I have something to tell you A memoir

Best known as the husband of erstwhile presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, Chasten Buttigieg proves that he is very much his own man in this arresting memoir. He grew up in Chums Corner, Michigan, next door to Traverse City, enduring his share of bullying in school while earning 4-H blue ribbons for showing cattle. Closeted and feeling out of place and that something about him was twisted or wrong, he came out to his parents when he was 18 and, feeling suicidal, left home, for awhile living in his car. Restless, battling internalized homophobia, and trying to deal with the fallout of a sexual assault, he made a number of false starts before graduating from college with a degree in education. And then, via a dating app, he met the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg, and his life changed dramatically. Never more so than when his husband decided to run for president. Chasten (the pronunciation of his name may surprise you) records, with fascinating detail, the challenge and occasional lunacy of the campaign trail. Insightful and never dull, this smoothly written book is sure to attract a wide readership. Near its end, Chasten writes, "I want to do my best to keep contributing to a kinder, more welcoming America." With this book, he has made a splendid start.

The husband of the former Democratic presidential candidate reflects on his early struggles and eventual triumphs. In this candid and unabashedly tender memoir, Buttigieg offers a story that is refreshingly different from what is normally served up by the spouses of political figures. Well before Chasten met Pete and they became one of the most prominent gay couples in America, Chasten endured plenty of hardships. He recalls his lonely childhood near Traverse City, Michigan, feeling like an outsider and bullied by classmates. Chronicling the agonizing decision to come out to his loving yet deeply conservative family, the author delivers penetrating insight on how difficult this issue can be when you lack the support of a progressive local community. Unlike his future spouse, Chasten continued to struggle as a young man navigating his way into adulthood, and his experiences will be relatable to a variety of young people, regardless of sexual orientation. As many are today, Chasten was uncertain of his goals for college and a potential career, worked multiple dead-end jobs as a means of support, and incurred massive financial debt through student loans. Meeting Pete dramatically altered the course of his future. Through Pete's loving support and guidance, Chasten completed graduate school and began a teaching career. "I don't think I truly began to believe in myself," writes the author, "until someone like Peter came along, looked me in the eye, and said, 'You know I believe in you, right?' I was so wrapped up in the ways I felt broken, and he was so wrapped up in the ways I made him feel whole." When Pete embarked on his run for the Democratic nomination, Chasten quickly emerged into the spotlight as well. In the final section, the author takes readers on the campaign trail as he sought to establish his own active voice in support of Pete and the causes closest to his heart. An engrossing and deeply inspiring memoir, especially recommended to young readers grappling with insecurity issues. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.