SAY A LITTLE PRAYER offers a sharp take on organized religion, so don’t go into this expecting a romance. this is more of a literary/coming-of-age story, full of self-discovery with a lot of emotional depth and growth. oh, and it made me laugh out loud multiple times.

riley left her church a year ago after realizing it wasn't a safe space for a bisexual girl, but when her pastor shuns her sister for getting an abortion, she becomes determined to challenge the system. now, to avoid suspension, she's sent to the church camp run by her best friend julia's dad, the pastor of pleasant hills. instead of following the camp’s teachings, riley plans to rebel by embracing the seven deadly sins, hoping to spark a revolution, all while unexpectedly falling for her best friend.

this book stands out as an insightful commentary on organized religion, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions within its institutions. jenna voris does an outstanding job of exploring how faith plays a unique role in each person’s life, while challenging established church norms and encouraging deeper reflection on personal beliefs and societal structures. she doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions, or broaching divisive topics.

voris comes in hot with the commentary, but keep in mind we're following a teenager who has been hurt. i feel like a lot of people could get scared away from the beginning, and feel like they're being attacked (i mean, if the shoe fits....). however, the story evolves and becomes so much more. that said: pastor young can eat dirt!!!! he's definitely a character you won’t forget, and his audacity literally left me speechless and furious at times.

i really loved all of the characters. the side characters were developed enough for me to be rooting for them (or disappointed in them), but not so much that it felt overwhelming. riley's anger was palpable. she cares so deeply for those around her, and she's just trying to work through how to show that and get her true feelings across. i want to give julia a big ol hug. i just know she would have "good luck, babe!" on repeat in her earbuds if camp allowed phones.

their time at camp felt so real. if you've ever been to church camp, this story is for you. period. you will feel seen, and maybe (strangely????) reminiscent. while we're at camp, a few chapters seemed to follow a repetitive structure, jumping between present-day events and random flashbacks that serve as metaphors. i can see what voris was going for, but sometimes it felt a bit choppy.

that ending, though? perfect. no notes. i really wasn't sure how things would go, and it ended up being powerful. it wrapped everything up in such a satisfying way, and put me back together after feeling broken for a little bit.

i ablsolutely loved the clever chapter titles. here are a few of my favs:  it's not gossip if it's in a prayer request, god gives his toughest battles (surviving church camp) to his gayest soldiers (me), jesus might have been a carpenter, but i most certainly am not, and pov: you're watching me have a proper, full on gay crisis. *chefs kiss*

overall, this is a compelling read that digs deep into religion and personal growth, with an ending that really hits the mark. definitely worth picking up!!

thank you so much to netgalley and viking books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.