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Say a Little Prayer
A wry, heartfelt tale of a teen who's taking her church camp by storm—one deadly sin at a time.
Riley quietly left church a year ago when she realized there was no place for a bi girl in her congregation. But it wasn’t until the pastor shunned her older sister for getting an abortion that she really wanted to burn it all down.
It’s just her luck, then, that she’s sent to the principal’s office for slapping a girl talking smack about her sister—and in order to avoid suspension, she has to spend spring break at church camp. The only saving grace is that she’ll be there with her best friend, Julia. Even if Julia’s dad is the pastor. And he’s in charge of camp. But Riley won’t let a technicality like “repenting� get in the way of her true mission. Instead of spending the week embracing the seven heavenly virtues, she decides to commit all seven deadly sins. If she can show the other campers that sometimes being a little bad is for the greater good, she could start a righteous revolution! What could possibly go wrong? Aside from falling for the pastor’s daughter . . .
Riley quietly left church a year ago when she realized there was no place for a bi girl in her congregation. But it wasn’t until the pastor shunned her older sister for getting an abortion that she really wanted to burn it all down.
It’s just her luck, then, that she’s sent to the principal’s office for slapping a girl talking smack about her sister—and in order to avoid suspension, she has to spend spring break at church camp. The only saving grace is that she’ll be there with her best friend, Julia. Even if Julia’s dad is the pastor. And he’s in charge of camp. But Riley won’t let a technicality like “repenting� get in the way of her true mission. Instead of spending the week embracing the seven heavenly virtues, she decides to commit all seven deadly sins. If she can show the other campers that sometimes being a little bad is for the greater good, she could start a righteous revolution! What could possibly go wrong? Aside from falling for the pastor’s daughter . . .
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2025
184 people are currently reading
16.7k people want to read
About the author
Jenna Voris
4books265followersJenna Voris writes books about ambitious girls and galaxy traversing adventures. She was born and raised in Indiana—where she learned to love roundabouts and the art of college basketball—and now calls Washington D.C. home. When she’s not writing, she can be found perfecting her road trip playlists and desperately trying to keep her houseplants alive. Made of Stars is her debut.
Follow her online @JennaVoris and at jennamvoris.com.
Follow her online @JennaVoris and at jennamvoris.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
August 6, 2024
if you went to religious camp you are entitled to financial compensation (and this book)
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March 6, 2025Riley left her church a year ago because it was not a welcoming place for a bisexual girl like her and because of how the church treated her sister when she got an abortion.
So when Riley is sent to the principal’s office for smacking a girl who was talking poorly about her sister, she doesn’t anticipate being given the opportunity to avoid suspension by attending a church camp. She’ll take that option, in part because her best friend Julia will be there, too.
But Julia’s dad is in charge of the camp, and Riley has no interest in repenting. Instead, she’s going to use the week-long camp to dive deep into the seven deadly sins. It might help her peers understand that life doesn’t need to be about strict piety to be good.
There’s a hitch in the plan though, and it’s a big one. Riley is falling for Julia and hard.
—Kelly Jensen,
So when Riley is sent to the principal’s office for smacking a girl who was talking poorly about her sister, she doesn’t anticipate being given the opportunity to avoid suspension by attending a church camp. She’ll take that option, in part because her best friend Julia will be there, too.
But Julia’s dad is in charge of the camp, and Riley has no interest in repenting. Instead, she’s going to use the week-long camp to dive deep into the seven deadly sins. It might help her peers understand that life doesn’t need to be about strict piety to be good.
There’s a hitch in the plan though, and it’s a big one. Riley is falling for Julia and hard.
—Kelly Jensen,
October 7, 2024
Say a Little Prayer is a YA novel about a queer theater kid who (because plot) winds up at Baptist camp, where she decides to prove Asshole Pastor wrong by committing all seven deadly sins in seven days without being smited or whatever, a plan further (un)calculated to win the eternal friendship (could one possibly wish for more?) of Asshole Pastor's lovely daughter Julia—a plan so foolproof it couldn't possibly go wrong.
Say a Little Prayer is sharp, silly, heartfelt, painfully real despite its utter absurdity (a trick good YA shares with the more surreal side of experimental literature—perhaps one reason I'm drawn to both). To be clear, Riley is an idiot. But she is oh so very 17. Oh so painfully, awkwardly, believably 17.
In the end, the novel earns its five stars the only way a book with a glowing halo over the “y� in prayer really can—by being so much fun it hurts. Sure, there are some awkward moments and some thinly-sketched characters—but there are also some incredibly cathartic, emotional set-pieces. I don’t want to give too much way, but for those who’ve read it, I’ll just say—the “wrath� scene, you know the one—and from there, the white-knuckle emotional intensity of this silly little book caught me off guard. I read the last few chapters twice in a row, just to experience them over.
If you've ever wondered just how meaningful holding hands can really be, this is your book.
Say a Little Prayer is sharp, silly, heartfelt, painfully real despite its utter absurdity (a trick good YA shares with the more surreal side of experimental literature—perhaps one reason I'm drawn to both). To be clear, Riley is an idiot. But she is oh so very 17. Oh so painfully, awkwardly, believably 17.
In the end, the novel earns its five stars the only way a book with a glowing halo over the “y� in prayer really can—by being so much fun it hurts. Sure, there are some awkward moments and some thinly-sketched characters—but there are also some incredibly cathartic, emotional set-pieces. I don’t want to give too much way, but for those who’ve read it, I’ll just say—the “wrath� scene, you know the one—and from there, the white-knuckle emotional intensity of this silly little book caught me off guard. I read the last few chapters twice in a row, just to experience them over.
If you've ever wondered just how meaningful holding hands can really be, this is your book.
February 26, 2025
Church used to be a comfortable place for Riley—until she realized that her queerness would never be accepted, and until the pastor threw her sister Hannah out for getting an abortion. She doesn't regret leaving and not going back...except that she's been quietly in love with the pastor's daughter for years. And except that the pastor isn't happy that she left without his say-so. And except that after an altercation at school, she's been banished to church camp in Kentucky for a week...and now things are just a little bit awkward.
This is so far up my alley it's basically in my backyard. I love that although Riley feels rejected by the church, she isn't rejected by the people she loves most; her family has zero problem with sexuality, and neither does Julia, her best-friend-slash-crush. Better, the deeper into the book we get, the more complicated she finds her relationship with the teenagers who have been making her life, and her sister's life, difficult since they found out about Hannah's abortion. Riley is very much a teenager (her rantings in her notebook are ever so slightly cringe, which fortunately I think is the point), but on the whole things feel balanced.
Readers who have read Voris's Every Time You Hear That Song will be pleased to find a few easter eggs (though this is not a sequel and can be read 100% independently of Every Time). I read Say a Little Prayer partly on the strength of Every Time, and I'm pleased to report that Prayer lives up to the standard set by its predecessor.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
This is so far up my alley it's basically in my backyard. I love that although Riley feels rejected by the church, she isn't rejected by the people she loves most; her family has zero problem with sexuality, and neither does Julia, her best-friend-slash-crush. Better, the deeper into the book we get, the more complicated she finds her relationship with the teenagers who have been making her life, and her sister's life, difficult since they found out about Hannah's abortion. Riley is very much a teenager (her rantings in her notebook are ever so slightly cringe, which fortunately I think is the point), but on the whole things feel balanced.
Readers who have read Voris's Every Time You Hear That Song will be pleased to find a few easter eggs (though this is not a sequel and can be read 100% independently of Every Time). I read Say a Little Prayer partly on the strength of Every Time, and I'm pleased to report that Prayer lives up to the standard set by its predecessor.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
March 2, 2025
4.5 stars. Irreverent, goddamn hilarious, and containing a nuanced exploration of religion through the lens of a flawed but lovable queer protagonist, Say A Little Prayer was an excellent YA contemporary that resonated with me in ways that I didn't expect.
March 5, 2025
SAY A LITTLE PRAYER easily cements Jenna Voris as a must-read author for me. If you haven't read one of her earlier books, EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG, you should.
In PRAYER, Voris delves into the world of religion and queer teens, introducing us to Riley, a teenager reckoning with her sexuality. Once a member of the Pleasant Hills Baptist church, she and her family left after its powerful leader, Pastor Young, publicly humiliated and kicked out her older sister, Hannah in front of the entire congregation. And then, shortly after Riley came out, Pastor Young's entire sermon focused on the sins of homosexuality.
Unfortunately for Riley, many of her friends are church members, including her best friends Ben and Julia, who just happen to be Pastor Young's children. The Hannah incident has caused some distance from her friends. But she finds herself reunited with both of them when she's forced to attend Pleasant Hills youth camp after an altercation at school with another student, who has been insulting her sister. (Because, of course, just punishment involves attending a religious camp.)
Once at camp, when Riley realizes Pastor Young will be preaching about the seven deadly sins, she decides to write an essay about each one and expose Pastor Young and his church for how hypocritical it truly is. While at camp, even though she can't talk to Julia about her father, she feels very close to her best friend. As in, you know, gay close! Scandal!
PRAYER is very YA, with our dear Riley making some terrible decisions, but it's perfect for its intended audience. It's also smart and witty and does a wonderful job of exploring religion (while still holding teen interest). What happens when religion doesn't bring joy or peace, the story asks, but instead comes from a place of fear, dictating lives and forcing children and families to act a certain way out of a forced sense of terror or humiliation.
Through Riley and Julia's characters, we see how life can be for queer teens--and how difficult it can be for religious ones. Voris illustrates the pressures both Riley and Julia feel from the church and shows how different it is when Riley receives familial support but Julia only hears of fire and brimstone. Their stories are inspiring and truthful and will ring incredibly truthful to kids going through the same thing.
As the book asks why and how pastors decide who is worthy, we see Riley's growth, as she struggles with why no one is questioning Pastor Young's culture of fear. She begins to understand how people--including those whom she's been very angry with--in religious situations maybe do not realize how things could be different, or that there are other options.
There are some moments in this book that made me cheer out loud. Others made me sad, as I felt so deeply for these teens. This is such a well-written, emotional book. There's not a ton of resolution with the ending, but it's certainly realistic. This is a story with a lot of religious talk, but it's not preachy, and you shouldn't let the religious angle scare you off--it's a wonderfully written and well-done story.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.
In PRAYER, Voris delves into the world of religion and queer teens, introducing us to Riley, a teenager reckoning with her sexuality. Once a member of the Pleasant Hills Baptist church, she and her family left after its powerful leader, Pastor Young, publicly humiliated and kicked out her older sister, Hannah in front of the entire congregation. And then, shortly after Riley came out, Pastor Young's entire sermon focused on the sins of homosexuality.
Unfortunately for Riley, many of her friends are church members, including her best friends Ben and Julia, who just happen to be Pastor Young's children. The Hannah incident has caused some distance from her friends. But she finds herself reunited with both of them when she's forced to attend Pleasant Hills youth camp after an altercation at school with another student, who has been insulting her sister. (Because, of course, just punishment involves attending a religious camp.)
Once at camp, when Riley realizes Pastor Young will be preaching about the seven deadly sins, she decides to write an essay about each one and expose Pastor Young and his church for how hypocritical it truly is. While at camp, even though she can't talk to Julia about her father, she feels very close to her best friend. As in, you know, gay close! Scandal!
PRAYER is very YA, with our dear Riley making some terrible decisions, but it's perfect for its intended audience. It's also smart and witty and does a wonderful job of exploring religion (while still holding teen interest). What happens when religion doesn't bring joy or peace, the story asks, but instead comes from a place of fear, dictating lives and forcing children and families to act a certain way out of a forced sense of terror or humiliation.
Through Riley and Julia's characters, we see how life can be for queer teens--and how difficult it can be for religious ones. Voris illustrates the pressures both Riley and Julia feel from the church and shows how different it is when Riley receives familial support but Julia only hears of fire and brimstone. Their stories are inspiring and truthful and will ring incredibly truthful to kids going through the same thing.
As the book asks why and how pastors decide who is worthy, we see Riley's growth, as she struggles with why no one is questioning Pastor Young's culture of fear. She begins to understand how people--including those whom she's been very angry with--in religious situations maybe do not realize how things could be different, or that there are other options.
There are some moments in this book that made me cheer out loud. Others made me sad, as I felt so deeply for these teens. This is such a well-written, emotional book. There's not a ton of resolution with the ending, but it's certainly realistic. This is a story with a lot of religious talk, but it's not preachy, and you shouldn't let the religious angle scare you off--it's a wonderfully written and well-done story.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.
March 1, 2025
YA book for any gay kid that felt like they were not "enough" or that being gay is a sin. It isn't. God doesn't make mistakes. Not all church people think being gay is a sin, and there are lots of devout Christians that interpret a lot of "clobber" verses differently than you may have been told. The church has been terrible to gay people, especially our youth. If your church is teaching you that, I am so so sorry. You can leave or find another church or attempt to change things from the inside.
This is Riley's story, she was in a fight at school and she was given the chance to make amends by attending church camp. The Pastor is a bad guy who often preaches that being gay is terrible and sinful. He also takes action to kick people out of the church, like excommunicating them, if they don't follow his rules.
The theme of the camp is the "seven deadly sins" (which are not in the Bible and were invented 400 years AFTER Jesus died, by the way) and so Riley tries to practice each of the deadly sins and journal about it to prove the concept wrong. She has a crush on the pastor's daughter, who she has been friends with for years.
Narrative is best for middle grades, I hope libraries will carry it and kids will steal it from the libraries if their parents won't let them check it out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking books for the ARC. Book to be published March 4, 2025.
This is Riley's story, she was in a fight at school and she was given the chance to make amends by attending church camp. The Pastor is a bad guy who often preaches that being gay is terrible and sinful. He also takes action to kick people out of the church, like excommunicating them, if they don't follow his rules.
The theme of the camp is the "seven deadly sins" (which are not in the Bible and were invented 400 years AFTER Jesus died, by the way) and so Riley tries to practice each of the deadly sins and journal about it to prove the concept wrong. She has a crush on the pastor's daughter, who she has been friends with for years.
Narrative is best for middle grades, I hope libraries will carry it and kids will steal it from the libraries if their parents won't let them check it out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking books for the ARC. Book to be published March 4, 2025.
April 6, 2025
I wanted to read this as soon as I knew it was in the works. Of course I did. Religion and homosexuality is one of my favourite topics and Jenna Voris handles this tension so well. I understood Riley so much. I don't often read a character who I identify with so much. The only difference is I wish I was as enlightened at 16/17 as she was. I liked most everything about this book: the discussions about faith and Christianity/religion (with enough grace for people it matters to), abortion, coming out, friendship, side characters that add so much...
My only complaint is kind of a hard one to overlook and it's basically the entire premise of the plot. In lieu of getting suspended (and missing incredibly important musical rehearsals), Riley's public school principal allows her to "volunteer" at a religious spring break camp instead. Only she's not actually volunteering; she's simply attending. But how is this possible? A public school principal can't really force that. (I mean maybe in the current American climate...). And then there's Riley's idiotic plan to bring Pastor Young down that makes no sense. If not for the preposterousness of this plot, this would have been a 5-star read.
But I still really liked it. The romance is very cute and was way more realistic for this circumstance.
My only complaint is kind of a hard one to overlook and it's basically the entire premise of the plot. In lieu of getting suspended (and missing incredibly important musical rehearsals), Riley's public school principal allows her to "volunteer" at a religious spring break camp instead. Only she's not actually volunteering; she's simply attending. But how is this possible? A public school principal can't really force that. (I mean maybe in the current American climate...). And then there's Riley's idiotic plan to bring Pastor Young down that makes no sense. If not for the preposterousness of this plot, this would have been a 5-star read.
But I still really liked it. The romance is very cute and was way more realistic for this circumstance.
October 5, 2024
First of all, the chapter titles are gold. Though I never went to church camp, I was forced to go to a Baptist private school in elementary (in Texas) which I could argue is probably way more intense than a week of summer camp. And I'm pretty sure this book brought up some lingering trauma, and helped in a way too. This book is light-hearted with positive message, I wish I would have read this when I was younger.
March 24, 2025
"This time, when I kiss her, there’s no one around to tell me to stop."
I missed reading YA soooo much!!! This was so good. I love the friendships and found family in this one!!!
I missed reading YA soooo much!!! This was so good. I love the friendships and found family in this one!!!
April 12, 2025
There is a lot to unpack in Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris. This young adult novel is still sadly relevant in our world today. I did not grow up in the Baptist church, but as a teenager/young adult, I was immersed enough in it to understand the trauma perpetuated through the cult-like enforced dogma. Loved and accepted only with conditions, controlled by fear, calculated oppression, and suffocation during pivotal times when young people should be expanding their understanding of themselves and the world around them, they are all par for the course.
Our main characters are 17-year-old girls, so with age, experience, and limited control over their own lives, they do their best to combat the powers that be as they grow into their own.
This book is a well-written, very accurate account of what young people experience within some churches and church camps, even if to some it appears to be a parody. I assure you; it is not. Voris delves deeply while balancing a light-hearted feel and a sweet coming-of-age/coming-out story.
I love all the characters and their growth. There were times I chuckled, times I felt sad for them, there was anger, and times when I cheered for their bravery. This is a hopeful story of resilience, and it would have been great for my younger self to have had it as a resource.
I highly recommend this book.
#religioustrauma #churchcamp #baptist #birep #bestfriends #comingout #ohio #kentucky #foundfamily #supportivefamily #comingofage #youngadult #teenagers #theaterkid #pastorsdaughter
I received this free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Our main characters are 17-year-old girls, so with age, experience, and limited control over their own lives, they do their best to combat the powers that be as they grow into their own.
This book is a well-written, very accurate account of what young people experience within some churches and church camps, even if to some it appears to be a parody. I assure you; it is not. Voris delves deeply while balancing a light-hearted feel and a sweet coming-of-age/coming-out story.
I love all the characters and their growth. There were times I chuckled, times I felt sad for them, there was anger, and times when I cheered for their bravery. This is a hopeful story of resilience, and it would have been great for my younger self to have had it as a resource.
I highly recommend this book.
#religioustrauma #churchcamp #baptist #birep #bestfriends #comingout #ohio #kentucky #foundfamily #supportivefamily #comingofage #youngadult #teenagers #theaterkid #pastorsdaughter
I received this free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
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April 17, 2025
Riley left the church a year ago—but after slapping her sister's ex-best friend at school, she's faced with a choice: go to church youth camp over spring break, or get suspended for a week and lose her chance to be in Shrek: The Musical. Should be a no-brainer, except Riley finds youth camp to be both as excruciating as she'd expected...and as unexpected.
I really enjoyed this look at extremist evangelical culture in contemporary Ohio.
Riley is an outsider who was once an insider—someone who had left the church after coming out as bisexual, and then experiencing the extra level of wtfery when her sister Hannah has an abortion and is thrown out of the church while her ex-boyfriend remains untainted from scandal.
There's a lot of cognitive dissonance existing in this book as Riley tries to figure out what the hell her perfectly pleasant co-campers are thinking. And there's the idea that maybe, just maybe, the kids are going to be all right after all. Because kids are a lot smarter than adults think they are.
Anywho, lots to think about on this one. I didn't really think the super happy ending was realistic, but it did show the compromises closeted queer kids have to make in conservative religious environments. At least, until they can get away from their families and live their own lives.
And, of course, I really enjoyed Riley's attempt at committing all seven deadly sins in a way to stick it to the stick-up-his-butt pastor.
A good read overall.
I really enjoyed this look at extremist evangelical culture in contemporary Ohio.
Riley is an outsider who was once an insider—someone who had left the church after coming out as bisexual, and then experiencing the extra level of wtfery when her sister Hannah has an abortion and is thrown out of the church while her ex-boyfriend remains untainted from scandal.
There's a lot of cognitive dissonance existing in this book as Riley tries to figure out what the hell her perfectly pleasant co-campers are thinking. And there's the idea that maybe, just maybe, the kids are going to be all right after all. Because kids are a lot smarter than adults think they are.
Anywho, lots to think about on this one. I didn't really think the super happy ending was realistic, but it did show the compromises closeted queer kids have to make in conservative religious environments. At least, until they can get away from their families and live their own lives.
And, of course, I really enjoyed Riley's attempt at committing all seven deadly sins in a way to stick it to the stick-up-his-butt pastor.
A good read overall.
February 21, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this much anticipated ARC!!
Are you a bi girly with religious trauma who’s possibly in love with her bestie? If so, look no further and get those tissues ready!! Say A Little Prayer follows Riley and friends at church camp, where Riley is determined to make a difference, in an unexpected way. I sobbed at the relatability of queer struggles that are given to us unnecessarily by hateful religious men. I sobbed at the beauty of girlhood and queerness displayed in this book 😭😭😭 I hope Ms Jenna is writing a sequel bc that bittersweet ending needs a continuation!! I need to know what happens to adult Julia 😭😭😭
Are you a bi girly with religious trauma who’s possibly in love with her bestie? If so, look no further and get those tissues ready!! Say A Little Prayer follows Riley and friends at church camp, where Riley is determined to make a difference, in an unexpected way. I sobbed at the relatability of queer struggles that are given to us unnecessarily by hateful religious men. I sobbed at the beauty of girlhood and queerness displayed in this book 😭😭😭 I hope Ms Jenna is writing a sequel bc that bittersweet ending needs a continuation!! I need to know what happens to adult Julia 😭😭😭
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve been missing YA books lately, and Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris was exactly what I needed. This story resonated with me deeply, especially because I live in a small conservative Texas town where judgment—particularly in church settings—is very real.
One of the standout aspects of this book was the way Voris handled the story’s resolution. It didn’t feel rushed or overly neat but instead left room for growth and reflection, which made it feel more authentic. The FMC’s character development was also a highlight—watching her navigate her beliefs, relationships, and identity felt raw and real.
What really impressed me, though, was how well-written the side characters were. In a lot of YA books, they can feel flat or just there to support the main storyline, but here, they had depth and complexity that made them just as compelling as the protagonist.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, engaging read that tackled heavy themes with care while still keeping the heart of a great YA novel. Definitely one I’d recommend!
I’ve been missing YA books lately, and Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris was exactly what I needed. This story resonated with me deeply, especially because I live in a small conservative Texas town where judgment—particularly in church settings—is very real.
One of the standout aspects of this book was the way Voris handled the story’s resolution. It didn’t feel rushed or overly neat but instead left room for growth and reflection, which made it feel more authentic. The FMC’s character development was also a highlight—watching her navigate her beliefs, relationships, and identity felt raw and real.
What really impressed me, though, was how well-written the side characters were. In a lot of YA books, they can feel flat or just there to support the main storyline, but here, they had depth and complexity that made them just as compelling as the protagonist.
Overall, this was a thoughtful, engaging read that tackled heavy themes with care while still keeping the heart of a great YA novel. Definitely one I’d recommend!
November 8, 2024
A sapphic YA contemporary about a girl trying to prove a pastor wrong and falling for his daughter at the same time? Sign me up! I’m not always the biggest fan of reading about religion in books, but I think it works best for me when it’s about a character grappling with the ways that religion is harming people. During her time at church camp Riley is trying to prove to herself, and others, that embracing the seven deadly sins can actually be healthy instead of something that condemns them to hell.
The book is full of a lot of great moments of Riley standing up for herself and her sister. She also connects with other girls at the camp where initially she had different judgements of their character. There are also a lot of great moments of Riley’s development where she’s challenged by the other girls for the way that she acts towards them.
Riley is best friends with Ben and Julia, the pastor’s kids. So there’s a lot of complexity in what it means for Riley to be so close with people who are related to someone who is preaching hatred towards Riley’s sexuality, Riley’s sister’s abortion, and so many other situations. I appreciated Jenna Voris� nuanced approach to the topic and where everything leaves off in the end.
The story overall and Riley as a character completely sucked me in, I read the entire book in one evening. If you’re in the market for complex YA contemporary stories that address queerness and religion, definitely check this one out.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The book is full of a lot of great moments of Riley standing up for herself and her sister. She also connects with other girls at the camp where initially she had different judgements of their character. There are also a lot of great moments of Riley’s development where she’s challenged by the other girls for the way that she acts towards them.
Riley is best friends with Ben and Julia, the pastor’s kids. So there’s a lot of complexity in what it means for Riley to be so close with people who are related to someone who is preaching hatred towards Riley’s sexuality, Riley’s sister’s abortion, and so many other situations. I appreciated Jenna Voris� nuanced approach to the topic and where everything leaves off in the end.
The story overall and Riley as a character completely sucked me in, I read the entire book in one evening. If you’re in the market for complex YA contemporary stories that address queerness and religion, definitely check this one out.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Shelved as 'anticipating'
November 2, 2023say a little prayer for me because hOW THE HELL am i going to survive until 2025 without reading this...
From the deal announcement: When a teen girl is forced to attend church camp, she decides to commit all seven deadly sins and finds herself falling for her best friend—the pastor’s daughter.
From the deal announcement: When a teen girl is forced to attend church camp, she decides to commit all seven deadly sins and finds herself falling for her best friend—the pastor’s daughter.
April 15, 2025
I started reading this book because the premise was so funny to me - let's commit all seven deadly sins at church camp! I really didn't expect it to pluck my own church camp experiences right out of my aching teenage chest and put to words all the things I struggled with as I ran around the woods with my friends. It's hard to explain the dichotomy of feelings to people who haven't been there (church culture, not specifically the woods), and I'm really impressed at the way the author managed to do exactly that.
February 27, 2025
Got an arc from work
No but this was so much fun. I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud or sent snippets to my group chat. Having seen Jenna Voris speak at 2 events I had a feeling this was gonna be a fun one but it was a HOOT and I loved it. It deals with some really heavy stuff too though in a way that I imagine is cathartic for people with similar experiences, though I can’t necessarily speak to that. I can just speak to the humor, and that was a delight.
No but this was so much fun. I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud or sent snippets to my group chat. Having seen Jenna Voris speak at 2 events I had a feeling this was gonna be a fun one but it was a HOOT and I loved it. It deals with some really heavy stuff too though in a way that I imagine is cathartic for people with similar experiences, though I can’t necessarily speak to that. I can just speak to the humor, and that was a delight.
March 17, 2025
This is THE book for the girlies with religious trauma!! Jenna Voris truly writes for southern and midwestern kids who need to escape their small towns. At the beginning of this book, Riley has a lot of spite towards her old church, and the many members of its congregation--she is forced to go to church camp for slapping one of those said members in the high school hallway. However, as she spends the week at camp, she her relationships with those girls becomes less black-and-white. I really appreciated how Voris doesn't utilize the 'mean girl' trope and gives every character the growth and depth they deserve. I also really appreciated that this, much like , doesn't end in a neat little bow, but rather, leads us to envision joyful, queer futures while remaining in the present. It allows teens to see that "It Gets Better" doesn't have to start when you leave town but can happen through small, tender, joyful moments.
March 21, 2025
Finished this one while on my roadtrip to Califorina and wow it was such a fun and easy listen to get lost in. I would've brought my physical arc with me but I didn't want to overwhelm my parents with too many books.
Anyways, I had this e-arc & physical arc sent to me from Penguin teen, and I want to say thank you so much to them to allow me to read and review for them again!! This book was already on my radar but I didn't know what it was about until I got my physical arc, I try to go into my books blindly as I can.
Say a little prayer is by Jenna Voris, a queer Ya contemporary standalone novel. It takes place at a church camp and finding yourself of who u are and who you want to be! I found the narrator of the audiobook to be a little slower than normal but otherwise I enjoyed the book myself!
Overall rating 3.5/5 stars but four stars for goodreads
Anyways, I had this e-arc & physical arc sent to me from Penguin teen, and I want to say thank you so much to them to allow me to read and review for them again!! This book was already on my radar but I didn't know what it was about until I got my physical arc, I try to go into my books blindly as I can.
Say a little prayer is by Jenna Voris, a queer Ya contemporary standalone novel. It takes place at a church camp and finding yourself of who u are and who you want to be! I found the narrator of the audiobook to be a little slower than normal but otherwise I enjoyed the book myself!
Overall rating 3.5/5 stars but four stars for goodreads
September 7, 2024
this book was simultaneously so much fun and also a punch to the gut. as a former church girlie, i feel like i was meant to find this book. there were a lot of things that were triggering, and a lot of things that were very nostalgic. i remember those feelings of camaraderie, the magic of camp, the feeling that you were a part of something bigger than yourself. those are the things i miss. but more than anything, i remember (and still feel sometimes) all the shame and the religious guilt. this book was written so well, by someone who truly GETS it. i really loved this one. the romance between riley and julia was so so sweet. and don’t even get me started on the chapter titles!! i think almost all of them made me giggle or put a smile on my face.
i’m so happy i was able to read an early copy!! jenna voris, what a brilliant mind you have.
i’m so happy i was able to read an early copy!! jenna voris, what a brilliant mind you have.
March 26, 2025
I freaking loved this book, It healed a small part of my inner child this I didn't even know needed healing.
As a lifelong Percy Jackson fan, one thing I LOVE is silly joke chapter titles, and by god, does this one have them! I miss chapter titles, and seeing them here brought me so much joy. It's such a little thing, but it stood out to me.
The one other thing that stuck out to me was how beautifully this book dealt with Riley and her sister Hanna's ( who got kicked out for having an abortion) religious trauma. It wasn't just Riley trashing the church; her rage was directed at the pastor and how he twisted religion to have others turn on their neighbors. Jenna does a fantastic job of showing the plethora of perspectives and how religion and sexuality interact, a queer spritul experience. I cried at one point toward the end, it was honestly just beautiful.
This book hit me hard because of how much Riley's relationship with the church mirrored mine. I fell out with my church the weekend after Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. I was at camp that week and me and the other counsolurs had a gay party to celebrate and it was the first time I had really ever seen queer joy. Then, that Sunday, we got a sermon about how that day would be importilized as one of America's greatest tragedies right after 9/11. I grew up closeted in Ohio and loved musical theater. I saw so much of my high school self in Riley that it's not every funny. While Say a Little Prayer spoke to me VERY personally, this book will speak to anyone who has a sliver of this experience. If you think that's you, or you just love queer coming of age stories I HIGHLY recommend this.
As a lifelong Percy Jackson fan, one thing I LOVE is silly joke chapter titles, and by god, does this one have them! I miss chapter titles, and seeing them here brought me so much joy. It's such a little thing, but it stood out to me.
The one other thing that stuck out to me was how beautifully this book dealt with Riley and her sister Hanna's ( who got kicked out for having an abortion) religious trauma. It wasn't just Riley trashing the church; her rage was directed at the pastor and how he twisted religion to have others turn on their neighbors. Jenna does a fantastic job of showing the plethora of perspectives and how religion and sexuality interact, a queer spritul experience. I cried at one point toward the end, it was honestly just beautiful.
This book hit me hard because of how much Riley's relationship with the church mirrored mine. I fell out with my church the weekend after Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. I was at camp that week and me and the other counsolurs had a gay party to celebrate and it was the first time I had really ever seen queer joy. Then, that Sunday, we got a sermon about how that day would be importilized as one of America's greatest tragedies right after 9/11. I grew up closeted in Ohio and loved musical theater. I saw so much of my high school self in Riley that it's not every funny. While Say a Little Prayer spoke to me VERY personally, this book will speak to anyone who has a sliver of this experience. If you think that's you, or you just love queer coming of age stories I HIGHLY recommend this.
April 4, 2025
"I bite back a strangled curse and push my way into the chapel. When I look up to find a PowerPoint titled Chastity: Save Your Soul By Saving IT already loaded onto the mainstage projector, I momentarily consider flinging myself off the bleachers."
March 7, 2025
After slapping a fellow classmate for gossiping about her sister, Riley is given the choice between suspension or attending a week long church camp over spring break. The threat of being barred from performing in the spring musical is the only reason she chooses the camp. A year ago, Riley left the church after realizing she would never be accepted for being queer. After her sister was shunned by their congregation for having an abortion, Pastor Young became Riley’s #1 enemy. While Riley is supposed to be spending the week repenting and embracing the seven heavenly virtues, she decides to commit all seven deadly sins instead. Through this rebellion she hopes to reveal Pastor Young as a sham, and maybe even corrupt the Pastor’s daughter along the way.
This was such a funny and entertaining ride! In Riley’s own words, it’s really just a “gay crisis at church camp.� I always love books that have unserious chapter titles, it’s those little details that really go the extra mile. My favorite being “If you read the Gallagher Girls in middle school, you’re gay now.�
Underneath its comical exterior, this book is brimming with rage. Rage at a system that utilizes shame to control others, and a brimming sense of justice to undo that harm. This was a really accurate look at the complexities of religious guilt and trauma. As well as learning to stand up for what you think is right.
If you’ve ever been a part of a youth group you will feel an intimate connection with this book. The friendships you form and the routines that structure your life have a real impact on you. Despite Riley’s extreme feelings towards her church, she often comments on how the loss of her community was the hardest to swallow. It’s a difficult thing to separate yourself from. So it wonderful to see Riley make new friends at camp that extended outside of religion.
Honestly, I wish we got to see more of Julia. For most of the book she felt like a distant figure that Riley idolized rather than an active character. That mostly had to do with how Riley and her skirted around the hard topics. But her entire character arc was really fascinating and I wish we got to witness more of it.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!
This was such a funny and entertaining ride! In Riley’s own words, it’s really just a “gay crisis at church camp.� I always love books that have unserious chapter titles, it’s those little details that really go the extra mile. My favorite being “If you read the Gallagher Girls in middle school, you’re gay now.�
Underneath its comical exterior, this book is brimming with rage. Rage at a system that utilizes shame to control others, and a brimming sense of justice to undo that harm. This was a really accurate look at the complexities of religious guilt and trauma. As well as learning to stand up for what you think is right.
If you’ve ever been a part of a youth group you will feel an intimate connection with this book. The friendships you form and the routines that structure your life have a real impact on you. Despite Riley’s extreme feelings towards her church, she often comments on how the loss of her community was the hardest to swallow. It’s a difficult thing to separate yourself from. So it wonderful to see Riley make new friends at camp that extended outside of religion.
Honestly, I wish we got to see more of Julia. For most of the book she felt like a distant figure that Riley idolized rather than an active character. That mostly had to do with how Riley and her skirted around the hard topics. But her entire character arc was really fascinating and I wish we got to witness more of it.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!
January 30, 2025
What a fun sapphic slow burn about a girl who is forced into church camp but who does everything she can to prove the lessons of god wrong. Oh and she also might have a huge crush on her best friend.
Riley's family lives across from Julia and Ben, the kids of the local church's pastor. But when Riley's sister Hannah has an abortion and the church finds out, they're ostracized and forced out. Due to anger issues, Riley finds herself at the church camp having to write an essay and what better theme than doing the opposite of the seven deadly sins!
This was a slow burn young adult cute sapphic romance about being in the church and having these supposedly forbidden feelings. It's also about friendship and standing up for things together. The ending really deals with the struggle of having these feelings but god will forgive you I promise. I also loved Ben, he was so funny.
I just wish we had proven the pastor wrong more. We spent the whole novel leading up to a conflict with him only to brush right past it. I wanted to see more closure and proving the church and congregation wrong in general. It fell a little flat to me and I really wanted to see more of Julia and how their relationship will affect hers with her father.
This is still a very enjoyable book otherwise! Especially if you are an ex-convert like me
Riley's family lives across from Julia and Ben, the kids of the local church's pastor. But when Riley's sister Hannah has an abortion and the church finds out, they're ostracized and forced out. Due to anger issues, Riley finds herself at the church camp having to write an essay and what better theme than doing the opposite of the seven deadly sins!
This was a slow burn young adult cute sapphic romance about being in the church and having these supposedly forbidden feelings. It's also about friendship and standing up for things together. The ending really deals with the struggle of having these feelings but god will forgive you I promise. I also loved Ben, he was so funny.
I just wish we had proven the pastor wrong more. We spent the whole novel leading up to a conflict with him only to brush right past it. I wanted to see more closure and proving the church and congregation wrong in general. It fell a little flat to me and I really wanted to see more of Julia and how their relationship will affect hers with her father.
This is still a very enjoyable book otherwise! Especially if you are an ex-convert like me
April 25, 2025
As soon as this became available on Libby, I rushed to listen to it, because it sounded so good (and I also loved Every Time You Hear That Song), but I ended the book wanting a bit more development from the characters and their relationships.
I also can't say that I liked either Riley or Julia, but Riley was the better/more developed character so I related to her more than I did to Julia.
They had very few romantic scenes together, which made it hard for me to root for them. And then when they finally kissed, things still didn't go their way, and that was near the end of the book, so there wasn't much room for them to make up and for us to see them thriving.
The ending was a bit abrupt, the book could've used about 30 more pages to wrap everything up nicely, but I get why it ended the way it did.
Say a Little Prayer could also be somewhat triggering if you're dealing with religious trauma, so be aware of that going in. Generally though, it's a pretty lighthearted read, funny in parts (like the chapter titles), and I'd still recommend it.
3.5
I also can't say that I liked either Riley or Julia, but Riley was the better/more developed character so I related to her more than I did to Julia.
They had very few romantic scenes together, which made it hard for me to root for them. And then when they finally kissed, things still didn't go their way, and that was near the end of the book, so there wasn't much room for them to make up and for us to see them thriving.
The ending was a bit abrupt, the book could've used about 30 more pages to wrap everything up nicely, but I get why it ended the way it did.
Say a Little Prayer could also be somewhat triggering if you're dealing with religious trauma, so be aware of that going in. Generally though, it's a pretty lighthearted read, funny in parts (like the chapter titles), and I'd still recommend it.
3.5
February 27, 2025
any queer kid who went to church camp deserves financial compensation (me)
i really feel like so much of this book was pulled from my own head. i truly felt like i was a teenager again sitting in church, listening to the sermon and thinking about just how wrong every thing is and the shame and ache of just wanting to scream out. i love that this book was able to tackle this deeper topic while also keeping the book feeling light hearted and fun and capturing the nostalgic moments of camp. the friendships are truly the heart of this book and the chapter title names alone deserve a full 5 stars.
thank you to netgalley for the arc, i wish preteen sarah would have had the chance to read this.
i really feel like so much of this book was pulled from my own head. i truly felt like i was a teenager again sitting in church, listening to the sermon and thinking about just how wrong every thing is and the shame and ache of just wanting to scream out. i love that this book was able to tackle this deeper topic while also keeping the book feeling light hearted and fun and capturing the nostalgic moments of camp. the friendships are truly the heart of this book and the chapter title names alone deserve a full 5 stars.
thank you to netgalley for the arc, i wish preteen sarah would have had the chance to read this.
October 6, 2024
This was cute! I really liked characters. However, romance was I just need more.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for this ARC.
WHAT A FUN BOOK! I usually stray away from YA but this premise had me extremely curious. I thought this book handled serious topics (abortion, coming out, religious intolerance, etc.) extremely well while also maintaining a fun, campy vibe. Bonus points for funny chapter titles! My only gripe is the Kentucky slander!! 😔
Perfect for Casey McQuiston and Julie Murphy fans.
WHAT A FUN BOOK! I usually stray away from YA but this premise had me extremely curious. I thought this book handled serious topics (abortion, coming out, religious intolerance, etc.) extremely well while also maintaining a fun, campy vibe. Bonus points for funny chapter titles! My only gripe is the Kentucky slander!! 😔
Perfect for Casey McQuiston and Julie Murphy fans.
March 4, 2025
When I picked up Say a Little Prayer on a whim, I had no idea that much of the book takes place in my home state of Ohio and our neighbor Kentucky. Oh, the number of times I’ve driven by the referenced “Hell is Real� billboard, and I can personally attest that the mindset that can be so prevalent in small Ohio towns is no joke.
The story here focuses on Riley, who is angry and feels out of place. She’s left her church after coming out as bi, her sister has been ostracized for having an abortion, and her schoolmates won’t stop putting her sister down. In order to avoid suspension for slapping one such schoolmate—which would prevent her from performing in the school musical—Riley agrees to attend church camp over spring break.
Riley’s best friend Julia, the pastor’s daughter, is the “good girl,� expected to set an example for others and not stray from the path her father demands, but there are cracks in the veneer. Together, along with Julia's twin Ben and their cabinmates, they navigate some pretty heavy topics, all while Riley attempts to subvert the pastor’s teachings by committing the 7 deadly sins over the course of the camp in an attempt to “prove� that he’s wrong.
Although I wasn’t raised in the church and have a liberal family, I really empathized with a lot of the characters and their experiences. It can be so hard to navigate through high school, with all the pressures, fears, and insecurity that can affect actions and decisions, and the growth for all of them was so realistic. I really appreciated how Voris handled all of that, and the redemption that came for some of the side characters was lovely. The story fell apart a bit at the end for me, which is why I’m going with the 4-star rating here, but it really is a great book overall.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
The story here focuses on Riley, who is angry and feels out of place. She’s left her church after coming out as bi, her sister has been ostracized for having an abortion, and her schoolmates won’t stop putting her sister down. In order to avoid suspension for slapping one such schoolmate—which would prevent her from performing in the school musical—Riley agrees to attend church camp over spring break.
Riley’s best friend Julia, the pastor’s daughter, is the “good girl,� expected to set an example for others and not stray from the path her father demands, but there are cracks in the veneer. Together, along with Julia's twin Ben and their cabinmates, they navigate some pretty heavy topics, all while Riley attempts to subvert the pastor’s teachings by committing the 7 deadly sins over the course of the camp in an attempt to “prove� that he’s wrong.
Although I wasn’t raised in the church and have a liberal family, I really empathized with a lot of the characters and their experiences. It can be so hard to navigate through high school, with all the pressures, fears, and insecurity that can affect actions and decisions, and the growth for all of them was so realistic. I really appreciated how Voris handled all of that, and the redemption that came for some of the side characters was lovely. The story fell apart a bit at the end for me, which is why I’m going with the 4-star rating here, but it really is a great book overall.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
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