How I Found Myself in the Midwest

A Memoir of Reinvention

By: Steve Grove

Narrated by: Steve Grove

A passionate testimony to the power of moving forward by going back home, a Midwestern native shares hope in going local.

Just after turning forty, Steve Grove left Silicon Valley as a Google executive to move to his home state of Minnesota with his wife and fellow tech exec, Mary Grove, and their one-year-old twins. Gone from the Midwest for two decades, Grove returned home with fresh eyes. Yearning to put down new roots, he traded his career at Google for a position in state government with Governor Tim Walz. Far from working at a fast-paced tech company, Grove’s shift to leading a large government bureaucracy brought a sequence of struggles and triumphs vividly portrayed with both humor and affection.

But this story of reinvention takes on new urgency when crisis strikes, as the coronavirus pandemic and the tragic murder of George Floyd unfolds just miles from his newfound home, thrusting Grove’s work into an unexpected spotlight. Tasked with distributing billions in aid, rolling out pandemic restrictions, redeveloping neighborhoods, and navigating deep divisions in a state long proud of its exceptionalism, Grove’s journey through crisis brings new insights about himself and his new community. His experiences of the political, geographic, and racial divisions in his home state yield surprising discoveries about what also binds us together.

From making new friends and building a family to reconciling with his past and exploring his faith, Grove’s journey to find purpose by going local provides a roadmap for anyone looking to discover what gives meaning to their life. Along the way, Grove shares insights about a part of the country that many people ignore at their peril, and why he is optimistic about America’s future. How I Found Myself in the Midwest will move and inspire you, no matter where you choose to call home.

validatates my + mn transplant experience

most welcome ..given the times frank..deeply personal and uplifting memoir of a silicon valley denizen returning home to Minnesota after 20 yr

A love story full of hope

Steve Grove came home to Minnesota but would make a home with passion and purpose to make that home better no matter the challenges. His story with his partner, Mary is one of love. Love for each other, love for their family, love for their community and love for their home which they choose to approach with hope and purpose to make it better. This is an inspirational story that gives one hope for the future which remains uncertain but ok if we step in. Thanks for sharing your story.

A compelling and powerful personal story

I really enjoyed Steve's writing and bringing both global issues and personal experiences to live in a relatable way. It was an engaging read and inspires hope finding community. I liked the personal anecdotes that gave you a front row seat to government and tech.

A thoughtful, inspiring memoir

Steve Grove’s How I Found Myself in the Midwest is a beautifully written memoir that blends personal reinvention with civic reflection. As someone who also calls the Midwest home, I found Grove’s story deeply relatable and inspiring.
Grove doesn’t shy away from the complexities of life in the Midwest, from racial disparities to political tensions, but he approaches them with honesty and a genuine desire to make things better. His work in public service and journalism shows a deep commitment to positive change, and his reflections on family, faith, and friendship add a rich emotional layer to the narrative.
This book made me think more deeply about what it means to belong, to serve, and to grow. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about the power of coming home with new eyes and a renewed sense of purpose.