David Archuleta invites you into his most personal chapter yet as Queerty’s March Book Club pick
David Archuleta has spent much of his life in the spotlight—but the story he tells in his new memoir "Devout" goes far beyond what fans saw on stage or television.
Mark
David Archuleta has spent much of his life in the spotlight—but the story he tells in his new memoir Devout goes far beyond what fans saw on stage or television.
That’s exactly why we chose it as the March pick for The Queerty Book Club with Allstora.
In a video shared with readers, Archuleta says he’s excited for people to experience the book together and reflect on the journey behind it. “Devout is The Queerty Book Club’s March pick! I’m so excited for you all to read it and exchange your thoughts together,” he wrote.
How about we take this to the next level?
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Readers who join the club before March 14 will receive a copy of Devout, along with a special note and photo from Archuleta included with this month’s book. It’s one small way we’re marking a story that has already resonated with many queer readers.
A memoir about faith, pressure, and finding your own voice
Archuleta first entered millions of living rooms as a teenager during American Idol’s seventh season. His voice and earnest presence helped carry him to the finale, and soon after, his single “Crush” turned him into a pop phenomenon.
But Devout looks at the years that followed from a more personal perspective.
The memoir traces Archuleta’s upbringing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the expectations placed on him as both a rising star and a devoted member of his faith, and the internal conflict that grew as he struggled to reconcile those pressures with his sexuality.
It’s also a story about what happens when someone raised to be an example begins questioning the system that shaped them.
In Devout, Archuleta reflects on the moments that pushed him toward living openly—coming out publicly in 2021 and later stepping away from the church where he had spent much of his life. The result is a thoughtful look at identity, belief, and the long process of figuring out who you are once the expectations fall away.
“If I didn’t shake things up…”
When Queerty spoke with Archuleta earlier this year about the memoir, he described the tension he felt trying to advocate for greater understanding within the church while still remaining part of it.
“They’re like, ‘We don’t want to hear it because it challenges our foundation,’” he said. “I’ve been there, I get why that’s a scary thing. But it did get to a point where, if I didn’t shake things up, it was gonna collapse anyway. So I did, and it all came down, but it was for the better because I was able to build a new foundation.”
You can read more about that turning point in our full interview with Archuleta, where he opens up about navigating family expectations, leaving the LDS Church, and eventually finding a sense of belonging in queer spaces and communities.
Those experiences sit at the center of Devout. The memoir doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts of his journey, but it also reflects on what it means to rebuild a life—and identity—on your own terms.
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EXCLUSIVE: David Archuleta on how he escaped a gaslighting church & domineering dad to find his queer community
The pop star gets honest about writing his new memoir ‘Devout: Losing My Faith To Find Myself’ & how he hopes it inspires real change.
Join The Queerty Book Club before March 14
Each Queerty Book Club pick is chosen because it opens the door to bigger conversations within the LGBTQ+ community.
Archuleta’s story touches on something many queer people know intimately: the complicated relationship between faith, family, and authenticity. For readers who have wrestled with religion, expectations, or the fear of disappointing the people around them, the themes in Devout will likely feel familiar.
At the same time, it’s also a memoir about growth. Archuleta is now in a different chapter of his life—one where he’s creating music, building community, and speaking openly about the path that brought him here.
Readers who join The Queerty Book Club by March 14 will receive a copy of Devout along with the exclusive note and photo from Archuleta included with this month’s selection.
Members also get discounted access to other titles through Allstora and a private space to connect with other readers discussing each month’s pick.
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