Welcome back to #FDL! Today, we’re going to do a little bit of readers advisory, which is librarian speak for helping you find books that you would like to read based on your interests.
A couple of weeks ago, season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race started up and fans are so excited! This season is a little bit different for one big reason – RuPaul’s Emmy win last year for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program has increased visibility for both him and the show. The March 24th premiere netted over 1 million viewers and featured guest judge Lady Gaga. As any fan can tell you, Drag Race is no small potatoes, kitty gurl. With that in mind, I give you four books and one movie (in no particular order) that will appeal to both long term fans and those new to the glory of the one and only Glamazon.
Drag Teen by Jeffrey Self. JT is obsessed with drag and desperate to get out of his small town after high school and go to college, but money is tight. But then he discovers a drag competition tor teens. If he wins, he can afford college. But he’s never done drag before. And the competition is 1,000 miles away. Road trip?
A Queer and Pleasant Danger by Kate Bornstein. This is Bornstein’s story of growing up a nice Jewish boy and transitioning to a woman as an adult – with some Scientology along the way. In this book, Bornstein gives all T, all shade, and maybe even some pink lemonade.
The Diva Rules by Michelle Visage. Drag Race fans know Visage as RuPaul’s best squirrelfriend and the second most intimidating judge on Drag Race after Mama Ru herself. In this book, she talks about her life and how she became as amazingly fabulous as she is today.
Workin’ It! by RuPaul. It would be remiss of me not to include this life and style guide by the world’s most iconic queen herself. Ru has written this book that covers more than just beauty and style – it also discusses self-confidence and determination, and helps readers find their own inner store of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.
Paris is Burning. This documentary is a must for fans of Drag Race, new and old. RuPaul references the film many, many times throughout any given season, especially in his infamous reading mini-challenge. This film offers up a brief history of drag ball culture in New York City and also many aha! moments for anyone who wonders where Ru got many of her catch phrases.
Carey Gibbons
About #FDL
Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.