Book Rating: ★★★★✰ (4.5 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★★ (5 / 5 stars)
First, a winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK…now…an author! Lawrence Chaney has arrived with a bunch of tips, tricks, and jokes about becoming a Drag Race champion yourself. Filled with her quick wit humor and personal struggles, Lawrence’s story is inspiring…and should ignite the supermodel inside all of us.
I’ve read a handful of books by RPDR girls, such as Bianca Del Rio and Trixie & Katya, and quite frankly, Lawrence’s book has been my favorite so far. While the former books played entirely on humor, Lawrence’s book also serves as a memoir where we see his struggles, as well as how he has grown as a performer. It gives an insight into his time on Drag Race (and whether or not you thought they should have won is an entirely differently issue), and the self sabotage he faced along the way. No matter who you are, I think these are lessons that everyone can carry.
Of course, some elements of this book weren’t directed towards me, a cis woman. Some of Lawrence’s advice and stories really are for the aspiring LGBTQ+ Drag Artist. Still, it was fascinating to hear his thoughts and advice, since it gives a different perspective than the Lawrence we saw on television.
I keep say “hear” and “heard” in this review. I think it is important to note that I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Lawrence Chaney himself. I think having him narrate this book really helps bring it to life. I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much if I read it on my kindle or as a physical book.
That being said, I really did enjoy this book. I think it was a sincere insight into the life of a Scottish Drag Queen (who also won RPDR), and I can’t wait to see what Lawrence does next!
What’s it about?
Lawrence Chaney has wowed audiences across the globe as the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. From the tiny town of Helensburgh, near Glasgow, Lawrence has exploded on to the world stage, charming us with their charisma, humour and damn good looks. But as with any success story, it wasn’t all plain sailing.
In Lawrence (Drag) Queen of Scots, the loch ness legend themself takes us through the struggles faced to get to where they are now. From a little boy feeling self-conscious and turning to humour to avoid being bullied, to finding drag as a vehicle towards confidence and self-love. With their top tips on everything from padding and make-up to building your own drag community, you’ll have all you need to strut your way to the top, too.
You’ve seen the looks, the laughs, and my goodness you’ve seen a lot of tears, but now it’s time to grab a bottle of Irn-Bru and dive heard first into the purple haze that is the world of
E.S. Barrison 