J. R. Dewesse

To Be Loved: Because It Was Forbidden J. R. Dewesse

Jericho Diggs, the preacher's son, falls in love with another boy during his first year of Junior High School, a sissy-or so he had expected-with imaginary breasts. Surely, he doesn't fall in love on purpose-neglecting to anticipate the imminent chaos-the hate, abuse, or shame it will bring. He wouldn't choose a life that would send him running forever, living for the approval of a father he hates. To be Loved traces the lives of two black boys from their childhood friendship and later, tragic love affair in Vicksburg, a small town in Mississippi. The story follows them through their divergent paths to adulthood in search of love, acceptance, happiness, and normalcy. It leads ultimately to a confrontation in Atlanta, Georgia that teaches them lessons they learn far too late.