Effigy

Anyone who is different, unless they are fortunate in ways I don't know of, understands fear. For an LGBTQ+ youth, it can be debilitating. This is an intelligent story, leaning toward cerebral (in a great way), and incredibly well written. I don't use this term easily, but this a must-read, in my opinion. It took me back to a time period in my life where I made choices because of such fear. So yeah, this was hard-hitting. You should read it. Cheers!

This is a must read story that brings to light how life can be made better even if the road is scary.  Read on to follow a few days in Michaels life as the very shy and closeted teen finds courage and begins to open the door to the rest of his life....

Michael is unexpectedly faced with his outing in a monstrous way.  His fear and paranoia that follow is an expected result.  How this young man faces it and overcomes the power of fear is unique, and a wonderful story.  I agree with other reviewers that this short story is a must read.

This is a serious story, and well worth reading.  A teen guy discovers that an effigy of him has been hung in the front yard.  As more and more information becomes available, he also discovers courage he did not know he had.  At the same time he realizes facts about life and courage that he needs to know.  He also discovers the need to form real friendships, instead of mere acquaintances.  

An excellent story.