I'd Be Perfect

What happens when a man who seems determined to learn every lesson the hard way suddenly finds himself a divorced father with sole physical custody of four children? In I'd Be Perfect – If It Wasn't for the Ways I Fall Short Every Day of My Life, Evan Taylor delivers a powerful, heartfelt, and often humorous memoir about faith, family, forgiveness, and the lifelong pursuit of becoming a better man. From sleeping in abandoned buildings as a teenager, to military service, college football dreams, failed relationships, divorce, single fatherhood, and raising children through some of life's toughest storms, Taylor shares an unfiltered look at the victories, failures, heartbreaks, and hard-earned lessons that shaped him. Through deeply personal stories, he explores what it means to be a father when the odds are stacked against you, how forgiveness can set you free, and why sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love. This is not a book about perfection. It is a book about falling short, getting back up, and continuing the journey. With wisdom passed down from strong parents, lessons learned through painful mistakes, and a faith that grew stronger through adversity, Taylor offers a candid reflection on masculinity, fatherhood, resilience, and personal growth. Whether recounting hilarious parenting moments like The Great Sock Fiasco of 2013, sharing emotional stories of raising children through divorce, or reflecting on the profound influence of his father—"The Lion King"—Taylor writes with honesty, humor, and authenticity. At its core, this is a story about legacy. It is about the fathers who show up. The mothers who sacrifice. The children who save us without ever realizing it. And the God who continues to work through imperfect people. For anyone who has ever struggled, failed, loved deeply, carried responsibility, sought redemption, or wondered whether they were enough, this book serves as a reminder that perfection was never the goal. The goal is to keep growing. The goal is to keep loving. The goal is to keep moving forward. Because sometimes the most extraordinary lives are built by ordinary people who simply refuse to quit.