Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself

by David Archuleta

A gripping memoir of faith, family, identity, and stardom, in Devout pop star David Archuleta shares his story of leaving the Mormon church, navigating the relationship with his emotionally abusive father, coming to terms with his sexuality, and finding strength in being your authentic self.

Three years ago American Idol alum and pop star David Archuleta found himself on the floor of his apartment, suicidal, riddled with anxiety, and pleading to a god he was no longer sure even existed. It was a crisis of faith and identity, but it was also a turning point for a man who grew up queer in the Mormon church with severe anxiety and constantly under the pressure of his overbearing manager of a father. After that night, David vowed to be his authentic self.

Of course, the journey to authenticity is never easy, which is the story Archuleta shares in Devout. From his childhood growing up in the Mormon church, to allegations of sexual abuse against his father and step-grandfather, to his time on American Idol and how the show runners and producers mistreated their young contestants, Archuleta’s memoir is filled with earnest, revelatory anecdotes from his fascinating personal and public lives.

Not just for Archuleta’s myriad fans, Devout is a universal story of hope, told with sincerity and humility. It’s a salve for anyone who’s felt different, questioned their faith, felt they were living inauthentically. Most importantly, it’s a story for anyone whose had to break yourself down in order to rebuild yourself stronger than ever, and that’s everyone.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, LGBT, Audiobook, Religion, Pop Culture, Music

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 2026

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Darcy]

I am LOVING his new music. I think this will be good.

[dani christine]

DAVID??? ON MY BOOKSHELF??? I’m sat sir

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3 <3 <3

[Tana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Leah E · Rating 5 out of 5]

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, however, 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 felt like I am part of David’s story and he is part of mine, and part of a lot of others’. It is glorious and sad that we all share these feelings and experiences. I was at 2 Christmas shows after he came out. I was at one in 2022 where he had his encore and I bawled then and can’t ever listen to “My Little Prayer” without crying. 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 feeling about the Christmas songs and hinted at it his dad’s role in the album 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 again for the Earthly Delights tour and did a VIP session. 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.

[Kat Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book, and I feel like I have been wrapped in the warmest bear hug! I am incredibly grateful for David's honesty, humility, vulnerability and sincerity in this memoir. As a formerly devout mormon who still struggles to actually accept my sexuality, I can't really express how valuable this book is to me and so many people I know!

I didn't plan on reading it in one sitting but once I started I couldn't put it down. The story of his family is heartbreaking, but filled with such genuine love. I hope David gets the chance to reconnect with all the celebrities he was too shy to talk to when he was younger lol. The interactions with Elder Ballard and the church leadership had me gasping, and it was SO cathartic to read how David pushed back and made a statement!

It's an engaging fun book and powerful story! Cannot recommend enough!!

[Marianna Cordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[p · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

I have followed David's music career closely for years, which made me extra excited to read his memoir. It is a book full of heart. I enjoyed reading it and learning more about him and his journey. I do think the pacing could've been balanced a bit better between the two sections of the memoir, but overall, I found his storytelling to be raw, true and compelling.

[julianna ☽]

DAVID JAMES ARCHULETA JUST SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY

[Serina Haycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I was punched in the gut. So incredibly well written, what a beautiful and honest story.

[Brandy Downer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's definitely a book to read for sure. The LDS culture is harsh on rules when you are different. or want to leave the church. and I loved the fact that he did leave.

[Brandon Phelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🫶