This Changes Everything - by Tyler Merritt (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

*NATIONAL BESTSELLER*

A cancer diagnosis caused Tyler Merritt--beloved author of I Take My Coffee Black--to realize that there was no time for anger, unforgiveness, foolishness, or lost friendships. None of us have any time to waste.

When Tyler Merritt was diagnosed with cancer, everything he thought he knew about what mattered in life changed. Though he made it through a highly invasive surgery and thought he was in the clear, Tyler soon realized that the cancer had other plans. It wasn't a question of if the tumor would come back for an encore, his doctors told him. It was a question of when. The clock was ticking.

This Changes Everything is a humorous and optimistic love letter to this beautiful life. As Tyler counts down the days until his next scan, he begins to understand that none of us have time for anger, for being unforgiving, for foolishness, for letting relationships drift, or for letting friendships to be lost. It's a clear-eyed reckoning with the reality that our time on this earth is limited and a hopeful vision of how each of us can make the most of the time we have left.

Laced with Tyler's trademark humor, love of pop culture, and arguably too many musical theater references, This Changes Everything is a story about how wrestling with the idea of death can birth a whole new outlook on life, how we live it, and the urgency that comes when you grasp that time is a precious commodity.

Review Quotes

"This Changes Everything is a profoundly moving and unexpectedly humorous exploration of life's deepest challenges, written by a man who has faced more than his share. Tyler Merritt invites us into his world with raw honesty as he navigates the emotional landscape of his life. His reflections on living with terminal illness--where isolation, fear, and anger threaten to overwhelm--are nothing short of inspiring. Tyler's resolve to let go of unforgiveness and bitterness is a powerful lesson for us all. In a world where dying may seem easier than the courage it takes to keep living, Tyler reminds us of the transformative power of love, resilience, and grace. This is a book that will change how you see life, urging you to make the most of each day."--Barb Schmidt

"A heart-felt, laugh-out loud book about nearly dying and what it means to really live."--Actress/Host Yvette Nicole Brown

"A scary, funny, moving and inspiring story from a man who deserves cancer less than almost anyone I know."--Jimmy Kimmel

"First of all I recognized all of the musical theater references Tyler that thought he was so sneakily throwing at me! I may have even caught myself singing along to a few. Listen, I just didn't want This Changes Everything to end. It's filled with so much love for us the reader. Somehow even after walking through Cancer Tyler's outlook on this complex life remains uplifting and awe inspiring. Serious at some points and incredibly funny in others, I cannot wait for you all to read this book."--Kristin Chenoweth, Emmy and Tony-award winning actress and New York Time Bestselling author

"How Tyler has gone and made a book about living with Cancer so funny I'm not sure I'll ever really understand. What I do know is that I'm better for leaning into his story. Laced with deep heartfelt moments and stories that can only be told by a man who has become comfortable in his own skin, I'd recommend This Changes Everything to anyone who needs a reminder at how beautiful this life truly is."--Anthony Anderson actor, producer, activist, health advocate, philanthropist

"I accidentally met Tyler in NYC four days after he found out this surgery was inevitable and fell in love with him because who could help it? I've only known this Tyler, the one in these exact pages, and he is as marvelous as you think. This Changes Everything is a love letter to life. This book will help you understand why I introduced him to my kids and gave him my heart."--Jen Hatmaker, Four-Time NYT Bestselling Author and Tyler's Girlfriend

"Merritt draws out the humor and pathos of his illness with impressive self- awareness... This entertains and inspires."--Publishers weekly

"My favourite thing about Tyler and his writing, is how he dances with joy and humour in the fires of discomfort. This line sums up the path we take together in his latest book -- "I think most of us dramatically underestimate not only what we could go through, but what we have been through." And yet, Tyler's writing reminds me that God is play, love and humour, as much as God is also within these difficult experiences of pain and initiation. And that no matter what we are walking through, we always have the option to do it with humour and laughter. He's taught me that. He's also taught me, as a writer, how to bring my own truth and voice into the words I share. To bring all of me -- even the musical theater part of me that my dad thought was annoying when I was a kid. In fact, I think my favorite excerpt from the book might be when Tyler compares Scottie Pippen to Audra MacDonald and gently acknowledges "I know that you don't care about Sports Ball, my Musical Theater people." Yup. That's the truth. (And I deeply needed that reference, so thank you very much for taking care of all your fellow musical theatre nerds, Tyler!!) Tyler Merritt is a national treasure and I'm so grateful that he finds the time, courage and joyful abundance in sharing himself and his writing with the world. Because his work makes me even happier to be part of it."--Autumn Reeser

"The whole time I was reading This Changes Everything I couldn't help but wonder why Tyler Merritt had never taken me out for dinner. I don't normally like to make things all about me, but honestly, what is he thinking not getting to know me? We would be best friends. But that's really the magic of who Tyler is, isn't it? He barges in and makes himself comfortable in your world, in your head, and in your heart. You see yourself hanging out with him, crying with him, rejoicing with him. I hope this book changes everything (see what I did there?) for anyone who has received the same devastating news. I have no doubt it will. Tyler, I think I'm in love."--Melissa Radke, author of Eat Cake, Be Brave

"This Changes Everything may be the first book I read in one sitting. It was captivatingly human. It is Tyler's story, but it is also all of ours. Finding a way to live, to truly live, in the midst of pain, sorrow and grief, is something Tyler demonstrates through every page. Unlike other books that border on denial and toxic positivity, Tyler doesn't look away from the fear that tries to stop us. This book is a dance between joy and fear. Happiness and grief. Laughter and lament. Pain and relief. All exist and are part of us. But Tyler shows us how we can let love lead and keep moving no matter what dance partner life throws our way."--April Ajoy, author of Star-Spangled Jesus

"Tyler takes us on an unimaginable journey through his cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life afterwards, with sage wisdom and unparalleled humor. We are reminded of what truly matters in life - forgiveness, gratitude, and the true meaning of optimism. Through his raw and honest storytelling, Tyler gives us a new perspective on our own struggles and triumphs. Prepare to be moved, and forever changed by Tyler's powerful story."--Heather Locklear

"Tyler Merritt approaches cancer, a subject that is scary for all of us to talk about, with grace and humor, just like everything in his life. This whole book feels like one long, wonderful conversation with a friend. Sometimes you have to laugh, and sometimes you have to get real. That's life. This Changes Everything gives me all the feels. We're lucky to have Tyler's voice in the world!"--Trisha Yearwood

"Tyler Merritt is a national treasure, and This Changes Everything is a thoughtful, beautiful and heartwarming tribute to this wonderful thing called life -- as only Tyler can tell it."--Joy Reid

"Tyler Merritt is an artist who can show you a picture break it back down to a molecular level and show you layer by layer how he became the work of art that he is today. And facing his own fears then boldly regurgitating them for us in this manuscript Tyler puts words to the internal battles and shows us that reckoning with our own mortality can often increase our own vitality."--Roy Wood Jr. Former Daily Show Correspondent

"Tyler Merritt is doing the impossible job of investigating and exploring America, using his life as the roadmap. His good humor and vulnerability make it a bouncy and joyous--but also a tender and honest--ride."--W. Kamau Bell, Peabody Award and Emmy Award Winner, New York Times bestselling author, and stand-up comedian

About the Author

Tyler Merritt is an actor, musician, comedian, and activist behind The Tyler Merritt Project. Raised in Las Vegas, he has always had a passion for bringing laughter, grace, and love into any community he is a part of. His film credits include Netflix's Outer Banks, Disney/Marvel's Falcon and the Winter Soldier, NBC's Young Rock, and A24's The Inspection, to name a few. Tyler's viral videos "Before You Call the Cops" and "Walking While Black" have been viewed by over 100 million people worldwide, with "Before You Call The Cops" being voted the most powerful video of 2020 by NowThis Politics. He is a cancer survivor who lives in Nashville, Tennessee.