This Changes Everything: A Surprisingly Funny Story About Race, Cancer, Faith, and Other Things We Don’t Talk About

by Tyler Merritt

From the author of I Take My Coffee Black, a sobering, humorous memoir about learning to let go and embrace the sanctity of life after being diagnosed with Cancer.

When Tyler Merritt was diagnosed with cancer, everything he thought he knew about what mattered in life changed. This Changes Everything is a humorous and optimistic love letter to this beautiful life.

Though he made it through a highly invasive surgery and thought he was in the clear, Tyler soon realized that the cancer had other plans. It wasn’t a question of if the tumor would come back for an encore, his doctors told him. It was a question of when. Laced with Tyler’s trademark humor, love of pop culture, and arguably too many musical theater references, This Changes Everything is a story about how wrestling with the idea of death can birth a whole new outlook on life, how we live it, and the urgency that comes when you grasp that time is a precious commodity.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Humor, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

320 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Tyler Merritt, you have the most beautiful soul. Thank you for baring it so openly. Tyler Merritt's second memoir, "This Changes Everything", is every bit as beautiful as his first memoir, "I Take My Coffee Black". This is a heart-wrenching and uplifting testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the beauty of the human spirit. Through his raw honesty and unfiltered humility, Tyler takes readers on a deeply personal journey as he faces a life-altering cancer diagnosis. As the clock ticks, you feel it indelibly with the turn of each page, but don’t be fooled—this stunning memoir is not weighed down by despair but instead filled with hope, courage, and reflections on the value of each moment. Tyler's ability to expose his soul so openly leaves a mark, and his story is a reminder of the strength found in embracing both the good and bad of life.

If you haven’t yet experienced the depth of Tyler Merritt’s storytelling, do yourself a favour: pick up his first memoir, "I Take My Coffee Black", and add "This Changes Everything" to your preorder list. Both offer unique insights into his life, allowing you to immerse yourself in his world—a world filled with love, struggle, and an undeniable will to persevere.

Many thanks to Edelweiss, Worthy Books, and the incomparable Tyler Merritt for the opportunity to read and review "This Changes Everything" prior to its publication date.

[Maureen Grigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great honor of seeing Tyler Merritt talk about this book at the Southern Festival of Books last weekend. He is an incredibly positive and generous man who has written a memoir that doesn’t avoid the scary topics. He really summarizes the need to use the time available to all of us to appreciate each other and spend time with friends and family. And he also reminds us that friends ARE family. A really lovely, lovely book!

[Ashley Stien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heart warming and thoughtful read. I typically only check out books from the library, but after reading Tyler’s first book, I Take My Coffee Black, I knew I needed to pre-order this one as soon as I heard about it. I read it in one sitting and am still thinking of all the wisdom he shared around how life changes after a cancer diagnosis, the nuanced topic of religion and faith, and his experience as a black man in America.

[Amanda (A.NovelAdventure) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

This Changes Everything - Tyler Merritt

📖 This book is a memoir about Tyler’s life in the last few years. He received a cancer diagnosis and suddenly the little things were the big things, and his outlook on life needed an update. He talks about race, cancer, faith, history, and plenty of other topics - and he somehow ties it all together with humor yet also a deeply meaningful message about how precious our time is.

📚 I read Tyler’s first book (I Take My Coffee Black) because I am a Jen Hatmaker fan, and if she endorses [*read dates*] someone then I take that person seriously. I read This Changes Everything, because I knew Tyler has important things to say. This book was hard to put down. It made me laugh and cry, it kept me up past my bedtime. Tyler put in work to face his fears and wrestle doubts while telling his story. This book felt like becoming friends with Tyler.

🌟 Everyone should read this book. Tyler’s reflection on his life is something that all of us can learn from. This Changes Everything.

HUGE shoutout to @thetylermerrittproject and @worthypub for the advanced copy of this book. It will have a special spot on my shelf!

#TylerMerritt #TheTylerMerrittProject #ThisChangesEverything #BookReview
#BookRecommendation #Bookish

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is tricky...maybe 3.5 rounded up? I listened to this one on audio, and though his story invokes a lot of emotions, I found the book to go off in a lot of directions, ultimately causing me to lose some interest.

[Melanie Briscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars- I debated leaving a rating for this book. I recently read another memoir about a cancer journey and I chose not to rate that one largely because it felt so raw and intrusive to rate someone’s telling of the most difficult journey they walk. However, I decided to go ahead and rate this one because Tyler isn’t just telling his story- he is giving people a window to see not only the facts of his story but language of humor and grace that actually stayed with me in a powerful way. Tyler is a man so vulnerable - wrestling with his own fear produced from failing health and yet he salts the whole tale with humor that will split your sides.

Now- I will give you the caveat that he is not a writer who approaches his memoir with a stuffy professionalism. No no- this is anything but! (In fact, there are huge sections where he shares humor around bodily functions that would make some people very uncomfortable.) However, as I am a person whose SO (significant other) has had a horrendous medical odessey- the hospital/health stories he tells ring with a truth and clarity that made me think "I know that's right!" And if you are one of those people turned off by the informal and bathroom/bodily stuff- please hang in and read the whole thing!! The person of Tyler Merritt will ultimately shine through all that is not your cup of tea and give you a shining example of what it means to truly be a person wrapped in graciousness! His willingness to throw the world a "life ring" of hope in whatever tumulous unfair sea you find yourself drowning in, is why this book is so worth the read!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about it (except that fact that cancer sucks)… the Broadway show references, the DMB call out, the Poltergeist tying for scariest movie in our childhoods, the footnotes, the history lessons, just all of it. Read parts of it aloud to my husband and kids.

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler’s books are the best. You‘ll laugh and you’ll cry. I guarantee it. I tell everyone to read his first book “I Take My Coffee Black” He is an amazing storyteller.

Tyler weaves Sportsball, Theater and Taylor Swift songs into his cancer journey. The chapter on casseroles was hands down the funniest thing I’ve read lately. And yes. Being a Midwesterner I’ve had each of those dishes.

This Changes Everything gives you an inside look into what it means to be a Black Man in today’s world. Tyler has a unique perspective and pulls from personal experiences as well as history.

“Life is people and time spent with people we love”

A long time ago Tyler invited me to dinner, but sadly he has never come to Detroit. Why is that? Lucky for you I’ll be in Nashville a few times this year so we can finally meet. I’ve added Puckett’s, Mojo’s and the bench to my list of places to visit. Just say when and I’ll be there.

[Christine Sokomba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler takes us on a journey through his cancer diagnosis and while doing so, teaches us about significant people in black history all the while making us laugh and think. I loved listening to this, and loved every time he laughs or giggles at his own jokes. There is a lot to think about in here - things that aren't often talked about, and lots of humor along the way.

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that NEEDS to be listened to - do yourself a favor and get the audio version vs print. There is so much added to the audio performance and given Merritt’s experience with theater, this is truly a performed, vs read aloud work of art. Raw, vivid, tough.

Source: Spotify audiobook

[Sandra Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I need time to process before I can write a better review. As a cancer survivor's wife, parts of this book resonated so much, but I think it is a good book even if you don't have that personal experience. And honestly, who hasn't had someone special in their life with a cancer diagnosis? I highly recommend the audio version for this one.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER incredible listen from the amazing Tyler Merritt! Highly recommend his audiobooks for all of the entertaining tidbits he adds 😉

[Carrie Spellmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler Merrit is a national treasure. Read this book! If you are an audio book fan, I’m assuming the audio is even better than the print. But either way, this author is a winner.

[Emily G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler doesn’t know me, but now I know him. What an honor to hear his heart bursting through his voice with each story he tells. Lighthearted and gut wrenching tales, laughter and tears (both his and mine), strength in vulnerability, raw honesty and… LOVE (that we now share). So special, this man and this book. Just finished the audiobook and may start it all over again.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent content and so very honest

I only go 3 stars because I found the style a bit obnoxious…trying a little too hard to be too conversational. I recognize this is more of a personal preference rating because I’ve never been a huge fan of stream of consciousness on any level. I did snicker at some of the references though. I appreciated the blend of humor and seriousness in the topic and if nothing else it was a fresh perspective, quite different from my own worldview and that is definitely valuable to be.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio, read by Tyler Merritt - the only way to enjoy his little asides and special guest appearances (including his mom and cancer doctor). I don't understand how Tyler can be so funny about a serious topic like nearly dying from cancer? (or as in his last book, racism?) I was legit guffawing out loud on a plane, tears of laughter streaming down my face, when he tackled such things as the generational trauma instilled upon us through the reading of Where the Red Fern Grows. Highly recommend!

[Joshua Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

At some point in the future (idk when) I'll have finished reading this book. Whatever my feelings are then will probably not change from how I feel now; succinctly put, Tyler Merritt is quickly becoming one of the people I look up to. Not in that "he's so cool, he could do no wrong" sort of way, because let's face it no one is perfect. I don't expect him to be though. As I type this, he's "getting to the heart of the matter" on page 259. I can't help but stop here to write what I'm feeling and thinking, because I have wanted to for a while. Which, is probably a good indicator of how valuable I think the author's thoughts are.But if If that doesn't tell you, maybe saying that I felt the need to rescue a signed copy of his book from a book store because someone must have read it and said I won't need this to remind of of how cool and important this guy is. We won't name names. THAT should tell you a thing or two about this author though. Not only does he DESERVE a bench for all his thinking needs, but also he needs to be heard. I could go on in, but I think there would just be too much to say and you'd probably get tired of me. Just read his book. If this is the only review you read, I'll tell you that. Not only should you read this one, but you should also read his children's book (which I bought and maybe hope to have signed one day), and his other book "I Take Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America" . To be fair, I should too, and I will, but you should read all of it. My only gripe is that he mistakenly chose Coke over Pepsi, which is clearly superior. Other than that, and maybe a few other choices things, this right here is your guy; treat him good.

[Cathy Browder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is cancer funny? No way!!! But this book, read by the author, will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It is real, it is RAW. Tyler Merritt talks about his cancer experience in a way that made me want to go back to college and get a degree in something that would allow me to cure cancer. I’m 66, so that’s not going to happen - it could - but it’s not. My mom is a 3-time cancer survivor - yes IS. She is 88 and still rocking. I’ve got a dear friend going through it right now. So this book touched me. I’ll bet you have a friend or relative who has gone through this.

Interspersed in the book, Merritt talks about Emmett Till, WWII and soldiers of color, John Lewis and his legacy as a Freedom Fighter and so much more. I highly recommend this book. Listen to the audiobook if you can. You will be changed.

[Gretchen]

Listened on audiobook read by the author. No rating for memoirs.
I had no idea who he was when I began listening. The book is a little bit of this and that. You’ve got some historical events thrown in (which he does a good job with), a few musical references, some religion and a whole lot about his cancer diagnosis. He’s an easy and funny person to listen to so I’d probably recommend the audiobook. The book was good but not a “can’t miss” for me. A few parts annoyed me - I thought it was choppy with Jen chiming in. I found later after googling that Jen = Jen Hatmaker. I am out of the loop. I also thought the ending about dogs was out of place. He is certainly an interesting and lovable person and that comes through. My guess is there will be a third book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I’ve been aware of Tyler Merritt for awhile, this is my first experience with his work.

I loved everything about it – even the bits that I didn’t understand or weren’t written with me in mind.

I loved the musical referrences.
I loved hearing him talk about his faith.
I loved how he walked us through his medical journey.
I loved the Best Dogs List, even though I cannot, in good conscience, agree.

Where’s Sandy, Tyler? WHERE’S SANDY?!

The sun sure ain’t comin’ out tomorrow without that dog.

Toto was an ankle biter.

SANDY SAVED ORPHANS.

Cough.

As for the rest: For the love, can we get this guy a bench?

[Katie Seehusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook for this one because he reads his own book and it’s like having a conversation with him. He beautifully writes about his cancer journey, race issues in our country, relationships and more. It’s how life can change you, yet still find joy and faith in the middle of the fire. After my recent cancer treatment and diagnosis, I wondered if I’d struggle with the topic, but he spoke so many truths that I wished I could just sit and have a conversation with him.

[Christel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was so good I finished it in half a day and then immediately bought the hardback so I can highlight and return to the multitude of wisdom and wit whenever I want! Will definitely be reading again. It’s poignant and fresh and funny and deeply heartfelt. Suddenly Tyler Merritt is one of my favorite personal essayists. I guess there’s nothing more to say other than I gotta go find I Take My Coffee Black.

[Valerie Feth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Tyler Merritt’s first book, I Tale My Coffee Black, and was really looking forward to reading his new one as well. While there were some funny parts, some poignant parts, and some interesting moments, I was disappointed in this book overall.

First of all, I want to begin by saying I am a huge Tyler Merritt fan. I love his philosophy, his humor, his transparency, and I adore his voice. I pre-ordered the book months before it came out, and was so excited when it was delivered. I decided to also purchase the audio version because of his voice, and started it right away. Unfortunately, I felt this book did not measure up to his first one. For me, the book had a frenetic tone, as he jumped around a lot and seemed to go down rabbit holes that sometimes didn’t seem to fully make the points he was trying to get at.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love him and will read anything he writes in the future, but this book was somewhat of a disappointment for me. The narrative of his cancer journey and the insights he has gained from his experiences was such an important message, and some of his descriptions had me in tears, while others almost knocked me to the floor with laughter. However, I also felt that at times he was trying too hard to be funny and made jokes that fell flat or went too far. This cheapened the importance of the deeply personal and emotional moments in his recount.

[Kiley Krocak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I would make it past the first chapter, as a member of the cancer fight club, it brought up so many fears and memories. I’m glad that I kept going. Reading this book feels like a cross between grabbing coffee with a good friend, going to church and therapy. I’m still here, and with that there is hope!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and listen to this audiobook. I Take My Coffee Black was amazing on audiobook and This Changes Everything is EVEN BETTER! I was moved and throughly loved listening to each second of this deep story. I laughed, I cried and I reflected. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one my friends!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy listening to Tyler narrate his books. He is incredibly entertaining (was a theater arts major). He is also so honest and transparent telling his story. I don’t think reading a print copy would even compare to his audio version.

[Jill Wagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I love books read by the author. He was funny and serious and kind. People’s lives always fascinate me. The biggest thing I was reminded of by reading this book was that people will always remember how you made them feel.

[Rebecca E Mentzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just outstanding in its honest, transparent, sad and funny writing. That Tyler Merritt could write with raw vulnerability and yet make me laugh out loud at times made this an amazing book with great stories and examples. Highly recommend!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is casual and conversational which I didn’t love for an entire book but the last chapter of life lessons bumped the rating up to 4 stars. Also would be better read in a day or two instead of in 15 min increments 😕

[Julie Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's such a great storyteller. I could keep on listening to this guy. Heavy book but told with humor- covering racism, cancer, faith, death, relationships. The end left me hanging though. Time for another book Tyler Merritt!