(4.25/5 stars)

Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert is magical realism meets historical fantasy by debut author Bob the Drag Queen.

I love magical realism, and in this book the fantasy is that several historical figures have magically and unexplainably returned from the dead. This includes the eponymous Harriet Tubman, who uses hip hop to tell her story, taking it on the road to advocate for freedom.

I ended up preordering the audiobook from LibroFM because Bob narrates the book and there are a few original songs at the end. (You can watch the lyric video to one of the songs on Bob's YouTube page.) I highly recommend listening to this one.

First, a caveat: I'm a big Bob TDQ fan ever since they won their season of RuPaul's Drag Race. I also really loved watching them on the third season of The Traitors, and especially in Dungeons and Drag Queens on Dimension20/Dropout TV. That being said, I found this highly entertaining!

Our main POV character Darnell is a music producer who has been down on his luck for the last decade or so until Tubman reaches out to invite him to produce her record. I really enjoyed his journey throughout the book. There were a few moments where I really felt second-hand anxiety for him.

You can really tell how much research was done to write this book. I learned so much about Harriet Tubman and abolitionism in this book that I never learned about in school. Overall, I really enjoyed Bob's prose, though some of the transitional areas fell a little flat for me. I was very quickly pulled back into the story when I felt a little knocked out in those places.

Bob has such a unique voice and I'm really excited to see what else they write in the future!

One of the most common icebreakers I’ve encountered is the dreaded question: If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be? No matter how many times it’s been asked, I always freeze, struggling to come up with an answer. But perhaps the more interesting follow-up question is: What would you hope to learn from them? That shifts the conversation from a surface-level fantasy to something deeper, exploring the lessons we can take from history and those who lived through it.

In Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert, Bob the Drag Queen takes that idea and runs with it, crafting a reality where historical figures miraculously return to life, confront the modern world, and force us to reexamine the past. It’s a bold, imaginative debut that turns a familiar hypothetical into a thought-provoking and wildly entertaining read.

No one can explain how or why it happened, but everyone agrees—it’s a miracle. Long-dead historical figures have inexplicably returned, alive and well, picking up where they left off while adapting to the modern world.

"It's been a very strange news cycle since The Return. Cleopatra is now an Instagram model, Rockefeller is having public battles of wealth display with Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, and everyone is waiting on pins and needles to see if Jesus will return. I'm not betting on it."

For Darnell, a once-successful record producer whose best days are behind him, the phenomenon takes an even stranger turn—one of these legendary figures not only knows who he is but wants to work with him.

When you think of Harriet Tubman, you likely picture the fearless abolitionist who risked her life to lead hundreds to freedom through the Underground Railroad. But now that she’s back, Harriet quickly realizes that while progress has been made, the fight for freedom and equality is far from over. The journey to the Promised Land must continue, and she’s determined to tell her story in a way that resonates with this new generation. The best way to do that? A hip-hop album.

If that sounds crazy, just ask Alexander Hamilton.

Harriet enlists Darnell to help her bring her vision to life—producing an album and a concert that could change the world. Along the way, he might just rediscover his own purpose, too.

Bob the Drag Queen is a comedian, reality TV star, drag performer—and now, he can add author to that list. Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert is one of the most imaginative, original, and provocative novels I’ve read this year. His distinctive voice leaps off the page, infusing this speculative historical fiction with sharp humor and insightful commentary.

Bob fully embraces the what-if of it all, crafting a fish-out-of-water scenario that places Harriet Tubman in the modern world, balancing levity with moments of deep reflection. While some passages lean a bit repetitive, his undeniable charisma and clear perspective keep the story moving, smoothing over any technical hiccups.

By bringing Tubman into the present, Bob draws a compelling parallel between the abolitionist movement of her time and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The struggle for equality is never-ending, but it’s one worth continuing. This novel serves as a powerful reminder that, no matter our race, gender, or sexual orientation, we all deserve to live fully, freely, and without fear. As Harriet herself puts it: “The biggest struggle in earning your freedom is feeling like you deserve it."

Witty and educational quick read that would be great for book clubs or classroom use.

Bob's natural gift for comedy is very present here -- I laughed out loud several times. And I got a better handle on several historical figures and movements! Feels like a fresh winner for all library shelves to me.

I devoured this book. It's creative, intimate, rich, and raw. These historical figures are used to reflect on modern issues around race and sexuality in a voice that made me feel like I was in the room listening with them.

It's important to note that I'm a white woman. Besides being beautifully written, the biggest benefit for white people picking up this book is the opportunity to just listen. It's a privilege to listen to Black people discuss racism because it is so visceral for them, but for those of us who don't have experience as victims of racism, it can spark questions and we might end up thinking or asking more than we listen. This book does not give us the opportunity, it does not leave room for our ignorance. White readers are forced to catch up and pay attention so we can really hear and be moved by these truths.

This book is powerful. I've always admired Bob the Drag Queen's intelligence, so it's no surprise to me that this book was so smart, so inspiring, and so entertaining. They are absolutely one of the smartest creators of our time.

Bob the Drag Queen’s debut novel reimagines Harriet Tubman with daring creativity, fusing sharp humor, rhythmic lyricism, and unflinching social commentary. The story follows Tubman, resurrected to collaborate with a disillusioned hip-hop producer, on a mission to craft a revolutionary album about her life. Their partnership crackles with wit, balancing irreverent banter and poignant reflections on trauma, resilience, and liberation. The narrative deftly layers historical truths, from the brutality of slavery to Tubman’s strategic genius, while drawing parallels to modern struggles for racial and LGBTQ+ equity.

Though the prose occasionally stumbles, particularly in pacing and overly abrupt scene shifts, the novel’s emotional core remains potent. Darnell’s personal arc—a journey from self-doubt to empowerment—echoes Tubman’s own defiance, creating a resonant dialogue across centuries. The integration of hip-hop as both metaphor and narrative engine injects vitality, though deeper exploration of the story’s supernatural premise could have enriched its scope.

A daring, genre-blurring experiment, Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert celebrates Tubman’s legacy with flair, challenging readers to confront history’s echoes. While imperfect, its originality and heart solidify Bob as a storyteller unafraid to disrupt expectations.

Harriet Tubman back from the dead? And not only that, but she's also a rapper?! It’s a premise that sounds absurd, yet Bob the Drag Queen makes it work with his trademark wit and charm.

The story is full of heart, tackling serious themes like racism and identity with sensitivity and humor. The characters are vividly drawn, especially the unlikely duo of Harriet and Darnell, a struggling music producer. Their collective journey is both moving and entertaining, and one that you'll never forget.

One of my favorite reads of the year for it's refreshing take on a revered historical figure.

Thank you Bob The Drag Queen, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!

As a big fan of Bob The Drag Queen, I was super excited and honored to get the opportunity to read and review this book. A solid debut novel from Bob, that takes a unique concept and brings it to life.

The story features Harriet Tubman, as well as some other historical figures (you’ll have to read it to find out whom), in the modern-day 21st century. Harriet is a rapper in modern-day times, who wants to tell her story through a hip-hop album. Harriet meets Darnell Williams, a once successful hip-hop producer, who faded in obscurity after being outed publicly as gay. Harriet and Darnell team up together to create this album that will tell their stories, and find a way to a better future.

Overall I enjoyed this book, and I hope that Bob continues to write more in the future. This was a historical lesson, but in a unique & beautiful way. Well done, Bob! 👏

As a concept this book is fascinating. But I struggled to connect with it. I just think I'm not the right audience. But I know there are lots of folks out there who will love this!

Wow oh wow oh wow oh wow!! I expected a light-hearted comedic book from Bob the Drag Queen, but what I got instead was a deep dive into Harriet Tubman - if she appeared today. This deeply insightful book takes a look at our personal journeys and what freedom means individually - while dropping bars in a hip hop recording studio. Highly impressive, Ms Thing.

I love Bob the Drag Queen but I wasn’t sure how this book was going to turn out. I’m glad I gave it a chance! Even though it’s historical fiction, I learn quite a bit about Harriet Tubman that I didn’t know. In real life, while I was reading the book, I randomly went of instagram and it happened to be Harriet’s birthday so there were posts about her life, ect. I saw some things that were mentioned in the book and was like, what? Bob didn’t make that part up? Haha And had to google to fact check. Everyone should read this book. You’ll learn history (and current culture) in a fun, memorable & relatable way.

I give this a 4.5 because it was never explained how the historical figures were able to come back.

Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for this ARC.

I wasn't familiar with Bob the Drag Queen when I requested this book—I requested it based solely on the premise. In this moment, spending time in a fictional universe where folks like Harriet Tubman come to the present to give a message and a rally cry for freedom is such a balm.

Some of the book reads a bit like a primer on abolition—our main character, Darnell, doesn't know who John Brown is, so his education is also the reader's—but it works in the context of the story. Bob the Drag Queen gives us a way to think about the past and how it applies to the current moment in a way that doesn't feel heavy handed. The whole book is a joy to read.

There is a lot going on in this slim novel, and the parts about Darnell, the publicly-outed hip hop producer who finds his way back to his passion and community after a 15 year hiatus, is heartfelt and well executed. I was along with him for the whole ride, and it was hard to say goodbye to him at the end of the book.

I'm excited for folks to read this one, and I'm grateful for the introduction to Bob the Drag Queen.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I thought Harriet and her band were wonderful and vibrant. The book’s narrator was thoughtful and introspective. However, I felt like this book should have been more. The novel is set in present day and notable historical figures have magically been rebirthed. Harriet Tubman has started telling her story to music played by her band of freed men and women from her time. The narrator is a disgraced rap producer, who has found it hard to come back to his career after being outed publicly by a famous rapper he worked with.

The book largely focuses on the studio album that Harriet Tubman and her band make. Because it was mostly set in the studio, the novel felt a little limited. I loved Harriet and her bandmates. They were such fascinating characters. I wanted to see the narrator and Harriet and her band in more settings. I also wanted to see a bigger transformation in the narrator. He was so mired in the past. Overall, this was an enjoyable and thoughtful novel.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

I love the concept of this book—historical figures inexplicably returning and Harriet Tubman deciding to drop a rap album? Genius. The included songs (which are also available for download) are a highlight, adding an extra layer of creativity and humor to the story.

Unfortunately, the execution doesn't live up to the premise. The writing feels unpolished, often reading like a grade-school history report that assumes the reader knows nothing about Tubman or her legacy. Originally conceived as a stage play, the story likely works much better in that format than as a book. While the idea is fresh and fun, the writing itself left me wanting more.

So sorry, I had to DNF this. I love Bob the Drag Queen and his work in television and entertainment, but this fell flat for me-- the writing style was simplistic and may have worked for performance, but not for the written page. The whole concept of this "world" felt like a poorly explained bit and I couldn't buy into it. I appreciate what Bob was trying to do, but the quality of writing, strange pacing, and tenuous character development felt like it was very much a "ride your fame coattails and write a book" vibe a la Amy Schneider of Jeopardy fame.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery books for the E-Arc

Wow, what a ride. I was not expecting this to be so full of heart and humor. This book was a history lesson not taught in American public schools, but also reminded us readers that it's our job to learn what we do not know. It was equal parts magical realism and historical fiction but read as being completely plausible in our current world.

BTDQ wove a story that engaged the readers from the start and put us in the seat of the protagonist. Even if the reader isn't battling coming out themselves, the message in the story and coming of age was relatable to anyone having to reconcile ourselves with the point of view of others.

This is such an important book.

A wild premise for sure- Harriet Tubman is among the many other historical figures returning from the dead to modern day, and she wants to tell her story through a rap album produced by our protagonist.

This book is a masterpiece that blends historical story telling of Tubman’s life and legacy, along with our protagonist’s own search for freedom in his queerness- all in about 100 pages. While the plot may be strange at first, I think it serves as a great vessel to show the fight for freedom continues to live on in each generation in new and different ways. Also, this story does an incredible job at showing the intersectionality of black queer history and I love any opportunity to learn more about William Dorsey Swann.

My only complaint about this book is that I wanted it to be longer, and I wanted more. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, specifically black queer history, and something that’s inspiring, funny at times, and devastating. I can’t wait to read everything Bob writes, and I’m excited for their future in fiction❤️

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

Love the idea, love Bob the Drag Queen, I think I love the message to the extent that I understand it, wanted to love this book.

2.5 stars

I know you're supposed to start these reviews with a summary, but part of this book is that it was simultaneously was oddly light on plot and didactic that I can't confidently explain what it was. The basic conceit is that Harriett Tubman and some other figures from her past are in the modern day, She is a musician and she is trying to get to a performance. The contemporary main character is a kind of bland seeming contemporary guy with a secret. Knowing the author and the lack of subtlety it's pretty clear it has something to do with his sexuality.

The best parts of this book are the moments where one of the historical characters combines their stories with some kind of humor related to their experience in one or the other of the time periods we're encountering. Unfortunately, much of the book is "tell, don't show" historical context or confusing asides that make it hard to hang on to the central thread.

I kept taking breaks while I was reading this book and hoping that I was just not in the right headspace for it, but ultimately I don't think it was quite for me. I'd love to read BTDQ's writing in partnership with another author where they provide the character and humor and the other writer gives structure, but this book didn't give me the structure that I needed to feel connected to it.

Thank you to Gallery Books for the ARC for an unbiased review.

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC REVIEW

It was an honor to read Bob the Drag Queen’s debut novel as an ARC! I enjoyed the story Bob told through Darnell, a Black, gay, music producer, and Harriet Tubman, who is perhaps the most inspiring woman in American history.

This book was full of funny quips and serious moments which have you laughing one second and crying the next. I loved learning about Harriet Tubman in a way we don’t in school, and I will say this book has already inspired me to learn and research more about her life.

The thought of all of these historical figures coming back to life in this wild and crazy 21st century is amusing. I would genuinely read a collection of novellas by Bob the Drag Queen featuring all different historical figures in this universe.

My only critiques are that I would have loved a little more backstory — perhaps a deeper dive into the universe (why are these people coming back?) and Darnell, also. He’s a compelling character that has the opportunity to be deeper and richer, and create more of an emotional connection to readers, with perhaps a little more backstory.

I adored Harriet’s depiction in this book. I thought she was portrayed so eloquently and true to character.

This debut novel has an intriguing premise, and it effectively allows first-time author, long-time diva Bob the Drag Queen to teach the children (me, I am the children) about crucial abolitionist history and figures in a really clever way. BRB, going down a rabbit hole to learn everything I can about William Dorsey Swann.

The personal voice is on point, by that's no surprise coming from Bob.
There were some sentences that felt repetitive to the one right before, providing the same information just worded differently, and in that sense I think it could have used a little more editing.
I found the writing a bit clunky at times, but then I'd get hit with a banger of a sentence, so there is strong authentic voice that maybe just needs honing.

I could see this being adapted for the stage, and I think it should be!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert is a wildly imaginative and deeply moving debut novel from Bob the Drag Queen. Blending magical realism, historical fiction, and contemporary music culture, the book introduces a premise as bold as its author: Harriet Tubman and a group of historical figures return to the modern world—not as ghosts, but as living, breathing people—ready to share their stories and, in Tubman’s case, record an album.

At the heart of the novel is Darnell Williams, a once-successful music producer who has been struggling both professionally and personally. When Harriet Tubman herself taps him to produce her album, he approaches the opportunity with a mix of awe, fear, and skepticism. As he works with Tubman’s band, each member shares their history in ways that feel like rediscovering a past we should already know but somehow forgot. Bob the Drag Queen weaves historical truths seamlessly into the narrative, including lesser-known facts like Tubman’s likely narcolepsy, making the novel feel as much like a history lesson as it does a work of fiction.

What makes this book stand out is its refusal to over-explain the supernatural elements. There’s no scientific or mystical reasoning behind why these figures are alive again—because that’s not the point. The real focus is how they navigate the modern world, how their stories still resonate, and how Darnell, as a Black gay man in the music industry, finds unexpected parallels between his own struggles and the past.

The novel is at times humorous, at times painful, and always compelling. If there’s one shortcoming, it’s that Darnell’s personal journey feels slightly underdeveloped by the end. However, the book’s exploration of religious trauma, identity, and legacy ensures his story remains meaningful.

Bold, thought-provoking, and deeply entertaining, Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, music, and stories that challenge the way we think about the past and present. It’s a novel that deserves to be talked about—whether in a book club, a history class, or over drinks with friends.