Jeanette M. Griggs
I'm an author, educator, mom, fiancée, and lifelong Idaho girl who spent a surprising amount of time trying to be someone other than herself.
For much of my life, I thought that if I just worked harder, believed better, served more faithfully, and checked all the right boxes, everything would eventually click into place.
What followed was a winding journey through faith, love, grief, self-discovery, and more than a few uncomfortable realizations. Along the way, I learned that being true was different than I had always thought, and even better than I had ever imagined.
These days I live in Boise, Idaho with my partner, Lindsay, our family, and a golden retriever named Aubie who has never once struggled with authenticity.
I'm glad you're here.
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The Journey
Be True wasn't written from memory alone.
For decades, I filled diaries and notebooks with everything that was on my mind—childhood observations, teenage crushes, spiritual questions, heartbreak, and hopes for the future.
I never imagined those pages would one day become the foundation of a book.... I was just trying to understand my life. But what emerged in the end was something far bigger than a collection of journal entries. It became a map of a life unfolding, a coming of age story about belief and belonging, and look inside the mind and heart of a girl trying to figure out what it means to be true.
Reader Reflections
Readers have embraced this journey toward authenticity, awarding the book 5-star ratings on both Amazon and Goodreads for its raw honesty and spiritual depth.
"A completely honest story for anyone who has felt the conflict between faith, shame, and the desire to be a good person." — Paula, Educator
"The raw honesty and depth found on and in between these lines are a rare find. The courage it takes to publish this book sets the author apart." — Brett, Goodreads reviewer
"This book will resonate with all readers who have an appetite for truth—but especially with those who society diminishes for being who they are." — Doug, Amazon reviewer
"I particularly enjoyed the down to Earth authenticity of this memoir. Jeanette tackles her story with respect, compassion, and true heart."— Amazon reviewer
"A must-read for anyone who struggles to find hope and longs to live with more joyful self-determination. It is heartbreaking yet joyful." — Amity H., Psychotherapist and author of "The Turnaround"
"Honest without being harsh, reflective without being prescriptive. This story of awakening resonates far beyond any one belief system."— Stacey D., LGBTQ Reader
Media & Appearances
Whether on a podcast, at a book club, or from the stage, I'm grateful for opportunities to share my story, explore new ideas, and connect with people on their own journeys.
March 2026
Blame it on Mel Podcast
In this powerful two-part conversation, Jeanette shares the deeply personal story behind Be True—from growing up believing she was broken to discovering the freedom that comes from living authentically.
June 2026
Listen, Learn, & Love Podcast with Richard Ostler
Jeanette joins Richard Ostler to discuss faith, identity, grief, and the winding path that led to Be True. Their conversation explores religious scrupulosity, authenticity, and finding peace while embracing life's complexities.
August 2026
Sunstone Symposium - Salt Lake City
In her presentation "Living in the &: A Story of Agency, Awakening, and Authenticity," Jeanette explores the journey from black-and-white certainty to embracing life's complexities—and the freedom found in living in the and.
What's Next?
After writing Be True, I realized there were dozens of stories that didn't quite belong in a book—but still deserved to be told.
My next project, inspired by William Blake's Songs of Innocence and of Experience, explores the moments that challenged my assumptions and expanded my view of the world. From Mormon culture and perfectionism to travel, relationships, grief, and the humor found in growing up, these essays ask fewer questions about what to believe and more about how we learn to see.
"Being true may still be the most important thing you'll ever do—but it's time to redefine what that looks like."
— Jeanette M. Griggs
