I Have Something to Tell You

A Memoir

By: Chasten Buttigieg

Narrated by: Chasten Buttigieg

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

NOW WITH A NEW PREFACE

A moving, hopeful, and refreshingly candid memoir by the husband of Pete Buttigieg about growing up gay in his small Midwestern town, his relationship with Pete, and his hope for America’s future.

Throughout the past year, teacher Chasten Glezman Buttigieg has emerged on the national stage, having left his classroom in South Bend, Indiana, to travel cross-country in support of his husband, former mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Pete’s groundbreaking presidential campaign. Through Chasten’s joyful, witty social media posts, the public gained a behind-the-scenes look at his life with Pete on the trail—moments that might have ranged from the mundane to the surprising, but that were always heartfelt.

Chasten has overcome a multitude of obstacles to get here. In this moving, uplifting memoir, he recounts his journey to finding acceptance as a gay man. He recalls his upbringing in rural Michigan, where he knew he was different, where indeed he felt different from his father and brothers. He recounts his coming out and how he’s healed from revealing his secret to his family, friends, community, and the world. And he tells the story of meeting his boyfriend, whom he would marry and who would eventually become a major Democratic leader.

With unflinching honesty, unflappable courage, and great warmth, Chasten Buttigieg relays his experience of growing up in America and embracing his true self, while inspiring others to do the same.

Critic reviews

"Chasten Buttigieg offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at his life before and after becoming known nationally as Pete Buttigieg's husband during the South Bend, Indiana, former mayor's 2020 presidential campaign. Whether ardent follower, keen observer, or relative newcomer, the listener, regardless of political stripe, can appreciate Buttigieg's affable, approachable personality. Born near Traverse City, Michigan, he grew up with family in nearby Grawn. His conversational narration invites familiarity as he talks about childhood attempts to fit in with his conservative community and the challenging journey that led to his passion for education and self-acceptance as a gay man. Buttigieg is also candid about how his marriage has evolved on and off the campaign trail. This heartfelt memoir balances reflection and humor with a growing political consciousness."

An All-American Boy Story

Authentic. Relatable. Funny. Kind. American. Chasten Buttigieg is his own man, and this is the story of how he both created and discovered himself.

a charming story

told by the most charming gentlemen! finished it in one sitting and loved every minute of it!

Chasten takes us along on a ride I'll never forget

He is so good at describing complex emotions that many of us go through: what do I wanna do with my life? how do I pay the rent this month? why is it so hard to find the right partner? is it time to take a big risk or play it safe? how do I support someone I love through loss? is my coming out story valuable to others?
I so much would enjoy to just sit and talk with him, and he isnt the one with the political career. just delightful.

Such a fresh voice

I loved this peak into the life of Chasten Buttigieg. It was a fresh voice. It gives some inside views into someone who found himself part of a political campaign when that was never his goal. I loved the honesty of his reporting. This book made me really admire both Chasten and Pete Buttigieg. The narration was excellent.

Raw and honest providing a straight person to gain insight!

I am a straight 73 year old man that was raised in a Christian environment that believed that gayness was sinful. I really wanted to learn another perspective on this subject. When Mayor Pete was running for president, my mind started to open. I listened to his book as well. In Pete, I observed a person that was honest and intelligent. I soon came to realize that he was the best person to become president in my opinion.

So when Chasten wrote this book, I decided that I wanted to learn more and listened to it. Both Pete and Chasten’s stories helped me realize that becoming gay really isn’t a choice. It’s how they were created.

Chasten’s story is well written and it really helped that he read it himself. The pain that he went through made me sad. Learning how he and Pete connected seemingly was a miracle.

I really appreciated the honesty of it. Well done Chasten. Here’s hoping the very best for you and Peter.