I Can't Date Jesus

by Michael Arceneaux
I Can't Date Jesus cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 8951
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9781501178863
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2018-07-24
  • Reviews: 3

I Can't Date Jesus is a timely collection of essays by Michael Arceneaux, exploring the challenges of being a black, LGBTQ individual in today's America. With characteristic wit and candor, Arceneaux delves into his personal journey of embracing his identity, from coming out to his mother to navigating intimacy and societal expectations. The book offers a refreshing and impassioned look at minority life, tackling issues of race, sexuality, and personal growth with humor and honesty. /n/n Perfect for fans of David Sedaris and Samantha Irby, this book is a bold and unapologetic exploration of what it means to be outspoken and brave in a divisive world. Arceneaux's essays cover a range of topics, including his upbringing in Houston, his experiences with the priesthood, and the persistent challenges faced by marginalized young people.

Reviews
Black and Bookish · Michael Arceneaux · 2020-01-13
fun 3.50

The book is a fun read that explores identity through a collection of essays, though it may not be the most fulfilling. The author's humor and honesty shine through, making it an engaging experience.

Michael Arceneaux's 'I Can't Date Jesus' is a collection of essays that delves into identity, exploring the various facets that make up who we are. While it may not be the most fulfilling read, it is certainly a fun one. Arceneaux's humor and honesty shine through, making the book an engaging experience. The essays are a mix of hilarious and soul-searching, offering a unique perspective on growing up as a creative, sensitive black man. The book's exploration of topics like religion, family, relationships, and societal expectations is both insightful and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    As an essay collection exploring identity and the small pieces that make it up, I Can't Date Jesus may not be the most fulfilling, but it is still a fun read.

    Arceneaux's humor and honesty shine through, making the book an engaging experience.

    The essays are a mix of hysterical and soul-searching, offering a unique perspective on growing up as a creative, sensitive black man.

So She Writes by Miss Dre · 2019-10-25
thought-provoking 4.00

The author's storytelling and writing style make the book feel personal and relatable. The book is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

In 'I Can't Date Jesus', Michael Arceneaux not only gives readers all the feels but also makes them think. His storytelling and writing style are exceptional, making the book feel personal and relatable. The essays cover a range of topics, from love and sex to family and race, and each one is filled with humor and heart. The book is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of identity and the human experience.

Quick quotes

    Arceneaux not only gave me all the feels, he made me think.

    He's a great storyteller and his voice/style of writing made me feel right at home.

    The essays cover a range of topics, from love and sex to family and race, and each one is filled with humor and heart.

Audiobooks Blog · 2018-07-27
standout 4.50

The book is a mix of hilarious and heartbreaking, offering a unique perspective on growing up as a creative, sensitive black man. The author's honesty and humor make the book a standout.

Michael Arceneaux's 'I Can't Date Jesus' is a collection of essays that is as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. The book offers a unique perspective on growing up as a creative, sensitive black man, exploring topics like religion, family, relationships, and societal expectations. Arceneaux's honesty and humor shine through, making the book a standout. The essays are filled with wit and insight, offering a fresh and engaging take on the complexities of identity and the human experience.

Quick quotes

    Equally hilarious as it is heartbreaking, Michael Arceneaux's I Can't Date Jesus offers a unique perspective on growing up as a creative, sensitive black man.

    Arceneaux's honesty and humor shine through, making the book a standout.

    The essays are filled with wit and insight, offering a fresh and engaging take on the complexities of identity and the human experience.

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