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laila4343's review against another edition
3.0
Read this if you're a fan of the show. I admire Brown's candor about his past mistakes, and towards the end I enjoyed the glimpse into the casting of Queer Eye. Good for him sticking to his guns about what his role on the show should be - I think his approach (addressing the "hero's" inner life and emotional state) is central to the show's success and appeal.
rachcannoli's review against another edition
4.0
I utterly adore Queer Eye and every one of the fab 5, each book gives you a little more insight into the man and what turned him into the person we see today, and this is no different. Karamo goes into his childhood struggles such as having a non-anglican name, father issues, and grappling with his love of the church and his own identity as gay man. Similar to JVN's book, he's also had a very turbulent relationship with drugs, addiction, and abuse and recounts how these trials have shaped him and how he's bettered himself. There's a lot of really dark stuff in here, it makes you see things differently, such as how terrible his time on the Real World Philadelphia was, how the media has portrayed him, or how he is shown quite sparingly in season one of QE. It also hurts my heart reading the parts that should be happy about his now ex-fiance, it obviously doesn't reflect poorly on the book, it was just sad to read.
I find it truly commendable the amount of hardship Karamo has faced and is still able to come out with such a beautiful, positive attitude. He's brutally honest throughout the entire book, even for the multiple moments that didn't portray him in the best light. I do kind of wish he weaved in the show and his life coach abilities a bit more throughout the book. Especially considering all he's done to shape the culture category of the show in the amazing way he has, I wanted even more about it. It's a quick read and his prose reads just as he speaks so I was definitely engaged. I would've read another 100 pages of him just waxing philosophically about how he's taken all of these hardships and twisted them into the person he's become today. Basically if you love Karamo you will certainly not be disappointed with this read at all and will glean a further understanding of this incredible person from this glimpse into his head.
I find it truly commendable the amount of hardship Karamo has faced and is still able to come out with such a beautiful, positive attitude. He's brutally honest throughout the entire book, even for the multiple moments that didn't portray him in the best light. I do kind of wish he weaved in the show and his life coach abilities a bit more throughout the book. Especially considering all he's done to shape the culture category of the show in the amazing way he has, I wanted even more about it. It's a quick read and his prose reads just as he speaks so I was definitely engaged. I would've read another 100 pages of him just waxing philosophically about how he's taken all of these hardships and twisted them into the person he's become today. Basically if you love Karamo you will certainly not be disappointed with this read at all and will glean a further understanding of this incredible person from this glimpse into his head.
darkpsychereads's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyable, heartfelt autobiography. Huge fan of the show Queer Eye and this was such a good and easy read.
As a student counsellor who's really battling inner demons, self-doubt, holding worries about existence in a capitalistic/restrictive / exploitative world. I really needed the advice and experience of a human in this field, and also just shares a lot of the values I do about authenticity, honesty, justice, understanding, harmony, and healing the world. Knowing Karamo is also a bit of an authentic and stubborn rebel helps dispel some of my people-pleasing anxieties of having to fit in. If there are cracks in the world and I see them and can do something about them- I feel more empowered to go with my heart and not just what's always been done. Turns out not everyone can see the emotional scars of the world and connect those dots like I can, so I can use my abilities more confidently. I found Karamo's stories really relatable and I couldn't put this down.
As a student counsellor who's really battling inner demons, self-doubt, holding worries about existence in a capitalistic/restrictive / exploitative world. I really needed the advice and experience of a human in this field, and also just shares a lot of the values I do about authenticity, honesty, justice, understanding, harmony, and healing the world. Knowing Karamo is also a bit of an authentic and stubborn rebel helps dispel some of my people-pleasing anxieties of having to fit in. If there are cracks in the world and I see them and can do something about them- I feel more empowered to go with my heart and not just what's always been done. Turns out not everyone can see the emotional scars of the world and connect those dots like I can, so I can use my abilities more confidently. I found Karamo's stories really relatable and I couldn't put this down.
jamesmata's review against another edition
3.0
This got better over time, though it was consistently mildly annoying in the standard celebrity memoir way. I found myself not liking him very much, while he was painting himself in a very flattering light, so… But, unique background and voice and I learned some things.
quinnithpaltrow's review against another edition
1.0
This book completely changed my opinion of Karamo. Prior to reading it and having only seen him on queer eye I thought he really understood the world and feelings. However every word in the book oozes with arrogance. He paints himself as a knight in shining armour and I just found myself thinking oh shut up. I also wouldn’t be impressed with my partner if they organised such a public proposal when I’d said I needed to do it in my own time. I think the message he’s trying to send is take ownership of your life but it just left me with a bad impression.
leannaaker's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
anhibbert's review against another edition
4.0
The writing is pretty rudimentary starting out, it seems the editor didn’t really do a whole lot, but once it gets going there’s a lot to say. Karamo’s story is a fascinating and inspiring one, and he has a lot to say that I’d recommend everyone to read this to find a new meaning to following their dreams, and opening up to life.
whatshawnareads's review against another edition
3.0
A bit more self help than memoir, but that’s on brand for Karamo. I just wanted the juicy parts.