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amygebhardt's review
4.0
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Mama Rue herself. I have always thought Ru Paul is such a fascinating figure, an icon in defying social norms and expectations. The first half of this book was a SLOG. The last couple chapters deliver a profound exploration of RuPaul's deep connection with Georges. Their journey through sobriety and eventual parting evokes a mix of emotions, and will leave an impact on me. Despite its slow start, RuPaul's authenticity and heartfelt storytelling ultimately make this memoir a touching and insightful read. Rounding up from 3.5 stars.
meresy_nonfic's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
kcotsira's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
I would have liked more details. It just felt like a rushed autobiography
journeytothenewworlds07's review
3.5
An interesting look into the early years and the importance of finding your people and being able to bet on yourself.
porshainielsen's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
Mother!
I never would have known that RuPaul had stayed at Tammy Faye's hotel or performed in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. There was so much about Ru that I never knew. I particularly liked the way he talks about gender and some of the earliest drag queens. It was specifically insightful how Ru says people inherit feminine and masculine traits from their parents, but, if you sway too far from the binary with those traits, there are no places for you. Even within queer spaces, there were limits.
Overall, it is a wonderful memoir about RuPaul's early life. The ascension into drag and fame was a long path, but he was always destined for greatness. "Ain't no motherfucker alive with a name like that." Especially recommend the audiobook, since it is read by RuPaul.
I never would have known that RuPaul had stayed at Tammy Faye's hotel or performed in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. There was so much about Ru that I never knew. I particularly liked the way he talks about gender and some of the earliest drag queens. It was specifically insightful how Ru says people inherit feminine and masculine traits from their parents, but, if you sway too far from the binary with those traits, there are no places for you. Even within queer spaces, there were limits.
Overall, it is a wonderful memoir about RuPaul's early life. The ascension into drag and fame was a long path, but he was always destined for greatness. "Ain't no motherfucker alive with a name like that." Especially recommend the audiobook, since it is read by RuPaul.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction
morenaloves's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.25
I was really in my memoir era when I started reading this, but it wasn’t what I expected. There were some parts that were just boring to me, that I thought : what’s the point of mentioning this? And towards the end it started to get interesting for me, I wish he told more about his struggles with substances. There were definitely some interesting parts in the book, but I took me a longgggg time to finish it. And now I need a break from non fiction 😂