After writing his memoir for adults, Chasten Buttigieg has also written a version for young adults. Using his experience as a middle school teacher in this kid friendly edition, Buttigieg captures what it was like growing up in Traverse City, Michigan.
Chasten tells about his family and what it was like to be different than his siblings. His loving parents had high expectations for their children and were proud of what they accomplished. More imaginative and creative than a lot of the other kids Chasten grew up with, he channeled his energy into drama and art endeavors. Knowing that his drama teacher offered a safe space in the school theater, he sought out this space as often as possible.
His energetic work ethic kept him busy as he worked multiple jobs with the goal to buy a car that promised his freedom to get beyond Traverse City. His senior year in high school was spent as an exchange student in Germany. This experience convinced him that he needed to go to college to broaden his worldview even more.
College wasn't exactly the escape Chasten hoped it would be. He still didn't fit in and switched his field of study numerous times. Finally ending up majoring in drama, he found his people. Also by then, he knew he was gay, but opening up about it especially with his parents was a challenge.
I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU details the difficulties of growing up as gay in a conservative part of the country. His honest, straight-forward approach as he explains the challenges will surely be just the thing many young LGBTQ+ readers will find helpful.
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