Saving Alex

Saving Alex is a 2016 memoir that chronicles Alex Cooper's experiences after coming out as gay to her Mormon parents at age 15. The narrative follows her journey from being rejected by her family to being sent to an unlicensed residential treatment facility in Utah. The book details Cooper's eight-month ordeal in a conversion therapy program, where she endures physical and psychological abuse designed to change her sexual orientation. Her account provides a raw look into the practices used in such programs and the impact on young LGBTQ+ individuals. Through her interactions with school staff, Cooper discovers resources and allies who help her pursue legal action and establish her independence. The memoir tracks her path toward freedom and self-acceptance, including her work with a pro bono attorney who takes up her case. The book serves as both a personal testimony and a broader examination of the intersection between religious beliefs, family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ rights in contemporary America. It illuminates the ongoing practice of conversion therapy and its effects on young people.

Readers emphasize this book's value in exposing conversion therapy practices and religious trauma. Many appreciate Alex Cooper's courage in sharing her experience and view it as an important LGBTQ+ memoir that highlights family rejection and resilience. Readers liked: - Raw, honest portrayal of events - Clear writing style that maintains focus - Important perspective on Mormon culture - Documentation of legal proceedings Readers disliked: - Wanting more depth about healing/recovery - Some repetitive sections - Limited exploration of family dynamics after events - Writing style occasionally feels detached Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) Common reader comment: "A difficult but necessary read" One reader noted: "The straightforward telling makes the story more powerful than if it were emotionally manipulative." Several reviewers mentioned they finished it in one sitting due to the compelling narrative, though some wanted more reflection on long-term impacts.

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🔹 Alex Cooper was confined for eight months at a home in St. George, Utah, where she was forced to wear a backpack filled with rocks as punishment and stand facing a wall for hours. 🔹 The memoir led to increased awareness about conversion therapy, contributing to Utah becoming the 19th state to ban the practice for minors in 2020. 🔹 Co-author Joanna Brooks is a renowned scholar of Mormon history and culture, having authored multiple books including "Mormon Feminism: Essential Writings" and "The Book of Mormon Girl." 🔹 The legal battle described in the book set a precedent in Utah courts, establishing that LGBTQ+ youth could seek legal emancipation from parents attempting to force them into conversion therapy. 🔹 The book was published in 2016, the same year The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a website called "Mormon and Gay," acknowledging that same-sex attraction is not a choice.