Low-Hanging Fruit is a new essay collection from Randy Rainbow. I asked for this one because I enjoy Randy's videos and live entertainment but I will say I did not really care for this book. I cannot think of a single essay that I found funny or really enjoyed. I am sure there are many people that will love this book but it was just not for me.

3.5 stars

I have been a huge fan of Randy Rainbow and his hilarious political parodies for awhile, so I was excited to see that he had come out with a new book, as I knew basically nothing about him besides his talented singing.

Low Hanging Fruit is a fun, snark filled collection of essays that highlight Randy's ever-increasing fame and the perks and perils that come with it. Since the election, this book is exactly what I needed for a good laugh and an escape from doom scrolling on social media. As a mom of a queer teen, I found myself laughing out loud the most during the chapter interviewing his mother because I could definitely relate. I do, however think that Randy's humor and voice are better suited read in audiobook format as some of the tone and snark can be lost in print.

This book is perfect for a vacation read and highly recommended for fans of Randy Rainbow and anyone who belongs to or loves someone in the Alphabet Mafia, as my daughter lovingly calls it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Randy Rainbow, and St. Martins Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to enjoy this book. I find Randy Rainbow to be a delightful entertainer and social commentator. However, his complaints about not being quite famous enough were more grating than humorous. Does the world really need a whole chapter of Randy Rainbow's complaints about his expensive airport greeters?

Some laugh out loud moments. Fans of Rainbow's online content might find the format a bit jarring, but those who follow him a bit more closely will appreciate the writing style.

Randy Rainbow is an unapologetic ray of over-the-top fabulousness and chaos wrapped in a grown-up theatre-kid's body, and this book is full of his usual whip-smart, sometimes caustic humor, but blended with bursts of heartfelt, genuine care for the world. Like any good theatre "kween," he pays homage to the art, asserts his personal knowledge of and experience with it, and drops names all over the place. Overall, "Low-Hanging Fruit" is like spending an extended amount of time with one of his hilarious videos, and let's be honest - it's the interaction with his mom that really steals the whole damn show. (Though the essay written from the point of view of his cat, Tippi, is pretty laugh-out-loud worthy, too.)

With Donald Trump landing a second term in the election last week, it would sure seem that comedian Randy Rainbow will have ample opportunity to continue his long-running YouTube success as a singing and dancing comedian and political provocateur. Rainbow is famous for his snarky takes on current events from the first Trump administration. He often started his YouTube videos as an interviewer asking questions of “Donald Jessica Trump”. If your friend group is anything like mine, news of his latest videos spread quickly by text or messenger during the pandemic. Rainbow, along with Sarah Cooper, were two bright spots in an otherwise dark time for many.

Over the Biden administration Rainbow has branched out, taking his routines on tour across America, and writing his first book, called Playing with Myself, which became an instant bestseller.

If you’ve loved Rainbow’s videos his new book is in the same vein, though the subjects of his humor are different. The subtitle “Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda” lets you know that Rainbow’s snark is here again, this time in book form.

The book is a series of essays, comedy sketches really. Each of the 23 chapters covers a different topic, some autobiographical, a few political. One chapter is devoted to an interview with his mother, a sequel to the interview in his first book.

Because it’s a series of sketches it’s easy to put the book down and pick it back up again. While the chapters vary in length and quality, they all share Rainbow’s trademark style, and each one made me laugh, or at least brought a smile to my face.

My favorite chapters were the ones that were most autobiographical. Rainbow gives us a peek into his comedy touring routine and his dating life, touches on his body image issues and his introverted personality and gives us a view of his home life through the eyes of his cat Tippi. After reading the book I have a better appreciation for who Randy Rainbow is. An enjoyable read.

RATING: Three and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐🌠

RATING COMMENTS: Rainbow brings his signature wit to the written page with a series of comedic sketches - some autobiographical, some political.

How incredibly appropriate that Randy Rainbow’s new book Low Hanging Fruit came out (so to speak) on my sister’s birthday! She has been a huge fan of his for years – in fact she may be the one who introduced me to him. Whoever it was, I am grateful. This man is a national treasure.

For my sister’s birthday this year, we went to see him live in Palm Desert, and his show exceeded all expectations – and ours were high. I wondered how the talent and humor of his online creations might translate to a theater setting…and I can only say if you EVER have the chance, go see him! Everything was fabulous and even though we had fabulous seats, I talked to people who were seated up high or somewhat far back, and they could see and hear everything thanks to the screens, and his ability to project to his audience.

Yes, it was a bit political, but I think most people were not surprised by that. And TBH when he stepped out of character to chat with us for a few minutes, it was like a gift from heaven – or somewhere. His words were comforting, his tone was “we’re in this together,” and I’m fairly sure everyone (at least 99%) in the audience derived some comfort from him. I keep thinking back to it to try to help me through November…and December…and then OMFG we will need him more than ever.

He is incredibly clever and TALENTED. I cannot say enough about how much enjoyment he brings to so many people. Like I said, national treasure. I worry for him over the next few years…but I’m worrying for all of us. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for this honest review. Five stars. Oh, and I loved it so much I bought two more copies! Worth every penny. Love you, Randy!!

We are huge fans of Randy Rainbow. I find his satirical observations on culture, politics and society are typically spot on. Hubby is looking forward to reading it next, then my mom. Thanks #NetGalley #StMartinsPress #RandyRainbow.

If you enjoy Randy Rainbow on social media, you will definitely enjoy this book. It's a series of essays with his humor shining through. I ended up getting the audio book and listening to it, I enjoyed hearing Randy read his book much more than reading it myself. If you like audiobooks, I definitely recommend it!

Randy Rainbow (it’s his real name!) has been a fun follow on YouTube, Insta and FB for me the past several years. I was overjoyed to receive an advanced copy of his new newest release, Low Hanging Fruit. He is probably not for everyone in “these divisive times” as well as being fairly sexually explicit but he is for me and I make no apologies. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for an advanced copy

Randy Rainbow is right. He's not as famous as he should be.
This is Rainbow's second novel that I have read and he has me laughing out loud more times than I expected.

I read the book as well as listened to the Audiobook. The audio is narrated by Rainbow,and that makes it so perfect. You feel like you are having brunch and kavetching with your favorite person.

Highly recommend. Out now.
Thanks to @netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

If you’re in need of a laugh or two, Randy Rainbow has plenty to offer. Low-Hanging Fruit may not be just like his YouTube parodies, but it’s a clever and witty read that’s just what many of us need after another day of depressing headlines and social media drama.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery (on Election Day, gurl).

Who would write a Dear John letter to social media in order to get control over his attention span and basically his entire life? And how do you even navigate the damn thing? Or how about a poem on internet trolls?

Comedian Randy Rainbow of course, in his hilarious collection of essays, "Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda".

He feels that “…complaining has become intensely stigmatize”, as he taps into relatable annoyances such as those captcha tests that he can’t seem to get correct, just to order a dumb product on the internet. How about the iPhone dictation that always gets the message wrong? Does the massive amount of paper receipts we accumulate bother you? And why is all news “breaking news”? The only difference between me grumbling about all this and Randy Rainbow complaining, is that the latter manages to make it hilarious.

It’s hard to pick a favorite story, as there’s so much to love here. From the dating scene, problems with neighbors and touring, to a day in the life of his cat, an interview with his mother, and more. He uses self-depreciating humor to express his anxieties since childhood, including body envy along with his ongoing attempt to achieve a healthy relationship with food.

We all need this in such serious times. My only suggestion is that you not read this in public. You’ll be laughing so loudly that it could be quite embarrassing.

Low-Hanging Fruit is the newest book from witty raconteur Randy Rainbow (that's his real name, who knew?). Released 8th Oct 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is not as screamingly funny and (relatively) light as his other written commentary, but there are still smiles to be found. He's a very very intelligent guy and his smart, self deprecating, unashamedly *out* personality is on full display here.

This was a nice change from dystopian political landscape and a planet in the throes of a climate change fueled hurricane powered meltdown. There are a number of very personal observations here from the author, but all-in-all it's a nice escape from the current hellscape timeline we all find ourselves in.

Four stars. Funny, sad, poignant, and witty. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Thank you to netgalley for the free ARC!

I originally received the print version of this book from netgalley. As a series of essays, I had trouble getting into it so I decided to buy the audiobook and waited for it to come out. What a great decision! Randy Rainbow's voice brought his words to life! While I still felt like the quality and humor of the essays were varied, it was much more fun listening to as an audiobook with some really funny essyas in there!

Randy Rainbow is a new author to me and honestly a new name altogether. This collection of essays was a nice break in my day. His observations and commentary on social media and society at large are hilarious. He doesn't hold back and his grievances are many and I often found myself laughing while nodding my head in agreement.

Pick this up for respite in your reading itinerary or life in general. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy.

A somewhat frantic but competently written commentary about popular culture from the point of view of a gay comedian born in the Eighties. Perhaps the title should be Randy Rainbow Rants. Very timely and in most instances, quite humorous. A smart quick read. Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC.

I never laughed so hard.This book made my day. I love how you wrote chapter.And someone was a different type of writing but was amazing. You talk about life and how real it was. You talk about your failures but you came right back and swagger. I read the book.
In two hours because I could not put it down. Every chapter wanting that easement what's gonna happen next. Everything was spot on. I'd love.
To go to see one of your shows.

A book sure to lighten your day while giving you a thought or two to chew on, Randy Rainbow is back with his twisted look at topics popular in the news and on the radio today. His YouTube channel has a dedicated following while his first book made him a literary star!!!! Each chapter has it's own topic so there's no chance of boredom as Randy shares his views, popular or not, he demands attention. I read this in one day and recommended it to my reading circle. I'm sure you'll do the same.

Love, love, love Randy Rainbow...his parody of our life and times, his insightful look into subjects that can be quite boring and his making them less so!

Each chapter was just so much fun. I'll be going back and picking up his first book...how dare I miss that?!?!

Continue writing and doing your YouTube channel and just keeping everyone informed with a deep dive into what makes us tick!