The Education of Joshua Chastain is a fictional memoir about a gay boy who grows up in a small Mormon community in northern Arizona, a kind of Mormon shtetl. The novel describes Josh's journey of self-discovery as he explores his sexuality, engages in various sexual relationships during his teenage years (including one with a Roman Catholic priest), and endures verbal and sometimes physical abuse from teachers and classmates. After a high school bully outs him, his parents send him to a clinic in Phoenix run by a Mormon psychologist who specializes in "curing" homosexuals. He escapes from the clinic and flees to Los Angeles, where he lives for a time with a deeply closeted Vietnam veteran who can be both loving and abusive. After their relationship ends, he supports himself briefly as a prostitute. Permeating Joshua's story is his desire to remain a person of faith while overcoming the homophobia of his Mormon background.

Musically and academically gifted, Joshua eventually finds deliverance through higher education and involvement with more inclusive religious communities. During his adventure, he meets an array of fascinating individuals, including kind supporters as well as dangerous predators. "The Education of Joshua Chastain" is ultimately about authenticity, courage, faith, and love as seen in the life of a uniquely fascinating individual.