad Mormon - Paperback

Nephi Willard has done everything right.

He served a two-year mission in Albania. He reads scripture every day. He's never tasted coffee. For four years, he's been the most reliable executive secretary his Bishop has ever had. By every measure the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses to define a good Mormon, Nephi is one.

Except for the part he's been hiding for thirty years.

When Nephi finally tells his Bishop that he's gay - and that he can't accept a doctrine that excludes him from salvation - the fallout is swift. His calling is revoked. His Stake President, who also happens to be his boss, calls him a pervert. A church disciplinary council threatens to strip away everything he's built his identity around.

Then Bradley shows up - a teenager thrown out by his own family for coming out - and Nephi discovers that opening his door to someone in need cracks open his own life in ways he never expected. A friendship with Alex, a sharp-tongued chef who drives a Prius and has opinions about Nephi's gas-guzzling truck, pushes him further toward a question he's spent his whole life avoiding: Can he be both gay and Mormon, or will he have to choose?

Set in Utah's Happy Valley, Nephi's Courage is a story about faith and identity, chosen family and stubborn love, and what it costs to finally stop living a lie. It's heartbreaking and funny, sometimes on the same page.

For readers who love stories about finding yourself without losing your soul.

Contains depictions of mental health crisis, family rejection, and sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs support, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award International Book Awards Finalist