What are the causes of Conley’s feelings of self-hatred throughout the book? How does this self-hatred manifest, and against what phenomena does it function as an indictment?

This question compels the reader to focus on Conley’s internal turmoil as articulated in the book. It also helps the reader engage with this emotional appeal as a rhetorical device for the indictment of various aspects of religious and conservative culture.

What ideological dynamics does the book highlight when portraying life at Love in Action? In what ways does the book portray these dynamics as inherently harmful?

The book highlights various ways in which the fundamentalist Christian ideologies of LIA are employed in order to strip the patients of all meaningful forms of joy in their lives. This question compels the reader to engage with the specific modes in which LIA pursues these harmful goals.

How does Conley illustrate oppressive aspects of life in his hometown? How do these oppressive and repressive aspects relate to religion, gender, and sexuality?