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Not That Wheel, Jesus!: Stories From a Faith That Went Off-Road in the Best (And Worst) Possible Ways
From the nationally bestselling author of Holy Hot Mess, a laugh-out-loud look at what happens when life goes a direction we didn't expect and we are forced to reconsider the beliefs, assumptions, and stories that have always steered our course.
Jesus, take the wheel.
But wait...not like that!
Mary Katherine Backstrom grew up the most basic of all youth group kids—pH level 14—and her faith only grew as she led youth ministry, served as a missionary, and went on to become a bestselling Christian author. She knew all the practiced, perfect Sunday school answers and was driving happily down the straight and narrow, until one day her young son asked a simple will my Jewish best friend go to hell?
In the months and years that followed, that single question continued to snowball. MK challenged and reconsidered every part of the faith she’d been raised to accept so completely. Not That Wheel, Jesus! is Mary Katherine’s hilarious journey from certainty to doubt to going nuclear on the socials (“it was my heresy era”), and then of slowly and painfully finding her way back to a different, less defined sort faith.
It’s the heartfelt and achingly honest story of a spirituality that went off the road and crashed and burned in spectacular fashion, right before God and everybody. And then, slowly, through grace and plenty of therapy, grew richer and deeper than she ever could have imagined.
Jesus, take the wheel.
But wait...not like that!
Mary Katherine Backstrom grew up the most basic of all youth group kids—pH level 14—and her faith only grew as she led youth ministry, served as a missionary, and went on to become a bestselling Christian author. She knew all the practiced, perfect Sunday school answers and was driving happily down the straight and narrow, until one day her young son asked a simple will my Jewish best friend go to hell?
In the months and years that followed, that single question continued to snowball. MK challenged and reconsidered every part of the faith she’d been raised to accept so completely. Not That Wheel, Jesus! is Mary Katherine’s hilarious journey from certainty to doubt to going nuclear on the socials (“it was my heresy era”), and then of slowly and painfully finding her way back to a different, less defined sort faith.
It’s the heartfelt and achingly honest story of a spirituality that went off the road and crashed and burned in spectacular fashion, right before God and everybody. And then, slowly, through grace and plenty of therapy, grew richer and deeper than she ever could have imagined.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published August 12, 2025
35 people are currently reading
4291 people want to read
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July 26, 2025
“…most of the time we’re all just people.”
I really enjoyed this journey of faith with Backstrom. While I don’t agree with some of her thoughts and conclusions on all matters, I do think she’s the type of person that welcomes those discrepancies and loves anyways.
There were portions of this memoir that made me laugh out loud (walking down the streets of Chicago, I’m sure I looked crazy 😬🙈) there were portions that made me stop, listen, and replay to make sure i could grasp it all. There were also portions that were highly applicable to my own journey. And while I don’t agree with everything, I do agree that often the church has been a place of injury more than a hospital of healing and I want to be sure I err on the side of showing His love.
Deconstruction has been a major part of the Christian community for a while now, but I love that Backstrom doesn’t stay and live in the hurt and pain, she rebuilds from it. She takes accountability for the hurt she caused while holding others accountable for the hurt they caused. As she puts its, she owns “100% of her 50%” in all areas.
I love when the author also does the narration for her books and this was no exception. Her southern draw gave authenticity to her story, and I knew she was emphasizing exactly what was intended.
Thank you NetGalley and Hatchet and Audio for the ARC. I will continue to think about this one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“If you want to destroy my sweater, hold this thread as I walk away.” -wheezer
“The journey of faith feels so much different when your babies are in the car.”
“Kids are never more curious, more wiggly, or more thirsty than when it’s time for bed.”
“What is it about growing up that robs us of this beautiful curiosity.”
“If church was a hospital for sinners it needed its license pulled. Best I could tell the souls who attended were far sicker than the ones who slept in.”
“everyone follows the funeral rule book. We’ll break promises, but never etiquette.”
“The gap between truth and perception can be surprisingly wide.”
“That’s how you know you’re in the upper case S South. The default settings are different. There’s sugar in our tea, there’s prayer in our schools, and our Jesus supports open carry.” 😂
“lifeway…like Spencer’s for Christians.” 🤣
“…Less sugar and spice, more fire and life.”
“Sometimes the delusions we create are more exciting than our reality so we tell ourselves fantastically realities to avoid facing all the hard stuff.”
“I had convinced myself that if I understood why he left maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much any more or maybe I could fix the problem…somewhere in that pain I began to understand that my healing wouldn’t come from understanding him, it would come from understanding myself.”
“Dysfunctional relationships don’t happen in a vacuum.”
“Each step I took reminded me I was responsible for my own happiness. I was no longer a passive character in someone else’s story, I was the author of my own healing.”
“Maybe the difference between good guys and bad guys is who narrates the story.”
“Resentment cuts us off from the sunshine of the spirit.”
“Forgiveness doesn’t negate accountability. It just means you let go of the anger holding you back.”
“How much different would my faith have been if I believed I was intrinsically lovable? How much trauma could I have avoided if I knew deep in my heart I was good.”
I really enjoyed this journey of faith with Backstrom. While I don’t agree with some of her thoughts and conclusions on all matters, I do think she’s the type of person that welcomes those discrepancies and loves anyways.
There were portions of this memoir that made me laugh out loud (walking down the streets of Chicago, I’m sure I looked crazy 😬🙈) there were portions that made me stop, listen, and replay to make sure i could grasp it all. There were also portions that were highly applicable to my own journey. And while I don’t agree with everything, I do agree that often the church has been a place of injury more than a hospital of healing and I want to be sure I err on the side of showing His love.
Deconstruction has been a major part of the Christian community for a while now, but I love that Backstrom doesn’t stay and live in the hurt and pain, she rebuilds from it. She takes accountability for the hurt she caused while holding others accountable for the hurt they caused. As she puts its, she owns “100% of her 50%” in all areas.
I love when the author also does the narration for her books and this was no exception. Her southern draw gave authenticity to her story, and I knew she was emphasizing exactly what was intended.
Thank you NetGalley and Hatchet and Audio for the ARC. I will continue to think about this one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“If you want to destroy my sweater, hold this thread as I walk away.” -wheezer
“The journey of faith feels so much different when your babies are in the car.”
“Kids are never more curious, more wiggly, or more thirsty than when it’s time for bed.”
“What is it about growing up that robs us of this beautiful curiosity.”
“If church was a hospital for sinners it needed its license pulled. Best I could tell the souls who attended were far sicker than the ones who slept in.”
“everyone follows the funeral rule book. We’ll break promises, but never etiquette.”
“The gap between truth and perception can be surprisingly wide.”
“That’s how you know you’re in the upper case S South. The default settings are different. There’s sugar in our tea, there’s prayer in our schools, and our Jesus supports open carry.” 😂
“lifeway…like Spencer’s for Christians.” 🤣
“…Less sugar and spice, more fire and life.”
“Sometimes the delusions we create are more exciting than our reality so we tell ourselves fantastically realities to avoid facing all the hard stuff.”
“I had convinced myself that if I understood why he left maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much any more or maybe I could fix the problem…somewhere in that pain I began to understand that my healing wouldn’t come from understanding him, it would come from understanding myself.”
“Dysfunctional relationships don’t happen in a vacuum.”
“Each step I took reminded me I was responsible for my own happiness. I was no longer a passive character in someone else’s story, I was the author of my own healing.”
“Maybe the difference between good guys and bad guys is who narrates the story.”
“Resentment cuts us off from the sunshine of the spirit.”
“Forgiveness doesn’t negate accountability. It just means you let go of the anger holding you back.”
“How much different would my faith have been if I believed I was intrinsically lovable? How much trauma could I have avoided if I knew deep in my heart I was good.”
August 2, 2025
3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not That Wheel, Jesus!: Stories From a Faith That Went Off-Road in the Best (And Worst) Possible Ways by Mary Katherine Backstrom
Format: eBook + Audiobook | Narrator: Mary Katherine Backstrom
So basically, this book is Mary Katherine Backstrom’s spiritual detour story, from "pH 14 youth group kid" to someone actively wrestling with everything she thought she knew about faith. She starts off as the kind of Christian who probably had a WWJD bracelet for every outfit, until one day her kid asks if his Jewish best friend is going to hell.
That one question sends her into a slow spiral, through doubt, deconstruction, therapy, and a whole lot of processing out loud. Eventually, she lands in a place of softer, less certain belief. It’s messy, sometimes funny, sometimes heavy, and you can tell she’s just figuring it out as she goes.
🎧 She Can Talk, but Can She Timeline?
I semi-tandem read this one since I had both the audio and the ebook, and honestly, I’m glad I did. The audio brought out the author’s humor and delivery really well, but structurally? It was a little all over the place. Each chapter jumps to a different point in her life—which, sure, cool concept—but with no real transitions or timeline markers, it just felt…confusing.
The only heads-up you get is a new chapter title, and then you’re dropped into a totally different point in her life with no warning. I’d spend the first few minutes of every chapter just trying to figure out where we were, and more often than not, I’d have to rewind after I finally pieced it together so I could actually listen and process what she was saying. Not a great setup for audio, if you ask me.
✝️ “Christian” with an Asterisk
And now here’s the other thing.
This book is labeled “Christian,” but I think that needs a big ol’ asterisk. I didn’t research the author beforehand, just saw the bright cover and quirky title and thought, “sure, why not?” Turns out, I probably should’ve looked her up. I went in expecting something that aligned more with traditional Christian values or at least offered some biblical encouragement. Instead, it leans heavily into faith deconstruction and progressive spirituality.
I’ve never been burned by a church exactly, but I’ve had faith used against me enough to know how easily it can be twisted...so yeah, I get the urge to question things. I’m not knocking that. But the way she picks and chooses what parts of the Bible to believe just didn’t sit right with me. It felt less like questioning and more like rewriting, and that’s where it lost me a bit.
The political undertones are hard to miss, but I’m not going to unpack all that here.
😂 She’s Got Jokes
That said, she is funny. Like, actually funny. Her stories are engaging and personal, and there were quite a few moments that genuinely made me laugh or caught me off guard emotionally. She’s clearly a talented writer and storyteller, and I can see why people connect with her.
📚 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something lighthearted, messy, and honest about faith and personal growth, with a lot of humor and some chaos, this might hit the spot.
But if you’re hoping for a book rooted in Scripture or something that lines up with more traditional theology, you’ll probably end up feeling a little let down like I did.
Thank you to NetGalley, Worthy Publishing, and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to this title in exchange for an honest review!
This wasn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t my kind of book.
Not That Wheel, Jesus!: Stories From a Faith That Went Off-Road in the Best (And Worst) Possible Ways by Mary Katherine Backstrom
Format: eBook + Audiobook | Narrator: Mary Katherine Backstrom
So basically, this book is Mary Katherine Backstrom’s spiritual detour story, from "pH 14 youth group kid" to someone actively wrestling with everything she thought she knew about faith. She starts off as the kind of Christian who probably had a WWJD bracelet for every outfit, until one day her kid asks if his Jewish best friend is going to hell.
That one question sends her into a slow spiral, through doubt, deconstruction, therapy, and a whole lot of processing out loud. Eventually, she lands in a place of softer, less certain belief. It’s messy, sometimes funny, sometimes heavy, and you can tell she’s just figuring it out as she goes.
🎧 She Can Talk, but Can She Timeline?
I semi-tandem read this one since I had both the audio and the ebook, and honestly, I’m glad I did. The audio brought out the author’s humor and delivery really well, but structurally? It was a little all over the place. Each chapter jumps to a different point in her life—which, sure, cool concept—but with no real transitions or timeline markers, it just felt…confusing.
The only heads-up you get is a new chapter title, and then you’re dropped into a totally different point in her life with no warning. I’d spend the first few minutes of every chapter just trying to figure out where we were, and more often than not, I’d have to rewind after I finally pieced it together so I could actually listen and process what she was saying. Not a great setup for audio, if you ask me.
✝️ “Christian” with an Asterisk
And now here’s the other thing.
This book is labeled “Christian,” but I think that needs a big ol’ asterisk. I didn’t research the author beforehand, just saw the bright cover and quirky title and thought, “sure, why not?” Turns out, I probably should’ve looked her up. I went in expecting something that aligned more with traditional Christian values or at least offered some biblical encouragement. Instead, it leans heavily into faith deconstruction and progressive spirituality.
I’ve never been burned by a church exactly, but I’ve had faith used against me enough to know how easily it can be twisted...so yeah, I get the urge to question things. I’m not knocking that. But the way she picks and chooses what parts of the Bible to believe just didn’t sit right with me. It felt less like questioning and more like rewriting, and that’s where it lost me a bit.
The political undertones are hard to miss, but I’m not going to unpack all that here.
😂 She’s Got Jokes
That said, she is funny. Like, actually funny. Her stories are engaging and personal, and there were quite a few moments that genuinely made me laugh or caught me off guard emotionally. She’s clearly a talented writer and storyteller, and I can see why people connect with her.
📚 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something lighthearted, messy, and honest about faith and personal growth, with a lot of humor and some chaos, this might hit the spot.
But if you’re hoping for a book rooted in Scripture or something that lines up with more traditional theology, you’ll probably end up feeling a little let down like I did.
Thank you to NetGalley, Worthy Publishing, and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to this title in exchange for an honest review!
This wasn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t my kind of book.
August 5, 2025
Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review!
I found Mary Katherine on Facebook a few years ago. I live just outside of Huntsville and I really loved that someone who was well known on social media was local to me. Plus, she was rrally funny! I now not only follow her, but also Father Nathan Monk and Sara Baker (friends she mentions in the book).. I watched her go through her divorce very publicly. I cried for her and her children. I have laughed at her posts of silly things her children have said and done. I have heard her beautiful singing voice. I have watched her heal and find love again. However, I never planned on reading her books. Not because I didn't think they'd be good, but because the genre was Christian.
I'm not a religious person. I'm not an atheist, but i just have a hard time believing in the things the Bible teaches because they mostly just don't make sense to me. I grew up in a household that believed in God, that prayed every night before bed, and went to church sometimes. My best friends are both very religious, and i understand how important religion is to them. Like MK, I had lots of questions, and my questions mostly went unanswered. Usually the conversations would end in something like "that's where faith comes in". I have seen and read about so many terrible things being done in the name of religion, and that's just not something I can support.
When I found MK online, she was like a breath of fresh air. Finally, someone who still believes in and loves Jesus calling out all these terrible things religious groups were supporting! Finally, a person asking what Jesus would think if he were here today, and, more importantly, how Americans would even treat this immigrant with brown skin if he were here today.
I love how outspoken and honest Mary Katherine is. I love her sense of humor. And I LOVED this book. I loved hearing about her journey (I, too, was a bit traumatized by Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames as a teenager)Take it from me, you don't have to be a Christian (or religious at all) to enjoy this book. The audio was read by MK herself, and after following her for so long on social media, hearing her voice felt like a hug from a friend. I'm sure the physical book would be fine if you're not into audio, but I highly recommend the audio version of this one.
I found Mary Katherine on Facebook a few years ago. I live just outside of Huntsville and I really loved that someone who was well known on social media was local to me. Plus, she was rrally funny! I now not only follow her, but also Father Nathan Monk and Sara Baker (friends she mentions in the book).. I watched her go through her divorce very publicly. I cried for her and her children. I have laughed at her posts of silly things her children have said and done. I have heard her beautiful singing voice. I have watched her heal and find love again. However, I never planned on reading her books. Not because I didn't think they'd be good, but because the genre was Christian.
I'm not a religious person. I'm not an atheist, but i just have a hard time believing in the things the Bible teaches because they mostly just don't make sense to me. I grew up in a household that believed in God, that prayed every night before bed, and went to church sometimes. My best friends are both very religious, and i understand how important religion is to them. Like MK, I had lots of questions, and my questions mostly went unanswered. Usually the conversations would end in something like "that's where faith comes in". I have seen and read about so many terrible things being done in the name of religion, and that's just not something I can support.
When I found MK online, she was like a breath of fresh air. Finally, someone who still believes in and loves Jesus calling out all these terrible things religious groups were supporting! Finally, a person asking what Jesus would think if he were here today, and, more importantly, how Americans would even treat this immigrant with brown skin if he were here today.
I love how outspoken and honest Mary Katherine is. I love her sense of humor. And I LOVED this book. I loved hearing about her journey (I, too, was a bit traumatized by Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames as a teenager)Take it from me, you don't have to be a Christian (or religious at all) to enjoy this book. The audio was read by MK herself, and after following her for so long on social media, hearing her voice felt like a hug from a friend. I'm sure the physical book would be fine if you're not into audio, but I highly recommend the audio version of this one.
August 2, 2025
Thank you to @NetGalley and @HachetteAudio for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved this book. For someone dealing with hurt from the church, this is exactly what my soul needed to read/hear. No matter where you are in your walk or what you’ve been through, just remember to love like Jesus.
The audio is read by the author and she does a phenomenal job, writers usually do. But it seems more genuine when the author reads it.
Publishing date August 11, 2025
I loved this book. For someone dealing with hurt from the church, this is exactly what my soul needed to read/hear. No matter where you are in your walk or what you’ve been through, just remember to love like Jesus.
The audio is read by the author and she does a phenomenal job, writers usually do. But it seems more genuine when the author reads it.
Publishing date August 11, 2025
August 9, 2025
Not That Wheel, Jesus!: Stories From a Faith That Went Off-Road in the Best (And Worst) Possible Ways
I really enjoyed this book! After really enjoying her other book, Holy Hot Mess: Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life, I am so glad I picked this one up.
Mary is a fun and engaging writer.
Although her topics can get quite serious, she has a way to make them interesting and illustrates great ways she learned, and insight from her life.
Mary has a really inspiring and engaging story about her faith's trials and tribulations, and I was fully engaged throughout the book, and her journey.
I do have to say, that I don't believe this book had enough scripture references, but honestly - the theme and subject of the book, it makes sense to not. Just something I thought when writing this review.
I highly recommend this to readers who have ever wrestled with their faith - even just slightly. It also goes beyond the basic Sunday school answers and asks/answers some deep and tough questions.
Check this out!
4.4/5
I really enjoyed this book! After really enjoying her other book, Holy Hot Mess: Finding God in the Details of this Weird and Wonderful Life, I am so glad I picked this one up.
Mary is a fun and engaging writer.
Although her topics can get quite serious, she has a way to make them interesting and illustrates great ways she learned, and insight from her life.
Mary has a really inspiring and engaging story about her faith's trials and tribulations, and I was fully engaged throughout the book, and her journey.
I do have to say, that I don't believe this book had enough scripture references, but honestly - the theme and subject of the book, it makes sense to not. Just something I thought when writing this review.
I highly recommend this to readers who have ever wrestled with their faith - even just slightly. It also goes beyond the basic Sunday school answers and asks/answers some deep and tough questions.
Check this out!
4.4/5
September 29, 2025
✨Book Review✨
📚 Oh man, shoutout the @TheTylerMerrittProject for putting this book on my feed and encouraging me to pick it up. MK gave us a look at her upbringing, her deconstruction and then reconstruction of her faith. She was laugh-out-loud relatable and this book was like having a girls night. Her energy was contagious and genuine. The writing was easy to jump into and felt like a gentle friend pulling you towards a truth that you knew deep inside but hadn’t put words to yet. BIG fan.
🌟 If you like Tyler Merrit, Jen Hatmaker, or any other Jesus lover who feels a bit down-to-earth and relatable, then you’ll like this book. Pick it up!
Thanks to @NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
More about: Not That Wheel Jesus, Mary Katherine Backstrom
📖 MK starts at the beginning of her youth group years and walks the reader through the different milestones that have shaped her life. She explores beliefs, assumptions, and stories that have always steered her course that needed to be reconsidered along the way.
Don’t forget to like and save for later!
#BookReview #BookRecommendation #Bookish #NonFiction
|| Holy Hot Mess, Religion & Spirituality, Christian, Biographies & Memoirs, Worthy Publishing ||
📚 Oh man, shoutout the @TheTylerMerrittProject for putting this book on my feed and encouraging me to pick it up. MK gave us a look at her upbringing, her deconstruction and then reconstruction of her faith. She was laugh-out-loud relatable and this book was like having a girls night. Her energy was contagious and genuine. The writing was easy to jump into and felt like a gentle friend pulling you towards a truth that you knew deep inside but hadn’t put words to yet. BIG fan.
🌟 If you like Tyler Merrit, Jen Hatmaker, or any other Jesus lover who feels a bit down-to-earth and relatable, then you’ll like this book. Pick it up!
Thanks to @NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
More about: Not That Wheel Jesus, Mary Katherine Backstrom
📖 MK starts at the beginning of her youth group years and walks the reader through the different milestones that have shaped her life. She explores beliefs, assumptions, and stories that have always steered her course that needed to be reconsidered along the way.
Don’t forget to like and save for later!
#BookReview #BookRecommendation #Bookish #NonFiction
|| Holy Hot Mess, Religion & Spirituality, Christian, Biographies & Memoirs, Worthy Publishing ||
September 9, 2025
This book touched something in my soul. Let me just take a second to say that I love listening to nonfiction audiobooks where the narrator is the author. Backstrom did a fantastic job! I laughed, I cried, and I took notes on some of Backstrom’s one-liners. I am also now planning a trip to go seethe egg-beater Jesus mosaic in Huntsville, Alabama! I love that Backstrom is raw with her readers and does not claim to be perfect as some Christian authors do. Backstrom was down to earth and did not sugarcoat the harder topics. Sometimes our churches, friends, and family disappoint us but one thing remains true God is always there. I truly felt seen after reading Backstrom’s book as I have struggled to find a church that fits me and my sailor of a mouth sometimes. Backstrom dives into the lessons she has learned in life and how sometimes your life gets derailed in order to go in a better direction. I cherished this book and plan on sharing it with people I love dearly. I look forward to reading more of Backstrom’s books in the near future!
It should be noted that this book contains some triggering topics such as child sexual abuse.
It should be noted that this book contains some triggering topics such as child sexual abuse.
October 18, 2025
This was a very quick memoir of a woman raised in an extremely legalistic denomination, who did not really understand her own faith, then had that faith blow up into (what she calls) heresy, and then her path back towards relationship with Jesus.
Her story is hopeful and vulnerable, and I appreciated much of what she said; however, her folksy conversational tone was not my cup of tea. I felt like I was reading the ramblings of someone very immature who occasionally (and perhaps accidentally) hit on a well of wisdom. There are certain parts of the book that feel like a confused mess, and others that feel truly wise, but for the most part I would recommend it. I think it’s a good read for any Christian; ones who need the encouragement and reassurance, and also those who simply need to see the world through someone else’s perspective.
Her story is hopeful and vulnerable, and I appreciated much of what she said; however, her folksy conversational tone was not my cup of tea. I felt like I was reading the ramblings of someone very immature who occasionally (and perhaps accidentally) hit on a well of wisdom. There are certain parts of the book that feel like a confused mess, and others that feel truly wise, but for the most part I would recommend it. I think it’s a good read for any Christian; ones who need the encouragement and reassurance, and also those who simply need to see the world through someone else’s perspective.
July 29, 2025
As someone who was strong in faith growing up, fell away, and came back herself I loved this memoir. Talking about how faith can be weaponized against young girls. Talking how churches can protect abusers in the name of peace. Talking how you can participate but not join simply for who you love. Working through all of these hot topics into finding a church that fits your faith. Talking how faith isn’t black and white. Talking about how working through hardships tests faith. All of this really resonated with me. I also love when authors narrate their own novels - huge fan. Thank you Hachette audio and NetGalley for this alc in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2025
I listened via audiobook and loved the energy the author brought! Being a PK of a PK and growing up around the same time as the author, I related so much! She said things I have thought/said and been deemed less or basically scolded for. I have been devout to a fault, hurt and confused by the church and other believers, left the church, and doubted my faith to the point of existential crisis. Her apology to those she’s hurt in the process has me thinking who I would apologize to too. While I don’t have answers to some of the hard questions about my faith, I do know Christ’s core values are where the truth is at. I know that fallible people (cuz we all are) get caught up in rules, fear, and need control like Pharisees. I’m so glad she shared her story!
August 3, 2025
A great perspective on why there are so many people leaving the church. You hear the comment "I left the church, not Jesus." This book explains it all in a beautiful and heartbreaking way. A story of deconstructing and reconstructing faith, piece by piece.
Thank you to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing | Worthy Books for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing | Worthy Books for the ARC.
June 17, 2025
I enjoyed this funny, honest memoir of Christian deconstruction by a woman who could no longer slap evangelical platitudes over her lived experience. Having gone through a very similar process of breaking down and rebuilding, but never letting go of Jesus, I can relate and am happy for the peace she's found. The hilarious story of explaining Easter to her young kids is worth the price of admission. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
August 9, 2025
This book had hilarious moments and moments that made me cry. What I loved the most though was that it gave the message of Jesus's most important message was to LOVE.
September 19, 2025
How do you rate a book and it not feel like you're rating a person? Especially when it's a memoir.
Funny at times? Yes. Messy? For sure. Asks hard questions? Yes. (Good! We need to ask hard questions).
But others have said; the *book* as a memoir could have used more time. Not rushed to be the follow-up to an earlier book. You can't rush someone's journey for a deadline.
Funny at times? Yes. Messy? For sure. Asks hard questions? Yes. (Good! We need to ask hard questions).
But others have said; the *book* as a memoir could have used more time. Not rushed to be the follow-up to an earlier book. You can't rush someone's journey for a deadline.
August 29, 2025
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this memoir and could relate to so much of it from personal experience. Love Mary Katherine’s wit and humorous voice. Recommend!
August 17, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this one! Not That Wheel, Jesus was such a fun and lighthearted read, but also surprisingly deep in all the right places. It felt like a warm hug from an old friend.
The author’s voice really resonated with me — so many of her plights and questions mirrored my own, especially around faith and navigating spirituality in a modern world. She has a gift for making you feel seen without ever getting preachy. Her humor and honesty made this an easy and comforting listen.
If you’ve ever struggled with faith, questioned religion, or just needed to feel like you’re not alone in those thoughts, this is the book for you. It’s relatable, refreshing, and real.
The author’s voice really resonated with me — so many of her plights and questions mirrored my own, especially around faith and navigating spirituality in a modern world. She has a gift for making you feel seen without ever getting preachy. Her humor and honesty made this an easy and comforting listen.
If you’ve ever struggled with faith, questioned religion, or just needed to feel like you’re not alone in those thoughts, this is the book for you. It’s relatable, refreshing, and real.
August 13, 2025
This story is being read by the author which had me hooked from the start. MK thinks of herself as a devout Christian, until her young son asks if his Jewish best friend will go to hell when she dies. Thus being MK quest for answers about all she has been taught about her faith. Through many years of therapy and non believing, then believing again MK comes full circle and finally finds a congregation and community she is comfortable with.
The story is told in snippets, some very funny And some extremely sad. This is well worth reading/listening too.
Thank you Netgalley
The story is told in snippets, some very funny And some extremely sad. This is well worth reading/listening too.
Thank you Netgalley
July 21, 2025
*thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy for review*
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, just to get it out of the way, a little bit of user error on my part. I didn’t go into this book knowing much about the author or her beliefs but about halfway through this book I realized I should have looked into it at least to prepare myself. Overall, I agree to disagree with the author on her theology (I believe she is Methodist, I am non-denominational) so if you’re looking for a book to build you up in biblical truth, be aware of that.
Once I got past the theological differences I really did enjoy this book. I don’t really like rating memoirs because it just feels wrong on a certain level to rate someone’s life story as being interesting or uninteresting, but based on her voice as a writer this book is worth the read. And I don’t say that much, but she has a real talent for writing in a humorous style while still packing emotional gut-punches. There’s a lot here, but overall one of the more relatable takes on deconstruction. As a deconstructer myself, I really saw a lot of myself in this book and it kept me turning the page. I found it to be light-hearted at places where it was appropriate and serious where it was warranted. Huge props again to the author and the editor(s) who were able to pack so much into 17 chapters without feeling rushed or overwhelming.
Overall, if you’re looking for entertainment I would strongly recommend, but if you’re looking for biblical truths look elsewhere, this is the author’s story and while Christ is a HUGE part of it, he is not the focus.
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, just to get it out of the way, a little bit of user error on my part. I didn’t go into this book knowing much about the author or her beliefs but about halfway through this book I realized I should have looked into it at least to prepare myself. Overall, I agree to disagree with the author on her theology (I believe she is Methodist, I am non-denominational) so if you’re looking for a book to build you up in biblical truth, be aware of that.
Once I got past the theological differences I really did enjoy this book. I don’t really like rating memoirs because it just feels wrong on a certain level to rate someone’s life story as being interesting or uninteresting, but based on her voice as a writer this book is worth the read. And I don’t say that much, but she has a real talent for writing in a humorous style while still packing emotional gut-punches. There’s a lot here, but overall one of the more relatable takes on deconstruction. As a deconstructer myself, I really saw a lot of myself in this book and it kept me turning the page. I found it to be light-hearted at places where it was appropriate and serious where it was warranted. Huge props again to the author and the editor(s) who were able to pack so much into 17 chapters without feeling rushed or overwhelming.
Overall, if you’re looking for entertainment I would strongly recommend, but if you’re looking for biblical truths look elsewhere, this is the author’s story and while Christ is a HUGE part of it, he is not the focus.
October 4, 2025
My son and his wife gave me this one for my birthday and I flew through it rather quickly. There were a few things that threw me off, chiefly the author's choice not to tell the stories in chronological order. This choice does sort of make sense, but it did throw me off at first. I enjoyed the stories and watching this woman come to understand herself and God in a more real way.
"I, for one, simply cannot believe that God is annoyed with my questions. Perhaps it's the way we've been taught to see God - as unyielding and literal as His words - that makes questioning feel like rebellion. But I believe that no kindhearted father would shame or condemn the honest curiosity of his own child.
Who are we to question God?
We're His wide-eyed, inquisitive children."
"But as the wounds healed, or at least started to, the quiet in my body took leave. I mean, exit stage left, pursued by a bear. It was followed immediately with anger." (If you know, you know!)
“If the Jesus I’ve always known was a reflection of my own beliefs, my culture, my upbringing, then who is He really? Who is the Jesus that doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes I’ve created? I wanted to know Him – the real Him. Because I know realized that all those years, I hadn’t been chasing the image of God. All along, I had been remaking God in my image.”
"But one of the downsides of being a good storyteller is that God gives you alll the weird stuff. I like to believe that He does it out of love. Like, 'Oh that kid of Mine sure loves to tell stories - so I'm gonna give her a good one!'"
"So, we tell ourselves fantastical stories to avoid facing all the hard stuff. Or at least, that's what my family does. I suspect we aren't alone in this. Okay, maybe the bits about zebras and princesses - but the rest of it? Let's all be honest. In the stories of our lives - at least the ones we tell ourselves - there's always some fact and some fiction. It's not knowing the difference, believing our own bullshit...That can reaaaally get us into trouble."
"Maybe the difference between good guys and bad guys is simply who narrates the story."
"Resentment shuts us off from the sunlight of the spirit. For us, holding on to anger is fatal. If we want to live, we have to be free of it."
"Forgiveness doesn't negate accountability. It just means you let go of the anger that's holding you back. Some people might never apologize to you, and that's on them. But you can clean up your side of the street."
"This was about reclaiming the parts of my life that resentment had stolen, about finding agency where I had seen only pain."
"Addiction isn't just physical. It's spiritual."
"The harm I'd endured, the betrayal, and the wounds that had shaped my life - they had come from sick people. It wasn't about excusing them or forgetting what they had done. It was about understanding that their actions weren't born out of strength, but weakness. They were broken, just has I had been in my own ways. And just as I am, in some ways, still."
"I would be a huge freaking hypocrite to get to this place in my journey where I'm holding the bad guys accountable, only to conveniently dodge the fat that my name is on the bad guy list. I know that I have hurt people. I'm certain I have. In somebody else's journey, I have been the bad guy."
"It wasn't just about the apology - it was about the freedom that came with letting something go."
"Through this process, I learned something profound: Sometimes we're the hero in our story, sometimes the villain, and most of the time, we're just...people. Fallible, hurt, and hurting. The truth about 'bad guys' and 'good guys' is that most of the time, we're both. If we can see that - really see it - we might just find the peace we've been looking for all along."
"If Jesus is the Word of God, what does that make the Bible? Could it be that this book, which I clung to so tightly, was intended to serve as a vessel? A library of documents containing all the stories that framed up the ministry of Jesus? What if Scripture wasn't a book of directives, but a Bible of cultural context?"
"The early Christian church had existed for a century or more without a canonized version of Scripture. It thrived and it grew because the believers had faith in Christ's teachings - and loved one another well."
"It is probably unsurprising that I'm also a Disney Adult. It's a thing, and for the most part, people find us annoying. Whatever, I couldn't care less. Disney is magical, and magic makes me happy (I say, while straightenig my Minnie ears).
"Lemme just say, reentry could be rough. That's the only Disney criticism I have. They call it the Happiest Place on Earth for a reason - and that reason sure as heck ain't the parking lot. Still, I'll take my babies to Disney any chance I can get. I want my children to know that feeling for as long as they possibly can. Where everything's safe, and everyone's loved, and it's okay to believe you can fly."
"I, for one, simply cannot believe that God is annoyed with my questions. Perhaps it's the way we've been taught to see God - as unyielding and literal as His words - that makes questioning feel like rebellion. But I believe that no kindhearted father would shame or condemn the honest curiosity of his own child.
Who are we to question God?
We're His wide-eyed, inquisitive children."
"But as the wounds healed, or at least started to, the quiet in my body took leave. I mean, exit stage left, pursued by a bear. It was followed immediately with anger." (If you know, you know!)
“If the Jesus I’ve always known was a reflection of my own beliefs, my culture, my upbringing, then who is He really? Who is the Jesus that doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes I’ve created? I wanted to know Him – the real Him. Because I know realized that all those years, I hadn’t been chasing the image of God. All along, I had been remaking God in my image.”
"But one of the downsides of being a good storyteller is that God gives you alll the weird stuff. I like to believe that He does it out of love. Like, 'Oh that kid of Mine sure loves to tell stories - so I'm gonna give her a good one!'"
"So, we tell ourselves fantastical stories to avoid facing all the hard stuff. Or at least, that's what my family does. I suspect we aren't alone in this. Okay, maybe the bits about zebras and princesses - but the rest of it? Let's all be honest. In the stories of our lives - at least the ones we tell ourselves - there's always some fact and some fiction. It's not knowing the difference, believing our own bullshit...That can reaaaally get us into trouble."
"Maybe the difference between good guys and bad guys is simply who narrates the story."
"Resentment shuts us off from the sunlight of the spirit. For us, holding on to anger is fatal. If we want to live, we have to be free of it."
"Forgiveness doesn't negate accountability. It just means you let go of the anger that's holding you back. Some people might never apologize to you, and that's on them. But you can clean up your side of the street."
"This was about reclaiming the parts of my life that resentment had stolen, about finding agency where I had seen only pain."
"Addiction isn't just physical. It's spiritual."
"The harm I'd endured, the betrayal, and the wounds that had shaped my life - they had come from sick people. It wasn't about excusing them or forgetting what they had done. It was about understanding that their actions weren't born out of strength, but weakness. They were broken, just has I had been in my own ways. And just as I am, in some ways, still."
"I would be a huge freaking hypocrite to get to this place in my journey where I'm holding the bad guys accountable, only to conveniently dodge the fat that my name is on the bad guy list. I know that I have hurt people. I'm certain I have. In somebody else's journey, I have been the bad guy."
"It wasn't just about the apology - it was about the freedom that came with letting something go."
"Through this process, I learned something profound: Sometimes we're the hero in our story, sometimes the villain, and most of the time, we're just...people. Fallible, hurt, and hurting. The truth about 'bad guys' and 'good guys' is that most of the time, we're both. If we can see that - really see it - we might just find the peace we've been looking for all along."
"If Jesus is the Word of God, what does that make the Bible? Could it be that this book, which I clung to so tightly, was intended to serve as a vessel? A library of documents containing all the stories that framed up the ministry of Jesus? What if Scripture wasn't a book of directives, but a Bible of cultural context?"
"The early Christian church had existed for a century or more without a canonized version of Scripture. It thrived and it grew because the believers had faith in Christ's teachings - and loved one another well."
"It is probably unsurprising that I'm also a Disney Adult. It's a thing, and for the most part, people find us annoying. Whatever, I couldn't care less. Disney is magical, and magic makes me happy (I say, while straightenig my Minnie ears).
"Lemme just say, reentry could be rough. That's the only Disney criticism I have. They call it the Happiest Place on Earth for a reason - and that reason sure as heck ain't the parking lot. Still, I'll take my babies to Disney any chance I can get. I want my children to know that feeling for as long as they possibly can. Where everything's safe, and everyone's loved, and it's okay to believe you can fly."
July 28, 2025
I have been reading Mary Katherine Backstrom's substack for a few years now, I found her through her fellow deconstructionist writer Father Nathan Monk, whom she talks about in this latest book. I was fortunate to be allowed to download an advanced listening copy audiobook via NetGalley; thank you to the author and Hachette audio. I am not sure why I was so surprised at MK's personality and bubbly Southern accent- I knew she was from Alabama and somehow never read her words in a southern accent.
There are a few memoirs and Christian living books in this genre, I really enjoy reading them and it helps me to learn about myself. This book is a lot funnier than I expected, MK has a self-deprecating and simple humor associated with her past time as an evangelical. She has a very mature and questioning attitude about her faith, rejecting rigidity and self-righteousness. Being a mom and having kids that ask great questions really help her make sense of her deconstruction and reconstruction.
This is not written as a linear story and memoir, but focuses on those moments that were monumental in shaping her faith- how her church reacted to find out her stepfather was abusing her, how she reacted when her son asked her if a friend was going to hell, her husband asking for a divorce, and being an ally to the LGBTQ community.
I think sometimes deconstruction stories can be incomplete without the re-construction. MK uses a lovely analogy about a mosaic art of Jesus that was destroyed in a tornado and then painstaking put back together and strengthened. She is honest and contemplative, but not flashy and emotional. This is funny but definitely at a distance. I think she is a great writer and I appreciate when an audiobook memoir is voiced by the author. She has a refreshing humility to approach doubt and faith, and the way those two play with each other.
There are a few memoirs and Christian living books in this genre, I really enjoy reading them and it helps me to learn about myself. This book is a lot funnier than I expected, MK has a self-deprecating and simple humor associated with her past time as an evangelical. She has a very mature and questioning attitude about her faith, rejecting rigidity and self-righteousness. Being a mom and having kids that ask great questions really help her make sense of her deconstruction and reconstruction.
This is not written as a linear story and memoir, but focuses on those moments that were monumental in shaping her faith- how her church reacted to find out her stepfather was abusing her, how she reacted when her son asked her if a friend was going to hell, her husband asking for a divorce, and being an ally to the LGBTQ community.
I think sometimes deconstruction stories can be incomplete without the re-construction. MK uses a lovely analogy about a mosaic art of Jesus that was destroyed in a tornado and then painstaking put back together and strengthened. She is honest and contemplative, but not flashy and emotional. This is funny but definitely at a distance. I think she is a great writer and I appreciate when an audiobook memoir is voiced by the author. She has a refreshing humility to approach doubt and faith, and the way those two play with each other.
August 3, 2025
This novel is a story about a deconstruction of faith. Mary Kay, once a devoted Southern Baptist woman, takes us through the trauma she experienced as a child and her friends experienced through the church. Even through it all, she held onto loyalty to Jesus. Struggling with false teachings, and harmful practices, she takes a break from the church itself. She lives a life exploring the things she believes she missed out on, and going all in. She was then invited by a couple to visit their church, and this came as a shock. This began her church journey all over again, but in a new light, with new life experiences. Her kids missed church, and she knew this was a journey worth completing. After talking to many pastors, and rabbi’s, friends of faith, she finally feels at home, and joins an affirming church. I don’t want to spoil the book, but Mary Kay did a wonderful job telling a very vulnerable testimony. We are to love one another, AS OURSELVES. She hones in solely on the teachings of Jesus throughout the Bible. I can honestly say this book wasn’t what I was expecting, but I am so glad I did. It taught me that asking questions about my faith isnt “disobeying God”, it’s simply in hopes to have a closer relationship, and be more understanding.
The audiobook was hard to follow along and got very confusing when she began new chapters and timelines, but this problem may not apply to the book. I also do not agree with “rewriting” the Bible, and it felt a little passive to the scripture.
Personally, not my type of book, but it is honest, witty, vulnerable, and chaotic in a good way!
**Personally, I would not catagorize this as a Christian book. I would put this under “Religion&Spirituality” genre**
Thank you NetGalley, publisher and author for allowing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The audiobook was hard to follow along and got very confusing when she began new chapters and timelines, but this problem may not apply to the book. I also do not agree with “rewriting” the Bible, and it felt a little passive to the scripture.
Personally, not my type of book, but it is honest, witty, vulnerable, and chaotic in a good way!
**Personally, I would not catagorize this as a Christian book. I would put this under “Religion&Spirituality” genre**
Thank you NetGalley, publisher and author for allowing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
This book follows the author’s journey of faith—from childhood, through deconstruction, and eventually to reconstructing her beliefs. Each chapter focuses on a different point in her life, but the timeline jumps around without a clear order. That made it a bit hard to follow, since every new chapter drops you into a different time without much context for where it fits in her overall story.
Going in, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I’d be reading. The cover, the title, and the “Christian author” label had me expecting something light, encouraging, and biblically grounded. However, her use of the word “Christian” leans more toward progressive Christianity than what I would consider biblically sound and biblically based.
There was a lot more cursing than I expected from a Christian author, and I didn’t agree with some of the opinions she shared—especially on LGBTQ topics. I believe everyone should be welcomed and loved, but for me, that means loving the person without endorsing the sin.
It wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t what I was expecting, and I don’t think I’d read or listen to it again. I’ll admit, I didn’t do any research on this author before picking up the book, and in hindsight, that would have helped me know what to expect. I’m also not sure I’d pick up another one of her books. If you haven’t read her work before, you may want to look into this author first so you know what to expect. I’m not saying to skip it entirely, but be prepared for a few surprises.
That said, there were definitely parts that made me laugh. She’s very funny, and from listening to the audiobook, I could tell she’s bubbly and has a great personality. I can see why people are drawn to her.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to an ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Going in, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I’d be reading. The cover, the title, and the “Christian author” label had me expecting something light, encouraging, and biblically grounded. However, her use of the word “Christian” leans more toward progressive Christianity than what I would consider biblically sound and biblically based.
There was a lot more cursing than I expected from a Christian author, and I didn’t agree with some of the opinions she shared—especially on LGBTQ topics. I believe everyone should be welcomed and loved, but for me, that means loving the person without endorsing the sin.
It wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t what I was expecting, and I don’t think I’d read or listen to it again. I’ll admit, I didn’t do any research on this author before picking up the book, and in hindsight, that would have helped me know what to expect. I’m also not sure I’d pick up another one of her books. If you haven’t read her work before, you may want to look into this author first so you know what to expect. I’m not saying to skip it entirely, but be prepared for a few surprises.
That said, there were definitely parts that made me laugh. She’s very funny, and from listening to the audiobook, I could tell she’s bubbly and has a great personality. I can see why people are drawn to her.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to an ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
September 24, 2025
I have been following Mary Katherine Backstrom on socials for the past several years, so I couldn't wait to read this book when I saw it. I read some of it, but mostly listened to the audiobook. MK does a fabulous job narrating with her Southern, ebullient personality. She describes her upbringing in the Southern Baptist Church, her deconstruction from all the ways that the Church has let her and other people down, and her continued reconstruction while always having Jesus in her heart. Her story deeply resonates with me and I recommend to anyone that is questioning your faith or has been hurt by the church.
Synopsis:
Jesus, take the wheel.
But wait...not like that!
Mary Katherine Backstrom grew up the most basic of all youth group kids—pH level 14—and her faith only grew as she worked at churches, led youth ministry, became a missionary, and went on to become a bestselling Christian author. She knew all the practiced, perfect Sunday school answers and was driving happily down the right straight and narrow, until one day her young son asked a simple will my Jewish best friend go to hell?
In the months and years that followed, that single question continued to snowball. MK challenged and reconsidered every part of the faith she’d been raised to accept so completely. Not That Wheel, Jesus! is Mary Katherine’s hilarious journey from certainty to doubt to going nuclear on the socials (“it was my heresy era”), and then of slowly and painfully finding her way back to a different, less defined sort of faith.
It’s the heartfelt and achingly honest story of a faith that went off the road and crashed and burned in spectacular fashion, right before God and everybody. And then, slowly, through grace and plenty of therapy, grew richer and deeper than she ever could have imagined.
Thanks to NetGalley and Worthy Books for the digital copy of the audiobook.
Synopsis:
Jesus, take the wheel.
But wait...not like that!
Mary Katherine Backstrom grew up the most basic of all youth group kids—pH level 14—and her faith only grew as she worked at churches, led youth ministry, became a missionary, and went on to become a bestselling Christian author. She knew all the practiced, perfect Sunday school answers and was driving happily down the right straight and narrow, until one day her young son asked a simple will my Jewish best friend go to hell?
In the months and years that followed, that single question continued to snowball. MK challenged and reconsidered every part of the faith she’d been raised to accept so completely. Not That Wheel, Jesus! is Mary Katherine’s hilarious journey from certainty to doubt to going nuclear on the socials (“it was my heresy era”), and then of slowly and painfully finding her way back to a different, less defined sort of faith.
It’s the heartfelt and achingly honest story of a faith that went off the road and crashed and burned in spectacular fashion, right before God and everybody. And then, slowly, through grace and plenty of therapy, grew richer and deeper than she ever could have imagined.
Thanks to NetGalley and Worthy Books for the digital copy of the audiobook.
May 23, 2025
Author Mary Katherine Backstrom writes in irreverent humor her life experiences, candidly portraying her faith as it waned and waxed. Backstrom was raised in a Southern Baptist environment and grew into a devout God loving and fearing adult. She led youth ministry, served as a missionary, and went on to become a bestselling Christian author. She knew the Christian lingo, scripture, and all perfect Sunday school answers to life’s questions. Then BOOM! Her five year old little boy asked her a simple and sincere question: will my Jewish best friend go to hell? Would God do that to a child?
Her beliefs and faith were challenged by a difficult question from her five-year-old son. She likened it to “a thread tugging loose from a carefully knit sweater I’d been wearing my whole life.” This was from a song written and performed by Weezer.
The simple words of a child caused her to reconsider every part of the faith she’d been raised to accept so completely and without question.
I think you’ll find Mary Katherine’s hilarious journey thought provoking and a fun read as she slowly and painfully finds her way back to a less defined faith.
The book title is a reference to the popular song by Carrie Underwood, “Jesus Take The Wheel.”
Laugh along as MK discusses her own experience of avoiding an animal near miss on the highway and at age 14 attending
Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames an alternative to Halloween houses of horror. And if you’ve never heard of the eggbeater Jesus, a quirky landmark in her hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, please do a Google search as I did.
I really enjoyed her writing and her manner of challenging my own perspectives as she looks at this journey called life in a different manner.
This is one fir a more open minded believer.
Her beliefs and faith were challenged by a difficult question from her five-year-old son. She likened it to “a thread tugging loose from a carefully knit sweater I’d been wearing my whole life.” This was from a song written and performed by Weezer.
The simple words of a child caused her to reconsider every part of the faith she’d been raised to accept so completely and without question.
I think you’ll find Mary Katherine’s hilarious journey thought provoking and a fun read as she slowly and painfully finds her way back to a less defined faith.
The book title is a reference to the popular song by Carrie Underwood, “Jesus Take The Wheel.”
Laugh along as MK discusses her own experience of avoiding an animal near miss on the highway and at age 14 attending
Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames an alternative to Halloween houses of horror. And if you’ve never heard of the eggbeater Jesus, a quirky landmark in her hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, please do a Google search as I did.
I really enjoyed her writing and her manner of challenging my own perspectives as she looks at this journey called life in a different manner.
This is one fir a more open minded believer.
May 29, 2025
Not That Wheel, Jesus is part memoir, part stand-up routine, and part spiritual deconstruction, all wrapped in the warm, chatty tone of someone who could absolutely go viral for telling this exact story on TikTok. Mary Katherine Backstrom recounts her journey out of a harmful religious upbringing with humor, vulnerability, and a storyteller’s flair for embellishment—often acknowledging the latter just as you begin to question her.
This isn’t a theological deep-dive or a hard-hitting reckoning with the full spectrum of church trauma. Instead, it’s more of a scroll through funny anecdotes occasionally punctuated by heavier moments. The timeline jumps around quite a bit, which can leave you scrambling to keep up—wondering where we are, which boyfriend this is, or when Texas entered the chat.
Backstrom’s main theological conflict centers around LGBTQI acceptance, which she revisits often. While her affirming stance is admirable, the repeated emphasis can sometimes veer into the territory of virtue signaling—especially when contrasted with the absence of similar grace extended toward other “sinners” she’s encountered (looking at you, stepdad). The core message becomes clear: let gay people into church.
Despite moments of skepticism—both from the reader and, impressively, from the author herself—Backstrom has a knack for anticipating doubt and addressing it head-on, almost like she’s breaking the fourth wall. She owns her role as a storyteller, freely admitting that a good narrative sometimes trumps strict adherence to fact.
All that said, this was an incredibly enjoyable read. Light, funny, occasionally poignant, and full of moments that feel like chatting with a very entertaining friend who’s done some hard work—and is still figuring things out.
This isn’t a theological deep-dive or a hard-hitting reckoning with the full spectrum of church trauma. Instead, it’s more of a scroll through funny anecdotes occasionally punctuated by heavier moments. The timeline jumps around quite a bit, which can leave you scrambling to keep up—wondering where we are, which boyfriend this is, or when Texas entered the chat.
Backstrom’s main theological conflict centers around LGBTQI acceptance, which she revisits often. While her affirming stance is admirable, the repeated emphasis can sometimes veer into the territory of virtue signaling—especially when contrasted with the absence of similar grace extended toward other “sinners” she’s encountered (looking at you, stepdad). The core message becomes clear: let gay people into church.
Despite moments of skepticism—both from the reader and, impressively, from the author herself—Backstrom has a knack for anticipating doubt and addressing it head-on, almost like she’s breaking the fourth wall. She owns her role as a storyteller, freely admitting that a good narrative sometimes trumps strict adherence to fact.
All that said, this was an incredibly enjoyable read. Light, funny, occasionally poignant, and full of moments that feel like chatting with a very entertaining friend who’s done some hard work—and is still figuring things out.
August 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much! MK is a great storyteller, she’s funny, brutally honest, insightful, and genuine.
The topics in this book are often pretty serious, she’s been through a lot of trauma, but the levity and vulnerability she weaves in help make those heavy portions more easy to bear. She has clearly been through therapy, she shouts that out multiple times in the book, and her perspective as an adult when she reflects on her past, especially her childhood, adolescence, teen, and college years shows a lot of compassion and growth. You can see how she has learned and grown and embraced the path her life has taken and who it has made her.
Her faith journey is up and down and impacted by her own questions and those of her children. She talks through her lens at the time and her lens on the other side, and can see God working on her heart and in her life over and over. She can also see how she has struggled with going all-in because it was the popular thing with her friends at the time and other times how she had to cut ties and work with her own inner journey of faith. She’s analyzed much if her life, her beliefs, and her choices through her deconstruction of what she was taught in church vs what she knows to be true in her heart.
This was a fast read, insightful, and had engrossing personal testimony that I could personally relate to. If you’re looking for a good memoir, I can recommend this one highly.
The topics in this book are often pretty serious, she’s been through a lot of trauma, but the levity and vulnerability she weaves in help make those heavy portions more easy to bear. She has clearly been through therapy, she shouts that out multiple times in the book, and her perspective as an adult when she reflects on her past, especially her childhood, adolescence, teen, and college years shows a lot of compassion and growth. You can see how she has learned and grown and embraced the path her life has taken and who it has made her.
Her faith journey is up and down and impacted by her own questions and those of her children. She talks through her lens at the time and her lens on the other side, and can see God working on her heart and in her life over and over. She can also see how she has struggled with going all-in because it was the popular thing with her friends at the time and other times how she had to cut ties and work with her own inner journey of faith. She’s analyzed much if her life, her beliefs, and her choices through her deconstruction of what she was taught in church vs what she knows to be true in her heart.
This was a fast read, insightful, and had engrossing personal testimony that I could personally relate to. If you’re looking for a good memoir, I can recommend this one highly.
August 16, 2025
I found Mary Katherine Backstrom on Facebook, her happy place, several years ago and was delighted by her storytelling. I also could connect with some of the things she wrote about. So when I saw this book was coming out, I pre-ordered it. And it’s a lot to take in. There’s an earnestness in her message that comes in strong at the end of the book, as she talks about how she has been hurt by the evangelical church, how she questioned its message, deconstructed her faith, and is now in the process of reconstructing it. Because through all her trauma, her marriage, and her divorce, she never fell out of love with Jesus; she never abandoned her core faith in Him. She clearly considers herself and her reconstruction a work in progress. So while the subject matter of this book is somewhat heavy, it is told with her signature humor and southern sass. It’s glorious, for the most part. I need to go back and reread a little of the book because some of it just didn’t click for me as to why it was included. Overall, though, it’s a delightful book in many ways and one I would recommend to anyone who either wants to understand why deconstruction happens or to understand that they’re not alone in questioning what they’ve been taught in church and how to come away with their faith in Jesus intact.
September 1, 2025
This was a first from this author and I chose it based on the description and the witty title. When I began the story and she launched into her childhood years dealing with religious trauma, harmful teachings, and rituals, it all began to click and resonated with me in a way I didn’t know it could. The author is from the south and grew up in Alabama as I did. She even praises our coveted James Spann (if you know, you know). But as the author detailed story after story, each one resonated with me in some way, I was literally in my head saying “same!”, ‘’me too!” And “no way! Same!”.
I loved the author’s humor. I loved the way she presented these stories. I love the way she handled a very delicate subject for those who did go through some religious trauma. This was presented in a way that it made you feel seen and heard…plus a splash of humor (praise for Chucky doll Jesus everyone! Lol)
The audiobook was wonderful. I loved getting to hear the author narrate her own story. You could hear the emotion and humor in her voice which brought it to life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ms Backstrom, and Hachette for allowing me to review this book. It has helped me in more ways than one.
I loved the author’s humor. I loved the way she presented these stories. I love the way she handled a very delicate subject for those who did go through some religious trauma. This was presented in a way that it made you feel seen and heard…plus a splash of humor (praise for Chucky doll Jesus everyone! Lol)
The audiobook was wonderful. I loved getting to hear the author narrate her own story. You could hear the emotion and humor in her voice which brought it to life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ms Backstrom, and Hachette for allowing me to review this book. It has helped me in more ways than one.
September 5, 2025
🎧5 🎧 I absolutely love it when authors chose to narrator their own memoirs. Sure it might not be the best choice for some authors, but hearing their stories come to life from their voice adds a raw, intimate feeling that no voice actor could replicate. MK did a wonderful job sharing her story and she added the perfect southern flair to it.
⭐3 ⭐ Man, that DCTalk reference did not age well. I loved MK’s style of writing. She was funny, personal, and it felt like she was sitting right across from me, drinking an iced tea and sharing her most meaningful life lessons, uncensored, unfiltered, and often with surprisingly good comic timing.
Like other reviewers, I was confused by the timelines. At one moment she’s sharing about 9/11 and the next she’s talking about tiktok and then goes back to her high school zebra moment. It was a bit puzzling at times. I appreciate MK’s honesty about her struggle to untangle her faith. It’s something that many have or are currently dealing with at some point of their life.
⭐3 ⭐ Man, that DCTalk reference did not age well. I loved MK’s style of writing. She was funny, personal, and it felt like she was sitting right across from me, drinking an iced tea and sharing her most meaningful life lessons, uncensored, unfiltered, and often with surprisingly good comic timing.
Like other reviewers, I was confused by the timelines. At one moment she’s sharing about 9/11 and the next she’s talking about tiktok and then goes back to her high school zebra moment. It was a bit puzzling at times. I appreciate MK’s honesty about her struggle to untangle her faith. It’s something that many have or are currently dealing with at some point of their life.
August 12, 2025
“𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬, 𝐰𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐦 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐲.”
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 8/12/25
Audiobook 🎧
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
Oh, this one was refreshing—like being baptized all over again. In this memoir, the author gives an honest account of her deconstruction journey, infused with comedy, and her path to rebuilding her faith into something less toxic. Sadly, modern Christianity has too often been politically hijacked as a tool for control and manipulation, pulling us away from Christ’s true teachings: love, acceptance, grace, forgiveness, and selflessness. This memoir is eye opening and surely will resonate with many Christians feeling frustrated in today’s society.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TW: Religious control, child SA
*Thank you @NetGalley and @HatchetteAudio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#NotThatWheelJesus
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 8/12/25
Audiobook 🎧
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
Oh, this one was refreshing—like being baptized all over again. In this memoir, the author gives an honest account of her deconstruction journey, infused with comedy, and her path to rebuilding her faith into something less toxic. Sadly, modern Christianity has too often been politically hijacked as a tool for control and manipulation, pulling us away from Christ’s true teachings: love, acceptance, grace, forgiveness, and selflessness. This memoir is eye opening and surely will resonate with many Christians feeling frustrated in today’s society.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TW: Religious control, child SA
*Thank you @NetGalley and @HatchetteAudio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#NotThatWheelJesus
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