Lettin It All Hang Out: An Autobiography

"Lettin It All Hang Out" is a lot like RuPaul; both are fascinating, colorful and incredibly lively! In her first book, Ru talks about how she became the world's most famous drag-queen. She is like Dolly or Charo. How can anyone not adore Ru? I've always loved RuPaul because she is not like a typical drag-queen. Anyone that's ever known a drag-queen (especially in NY) knows how temperamental and nasty they are prone to be. But, Ru is so kind-hearted and loveable. She once described herself as a "Disney character." And, I think that really is the best way to explain her because everyone loves her. RuPaul honestly details her rise to fame and stardom; living in NY's seedy East Village during the 70's and 80's. She also candidly writes about her tumultuous relationship with her family from the south and how she had to be who she had to be. The book includes lots of extra tidbits and odds and ends; perhaps, even some info that I would rather not know (there is a chapter about "tucking!") And, Ru includes lots and lots of pictures of herself during the years. As a man, or as a woman, Ru is beautiful on the inside and out!

I read this book for fun, and came away from it deeply, deeply moved. Having read Gender Shock, Transgender Warriors, Stone Butch Blues and been blown away by Boys Don't Cry, RuPaul was the next logical step in my exploration of this new frontier in gender study. This beautiful man knows more about love and tolerance than I could ever hope to know in a month of Sundays. The book IS fun -- it is also love, peace, healing...and hope. We should all be so lucky as to have someone like RuPaul in our lives. And no matter what he is or is not wearing, he is oh so easy on the eyes!

Thank you RuPaul for writing this book! What a treasure it is. I'm not sure how much non-fans, and hetero's will appreciate it, but for me it has been a lifeline! Anyone who has been through the wringer (and man does Ru have stories for you), is a drag queen, has a sense of humor (RuPaul is wickedly funny, tough never mean), or wants to learn more about Ru should pick up this book ASAP. Ru has been very brave in letting us into his mind, life and soul. There are many life lessons to be learned along the way and a whole mess of laughs too! What a suprise to find it published by Diney! This is also a great how-to-be-a-drag-queen book. Ru tells ALL her secrets and gives tips on releaseing the inner drag queen in us all. Finally he is revelaed to be a person of great strength, integrity, bravery and also very wise. I wish we all could be a bit more like "little Ru-Ru". Full of pictures, wit and wisdom this is a MUST buy!

Being a big fan of Ru, I treasured every moment when reading 'Letting It All Hang Out'. I did not want the book to end, but after I had finished reading it, I felt even more in awe of him. I was touched by his honesty about his life and I felt like I was really there living his life with him. It is so "real"

RuPaul takes us into her private home and shows us all the stuff she has gone through. This takes on the classic style of "from ashes to riches". Don't get me wrong, I couldn't put down the book when I started it. The book is well-written and very entertaining, with parts that make you think of your own bad times. This is a MUST-READ for all of those who have wondered about the tall blonde wonder. A good CD to go with this is one of the albums that RuPaul has produced