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!

How much do I adore! Randy Rainbow....reading Low Hanging Fruit was just as much fun as reading his first book. And Gurlllllll, when he dives into D Jessica T, it is a guffaw session....a true laugh out loud! All I can say is Read This Book! It is a very fast read, and trust me when I say you will be SOOOOOO happy you did!
Bravo to you Randy Rainbow, on another brilliant piece on theatre!

I am a huge fan of Randy Rainbow and LOVE his songs and political satire so of course when I saw this book on Netgalley, I instantly requested it an was thrilled to be approved.

Happy Belated Pub day Randy!

So its not question that the world is a dumpster fire at this moment (and has been for the entire 20 decade.) and this book, while , yes at times Randy gives his views, but its done in such a comical way that its like a breath of fresh air. Was it a little corny at some parts, yes, but so is Randy in an endearing way. Was it funny in a lot of parts, 100% and dare I say it also had some key messages about some heavy topics but was done in such a light matter, it made it that much better to read.

Randy Rainbow has created an audio version of his book worthy of his in person shows, which are always a hoot. He narrates his own quasi auto biographical vignettes in bite size chapters that are great for listening to in short spurts or for long periods of time. I listened on a long car drive and just loved hearing his voice !

The chapters are diverse. He discusses childhood memories, Amazon deliveries, politics ( Donald JESSICA Trump), his own Randy Rainbow for President platform and campaign, his gay identity, and as the title suggests he very indiscreetly reveals his self image relating to his imperfect body. . Another plus was the chapter in which his mom spoke with him, rehashing some memories that made me smile. Randy’s brilliant acerbic wit shines through every word in every chapter.

All in all this was a super great almost in person Randy Rainbow show. Being a big fan of his, I just loved this book. I read the ebook version along with the audio, and was very very happy that I was able to hear his voice tell his story. Five twinkling stars for this outrageously fun experience. Publication date was October 8, 2024 so it’s available. You won’t want to miss this! Many thanks to NetGalley MacMillan audio and St Martin’s Press for providing me with both the audio and ebook version of Low Hanging Fruit in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve followed Randy Rainbow’s YouTube channel for several years now (gotta love political commentary dressed in Musical Theatre drag) and I was hoping for more of the same.

I enjoyed the insider’s look at semi-stardom, the bits with his mom, the Donald Jessica Trump ish talk, and his personal anecdotes.

I do wish he sang more and talked about his bodily fluids less, but here we are.

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for this gay-ol-time ARC.

This is broadly "elder millennial shakes fist at sky." My elder millennial fist is pretty good at managing that all on my own, so I didn't particularly need the assistance. I did enjoy a few of the glimpses into his actual life and process, but so much of the venting felt like it was just filling a page quota (which he specifically jokes it is in nearly every chapter).