Bobby Griffith was an all-American boy ...and he was gay. Faced with an irresolvable conflict-for both his family and his religion taught him that being gay was '' wrong'' -Bobby chose to take his own life. ''Prayers for Bobby'', nominated for a 1996 Lambda Literary Award, is the story of the emotional journey that led Bobby to this tragic conclusion. But it is also the story of Bobby's mother, a fearful churchgoer who first prayed that her son would be '' healed, '' then anguished over hi suicide, and ultimately transformed herself into a national crusader for gay and lesbian youth. As told through Bobby's poignant journal entries and his mother's reminiscences, ''Prayers for Bobby'' is at once a moving personal story, a true profile in courage, and a call to arms to parents everywhere. '' The value of the Griffith story ...is undeniable. [It] should be required reading for every parent, every school teacher, and anyone who has ever doubted that words can kill.'' - ''The'' ''Washington Post'' '' This book will become an instant classic. And it will save lives of countless young people...'' -- ''The Advocate'' '' ...A heartrending story of two journeys: Bobby's spiral toward death and Mary's toward personal responsibility. Aarons has performed a major public service, as has the entire Griffith family-especially Bobby, whose death will surely save many others.'' ''--Los Angeles Times'' '' The book is not a tragedy. Because of Mary Griffith's gutsy sensibility and her tireless efforts to help others ''...Prayers for Bobby'' is a book about hope.'' -- ''San Francisco Chronicle''