Mayci Neeley's Memoir: A Journey Through Trauma and Faith

Mayci Neeley, a prominent figure from the reality show *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, has released her debut memoir, *Told You So*, which chronicles her tumultuous life experiences as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The memoir addresses significant challenges, including sexual assault, an unplanned pregnancy, and the tragic death of her college boyfriend, Arik Mack, while she was pregnant. The book opens with the day she learned of Mack's death, serving as both a trigger warning and an introduction to the themes of grief and resilience that permeate her narrative.

Mayci Neeley of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Releases Debut Book ‘Told You So’

Raised in a devout Mormon environment, Neeley reflects on her upbringing and the strict social rules of her faith. She describes herself as a curious individual who often questioned the reasoning behind these rules. In her memoir, she emphasizes the importance of education about sensitive topics, particularly sex, for her children, stemming from her own experiences of becoming pregnant at a young age. "I think one of those things is having a better education on sex," she stated, highlighting her desire to provide her children with the knowledge she lacked.

Mormon Wife Mayci Neeley Chronicles Her Life in NPR’s ‘Told You So’

Following the debut of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, Neeley faced backlash for the show's portrayal of Mormon culture, particularly as the trailer suggested a lifestyle inconsistent with church teachings. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement criticizing productions that misrepresent its values. Despite this, Neeley believes the show has positively impacted perceptions of Mormon women, allowing them to embrace their identities without strict adherence to traditional norms. "I think it has... people watch our show being like, wow, I can be Mormon and I can swear," she remarked.

NPR

While Neeley has received messages of gratitude from women who relate to her struggles, she acknowledges the mixed reactions to her story. Some viewers judged her based on the show's trailer without understanding the deeper narratives presented in the series. She expressed that many church members have had similar experiences with bishops who dismiss their trauma, a sentiment she captures in her memoir. "I know so many people in the church have experiences like I do," she noted, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding within religious communities.

Mormon Wife Mayci Neeley Chronicles Her Life in NPR’s ‘Told You So’

Neeley's memoir serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the complexities of faith. She aims to inspire others by sharing her journey, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections while maintaining their spirituality. As she continues to navigate her role as a mother and a public figure, Neeley is also the CEO of Babymama, a nutrition gummy company, and looks forward to the upcoming season of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*.

USA Today

• “I started there to kind of give people a summary of what's to happen. If anything, for me, it's almost like a trigger warning for people to know, like this is going to be rough,” — Mayci Neeley

NPR

• “I feel like people watch our show being like, wow, I can be Mormon and I can swear, I can be Mormon and wear tank tops, I can be Mormon and drink coffee.” — Mayci Neeley

NPR

• “I know so many people in the church have experiences like I do, where they have a bishop who doesn't believe them or a bishop who makes them feel horrible.” — Mayci Neeley

NPR

• “It serves as a lesson to myself.” — Mayci Neeley

Mayci Neeley of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Releases Debut Book ‘Told You So’

Mayci Neeley's *Told You So* not only shares her personal narrative but also opens a dialogue about the intersection of faith, trauma, and identity, resonating with many who have faced similar challenges.

Mormon Wife Mayci Neeley Chronicles Her Life in NPR’s ‘Told You So’