First published 2020
Chasten Buttigieg opens his story in rural Michigan, where he felt different from his father and brothers. As a young gay man in a small Midwestern town, he struggled to find acceptance for who he truly was. The memoir traces his path from keeping his identity secret to coming out to family, friends, and community. Chasten describes the healing process that followed his revelation and how he learned to embrace his authentic self. He recounts meeting his future husband Pete, their relationship, and marriage. The book follows Chasten as he leaves his South Bend classroom to support Pete's presidential campaign, traveling across America and connecting with voters through social media. Written with candor and warmth, this memoir captures one man's experience of growing up gay in America and finding the courage to live openly.
Genres: coming-of-age, memoir, biography-memoir, lgbt, gay
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-out, found-family
Setting: Michigan, South Bend
Period: 21st-century
1 pages · Audio CD · Simon & Schuster Audio