by Steven Tyler
First published 2019
Steven Tyler grows up in 1950s and 1960s Provo, Utah, surrounded by Mormon culture that shapes his early years. His childhood combines freedom with the protective boundaries of his religious community. When Tyler leaves for secular education at the University of Utah, then moves away from Mormon centers after graduation, he faces a constant tension. The broader world challenges many beliefs and practices from his upbringing, yet reinforces other core values of his faith. Tyler must balance keeping his moral foundations while learning from different cultures and perspectives. He remains engaged with his Mormon identity throughout, though often finding himself on the periphery of his community. His stories reveal the push and pull of maintaining religious grounding while embracing lessons from diverse experiences. The memoir captures both his spiritual struggles and wonderful adventures, told through personal anecdotes that span decades of faithful yet questioning living.
Genres: family-life, coming-of-age, autobiography, religion, memoir, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Provo, Utah
Period: 1950s, 1960s
186 pages · Paperback · Independently Published