Member Reviews
I went into this book not knowing too much about Randy Rainbow but I'm glad I had the chance to read this book and learn more. The book is funny, interesting and very entertaining. I'd definitely recommend it for fans of Randy but also for those who just want to know more about him, or even just want a funny and enjoyable read. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book.
I was already a fan of Randy Rainbow and this interesting and very funny memoir has made me even more of a fan of his. I enjoyed learning about his family and the work that he put into his career. I highly recommend the book.
Randy Rainbow is a national treasure, and his story was an absolute TRIP. It's no wonder he is the witty, fabulous powerhouse he is today!
A funny and heartwarming read from Rainbow. He brings the reader into his life and thoughts without going into much detail on personal relationships.
This was just what I needed to pull me out of a funk! This book reads just like you're having a conversation with a vivacious, wonderfully, snarky friend -- who tells it like it is with a side of wit! I loved this book and finished it in one sitting. It was a breath of fresh gay air and everything we need in this world right now! I've loved his song parodies and videos for a while, and they truly helped get me through the pandemic lockdown times. If you need a humourous read that will brighten your day, pick this one up!
This was a hilarious read. I love Randy Rainbow’s videos and found the story of his life interesting and entertaining.
Just perfect, just like Randy is! I loved learning about the man, the myth, the legend! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about our contemporary queer icons.
Randy Rainbow was a ray of sunshine throughout the pandemic. I wanted to love his book. There just wasn’t enough about Randy Rainbow in it. It read like a guest list of the famous people he now hangs out with. Mildly entertaining but as filling as cotton candy.
Randy Rainbow is hilarious! In this autobiography, he talks about how his video-making career began. He also tells us about his childhood and first jobs, etc. It's a fascinating look at the life of one of the best entertainers out there now! There are parts where I found myself laughing out loud! His writing is as entertaining as his videos! Randy has a wonderful sense of humor. I loved every part of this book! You just have to read it. If you are not a fan of Randy Rainbow, you will be by the time you finish reading this book. Go watch his videos too! They are the best!
Full of Rainbow's irreverently rapier wit and proving yet again the vast levels of intelligence he possesses in every last tenet of entertainment. Vulnerable and hilarious, I loved stealing inside of the smart, funny and theatre-obsessed mind of Randy Rainbow. Truly a one-of-a-kind memoir by a favourite social media personality of mine.
Brilliant autobiography! I loved it! Randy Rainbow sharing his childhood and influences and telling how he found himself to become the gay icon we adore was a very entertaining read.
This book is laugh out loud funny, but will also make you cry. It's the story of how Mr. Rainbow came to have his career, we get his childhood(I'm sorry sir), then we get his move to NYC, and the making of the man who has a million characters inside him.
I watch his videos on FB when they pop up and sometimes laugh until I cry. As a proud liberal, I loved all the videos poking fun of the last administration and was happy to see them.
But that's not all the book, or Mr. Rainbow is about.
If you're a fan of Mr. Rainbow, you'll become more of a fan. If you're not a fan, or you're on the fence, you'll become a fan.
The writing is so good, you'll be laughing from beginning til end, Mr. Rainbow made sure of it.
**I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
The best part of the past few years was Randy Rainbow. The pink glasses wearing show tune singing comic relief. I loved this memoir, his love for his mother and his Nanny is heartwarming.
Randy Rainbow has been entertaining people for years with his laugh-out-loud parodies, songs and escapades but most people think of him as an overnight viral sensation. In reality, Randy was entertaining himself for years before becoming a household name. Often tongue-in-cheek, slightly irreverent and very heartfelt, Rainbow's memoir reads like a coming of age musical (Jonathan Larsen is referenced) from the early days in New York to Florida where Rainbow's Nanny has a prominent role and provides much needed support and humor in his life. Learning about the stories behind the videos, the laborious process to produce the content and how he now counts Patti LuPone and Carol Burnett among his friends-with Nannyisms sprinkled along the way-was fun and informative. The book has some good industry gossip (of course) along with some name dropping (would you expect less) but it's also full of sincerity and a huge appreciation for the arts. Thank you, Randy Rainbow, for being uniquely you and sharing it with the world.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
I discovered the talents of Randy Rainbow when a friend, trying to get me out of the political funk I found myself stuck in, said watch Randy Rainbow. Wow, just wow. I became an instant fan. He helped me keep my sanity.Then I watched him in an interview and I knew I had to read his book. I loved his passages about his mother and grandmother. His childhood revelations were so powerful and moving and the fact that he is an introvert and was bullied in school showed his strength, overcoming so much to become the great talent that he is today. When he talked about his cat, well I was in tears and I wished I could give him a hug. All I can say is a huge thank you for the gift he has given us, getting me and so many fans, through a very, very difficult time in our lives. It's now on my list of my best reads of 2022.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Funny (as expected), with depth and heart. Randy lets us see the life behind the pink glasses. Recommended for anyone who loves queer pop culture, musicals, or funny gay Jewish lyrical geniuses.
To be honest, I didn't know who Randy Rainbow was when I got this book. But I'd recently seen him on a tv talk show, and he sounded interesting, so when I read he had a book out, I thought I'd try it. My favorite parts of the book were parts about him growing up, finding himself, his first years in New York, and his relationship with his wonderful mother and grandmother. The parts I tended to skim over were the ones where he name-drops like crazy. A little of that goes a long way.
I absolutely loved this book! Musician-comedian Randy Rainbow has made a name for himself as a three-time Emmy nom and viral sensation. His memoir Playing with Myself is just such a good read. It is funny and honest, while tackling serious issues in a playful and humble manner. Randy is so true to his voice and I loved his writing and style. I loved hearing how he got to where he is now, and the ups and downs and losses and loves he’s experienced. And I loved hearing his process too for his videos and how his life has changed. It’s inspiring and heartwarming and just very authentic. I laughed, I cried, I felt it all, and now I just want to go back and watch all his videos!
Randy Rainbow helped me get through the pandemic with his beautiful singing voice and humor -- so I was delighted to learn more about him in his memoir. Consistent with his humor, this book tells a sometimes painful childhood and launch into adulthood with funny asides to the reader that made me chuckle. I had no idea that this outgoing performer is actually introverted and sometimes lacks confidence. I loved learning about his mother and grandmother in particular who loved and supported him unconditionally and helped him nurture and find his true self. My only small critique is he keeps the light tone throughout even when faced with a producer predator or threat of cancel culture due to past tweets/videos reinterpreted through a current day lens. But this is just a small point, because overall I loved the book and am glad I got to know the person behind the wonderfiul videos! Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me with a preview copy to review. My opinions are my own.
I’m a big Randy Rainbow fan. His memoir is so interesting! I enjoyed learning “Origen story “ so much. As a bonus, I could just “hear” his entire narrative in his distinctive voice and style of delivery. So good! You need to read this book!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.