When Kevin was fourteen years old he was just starting to understand his orientation as a gay teen living in a suburb of St. Louis. Then he met someone who he thought was his friend. This man was no friend. Instead he coerced Kevin into child prostitution.
During this difficult time Kevin befriended two boys also trapped in the thinly concealed underworld of sex trafficking. What he found surprised him-these friends gave him a gift that nearly forty years later has continued to shape his life.
Co-written by Rev. R.K. Kline and author Daniel D. Maurer this book is not only Kevin's memoir but also a tribute to friendships that can shape a person's faith and worldview in the worst of situations. Dr. Ric Curtis and Dr. Anthony Marcus from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City offer an analysis on how underage prostitution has changed over the years and what remains the same.
R. K. Kline is a rostered ordained parish pastor in the ELCA. He recently received approval as a mission developer and plans to foster relationships with other organizations to encourage awareness of the ongoing issues of justice in the LGBTQ community. He is a huge fan of proto-punk the West Coast punk scene and grunge music. He enjoys traveling and marathon running and is a proud parent of his son Scott. For more information on Kevin visit www.faraway-book.com.
"It is easy to imagine that the past was simpler and more wholesome that there was a time not so long ago when children rode bikes and ate apples. Occasionally we are lucky enough to have something shake us from this fairy tale idea and challenge us to ask serious questions about both the past and the present. Kevin Kline's memoir of trading sex for money at the age of fourteen almost forty years ago is one of those challenges." -Dr. Ric Curtis and Dr. Anthony Marcus John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York City New York
"This book with its authentic searing story of hope in the midst of the tragedy of sexual trafficking of boys is a must-read for everyone unaware of the crimes being perpetuated against our children and for everyone committed to building a just society in which persons of all orientations are honored as in the image of the God who created them." -Dr. Gwen Sayler Wartburg Theological Seminary Dubuque Iowa
"This exposé about the pimping of teenaged boys is a must-read. Kevin Kline provides a first person story of his fourteenth year when he was trafficked in Middle America. He is clear about the need for churches to publicly welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities so that they know they are God's beloved with a place of safety within faith communities." -Rev. Anita C. Hill ELCA Pastor Reconciling Works Saint Paul Minnesota
