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We're Thankful for the Moisture: A Gay Guy's Guide to Mormon Faith, Family, and Fruit Preservation
We’re Thankful for the Moisture contains personal essays by award-winning humor columnist Eli McCann for The Salt Lake Tribune, along with corresponding cartoons by the Tribune’s Pat Bagley. McCann explores cultural Mormonism and his experiences growing up in Utah as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1990s, coming out as gay in adulthood, leaving his faith, and navigating life in Salt Lake City with his husband and their young child. Known for his observational humor, nostalgia, and compassion for those in his community who span the religious spectrum, McCann weaves together the silliness that often comes out of communal traditions with the humanity of those who hold those traditions dear. “I still think there’s no better sound than the background noise of neighbors being neighbors,” he writes, ”the simple hum of a people gathered.” While there is much humor to be found in baffling cultural entreaties, like McCann’s grandmother sincerely claiming that nineteenth-century Mormon pioneers wouldn’t trade places with those who live in 2025, or parents justifying a curfew time by insisting “the Holy Ghost goes to bed at midnight,” there is also beauty in what prompts a person to believe such things. McCann’s writings seek to prove just that.
- GenresNonfictionHumor
165 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2026
41 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 18, 2026
I’ve followed Eli’s blog for years, ever since he first posted about a wrong number text. He went to law school at BYU with a friend of mine, and that’s how I found him. I’ve read his posts out loud to various family members over the years, because he is just so dang funny. I thoroughly enjoyed this short collection of essays—much is relatable as a kid who grew up Mormon in the 90’s. I’ve already read several out loud to my husband, too.
April 27, 2026
I found this book (or collection of columns I suppose) equal parts funny and equal parts touching. I’ve shared some quotes from it and just say that it accurately reflects my current feelings on the church of my youth. I do sincerely believe it’s filled with more well meaning people than not and just people trying their best. I’m not angry with the institution but rather at an impasse at this point in my life.
February 21, 2026
Eli McCann presents a hilarious and accurate view of (primarily Utah’s) LDS culture from the unique perspective of a former church member embracing his homosexuality. His writing style reminds me of David Sedaris, one of my favorite authors.
Reading Eli’s tender stories from throughout his life, which include his beloved family and friends, makes me wish I was one of his best friends. It is lovely and uplifting to read his brilliant stories of kindness, acceptance, and love. I’m a fan for life!
Reading Eli’s tender stories from throughout his life, which include his beloved family and friends, makes me wish I was one of his best friends. It is lovely and uplifting to read his brilliant stories of kindness, acceptance, and love. I’m a fan for life!
April 1, 2026
I enjoyed the essays and the nuance to moving on from a religion you grew up with. I went to law school “with” the author (I don’t think he knows me), and I have enjoyed his writing over the years so I was happy to support.
April 24, 2026
Not what I expected, in a good way. McCann has a number of good reasons to be bitter about aspects of the religious culture of his youth and young adulthood, and I anticipated this book would be a collection of witty gut punches at that church and culture. A minor catharsis of sorts. It is not. It is something much more thoughtful, wiser, insightful, instructive, mature.
Each essay follows a bit of a formula, which is probably by design, seeing as how they were each originally written for a newspaper humor column. By the seventh or eighth essay, the pattern does get somewhat noticeable and somewhat staid. Still, the formula is humorous, often sweet, and usually leaves readers with something to think about. I did not think this would be a book that would leave me with anything to think about.
I am an active member of the LDS church who nonetheless enjoys taking in a variety of angles on my faith (which is one thing) and the inescapable trappings of culture, habit, and tradition that unavoidably surround and inculcate any large, geographically-centered organization (which is another thing entirely, though the two are always and inevitably conflated). I am equally annoyed by both dogged apologetics employing tired, hackneyed Mormon defenses dating from last century (if we're lucky) recited by self-righteous people who don't understand most of what they're saying, and also by dogged criticisms of the LDS church employing tired, hackneyed complaints that are recycled repeatedly by angry and often disaffected folks with an axe to grind and a social media pulpit (or a Salt Lake City street corner) to grind it from. McCann chooses neither side. Nobody is surprised he does not represent the first side, but it would be easy (and, again, quite justifiable) for him to join the latter.
But he instead chooses to look back on the good in the teachings and traditions he was brought up with. He speaks glowingly of his still-LDS family. He empathizes with clumsy bishops and thoughtless church members who have said dumb things to him and those he loves. In short, if I had to put words in McCann's mouth, I'd say in this book he approaches people like they're humans, full of all manner of wild foolishness, incredible goodness, and unfathomable potential to change and grow. To say this volume is not what I expected is not a swipe at McCann, or the Tribune that originally sponsored much of the foundation of this book. It's more a commentary on the typical tenor of discourse in the valleys of Utah, over LDS pulpits and neighbors' fences, on the ugly pixels of social media. McCann rises above all that, and that makes this a really good read. Not perfect, but fun and thoughtful. A surprising contribution to the positive and constructive dialogue that some good people are holding between those outside and inside the LDS church. Really, really nice work, Eli.
Each essay follows a bit of a formula, which is probably by design, seeing as how they were each originally written for a newspaper humor column. By the seventh or eighth essay, the pattern does get somewhat noticeable and somewhat staid. Still, the formula is humorous, often sweet, and usually leaves readers with something to think about. I did not think this would be a book that would leave me with anything to think about.
I am an active member of the LDS church who nonetheless enjoys taking in a variety of angles on my faith (which is one thing) and the inescapable trappings of culture, habit, and tradition that unavoidably surround and inculcate any large, geographically-centered organization (which is another thing entirely, though the two are always and inevitably conflated). I am equally annoyed by both dogged apologetics employing tired, hackneyed Mormon defenses dating from last century (if we're lucky) recited by self-righteous people who don't understand most of what they're saying, and also by dogged criticisms of the LDS church employing tired, hackneyed complaints that are recycled repeatedly by angry and often disaffected folks with an axe to grind and a social media pulpit (or a Salt Lake City street corner) to grind it from. McCann chooses neither side. Nobody is surprised he does not represent the first side, but it would be easy (and, again, quite justifiable) for him to join the latter.
But he instead chooses to look back on the good in the teachings and traditions he was brought up with. He speaks glowingly of his still-LDS family. He empathizes with clumsy bishops and thoughtless church members who have said dumb things to him and those he loves. In short, if I had to put words in McCann's mouth, I'd say in this book he approaches people like they're humans, full of all manner of wild foolishness, incredible goodness, and unfathomable potential to change and grow. To say this volume is not what I expected is not a swipe at McCann, or the Tribune that originally sponsored much of the foundation of this book. It's more a commentary on the typical tenor of discourse in the valleys of Utah, over LDS pulpits and neighbors' fences, on the ugly pixels of social media. McCann rises above all that, and that makes this a really good read. Not perfect, but fun and thoughtful. A surprising contribution to the positive and constructive dialogue that some good people are holding between those outside and inside the LDS church. Really, really nice work, Eli.
Read
March 3, 2026I cackled, I appreciated the nuanced discussions of religion, and found many parts surprisingly tender. What a delightful collection.
April 29, 2026
Laughed out loud multiple times
March 2, 2026
I am a longtime listener of Strangerville, so I’ve heard a lot of these stories before, and I still ate this up. If you grew up Mormon-adjacent or in Utah, this is an essential read. So funny and sweet!
March 19, 2026
I started law school the year Eli graduated. He was that cool and funny upperclassman who gave me hope that three years of law school would not completely destroy my soul.
His essays in this book are hilarious, and for an ex-Mormon with fond memories of many cultural practices of the Utah LDS community, produced many laugh out loud moments.
A real gem.
His essays in this book are hilarious, and for an ex-Mormon with fond memories of many cultural practices of the Utah LDS community, produced many laugh out loud moments.
A real gem.
April 29, 2026
A validating, sweet listen for me. I have many shared experiences with the author. It is nice to know I'm definitely not alone in having church songs stuck in my head despite leaving the church as a teen. I loved his stories in his voice.
February 20, 2026
I laughed loudly, cried ugily, smiled constantly through this gem. Anyone who grew up LDS, especially in Utah, should give this a go.
March 21, 2026
I loved this book. I first found Eli on TikTok a while ago and was immediately drawn to the way he tells stories. Being from Utah and having grown up LDS (though I’m no longer part of the church), so much of what he shared felt incredibly familiar. Reading this book felt like stepping back into my own childhood.
This is probably the first review I’ve written where I’ve brought so much of my own experience into it, but I couldn’t help it. So many of Eli’s stories mirrored things I lived through as a Mormon kid in Utah, some of which I hadn’t thought about in years. If he ever happens to see this, I’d want him to know how much I appreciate those reminders.
The stories about him and Skylar were especially sweet. I loved how fascinated Skylar is with LDS culture, it added such a fun and endearing layer to the book.
There were so many moments that made me laugh, like the church butt-slapping incident. I would’ve loved to witness that as a kid. I always found sacrament meeting to be incredibly boring.
The chapter about the boys breaking bread at the front really took me back too. I hated sacrament bread as a kid, I was always convinced their hands weren’t clean. One time I got a soggy piece and nearly threw up.
The section about canning and food storage hit me in a completely different way. Every year, my family would drive from Heber to Salt Lake to pick tomatoes in these massive fields. I hated it at the time, hot, buggy, itchy, and you’d inevitably end up touching a rotten tomato, but now I miss it deeply. Especially since my grandma, who used to come with us, has passed. After picking, we’d spend the weekend bottling tomato juice, working together like a perfectly choreographed system. My siblings and I would take turns squishing tomatoes, and it’s one of those memories that feels small at the time but means so much now.
Girls camp plays were another memory that came flooding back. I dreaded them every year and was always completely mortified having to perform.
And the reenactments of Jesus’s birth? We did that too at some family Christmas parties. One year I got to be Mary and hold baby Jesus; another year my sister was baby Jesus. It felt silly back then, but it meant everything to my grandma.
The chapter about Anel was incredibly touching, I found myself wondering if Eli is still in touch with him.
And the first date with Skylar? So cute. I also grew up being told I’d be married in the temple and needed to stay “worthy” for my future husband. Looking back, I’m really grateful my life took a different path.
Even something as simple as making way too much food resonated with me. I’d never really thought about it as a Utah or Mormon thing before, but it makes sense. I do the same thing, always worried there won’t be enough, and then I’m eating leftovers for a week.
Overall, Eli is hilarious and such a gifted storyteller. The moment I heard he was releasing this book, I preordered it without hesitation, and it absolutely lived up to the excitement.
And while I don’t think he says it in the book, my favorite Eli-ism will always be when he calls something “a damn delight.”
This is probably the first review I’ve written where I’ve brought so much of my own experience into it, but I couldn’t help it. So many of Eli’s stories mirrored things I lived through as a Mormon kid in Utah, some of which I hadn’t thought about in years. If he ever happens to see this, I’d want him to know how much I appreciate those reminders.
The stories about him and Skylar were especially sweet. I loved how fascinated Skylar is with LDS culture, it added such a fun and endearing layer to the book.
There were so many moments that made me laugh, like the church butt-slapping incident. I would’ve loved to witness that as a kid. I always found sacrament meeting to be incredibly boring.
The chapter about the boys breaking bread at the front really took me back too. I hated sacrament bread as a kid, I was always convinced their hands weren’t clean. One time I got a soggy piece and nearly threw up.
The section about canning and food storage hit me in a completely different way. Every year, my family would drive from Heber to Salt Lake to pick tomatoes in these massive fields. I hated it at the time, hot, buggy, itchy, and you’d inevitably end up touching a rotten tomato, but now I miss it deeply. Especially since my grandma, who used to come with us, has passed. After picking, we’d spend the weekend bottling tomato juice, working together like a perfectly choreographed system. My siblings and I would take turns squishing tomatoes, and it’s one of those memories that feels small at the time but means so much now.
Girls camp plays were another memory that came flooding back. I dreaded them every year and was always completely mortified having to perform.
And the reenactments of Jesus’s birth? We did that too at some family Christmas parties. One year I got to be Mary and hold baby Jesus; another year my sister was baby Jesus. It felt silly back then, but it meant everything to my grandma.
The chapter about Anel was incredibly touching, I found myself wondering if Eli is still in touch with him.
And the first date with Skylar? So cute. I also grew up being told I’d be married in the temple and needed to stay “worthy” for my future husband. Looking back, I’m really grateful my life took a different path.
Even something as simple as making way too much food resonated with me. I’d never really thought about it as a Utah or Mormon thing before, but it makes sense. I do the same thing, always worried there won’t be enough, and then I’m eating leftovers for a week.
Overall, Eli is hilarious and such a gifted storyteller. The moment I heard he was releasing this book, I preordered it without hesitation, and it absolutely lived up to the excitement.
And while I don’t think he says it in the book, my favorite Eli-ism will always be when he calls something “a damn delight.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
I really loved this book. I came across a review ensuring that this book was not about making fun of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but hilariously joking about the culture. And it is done in the most fantastic way. I truly laughed so many times listening to this book, but also teared up multiple times from many of the experiences the author shared. Just definitely some of my favorite writing of late.
For the record, I felt like the author was so respectful regarding the things that matter in the church (while also being real about why he is no longer a member), but rightfully beyond hilariously about the idiosyncrasies and traditions of the culture that are quite crazy cakes, let’s be honest.
He’s such a brilliant writer and I am a huge fan of this book.
For the record, I felt like the author was so respectful regarding the things that matter in the church (while also being real about why he is no longer a member), but rightfully beyond hilariously about the idiosyncrasies and traditions of the culture that are quite crazy cakes, let’s be honest.
He’s such a brilliant writer and I am a huge fan of this book.
March 7, 2026
I’ve loyally read It Just Gets Stranger for years, so I was really looking forward to this one. It was charming and poignant as I’ve come to expect from Eli’s writing, but felt that it was really lacking in Eli’s signature humor. Possibly it felt a bit sanitized since it was based on essays for a newspaper vs his blog style writing I’m used to.
I also felt like there was a fair bit of repetition because these were standalone essays being combined into a book, vs editing them based off the info the reader already knows. For example, if Skylar is introduced as Eli’s husband in essay 1 or 2, the reader should then know exactly who Skylar is for the remainder of the book, vs the connection needing to be reintroduced in many following essays.
I also felt like there was a fair bit of repetition because these were standalone essays being combined into a book, vs editing them based off the info the reader already knows. For example, if Skylar is introduced as Eli’s husband in essay 1 or 2, the reader should then know exactly who Skylar is for the remainder of the book, vs the connection needing to be reintroduced in many following essays.
March 16, 2026
Read it quite slowly (on purpose) over the course of a few weeks. Has a really warm cozy feel to it. I’d been reading the ‘It just gets stranger’ blog for a while now and it was nice to revisit the stories again through this book.
There’s a few characters and moments that I was quite surprised were omitted from this book. The omission of Daniel and truncation of Palau were an understandable but disappointing choice (although he is sort of mentioned and there was a bit of a reveal about it for keen-eyed readers).
Certain stories are repeated a few times within the book, so I felt it could have been more tightly edited.
Despite some nitpicks, it is a very well-written book and I had a grin on my face for most of it.
There’s a few characters and moments that I was quite surprised were omitted from this book. The omission of Daniel and truncation of Palau were an understandable but disappointing choice (although he is sort of mentioned and there was a bit of a reveal about it for keen-eyed readers).
Certain stories are repeated a few times within the book, so I felt it could have been more tightly edited.
Despite some nitpicks, it is a very well-written book and I had a grin on my face for most of it.
March 24, 2026
This was excellent. Eli is a talented story teller and his humor is incredible. Being a born and raised LDS Utahn made it even better- poking fun at our home state is such a treat sometimes so reading about our quirks was hilarious. Eli’s mom and my mom have been in the same quilt group for almost 30 years so I have spent most of my life hearing the funniest stories and I feel like this book solidified my admiration for him. (not in a creepy way) !!!!!
It was heartwarming, nostalgic, witty, & some parts made me cry. I’m excited to see what he does next!! Best book of 2026, no doubt.
It was heartwarming, nostalgic, witty, & some parts made me cry. I’m excited to see what he does next!! Best book of 2026, no doubt.
March 28, 2026
Outstanding!!! Eli is a brilliant writer and story teller!! I found this book equal parts hilarious, interesting, fascinating, and humble. It was a very interesting book into the lives of Mormon people. It was a much more interesting look into the life of a gay Mormon person. I can’t recommend this book enough! It is a quick and very entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was actually quite sad when it ended because I wanted more. I know Eli is releasing a new book in August 2026 and I cannot wait to read that as well. Definitely read this book!!!
February 25, 2026
Having been born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, with only a small collection of California flavor LDS friends (but subsequently moved to Utah, where I am now raising my family) this book is pure delight.
Equal parts self reflection, humor and deseret education, Eli McCann is our very own David Sedaris. I could not have enjoyed this book any more. Moving forward when my friends from other states ask me about how weird it is to live in Utah, I intend to send them a copy of this. (And also Mackay Coppens biography on mitt Romney.)
Equal parts self reflection, humor and deseret education, Eli McCann is our very own David Sedaris. I could not have enjoyed this book any more. Moving forward when my friends from other states ask me about how weird it is to live in Utah, I intend to send them a copy of this. (And also Mackay Coppens biography on mitt Romney.)
March 25, 2026
I think I discovered Eli's blog and twitter right before the pandemic and I spent several days utterly howling over the antics between him and his husband and was utterly delighted when he became a regular columnist for the SL Tribune. So there weren't many essays in this compilation that I hadn't read before. I still found it delightful and hysterical and endearing, capturing the best parts of growing up as a "peculiar people."
March 28, 2026
This book is so funny and so witty, but at the same time, it's warm, forgiving, and nostalgic. I haven't ever been Mormon or a gay man, but I can imagine that's a tricky combination to navigate and might make some people bitter. Not Eli. The stories he tells are Hallmark Movie level heartwarming, late night comedy level funny, and just good stories. I think it might be a special fun and funny read to a Mormon (who won't feel attacked) or former-Mormon (who will relate) but any person who likes to laugh and enjoys warm humor from a kind perspective will enjoy reading this collection. We're Thankful for Eli McCann.
April 13, 2026
I have enjoyed Eli's monthly columns in the Salt Lake Tribune for several years. I find his writing style charming. I too grew up in the Mormon Church and left the Church around age 28 (but for different reasons than Eli's). His good-hearted stories of growing up Mormon and some of the oddities that entailed, resonated with me. I was laughing our loud while reading this book, as well as tearing up at some of the tender stories told. Great job Eli!
April 18, 2026
Eli McCann is a good read
The stories in this book are humorous while they also tug at your heart strings.
As a reformed (prior) member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I especially appreciate the respectful irreverence that runs through this book.
I will definitely buy anything that Eli McCann writes (Even though most of the stories in this book were told for free by Eli on TikTok)
The stories in this book are humorous while they also tug at your heart strings.
As a reformed (prior) member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I especially appreciate the respectful irreverence that runs through this book.
I will definitely buy anything that Eli McCann writes (Even though most of the stories in this book were told for free by Eli on TikTok)
May 3, 2026
I’ve been a fan of Eli’s for at least half a dozen years and have even made an appearance on his storytelling podcast, Strangerville. This book is everything I think of when Eli comes to mind: charming, funny, and tender. Poking at Mormonism when you no longer believe takes the right amount of restraint, wit, and compassion and Eli balances it all with success and apparent ease. I loved the very minute with this book.
March 2, 2026
Hilarious, short vignettes about growing up as a
Mormon youth in Utah in the 90’s. Everything very relatable, very similar to my experiences.
He has left the church but is respectful and still has a lot of positive things to say. I think it’s an important read for people to gain some perspective of what it feels like to be homosexual in the church.
Mormon youth in Utah in the 90’s. Everything very relatable, very similar to my experiences.
He has left the church but is respectful and still has a lot of positive things to say. I think it’s an important read for people to gain some perspective of what it feels like to be homosexual in the church.
Review of advance copy
I started following Eli McCann to support his journey to Ultra A-List TikTok celebrity status. His stories are thoughtful, wholesome, and genuinely enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook early thanks to a happy accidental release and loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Eli is a masterful storyteller with a unique perspective. This book made me laugh out loud and also made my heart feel happy that someone who is such a wonderful person has achieved so many of his dreams. I know Eli has many more delightful stories and I hope he continues to publish them.
February 26, 2026
Just a delight
Great read. I wasn't raised Mormon, wasn't raised anywhere near Utah, and I wasn't raised in his generation, but I found his stories of his childhood still so relatable. Hoping for more from this author.
Great read. I wasn't raised Mormon, wasn't raised anywhere near Utah, and I wasn't raised in his generation, but I found his stories of his childhood still so relatable. Hoping for more from this author.
March 16, 2026
Celebrating the quirks of being raised in Utah in the 1990s. The joys and challenges of family and being a peculiar people.
Why I started this book: Mentioned in a podcast.
Why I finished it: Needed something lighthearted and funny this week. This was perfect!
Why I started this book: Mentioned in a podcast.
Why I finished it: Needed something lighthearted and funny this week. This was perfect!
March 21, 2026
I also grew up in this community and have left the Mormon faith. What impressed me most about this book was how kind Eli McCann is, how funny and loving he is when there could be bitterness. This is a wonderful read, I loved every page. And he's coming to our book club this week!!!
April 13, 2026
My favorite TikTok Celebrity 😂 very funny. He does a great job covering his upbringing while still being respectful and showing the impact it’s brought to his life. Some of the stories are repeats to what he shares on social media - but an enjoyable quick listen!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews