I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America

by Don Lemon

The #1 bestselling author and CNN host draws on his own life, and interviews with Americans of all sorts, to find reasons to believe in a higher purpose. America is losing faith--in itself, in its institutions, and in a higher power. Fifty years ago, over 90% believed in God, and we were optimistic about our country's future. Today, those numbers have been in free fall. Are they connected? Don Lemon believes the answer is yes. Raised in a Louisiana Black church that tied his community tightly together, and knowing how people of faith led the Civil Rights movement and so many other crucial social movements, he is dismayed to see religion used as a political weapon, and to see so many people give in to cynicism and despair. So he set out to talk to people of all faiths, from across the country, to explore what we've lost and how we can find it again. He isn't trying to proselytize, but rather restore a sense of common purpose, and faith in ourselves. One of America's most famous interviewers turns his brilliant lens on the subject that matters more than any what should we live for?

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Religion, African American, LGBT, Biography, Politics

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Brandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not always aligned with Don Lemon’s POV but I agree with him more than I disagree. In I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America, he explores our loss of faith in faith — It’s an interesting topic especially in the divisive political climate we’re living in. ⁣
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Don shares, ”There is value in challenging both belief and disbelief” and I couldn’t agree more with this statement — It seems somewhat obvious yet I believe is often overlooked.
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I listened to the audiobook, which Don narrates, and enjoyed learning a little more about him, personally, as I knew virtually nothing outside of his previous employment at CNN.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. I miss seeing Don Lemon on CNN, and I still don't completely understand why he was fired. He is courageous, and he speaks his mind. I am guessing that is why he was fired; he likely pissed someone off. He reveals in this book his first conversation for his new show that is on X. He agreed to do the show if Elon Musk would be his first interview. Elon didn't like some of Lemon's questions either. So he later said that he couldn't work with Lemon.

This is a wonderful narrative of Don Lemon describing his own struggle with faith in these times. As a young child in Louisiana, he attended an African American Baptist Church where he learned the gospels, Bible verses, and hymns. I was impressed with his encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible. He later became a Roman Catholic. He describes his family, and how much he loves them.

There were two quotes that really resonated with me. In actuality, I found them rather profound; I've thought much about each quote and what it means to my life. The first quote is "There is value in challenging both belief and disbelief." The context of this was when he was having strange dreams, and his friend knew someone who did dream analysis and astrology charts. He mentioned that astrology wasn't in his belief system, but decided to go with it because he was challenging a disbelief. He never did say if he changed his beliefs after that or confirmed it. I am really good at challenging others whose beliefs are different than mine. It is about keeping an open mind and investigating sources that may challenge my thinking.

The other quote that resonated with me was: "Absolutism happens when you ignore another person's humanity." This was said in the context of a continuum. There is always gray area between the black and white. If we only engage in binary thinking, all we are left with is absolutes. And absolutes are the enemy of people who think deeply. I am still challenging myself to think about the gray area. It is in the gray areas that people reach compromise and then progress.

[Philip L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful voice, a needed voice today

I got a lot of of the book! I am a born again, evangelical, liberal minded, card carrying Democrat and ACLU member. He challenged me not to be silent and let the radical Trump local MAGA cult get away with coopting the Word of God. The bible and the flag belong to me, not just the MAGA cultists. I am to take them back!!!! Thank you Don!

[L.C. Tang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know I could love Don Lemon more! ❤️ Great book, and so true in these dark times.

Um...this book. I love thinking. I love learning. Definitely a book for purchasing and rereading.

Also, Mr. Lemon quotes The Scarlet Letter...y'all know how much I love that book.

"True freedom of religion is not the enemy of Christianity." You are so right, Mr. Lemon, so right.

Short and powerful.

[Patricia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I don't watch TV and I get my news mostly through the radio, I didn't know who Don Lemon was and I think that's a good thing because I did not go into his book Once I Was Lost with any preconceived notions. I simply thought the title was interesting and cover photo. Plus, it had decent ratings on Goodreads.

Very happy I read this. It spoke to me. When he talks about men in America are defined by their job, and how he's sunken to depression when he lost his, I thought of my dear friend, that that happened to.

Through his text (is it considered a memoir?), Lemon throws light on history, including the times we are living in now: "Let's be honest about the disparity between the America we live in and the founding principles we believe in." The list of parallels is eye-opening--and true. For example, "we preach peace, but we saturate ourselves with social media venom, toxic tribal politics, and commercialized fear." He lays bare so many ironies.

This was a perfect book read at the right time for me. It would be a pleasure to bump into Lemon somewhere and continue this chat. That is how the book felt. Like a conversation.

I recommend it if you are or ever have felt lost. If you believe in God or are interested in reading about someone who does. Also, if you're looking for inspiration and the courage to live your dream and/or find your voice. "I see the state of change as the state of Grace, a plane of pure possibility." Lemon is very optimistic even though the book addresses some ugly and hateful/hurtful situations.

These are some of my favorite quotes which might provide a "flavor" of the book.

"Loss settles in, like the sound of the ocean. Always the background. You get used to it."

"Brick and mortar Heaven is a very human thing to want for our loved ones, just as fire and brimstone Hell is a natural fantasy that appeals to those whose religion is a vehicle for malice." (Amen, Don)

"Whatever path you choose my friend, I hope it sees you safely through the wilderness." what a great closure.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I put this on my list before he was unfairly arrested and I am not really familiar with his work as a journalist anyway. I was mostly drawn by the subtitle and, honestly, I think the subtitle was a little misleading. But, he did present some thought-provoking ideas and, as always, when my thoughts are provoked I am more interested in the ensuing thoughts than with the original provocation.

[Ashley Gravel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, thoughtful read. Appreciate the effort Lemon puts into his work. He occupied a time slot for many years in my life and I miss him dearly. Although my own faith is not as strong as his, he made me think and consider God in ways I haven’t in a long while.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Brit Hollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We need only to be what God created us to be, human”
Thanks, Don
I appreciate the perspective and call to action

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

He talks a lot about being let go at CNN. He shares his feelings on a lot of top stories; past and present. He shares his understanding of some Bible stories. He is intelligent, which I already knew, and I agreed with alot of what he said but the book didn't meet my expectations.

[Sharlene Baldeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Don Lemon.

I watch his show and online Blog and interviews very often. Love him and was great to learn a little bit of his home, love and family life.

I listened to the audiobook and loved that he narrated the book himself. Interesting to hear his take on the Virasamy interview and Musk interview. Some of this stuff you just cant make up!

Overall 4.5 rating.

[Sandra Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book that confirms my admiration for Don Lemon, as a credible, fact checking reporter and as a decent, loving man. Lots of insights and an interesting tapestry weaving politics and religion that helped me to better understand what is going on in our country today.

[Peacejanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us met Don Lemon on TV. He is a reporter and once had a very popular show on CNN. I have always liked him. I like that he is not afraid to confront someone if he believes they are wrong. He often presents evidence that the other person or idea is wrong or flawed. And he is always trying to tell us the truth about events. He brings challenging people to his show. He often brings the very people that are the focus of his story on the show. He got bounced around by CNN - different times and different co-hosts. Then he made a really big mistake - it was rude and fed into male sexist stereotypes of women. I have done such things but not as publicly as ol' Don did that morning. He got canned - even though he apologized. It made me wonder about Don -- I had read an earlier book by Lemon and it was interesting, well written so I grabbed this one when it finally came out.
This is not the Don Lemon you saw on TV; oh, he is still bragging about his big boat and his homes (did you get that, poor Don Lemon who grew up poor has two homes, one big boat, and a very nice husband). But he does humble himself down and gives all the glory to God, his mother, his husband and sisters and all the caring church people from his youth. Many of us have to go back to our upbringing to realize where we are wrong or were wrong, all the evil things we have done and rethink ourselves. This is not an exciting book. This is a slow book. This is a book that details a nice person who made a big mistake and then started looking through himself and came to understand some of that is really inside himself. I have done this; got too big for my britches and had to go back and apologize or rethink my actions or thoughts or statements.
I do not think I learned much from this book. I grew up in the same environment that Lemon did - southern Baptist with many traditions, wise old folks in the church and had to rethink some of the things I learned earlier in my life. It is really a spiritual growth book - how did I get to where I am now with my beliefs that counter what I learned 40-50 years ago? I love the people who taught me, as he does, but there are areas when we have to go beyond what we learned. In his heart, he is a very liberal person, very accepting for people who are "doing right" and most unaccepting of people who lie, cheat, hurt others, try to sneak by, bully, etc. This is a slow book, infused with "southern religion, " that urges us to think deeper, be kinder, be accepting of everyone. A good thoughtful book.

[Issa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and thought-provoking read/listen — highly recommended.

Don Lemon’s I Once Was Lost is a bold and deeply personal journey through faith, identity, and the shifting political landscape in America. This memoir-meets-political commentary invites readers into Lemon’s early life, offering honest reflections on his childhood and his evolving relationship with religion. He speaks candidly about Christianity — not only how he was raised in it, but also how he reclaims it in his adult life, applying it in a way that emphasizes compassion and inclusion.

One of the book’s strongest points is its critique of how religion is often weaponized in American politics. Lemon calls out Republican tactics that manipulate faith to divide rather than unite, arguing this goes against the founding principle of separation of church and state. Yet, he doesn’t shy away from criticizing Democrats either — calling on them to stop playing it safe, get with the times, and connect more meaningfully with today’s America.

Lemon also dives into current events, including his high-profile interview with Elon Musk ahead of the 2024 election showdown between Trump and Kamala Harris. He unpacks his personal reaction to being fired from CNN and his transition to independent media — a move that allowed him to speak more freely and identify as politically independent, not tied to party lines.

Overall, I Once Was Lost is an honest, challenging, and necessary conversation about who we are as a country, and who we want to be. Whether you’re reading or listening, Don Lemon’s voice comes through clearly — unapologetic, thoughtful, and determined to make sense of a divided nation. A worthwhile read for anyone curious about politics, media, faith, or personal reinvention in today’s America.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You and I don't have to agree on everything in this book. I'd be surprised, and a little disappointed if we did."

That was what Don Lemon wrote in the closing thoughts of his book and it caught me offguard bc in my head I was constructing a very similarly worded idea of how to encourage others, like me, who wouldn't fully mesh with everything that Don was saying, but might want to be open to hear from his experience. As a straight white Christian man in America, I wanted to hear his take on searching for God as a gay Black Christian man in America, and I expected plenty of differences and of course much in common. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the exuberant spirit filled matrons of his childhood church had "doilies" bobby pinned to their hair in the same way that the far more reserved descendants of the British Isles did at my own. More alike than I thought, in some ways...

I see you, Don, and I appreciate you trying to see me.

Read autobiographies and Listen, learn, and ask questions.

[Danielle Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always had a crush on Don! He’s so handsome. I was bummed to know I’d never have a chance. I cried actually but that was before I was married😝 that’s the only thing bad I can say him otherwise you can’t make me not like him.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Don Lemon on a deeper level through his book. His storytelling is far more personal and engaging than what we’re accustomed to seeing on television. While we’ve seen him as a poised journalist and a challenger of political norms on CNN, the book reveals more nuanced layers of his character—he’s positive, authentic, and even more likable (if that’s possible).

I appreciated his vulnerability in sharing his personal struggles, which made it feel okay to embrace the complexity of life and accept that two or three truths can coexist. Don’s intelligence, sharpness, and bravery shine through every page. I finished it in just two days—it was that captivating!

If you’ve made up your mind not to like him, I’d challenge you to give this book a try. As Urkel once said, “I’m wearing you down, baby, I’m wearing you down!”

[Shane Fallen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is horrible. Only listen to it if you can rent the audiobook for free and listen to it on 2.5x speed. Otherwise read Dominion by Tom Holland.

He tried to recontextualize the Bible by saying that the story of Jesus being of virgin birth is a coverup of an affair, and that Abraham sent someone ahead of him up the mountain with a goat. He then slayed the goat and claimed God spared his son. This was a plan to subvert the worshipers of molek. I remember thinking these same things when I was a 13 year old atheist who believed I was smarter, and a better person, than everyone in history.

Don is clearly a narcissist who uses God as a weapon to further his liberal and frankly antichristian agenda.

[Christine Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his newest book, Don Lemon shares with readers his journeys, his struggles and his insights about his faith and how it affects who he is. He shares many stories about growing up Black and then realizing he was gay, and what he did to come to terms with those two things.

The subject of the book is serious, and Lemon certainly includes much serious text about the issues, but he also writes with humor in a down-home style that might just have you either laughing out loud or shouting, "Amen, brother!" (or both).

Enjoy

[Diana Varey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always like Don Lemon and was sorry to see him be dismissed by CNN. I listened to Mr. Lemon narrate his book and it reminded me why I've always liked him. He touched on a few subjects, all relevant to his life after CNN, and yet he didn't dwell on why he was let go, which I appreciate. I gave the book 3.5 stars because I enjoyed it and it was interesting enough, but it didn't touch me enough to get a higher rating.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know who he was but saw him speak at Miami book festival and ticket came with the book.
He was great in person but for me the book was very much about him coming to terms with his strong religious background in the South and coming out as gay. He grew up in the deep south with mother, grandmother and sisters - no strong male role model. Lot of Bible quoting etc. I think he is a very impressive smart worldly man. The book just was not for me.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to watch Don Lemon on CNN but somehow I stopped watching the news. I recently found Don on YouTube via the Don Lemon Network. Don is more down to earth and more relatable on his own. He tells the truth and is not held back by corporate media. It’s interesting reading about his interview with Musk especially with what’s happening in US politics today. I try to watch him every day to keep up with current affairs.

[Jeff Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course my review will be biased, I love Don Lemon 🥰. I love the way Don sees the world. Although I am a life long atheist, I do love many of the teachings found in religion, and truly enjoyed reading the examples in this book. No matter what topic Don is speaking about, sad or happy, you can feel love coming through each and every time. Thank you Don Lemon

[Carrie Thoreson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I purposely took my time reading it and processing what he said. I like to do that with books and stories that speak to me. I will be ordering myself a copy so I can mark passages that I related to. Thank you, Don Lemon, for trusting us with your very personal story of growing up in the church, in the public eye, and yet trying to keep a part of your life private.

[Phyllis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted more faith and less politics. I didn’t know anything about this author but the book’s description (and title) made me think I was going to be reading about his faith journey. After 53 pages I closed the book for the last time. The author was too angry and going in a direction that I didn’t want to follow.

[natwantstoknow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. I think if I grew up Christian, I'd understand this book a bit more, as he was comparing stories from the bible to real life events. Though I don't agree with everything in this book, there were a lot of good quotes + it was really interesting to read about his time on CNN, growing up as a closeted gay black man in the south and navigating his religious beliefs under the spotlight.

[Noreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss seeing Don Lemon every night on CNN. His voice is needed on so many topics. This book shared his thoughts, many based on his upbringing, his strong religious beliefs, and his family, both new and old, and today’s political climate.

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I completed this book the morning after November 5th election,I found solace in some of Don's wisdom as I grapple with this country decision, questioning my faith and trying to decide on what next.

[Lynn Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lemon calls out the ways the evangelical church has put Jesus in a box of judgement and rigidity. At times I felt like the thorough lines got a little lost, but overall his book tackles the problems of absolutist faith head on.

[aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - feels like a collection of essays and when he says creating this book helped him work out his faith, you can tell in the writing. rounding up because it forces you to think more deeply about your own faith and patriotism.