Calling all fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race! It’s Pride Month at CPL: the library is OPEN! Because reading is what? FUNDAMENTAL! While we are not here to throw shade, we are here to give you some amazing book recommendations. As many of you may know, the queens are multi-talented individuals, but some of them have added "published author" to their repertoire. Here are some of my favorites, just to name a few.
Starting with the basics, you should read And Don't F&%k It Up: An Oral History Of Rupaul's Drag Race (the First Ten Years) by Maria Elena Fernandez. This book covers the first ten years RuPaul’s Drag Race. Everything you need to know about how the franchise came to be, its most iconic moments and behind the scenes confessionals from the former contestants themselves.
However, the show wouldn’t exist without RuPaul. The iconic Queen of Drag shares the secrets of success with a dash of life advice in Guru. In this book, Ru opens up about how to be fiercely aware of oneself in mind, body and spirit. This book has it all!
If you’re looking for something both inspirational and educational, check out The Big Reveal by Sasha Velour. The season 9 winner highlights the history of drag, queer theory and drag as an art form. Within this book we also see how these things have shaped Sasha into an icon herself.
Two Drag Race favorites of mine would have to be Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova. There is something about their on-screen chemistry that never fails to make me laugh out loud. Check out Trixie & Katya's Guide to Modern Womanhood. Together they give expert advice on homemaking, beauty and relationships. I can’t say the advice is solid, but I can guarantee you’ll laugh. If you end up loving this book as much as I did, be sure to check up their follow up title Working Girls.
A queen best known for her quick wit would have to be season 6 winner Miss Bianca Del Rio. Check out her book Blame It on Bianca Del Rio. Known for her snarky sense of humor, in this book she answers questions and gives you her opinions on everything. For context, the New York Times once penned her the Joan Rivers of the Drag World.
Who are some of your favorite queens?
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