Lemon Belly is a coming-of-age memoir about thriving despite growing up with the misfortune of a chronic illness. Tinged with nostalgia and humor, the story encompasses four decades of Harris's life.

It begins with his quest for a normal childhood by keeping his illness locked safely behind bathroom doors. Despite being bullied and shamed for frequent bathroom use, being too thin, and undergoing body-altering surgery at the young age of twenty-two, he continued to date, get married and have kids, and cultivate a successful career. The memoir ends with a roller-coaster third act describing the year-long health crisis that nearly kills him-but instead leaves him stronger and determined to share his story of hope and resilience.