Scan barcode
A review by olivialandryxo
Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing and Hope by Karamo Brown
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
I wasn’t planning on reading Karamo’s memoir, but after being pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed both Tan’s and Jonathan’s, I decided to give it a go. I listened to most of Karamo as an audiobook and read a few chapters as an ebook when I was unable to use my earbuds. I liked the audiobook; the author’s narration definitely helped boost my enjoyment.
I will say that I didn’t enjoy this as much as Tan’s or Jonathan’s books, but it was still good and I’m glad I picked it up. It’s a nonlinear timeline of his life, with each chapter focusing on a different event or theme and his emotions and experiences surrounding it. It’s about personal growth, owning up to your mistakes, healing and forgiving yourself. There are a lot of relevant discussions in this book, and I think almost anyone would be able to take something away from this, should they read it.
I especially enjoyed the engagement party scene, as it was really sweet. Karamo getting his kids involved was so wholesome. I also really liked the final chapter, as it talked about his audition to be on Queer Eye and meeting the other members of the Fab Five. I remember enjoying the Queer Eye chapters in Tan’s and Jonathan’s memoirs, so of course I liked Karamo’s version too. It was quite funny to me when he admitted to having a crush on one of the other four at first sight, although maybe that was just because of the way he narrated. And the way the Fab Five became instant friends and knew they’d keep in touch after the auditions, even if they didn’t get the roles? I love to see it. They really do have a great dynamic.
I got a bit off-topic there, but anyway. I don’t think I’ll reread Karamo or buy my own copy, but I definitely recommend it to fans of the Netflix show.
I will say that I didn’t enjoy this as much as Tan’s or Jonathan’s books, but it was still good and I’m glad I picked it up. It’s a nonlinear timeline of his life, with each chapter focusing on a different event or theme and his emotions and experiences surrounding it. It’s about personal growth, owning up to your mistakes, healing and forgiving yourself. There are a lot of relevant discussions in this book, and I think almost anyone would be able to take something away from this, should they read it.
I especially enjoyed the engagement party scene, as it was really sweet. Karamo getting his kids involved was so wholesome. I also really liked the final chapter, as it talked about his audition to be on Queer Eye and meeting the other members of the Fab Five. I remember enjoying the Queer Eye chapters in Tan’s and Jonathan’s memoirs, so of course I liked Karamo’s version too. It was quite funny to me when he admitted to having a crush on one of the other four at first sight, although maybe that was just because of the way he narrated. And the way the Fab Five became instant friends and knew they’d keep in touch after the auditions, even if they didn’t get the roles? I love to see it. They really do have a great dynamic.
I got a bit off-topic there, but anyway. I don’t think I’ll reread Karamo or buy my own copy, but I definitely recommend it to fans of the Netflix show.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Drugs mentioned include marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine.