Book Review: Unbound: A Journey of Escape, Identity, & Love by Chris Jacoby

If you’ve ever read a novel that felt more like someone quietly opening their soul than telling a story, Unbound: A Journey of Escape, Identity, & Love might stay with you long after you’ve finished the final page.

 Written by my husband, Chris Jacoby—who also shares his voice here on It’s Life, Typedfrom time to time—Unbound is a powerful LGBTQ+ coming-of-age novel that straddles the line between fiction and memoir. Though it’s technically a novel, those who know Chris will recognize the lived experiences tucked between the lines. It’s raw. It’s deeply human. And it’s told with the kind of emotional honesty that’s impossible to fake.

 The story follows Andy Kramer, a boy navigating life in a household shaped by abuse, religious trauma, and an urgent need to hide who he really is. As he grows up, finds love, and begins to understand his identity, Andy’s world unfolds in ways that are both heartbreaking and hopeful. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and ultimately, freedom.

Yes, I show up too—in the book, I’m portrayed as Jason. It’s a surreal, slightly nerve-wracking thing to read about a fictionalized version of yourself. But it’s also something I’m honored to be a part of.

 Chris didn’t just write this novel to tell a story. He wrote it to own his story.

 And that’s what makes it worth reading.

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 Why You Should Read Unbound

  •          It’s a deeply relatable book for anyone who has ever felt the weight of silence or the fear of being fully seen.

  •          It gives voice to LGBTQ+ youth and adults navigating complex families and faith communities.

  •          It’s beautifully written—gentle in some places, cutting in others, but always real.

  •          And most of all, it’s brave.

If you’re looking for a LGBTQ+ novel that reads like memoir, a powerful story of healing, or a debut author to support, put Unbound on your list.

 You can learn more about Chris and his work at www.chrisjacobyauthor.com .

 He will share more about the journey behind the book, but for now—this is the one we recommend with our whole hearts.