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Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself
A Gallery book. Gallery Books has a great book for every reader.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
430 people are currently reading
2276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
February 15, 2026
Obviously being his sister I’m a bit biased but holy shiznuts it was very healing to read. For anyone else in the LGBTQ+ community also struggling with religious expectations I hope you’re able to find comfort in this.
February 17, 2026
I stayed up all night reading the book when it was released and I was hooked. This book is vulnerable, heartbreaking and beautifully written. David was failed by so many in his life. He’s overcome so much in his life. I wish I could give David a solid side hug and tell him he’s supported and we’re all created differently. This book shows his strength. He should be proud of himself for the strong person he’s become.
February 23, 2026
This is it. This is the ultimate book I would recommend to anyone who would want to understand me—and every other queer person who grew up Mormon—better on a personal level. I can't quite believe I get to live to see this day.
Like David Archuleta, I grew up queer in the LDS church. I loved music and played the piano at church. I sang solo at mission events. I conducted choir for a while after. My entire family was tuned in to David Archuleta's season of American Idol—we were rooting for the sharp-looking faithful boy who shared our religion. I listened to his church songs on repeat and they had been my companions in many of my darkest hours. I was inspired by his decision to put his music career on hold to serve a mission. I watched his Face to Face devotional repeatedly on my mission. I was gaining a better awareness of my mental health struggles when his Therapy Sessions album came out. And I came out just a few months after he did.
So much of David's story mirrors my own that it's almost ridiculous, and I believe it mirrors a lot of queer Mormons' as well. There's so much abuse and gaslighting and neglect and an incredibly destructive amount of shame. But I hope many young queer Mormons get to read this and find just how much hope there can be, how much grace can be found for one's self and for others, how much love and light is readily available, even outside the church.
He'll never see this, and I know this might come across as entirely parasocial, but I just really want to say: thank you, David, for being one of the greatest inspirations of my childhood. Thank you for paving the way for myself and many other queer Mormons to come out and be more honest about their feelings about the church. Thank you for carving out space for more conversations to help Mormons realize that we queer people aren't just in pursuit of sin, we don't leave the church just because we refuse to control our desires, many of us have actually strived to be faithful for years but have been pushed past the point of tolerance. Ultimately, thank you for sharing this story. It has been so healing for me. I wish you continued success and happiness in this life.
Like David Archuleta, I grew up queer in the LDS church. I loved music and played the piano at church. I sang solo at mission events. I conducted choir for a while after. My entire family was tuned in to David Archuleta's season of American Idol—we were rooting for the sharp-looking faithful boy who shared our religion. I listened to his church songs on repeat and they had been my companions in many of my darkest hours. I was inspired by his decision to put his music career on hold to serve a mission. I watched his Face to Face devotional repeatedly on my mission. I was gaining a better awareness of my mental health struggles when his Therapy Sessions album came out. And I came out just a few months after he did.
So much of David's story mirrors my own that it's almost ridiculous, and I believe it mirrors a lot of queer Mormons' as well. There's so much abuse and gaslighting and neglect and an incredibly destructive amount of shame. But I hope many young queer Mormons get to read this and find just how much hope there can be, how much grace can be found for one's self and for others, how much love and light is readily available, even outside the church.
He'll never see this, and I know this might come across as entirely parasocial, but I just really want to say: thank you, David, for being one of the greatest inspirations of my childhood. Thank you for paving the way for myself and many other queer Mormons to come out and be more honest about their feelings about the church. Thank you for carving out space for more conversations to help Mormons realize that we queer people aren't just in pursuit of sin, we don't leave the church just because we refuse to control our desires, many of us have actually strived to be faithful for years but have been pushed past the point of tolerance. Ultimately, thank you for sharing this story. It has been so healing for me. I wish you continued success and happiness in this life.
Want to read
April 29, 2025I am LOVING his new music. I think this will be good.
February 26, 2026
I did not expect how raw and vulnerable this would be. David discusses religious scrupulosity, emotional and spiritual abuse, shame and guilt, and the massive shortcomings regarding the LDS church’s understanding and treatment of LGBTQ+ community. As a former Mormon girl who had the biggest crush on him, to an ex Mormon who is cheering for him and every other queer person who is struggling, I felt so touched by his memoir. This should be required reading for LDS leaders and members.
February 21, 2026
I don’t know how I can possibly stress how important it is that EVERY person read this book. It was absolutely fantastic. The audiobook was incredible and the songs at the end made me bawl my eyes out. As a fellow ex Mormon who is also still trying to figure out what it means to be human - thank you, David, for writing this book.
February 19, 2026
I've been a fan of David since he was on American Idol. The fact that we were both from Utah and Mormon was a huge pull for me. Hearing his story is heartbreaking, but ends so hopeful. I left the church shortly after he did, so even though I can't relate to his precise struggles with the church, I can relate to many of the other issues he outlines.
It was hard to read at times because I was also that self-righteous Mormon that knew best. But it was also refreshing to know that we found a better way and got out.
The abuse he receives from his father and the teachings of the church have a shuttering parallel that really shook me. I'm not sure if that was the intent, but it was very impactful.
Highly recommend the audiobook for the songs he sings at the end. Though I will be purchasing a book trophy as well.
It was hard to read at times because I was also that self-righteous Mormon that knew best. But it was also refreshing to know that we found a better way and got out.
The abuse he receives from his father and the teachings of the church have a shuttering parallel that really shook me. I'm not sure if that was the intent, but it was very impactful.
Highly recommend the audiobook for the songs he sings at the end. Though I will be purchasing a book trophy as well.
February 18, 2026
This book made me feel the exact same way as when I read “I’m glad my mom died” or “educated”. It is a sad, pull your heart strings kind of feeling. The shared Mormon background has always pulled me to these memoirs.
As a fan of David since 5th grade, it breaks my heart to know what he went through behind the scenes. This is exactly how I felt when I read Jennette’s story, having religiously watched iCarly every week. You truly never know what people are going through.
As a fan of David since 5th grade, it breaks my heart to know what he went through behind the scenes. This is exactly how I felt when I read Jennette’s story, having religiously watched iCarly every week. You truly never know what people are going through.
February 18, 2026
crush went triple platinum in my bedroom in 2008, and now I get to display his memoir on the bookshelf in my living room in 2026
୨ৎ 4.5 stars, a reflective memoir where David draws the curtain on the harmful doctrines within the Mormon faith, especially the impact on queer people. Mormanism will never stop being interesting for me to learn about, in part because it comes across as a cult. David' maturity and vulnerability shine as he discusses complex family dynamics, especially his relationshop with his father, who was emotionally abusive, and his brother who suffers from signficiant mental health issues. I am only somewhat surprised to learn that his journey on american idol was not all that it was portrayed to be.
fyi, the audiobook includes 3 unreleased songs inspired by his journey writing this book, which was the perfect way to close out his story.
source: Libro.FM
୨ৎ 4.5 stars, a reflective memoir where David draws the curtain on the harmful doctrines within the Mormon faith, especially the impact on queer people. Mormanism will never stop being interesting for me to learn about, in part because it comes across as a cult. David' maturity and vulnerability shine as he discusses complex family dynamics, especially his relationshop with his father, who was emotionally abusive, and his brother who suffers from signficiant mental health issues. I am only somewhat surprised to learn that his journey on american idol was not all that it was portrayed to be.
fyi, the audiobook includes 3 unreleased songs inspired by his journey writing this book, which was the perfect way to close out his story.
source: Libro.FM
February 22, 2026
I love David Archuleta’s voice. And I’ve respected him as a person for many years. I watched him as a kid on Star Search, I voted for him every week on American Idol, and listened to his church music for years.
His memoir, while not literary or artful as a piece of writing, is honest and brave and raw. I relate to David’s history with OCD manifesting in intense religious scrupulosity, encouraged by religious community and leaders. I relate to his process of self-discovery; his decision to value his lived experience and to trust himself; and the happiness and peace he found by stepping away from his religion and into authenticity. I also relate to the lasting impact of religious trauma and sheer rejection by a beloved community.
I’m blown away by how much David has been through and the goodness and humility he has maintained in the face of intense challenges. I’m rooting for him as a kindred spirit, and rooting for other gay religious kids in the many communities where “out and proud” simply doesn’t exist.
His memoir, while not literary or artful as a piece of writing, is honest and brave and raw. I relate to David’s history with OCD manifesting in intense religious scrupulosity, encouraged by religious community and leaders. I relate to his process of self-discovery; his decision to value his lived experience and to trust himself; and the happiness and peace he found by stepping away from his religion and into authenticity. I also relate to the lasting impact of religious trauma and sheer rejection by a beloved community.
I’m blown away by how much David has been through and the goodness and humility he has maintained in the face of intense challenges. I’m rooting for him as a kindred spirit, and rooting for other gay religious kids in the many communities where “out and proud” simply doesn’t exist.
February 26, 2026
Super proud of David for sharing his story. I've already read a few articles trying to say how David should have come to a different conclusion and how sad it is that he left the one thing that could've brought him peace.
I'm not sure if these people actually read his book or not but if so, they missed the plot. For someone with religious scrupulosity, religion is not a place where peace is found but rather a breading ground for pain and heartache. I'm proud of David for finding his own voice and path. It's heartbreaking to hear how the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints caused him so much suffering, and then how top leadership preaches doctrine that is not actually from God but presents it as if it is. After reading this book (and Second Class Saints - another must read to better understand how top leadership deals with difficult issues and how difficult it is for them to break through bias), I pray the church corrects it's wrongs faster than it has taken them in the past.
I'm grateful David lived to tell his story, unfortunately for many other queer members of the LDS faith that is not the case. Let's do better at creating space for our queer brothers and sisters to tell their stories and validate their pain! It's possible that when we are told in LDS scripture that the path is straight and narrow, it's because each path is so individualized that the narrowness described refers to us being the only person on it. In this way I believe all paths can be honored, even if they are different.
People like David who are brave enough to tell their stories deserve to be listened to and I don't believe I'm being dramatic in saying that it will literally save lives to not only listen these stories but learn to hold space for them. I believe if Christ was here, that is what he would be doing! Thank you for sharing your story David. I hope you continue to find light and peace and joy as you continue to live as your most authentic self.
I'm not sure if these people actually read his book or not but if so, they missed the plot. For someone with religious scrupulosity, religion is not a place where peace is found but rather a breading ground for pain and heartache. I'm proud of David for finding his own voice and path. It's heartbreaking to hear how the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints caused him so much suffering, and then how top leadership preaches doctrine that is not actually from God but presents it as if it is. After reading this book (and Second Class Saints - another must read to better understand how top leadership deals with difficult issues and how difficult it is for them to break through bias), I pray the church corrects it's wrongs faster than it has taken them in the past.
I'm grateful David lived to tell his story, unfortunately for many other queer members of the LDS faith that is not the case. Let's do better at creating space for our queer brothers and sisters to tell their stories and validate their pain! It's possible that when we are told in LDS scripture that the path is straight and narrow, it's because each path is so individualized that the narrowness described refers to us being the only person on it. In this way I believe all paths can be honored, even if they are different.
People like David who are brave enough to tell their stories deserve to be listened to and I don't believe I'm being dramatic in saying that it will literally save lives to not only listen these stories but learn to hold space for them. I believe if Christ was here, that is what he would be doing! Thank you for sharing your story David. I hope you continue to find light and peace and joy as you continue to live as your most authentic self.
Want to read
April 8, 2025DAVID??? ON MY BOOKSHELF??? I’m sat sir
February 21, 2026
This will be a very biased review from an Archie fan since 2008. I will say, being a bookworm and audiobook listener, I was very impressed by the writing and flow of the book and of the narration by David. I would have to give a content warning for the entire book basically, but I think David did a really good job of expressing intense and hard things in a way that was not triggering or insensitive. I listened on 1.0 speed across 2 days to fit it in before the book tour session on 02/20/2026
I cried a lot. I cried on behalf of David, myself, and the world that lets this occur. I feel like I am part of David’s story and he is part of mine, and part of a lot of others’. It is bittersweet that we share these feelings and experiences. I was too young to see him tour during the first wave of his musical career but I feel like I grew up alongside him and watched him change with me. (Almost 2 decades later that “Let’s Talk About Love” song has a new meaning to it.) I was at 2 Christmas shows after he came out. I was at one in 2022 where he had his encore and I cried then and can’t ever listen to “My Little Prayer” without getting emotional. I did the VIP session for that show and David was on vocal rest, but gave me the most wonderful full-on hug with a smile on his face. Learning what it took to let him give and receive affection again, that picture of that hug is even more special now. I was also at the one in 2024 where he talked very openly about his feelings about the Christmas songs and hinted at his dad’s role in those albums and losing autonomy in that. I was one of the cancelled tickets when he had vocal cord issues again during the Therapy Sessions tour but I saw him for the Earthly Delights tour and did a VIP session again. David has constantly shown up for us, and I am shocked at how he even managed to after reading this, so it makes me even more happy to see him continue to start showing up for himself. I now understand more why I felt so impacted by David over the years and by different songs and I’m so grateful for this book and for anyone who has the courage to stay.
I cried a lot. I cried on behalf of David, myself, and the world that lets this occur. I feel like I am part of David’s story and he is part of mine, and part of a lot of others’. It is bittersweet that we share these feelings and experiences. I was too young to see him tour during the first wave of his musical career but I feel like I grew up alongside him and watched him change with me. (Almost 2 decades later that “Let’s Talk About Love” song has a new meaning to it.) I was at 2 Christmas shows after he came out. I was at one in 2022 where he had his encore and I cried then and can’t ever listen to “My Little Prayer” without getting emotional. I did the VIP session for that show and David was on vocal rest, but gave me the most wonderful full-on hug with a smile on his face. Learning what it took to let him give and receive affection again, that picture of that hug is even more special now. I was also at the one in 2024 where he talked very openly about his feelings about the Christmas songs and hinted at his dad’s role in those albums and losing autonomy in that. I was one of the cancelled tickets when he had vocal cord issues again during the Therapy Sessions tour but I saw him for the Earthly Delights tour and did a VIP session again. David has constantly shown up for us, and I am shocked at how he even managed to after reading this, so it makes me even more happy to see him continue to start showing up for himself. I now understand more why I felt so impacted by David over the years and by different songs and I’m so grateful for this book and for anyone who has the courage to stay.
February 19, 2026
Absolutely stunning book! It was a lot heavier than I was expecting. David did not hold back in his narrative which led to a rich story-telling experience. He called himself, people, organizations, and society out on their shit which was very refreshing and brave, especially given the LDS corp goes to great lengths to preserve their image.
I’ve heard some Mormons say online that David “betrayed” the LDS church and that David owes his success to the church, but David’s book makes it clear he became be a superstar regardless of (and perhaps in spite of) the church. Us members of the church pretended he belonged to only us because David also starved with the rest of us the first Sunday of each month in cold buildings with carpet on the walls. But he’s always been his own person who deserves all his success regardless, even if it took some time for him to see it.
Anyway, beautiful book. I really hope that those who need to read this book have the opportunity to do so. Thank you, David, for writing it!
I’ve heard some Mormons say online that David “betrayed” the LDS church and that David owes his success to the church, but David’s book makes it clear he became be a superstar regardless of (and perhaps in spite of) the church. Us members of the church pretended he belonged to only us because David also starved with the rest of us the first Sunday of each month in cold buildings with carpet on the walls. But he’s always been his own person who deserves all his success regardless, even if it took some time for him to see it.
Anyway, beautiful book. I really hope that those who need to read this book have the opportunity to do so. Thank you, David, for writing it!
February 26, 2026
This book is very heavy and vulnerable! I love David even before reading but this just shows how genuine and conflicted he has been. It’s very raw and feels like he is in the room telling you his life story. I would have given this 5 stars but sometimes the flow was hard to follow (more in the beginning) but I LOVE IT AND RESPECT DAVID SO MUCH!! Thank you king for sharing your story! 🫶
February 18, 2026
Such a raw book to hear David’s story and his feelings on his life so far. Heartbreaking to hear what he had to go through, but glad that he has the support and love he needs now to continue loving and living life.
February 20, 2026
This is an incredibly honest and vulnerable memoir starting when David was a child. Dealing with religious guilt, emotional abuse, his rise to fame, all the way to now as an openly gay man.
February 23, 2026
Cried multiple times during this book! I was very impressed by his candor and the ownership he took throughout the entire book! It would have been very easy for him to blame everything hard in his life on other people. His experience with scrupulosity was also very interesting. He was so open and I think this will help a lot of people with similar experiences (myself included). The music at the end of the audiobook was also beautiful :)
February 17, 2026
<3 <3 <3
February 21, 2026
Question your faith and question your reasoning and the answers you receive about it.
I loved it this book so much. It was so raw and genuine.
I loved it this book so much. It was so raw and genuine.
February 18, 2026
As a queer person who was also raised in the church and is just now getting out, this book speaks to my soul. Thank you David for sharing your experiences 🫶
February 27, 2026
I went into Devout knowing it was going to be personal, but even with that expectation, I wasn’t prepared for just how raw and honest David Archuleta would be.
This book is vulnerable in a way that feels almost sacred. He walks us through his upbringing in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the pressure of growing up in the public eye after American Idol, and the impossible tightrope he tried to walk between faith, identity, and authenticity. You can feel how deeply he wanted to be “good,” to belong, to do everything right, even when it meant silencing parts of himself.
What hit me hardest was how gentle he is with everyone in his story, even when describing painful experiences. There’s no bitterness here. Just honesty. You can see how much he wrestled with his sexuality, his beliefs, and the fear of losing community. His decision to step away from the church isn’t framed as rebellion…it’s framed as survival. As growth. As choosing truth.
As someone who has watched his career from the beginning, I couldn’t be happier for him. It takes so much courage to untangle yourself from something that shaped your entire world. To choose yourself publicly. To risk disappointing people who once defined your sense of worth. I support him fully in that choice. I myself grew up in the church and left it.
Devout isn’t about tearing faith down…it’s about rebuilding it in a way that makes room for who you really are. It’s about learning that devotion to yourself matters too.
Five stars. Proud of him. Rooting for him. And grateful he trusted us with this part of his story.
This book is vulnerable in a way that feels almost sacred. He walks us through his upbringing in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the pressure of growing up in the public eye after American Idol, and the impossible tightrope he tried to walk between faith, identity, and authenticity. You can feel how deeply he wanted to be “good,” to belong, to do everything right, even when it meant silencing parts of himself.
What hit me hardest was how gentle he is with everyone in his story, even when describing painful experiences. There’s no bitterness here. Just honesty. You can see how much he wrestled with his sexuality, his beliefs, and the fear of losing community. His decision to step away from the church isn’t framed as rebellion…it’s framed as survival. As growth. As choosing truth.
As someone who has watched his career from the beginning, I couldn’t be happier for him. It takes so much courage to untangle yourself from something that shaped your entire world. To choose yourself publicly. To risk disappointing people who once defined your sense of worth. I support him fully in that choice. I myself grew up in the church and left it.
Devout isn’t about tearing faith down…it’s about rebuilding it in a way that makes room for who you really are. It’s about learning that devotion to yourself matters too.
Five stars. Proud of him. Rooting for him. And grateful he trusted us with this part of his story.
February 23, 2026
This is the perfect example of “you never really know what someone is going through”. This one addresses family trauma, abuse, mental health struggles, religious trauma and self and sexual discovery. I admire David’s bravery and grace in talking about these difficult topics.
I’ll end this with a book quote that I think sums it up quite well, “our country needs to do better for troubled people like my brother. Our families have to do better for sensitive people like my sister. Our churches have to do better for queer people like me.”
I’ll end this with a book quote that I think sums it up quite well, “our country needs to do better for troubled people like my brother. Our families have to do better for sensitive people like my sister. Our churches have to do better for queer people like me.”
February 21, 2026
Memoirs are a favorite of mine and this is no exception. Like so many people, I’ve loved David Archuleta for 18 years! After reading this, I admire him more and ache learning about his sadness for so many of those years. The word “vulnerable” gets thrown around, but it’s the right word for this book. Hats off to David for telling his story with respect, and growing in to a strong and honest man
February 18, 2026
I can’t imagine how hard it is to put your story out there, to be so vulnerable, knowing others will be reading and judging. David did a fine job telling his. It seems to be very raw and honest, and the overall inspirational message is a good one. I admire anyone who can admit their struggles and put their true self on display. We only get one chance at life, be happy!
February 26, 2026
I'm.... going to need to revisit this... later. I.... don't even know what to say. It's going to take some processing.
February 22, 2026
ILY DAVID AND IM SO PROUD OF YOU!
February 25, 2026
I didn't grow up frequently listening to David's music or really following his story beyond what was in the news. I had many friends who were avid followers of his content, and who even knew him and his family personally...until he came out...until he announced his faith journey leading him farther away from the LDS church. These announcements came into light during my own faith transition when I also lost friends, and I remember feeling surprised about his announcements because being a Mormon was such a major part of his identity. When he announced this book, I knew I had to read it, and it did not disappoint. My heart aches knowing that he experienced so much pain and suffering as a child and how that pain is still affecting him and his family to this day. It was incredibly comforting, though, hearing a perspective that wasn't just trying to defame a religion or harmful family members, and that wasn't pointing fingers or blaming one particular source of pain. In this book, David held so much space for radical acceptance and respect for the wrongdoers despite the trauma, and I really admire his willingness to be so open-minded. He voiced a lot of thoughts that are not regularly discussed in religious and LGBTQIA+ trauma conversations, and it healed some parts of me that needed some extra love. I hope that readers will experience the love, empathy, and honesty that David shares in this book.
February 23, 2026
2008 bella 🤝 2026 bella
(pure and profound respect and admiration for david archuleta)
this book is so incredibly and beautifully written, and its delivered even more powerfully via audiobook in david's own voice. i loved the levity that punched through the heavy undertones through his infamous dry humor (perhaps the true originator of my own) as well as the various voices he took on to add color and context to the cast of characters throughout his life. but of course, what i loved the most was the raw honesty and vulnerability put forward in this work, especially after the author was kept in silence for so much of his life.
i also related heavily to david's upbringing and family experiences to a point of surrealism. ive always felt so alone in my trauma, so reading about someone ive idolized for so long dealing with the exact feelings and struggles that have forever made me feel isolated was so meaningful to me.
i dont even have to say that i hope david is happier these days because its so clear that he is. i do hope that his happiness and success in both his public and personal ventures only continue to flourish. my childhood hero and now my adulthood hero. archie then, now, and forever 🤟🏼
(pure and profound respect and admiration for david archuleta)
this book is so incredibly and beautifully written, and its delivered even more powerfully via audiobook in david's own voice. i loved the levity that punched through the heavy undertones through his infamous dry humor (perhaps the true originator of my own) as well as the various voices he took on to add color and context to the cast of characters throughout his life. but of course, what i loved the most was the raw honesty and vulnerability put forward in this work, especially after the author was kept in silence for so much of his life.
i also related heavily to david's upbringing and family experiences to a point of surrealism. ive always felt so alone in my trauma, so reading about someone ive idolized for so long dealing with the exact feelings and struggles that have forever made me feel isolated was so meaningful to me.
i dont even have to say that i hope david is happier these days because its so clear that he is. i do hope that his happiness and success in both his public and personal ventures only continue to flourish. my childhood hero and now my adulthood hero. archie then, now, and forever 🤟🏼
February 23, 2026
Obsessed with how much of this book was just David clocking M. Russell Ballard’s tea!!! But on a real note, this was such a heartbreaking and important story about what it’s like to be raised in a high-demand religion when your identity doesn’t align with all of the belief systems. I highly recommend everyone, whether you are an active member of the Mormon church or not, read this story to better understand the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals. David is a great example of how sometimes no matter how hard you study, pray, and even beg God for a religion to fit into your life, there are some aspects of organized religion that need serious evaluation to allow its members to be truly Christlike. David strongly advocates for changes in the church that would quite literally save lives, and I hope his message will be uplifting to those with similar struggles and inspiring to those who have struggled in the past to relate to and empathize with LGBTQ+ people. And of course, because you can take the boy out of Mormonism but not the Mormonism out of the boy, David ends the book with a quote from The Greatest Showman, as any part or present Mormon would 🙏🏻
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