let me introduce you to my new book
This one's going to p!$$ A lot of people off 😂
The whole book is about religious trauma and has LGBTQ representation. don't like don't read... simple as that you would think
📖 Name of the Book: The Tainted Lamb
📄 Plot: imagine your child born with both sets of what the Lord usually makes one To a televangelist who all he can do is monetize it for his own game. you finally turn 18 and meet a cowboy who is the complete opposite of what you're used to and decide you're going to run away with him. each chapter is based off of a different layer of hell.
📖 Genre: Southern Gothic
📄 My Favorite paragraph: "I look back one last time and there’s my mother, standing at the window. Her usually vacant, drugged-out expression is gone. A small, genuine smile spreads across her face. I’ve never seen her smile before."
as cis woman I did lots of research for this book. Even reached out to trans and non-binary people for this So I could nail the discussion of dysphoria right on the head.
I've been absolutely captivated by Ruby Lewis's new novel, *The Tainted Lamb*, and honestly, I think it's a book everyone should be talking about, especially if you're into stories that challenge you. It’s not just another Southern Gothic tale; it's a deep dive into themes that are often whispered about, not shouted. From the moment I read about the plot, I knew it was something special. Imagine a child born intersex, growing up under the shadow of a televangelist father who only sees them as a means to an end. That alone sets up such a powerful conflict, but then throw in the element of religious trauma and the yearning for genuine connection, and you have a narrative that’s both heartbreaking and incredibly brave. What really impressed me was Ruby Lewis's commitment to authenticity. She openly shares that she's a cis woman who did extensive research, even reaching out to trans and non-binary individuals to portray dysphoria accurately. This dedication shines through, making the LGBTQ+ representation feel genuine and integral to the protagonist's journey. The novel doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths, and that's precisely its strength. The idea of each chapter being based on a different 'layer of hell' is just brilliant, providing a unique structural framework for exploring the protagonist's emotional and spiritual landscapes. It’s clear this isn't just a story; it's an experience designed to make you think, feel, and perhaps even re-evaluate your own perspectives. And let's talk about the setting: *Austin, Texas, in the 1980s*. For me, this is such a fascinating backdrop for a story like this. The 80s in Austin was a vibrant, eclectic era – a blend of traditional Southern values clashing with a burgeoning counter-culture, music scene, and a growing sense of individuality. It was a time of significant social shifts, and for a character seeking to escape the confines of a rigid religious upbringing, Austin would have been a beacon of possibility. The imagery from the book, like the protagonist finally turning eighteen and meeting a cowboy, really paints a picture of breaking free. You can almost feel the dusty roads and the independent spirit of that time and place. The contrast between the stifling religious environment and the open road (and open hearts) of 1980s Austin is a narrative goldmine. It adds another layer of complexity, highlighting how external environments can either suppress or liberate the human spirit. The book truly captures the essence of running away, not just physically, but spiritually, from everything you've ever known, towards something unknown but potentially more authentic. This isn't just a book you read; it's a world you step into, full of nuanced characters and a setting that feels like another character itself.
