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GuRu
FOREWORD BY JANE FONDA
A timeless collection of philosophies from renaissance performer and the world’s most famous shape-shifter RuPaul, whose sage outlook has created an unprecedented career for more than thirty-five years. GuRu is packed with more than 80 beautiful photographs that illustrate the concept of building the life you want from the outside in and the inside out.
"You’re born naked and the rest is drag."
As someone who has deconstructed life’s hilarious facade, RuPaul has broken "the fourth wall" to expand on the concept of mind, body, and spirit. This unique perspective has allowed RuPaul to break the shackles of self-imposed limitations, but reader beware, this is a daily practice that requires diligence and touchstones to keep you walking in the sunshine of the spirit. Once you’re willing to look beyond the identity that was given to you, a hidden world of possibilities will open its doors.
Throughout the history of humans on this planet, there’ve always been shaman, seers, and mediums who are able to interpret both high and low frequencies and remind humans to look beyond the surface for the truth of who we really are. And who we really are is an extension of the power that created the universe (aka: God in drag). FYI: most people are not willing to hear or accept that.
That is RuPaul’s secret for success, not only in show business, but in all aspects of life, especially in navigating the emotional landmines that inhibit most sweet, sensitive souls.
If you think this audiobook is just about "doing drag," you are sorely mistaken because for RuPaul, drag is merely a device to deactivate the identity-based ego and allow space for the unlimited.
All photos referenced in this audio recording can be found in the hardcover or ebook edition of GuRu, available wherever books are sold.
A timeless collection of philosophies from renaissance performer and the world’s most famous shape-shifter RuPaul, whose sage outlook has created an unprecedented career for more than thirty-five years. GuRu is packed with more than 80 beautiful photographs that illustrate the concept of building the life you want from the outside in and the inside out.
"You’re born naked and the rest is drag."
As someone who has deconstructed life’s hilarious facade, RuPaul has broken "the fourth wall" to expand on the concept of mind, body, and spirit. This unique perspective has allowed RuPaul to break the shackles of self-imposed limitations, but reader beware, this is a daily practice that requires diligence and touchstones to keep you walking in the sunshine of the spirit. Once you’re willing to look beyond the identity that was given to you, a hidden world of possibilities will open its doors.
Throughout the history of humans on this planet, there’ve always been shaman, seers, and mediums who are able to interpret both high and low frequencies and remind humans to look beyond the surface for the truth of who we really are. And who we really are is an extension of the power that created the universe (aka: God in drag). FYI: most people are not willing to hear or accept that.
That is RuPaul’s secret for success, not only in show business, but in all aspects of life, especially in navigating the emotional landmines that inhibit most sweet, sensitive souls.
If you think this audiobook is just about "doing drag," you are sorely mistaken because for RuPaul, drag is merely a device to deactivate the identity-based ego and allow space for the unlimited.
All photos referenced in this audio recording can be found in the hardcover or ebook edition of GuRu, available wherever books are sold.
Audiobook
First published October 23, 2018
282 people are currently reading
2970 people want to read
About the author
RuPaul
11 books822 followersRuPaul (born RuPaul Andre Charles) is an American drag performer, dance music singer, actor, and songwriter who gained fame in the 1990s; appearing in a wide variety of television programs, films, and musical albums. Though a catty attitude is often associated with drag queens, RuPaul intentionally displayed a "love one another" attitude to be set apart from them. Although primarily known for an extravagant drag queen persona, RuPaul has performed as a man in a number of roles, usually billed as RuPaul Charles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
June 15, 2021
I love Rupaul but was kind of disappointed by some of this. I guess I just didn't really agree with everything and actively disagreed with some things, such as 'Always wear high heels because flats are for quitters' ummmm no.
October 24, 2018
The audio book was adorable. Hearing Ru laugh and the emotion behind the stories was well worth the listen. They referenced the photos in the book, which I have ordered a copy of, and I can't wait to see them. I highly suggest getting both to get the full experience. The tales and advice given are great and worth hearing.
June 21, 2021
Fun, quick and colorful. Don’t expect anything deep philosophical, just enjoy the stunning outfits, while wishing for a museum near you to pick up on the idea of the briefly suggested retrospective on RuPaul’s fashion
Ultimately, the fight for success is a battle with yourself.
Most surprising quote: I am truly an introvert masquerading as an extrovert.
Ultimately, the fight for success is a battle with yourself.
Most surprising quote: I am truly an introvert masquerading as an extrovert.
December 25, 2018
Uplifting. Inspiring. FABULOUS. I am seriously considering using this as daily meditation/devotional focusing on self care and self worth.
October 27, 2019
I read a lot of books by straight white upper middle class American males about other straight white upper middle class American males. So I tried to branch out a little and with 5 minutes before I boarded a 7 hour flight home, I went through the google book store on my phone to see if I could find something a little different. GuRu by RuPaul was one of the first listed. I forked over my $11 to the almighty google machine with the hope that I get into an interesting life of someone a bit different than what I'm used to reading.
Perhaps I was naive to think that this would be a deep look into Mr. RuPaul himself, but regardless I was very disappointed. For starters, the book is, when you remove all the photos and bad formatting, maybe between 2,000-3,000 words. it's basically a long magazine article which goes about a paragraph deep into a dozen random topics. to put it bluntly, it felt like when high schoolers have to meet page length requirements so they pad the margins and increase the font size of the punctuation to reach an acceptable length. there's so little actual writing it's infuriating. As I imagine it, some editor asked him to write "the next big self help book" but he didn't have time so instead of postponing or canceling the project he handed over a few days of journal entries about advice and the book editor pulled this together somehow. It jumps from photos of himself to weirdly bold quotes to short paragraphs about topics that have nothing to do with one another (I suspect that reading on a phone formatted it poorly). There's a nugget of wisdom here and there but overall it's a weird stream of consciousness from RuPaul about how to live your life. It's like walking into a gift shop that only carries items with either drag queen photos or bad self help quotes from the last 10 years.
This isn't to say that there aren't moments of real human interest. I'm sure a fully fleshed out biography of him or extended interview would be interesting. There are some things in there that I would love to hear him expand on, including "As drag queens, it's our job to mock the hypocrisy, mediocrity, and absurdity of society", when he mentions how his notions of gender were formed, or about his ideas on how to educate young people. he has a lot of wisdom, but this book does not say it well. I have a lot of respect for RuPaul and everything he's done but he can do better than this.
Perhaps I was naive to think that this would be a deep look into Mr. RuPaul himself, but regardless I was very disappointed. For starters, the book is, when you remove all the photos and bad formatting, maybe between 2,000-3,000 words. it's basically a long magazine article which goes about a paragraph deep into a dozen random topics. to put it bluntly, it felt like when high schoolers have to meet page length requirements so they pad the margins and increase the font size of the punctuation to reach an acceptable length. there's so little actual writing it's infuriating. As I imagine it, some editor asked him to write "the next big self help book" but he didn't have time so instead of postponing or canceling the project he handed over a few days of journal entries about advice and the book editor pulled this together somehow. It jumps from photos of himself to weirdly bold quotes to short paragraphs about topics that have nothing to do with one another (I suspect that reading on a phone formatted it poorly). There's a nugget of wisdom here and there but overall it's a weird stream of consciousness from RuPaul about how to live your life. It's like walking into a gift shop that only carries items with either drag queen photos or bad self help quotes from the last 10 years.
This isn't to say that there aren't moments of real human interest. I'm sure a fully fleshed out biography of him or extended interview would be interesting. There are some things in there that I would love to hear him expand on, including "As drag queens, it's our job to mock the hypocrisy, mediocrity, and absurdity of society", when he mentions how his notions of gender were formed, or about his ideas on how to educate young people. he has a lot of wisdom, but this book does not say it well. I have a lot of respect for RuPaul and everything he's done but he can do better than this.
November 12, 2018
Now that's a cover, girl!
June 6, 2019
Was this book terribly designed? Yes. Was the content random and disjointed? Yes. Do I love Ru enough to listen to the audiobook and look through the physical book? Yes.
June 5, 2019
I mean this is just a compilation of Ru's tweets in fancy font paired with VERY glam photos of RuPaul in drag, which isn't to say that I didn't like it. Also, RuPaul 100% believes in The Secret and tbh it seems to have worked for him.
October 27, 2018
Instead of bibles being in every hotel room across the USA, can we just have inspirational quotes and glamorous pictures of RuPaul? With GuRu, we finally can.
Bitches better beware. Amen.
Bitches better beware. Amen.
May 10, 2019
RuPaul is very savvy in this book, which at first glimpse might appear a slim and rather incoherent ragtag mix of Oprah-style me-ness and ‘best of’ pics (there is a wonderfully candid head shot of Mama Ru towards the end, sans make-up). But as she says, so much of drag is about illusion and perception.
The gay discourse at the moment centres a lot on gender identity, with issues such as trans rights, and ‘new’ categories such as cis and non-binary. I write this review in the shadow of the IAAF’s decision that South Africa’s Caster Semenya is “welcome to enter men’s events,” inflaming the whole intersex debate. So there is a lot of difficult, emotive, and highly politically-charged stuff going on at the moment.
And there RuPaul goes and publishes a seemingly vapid book like GuRu that goes against the grain of all this current serious soul-searching about identity and gender. There is even a foreword by Jane Fonda, who mentions that her iconic Barbarella look inspired Mama Ru. Even mentioning ‘Barbarella’ must be like a depth charge in the prevailing discourse.
I think drag itself finds itself embattled, and probably a bit battered, at the moment. With all the talk about being gay not a choice but a genetic determinant, is the ‘choice’ of drag even relevant in this larger debate? Drag has always had a troubled relationship with transvestism anyway.
But here is where Mama Ru is so savvy with this book. At one point she says: “Drag for me has always been my superhero costume.” This echoes an earlier comment where she reflects that Clark Kent changing into Superman is the very essence of the power of drag.
What a clever move to locate the discussion about drag’s transformative power in the testosterone-fuelled realm of superheroes – where only recently have we had a woman break through the glass ceiling (Wonder Woman), and any broader representation of other cultures and races (Black Panther).
Mama Ru is careful to position herself in a longer lineage, or perhaps one should say overarching milieu, of drag as activism. “My first deliberately drag look was called ‘gender f%k’. I was part of the Atlanta bohemian/punk rock scene. We wore combat boots, torn dresses, and smeared lipstick. All while flipping the bird.” (We also learn that Mama Ru was a go-go dancer at the Pyramid Club in New York to make ends meet, as it were, which is an image I am still trying to get out of my head.)
I was jazzed to learn that Mama Ru is such a fan of punk rock and David Bowie, of course, which places her firmly in my generation. It is not for nothing that she comments: “There’s a reason I’ve been the top bitch in the game for more than twenty-five years.”
Giving some insight into what drives her as an entertainer with an agenda, Mama Ru says: “My drag is less about looking like a woman and more about saying F.U. to the cult of systematic masculinity I was bombarded with as a little boy.” And then later on: “As drag queens, it’s our job to mock the hypocrisy, mediocrity, and absurdity of society.”
I had to wrap my head around Mama Ru’s constant refrain in this book that drag is not about assuming an identity and gender different to your own, but freeing up yourself to the innate possibility of being different. This means giving up the primary role of the ego in our personalities. It is a possibility that many of us gay people are uncomfortable to contemplate, let alone embrace – especially ‘older’ gays from my generation, where assimilation and being ‘normal’ were critical simply to survive.
“I’ve been shunned by whites for being black, by blacks for being gay, and by gays for being fem,” Mama Ru tells us, neatly highlighting the ongoing problem of pigeonholing, and how corrosive such stereotypes tend to be. The fact that such stereotypes continue to be perpetuated by the very oppressed communities fighting for their freedom of expression and dignity is troublesome indeed.
Of course, it is a much larger societal issue, where gay activists continually point out that the ‘right to gay marriage’ represents nothing but propping up one of the defining pillars of heteronormativity and patriarchy. (If drag surely teaches us one thing at least, it is the power of the Trojan Horse, and how change can be brought about by embracing something to undermine it. Which is exactly what drag does about gender stereotypes.)
While there is a lot of food for thought in this generous book, what shines through ultimately is Mama Ru’s generosity of spirit and genuine love for the ‘tribe’ of otherness, her centredness as a spiritual being (who has had a lot of personal demons to wrestle with), and her sense of fun and delight in all that is quirky and pokes a big rainbow stick in the face of the establishment.
What I also loved is how candidly Mama Ru writes about growing older, and how looking after yourself when you are still young (and flexible) is like an insurance policy for when you grow older. “Everyone knows about the diminishments of growing older, but no one talks about the expanding strengths. Paired with intellect, your intuition grows increasingly stronger and more on point.”
In the immortal words of Mama Ru: “BITCHES BETTER BEWARE.”
The gay discourse at the moment centres a lot on gender identity, with issues such as trans rights, and ‘new’ categories such as cis and non-binary. I write this review in the shadow of the IAAF’s decision that South Africa’s Caster Semenya is “welcome to enter men’s events,” inflaming the whole intersex debate. So there is a lot of difficult, emotive, and highly politically-charged stuff going on at the moment.
And there RuPaul goes and publishes a seemingly vapid book like GuRu that goes against the grain of all this current serious soul-searching about identity and gender. There is even a foreword by Jane Fonda, who mentions that her iconic Barbarella look inspired Mama Ru. Even mentioning ‘Barbarella’ must be like a depth charge in the prevailing discourse.
I think drag itself finds itself embattled, and probably a bit battered, at the moment. With all the talk about being gay not a choice but a genetic determinant, is the ‘choice’ of drag even relevant in this larger debate? Drag has always had a troubled relationship with transvestism anyway.
But here is where Mama Ru is so savvy with this book. At one point she says: “Drag for me has always been my superhero costume.” This echoes an earlier comment where she reflects that Clark Kent changing into Superman is the very essence of the power of drag.
What a clever move to locate the discussion about drag’s transformative power in the testosterone-fuelled realm of superheroes – where only recently have we had a woman break through the glass ceiling (Wonder Woman), and any broader representation of other cultures and races (Black Panther).
Mama Ru is careful to position herself in a longer lineage, or perhaps one should say overarching milieu, of drag as activism. “My first deliberately drag look was called ‘gender f%k’. I was part of the Atlanta bohemian/punk rock scene. We wore combat boots, torn dresses, and smeared lipstick. All while flipping the bird.” (We also learn that Mama Ru was a go-go dancer at the Pyramid Club in New York to make ends meet, as it were, which is an image I am still trying to get out of my head.)
I was jazzed to learn that Mama Ru is such a fan of punk rock and David Bowie, of course, which places her firmly in my generation. It is not for nothing that she comments: “There’s a reason I’ve been the top bitch in the game for more than twenty-five years.”
Giving some insight into what drives her as an entertainer with an agenda, Mama Ru says: “My drag is less about looking like a woman and more about saying F.U. to the cult of systematic masculinity I was bombarded with as a little boy.” And then later on: “As drag queens, it’s our job to mock the hypocrisy, mediocrity, and absurdity of society.”
I had to wrap my head around Mama Ru’s constant refrain in this book that drag is not about assuming an identity and gender different to your own, but freeing up yourself to the innate possibility of being different. This means giving up the primary role of the ego in our personalities. It is a possibility that many of us gay people are uncomfortable to contemplate, let alone embrace – especially ‘older’ gays from my generation, where assimilation and being ‘normal’ were critical simply to survive.
“I’ve been shunned by whites for being black, by blacks for being gay, and by gays for being fem,” Mama Ru tells us, neatly highlighting the ongoing problem of pigeonholing, and how corrosive such stereotypes tend to be. The fact that such stereotypes continue to be perpetuated by the very oppressed communities fighting for their freedom of expression and dignity is troublesome indeed.
Of course, it is a much larger societal issue, where gay activists continually point out that the ‘right to gay marriage’ represents nothing but propping up one of the defining pillars of heteronormativity and patriarchy. (If drag surely teaches us one thing at least, it is the power of the Trojan Horse, and how change can be brought about by embracing something to undermine it. Which is exactly what drag does about gender stereotypes.)
While there is a lot of food for thought in this generous book, what shines through ultimately is Mama Ru’s generosity of spirit and genuine love for the ‘tribe’ of otherness, her centredness as a spiritual being (who has had a lot of personal demons to wrestle with), and her sense of fun and delight in all that is quirky and pokes a big rainbow stick in the face of the establishment.
What I also loved is how candidly Mama Ru writes about growing older, and how looking after yourself when you are still young (and flexible) is like an insurance policy for when you grow older. “Everyone knows about the diminishments of growing older, but no one talks about the expanding strengths. Paired with intellect, your intuition grows increasingly stronger and more on point.”
In the immortal words of Mama Ru: “BITCHES BETTER BEWARE.”
January 3, 2019
Wanted to give this more, but a lot of it annoyed me. Would’ve bought it anyway because I want everything with Ru’s name on it.
Read
June 1, 2021Les photos de Ru Paul sont magnifiques.
Il y a très peu de texte, donc mon anglais a survécu 😅
C’est tout doux comme conseil, très peu basé sur la vie et les expériences de Ru Paul.
Ça se lit très facilement et c’est agréable.
Il y a très peu de texte, donc mon anglais a survécu 😅
C’est tout doux comme conseil, très peu basé sur la vie et les expériences de Ru Paul.
Ça se lit très facilement et c’est agréable.
December 21, 2018
Such a beautiful, positive space this book creates. You can’t help but smile at the very end. Thank you, Mama Ru!
May 23, 2021
My youngest is completely mad about Drag Race. We have watched the last two seasons and now she wants us to work our way through all of them!
I love that RuPaul feels so genuinely caring and honest. The advice runs from trite to hilarious. The images are amazing. RuPaul is a goddess.
This was one of my mother's day gifts and is signed by the author.
I love that RuPaul feels so genuinely caring and honest. The advice runs from trite to hilarious. The images are amazing. RuPaul is a goddess.
This was one of my mother's day gifts and is signed by the author.
November 24, 2018
Fabulous.
February 21, 2019
The aptly named “Guru” speaks to my soul. Ru Paul’s fashion and guidance are sublime. His advise is profound in its simplicity and his world view beautiful.
April 4, 2019
Not quite as enlightning as i hoped but still fabulous and gorgeous pics of Mama Ru
May 13, 2021
My expectations were low, but clearly not low enough.
Lovely if you want a book full of pretty pictures next to random paragraphs.
Lovely if you want a book full of pretty pictures next to random paragraphs.
December 31, 2024
went into this book with no expectations and never even watching drag race and immediately fell in love with rupaul. this is written beautifully and truly felt like a self care book and a conversation with a friend / therapist in one.
July 17, 2019
Es un 2.5 realmente.
Mi molestia no es tanto con el contenido sino con la estafa del audiolibro. POR NADA DEL MUNDO (repito, POR NADA DEL MUNDO) lo vayan a comprar.
Mi molestia no es tanto con el contenido sino con la estafa del audiolibro. POR NADA DEL MUNDO (repito, POR NADA DEL MUNDO) lo vayan a comprar.
February 21, 2019
This gorgeous little eyelash extension of a book took me just 40 minutes to get through – consider it a quick and easy win for the Good Reads challenge if nothing else! Sure, if you are a lover of music and pop culture, you could dive into Johnny Cash's autobiography ("Cash: The Autobiography") but it's 322 pages. Ain't nobody got time for that!
About half the pages are photos of RuPaul (which you may or may not have already seen) or gigantic pullquotes of various tRUisms that will lift your spirits, and your skirt: These include:
"MAY THE FIERCE BE WITH YOU"
- and -
"Painting the house won’t fix a shaky foundation."
But it's not just style, there's substance here too. I have done drag just once in my life and learned that, for me, it was destined to be neither a hobby nor a career. Ru's advice on, say, how to create the perfect "smokey eye" were not all that applicable to me.
However, as someone who has taught a lot in my life, and may again at some point (who knows?) I was inspired by passages like this one:
"I feel at my core that I am a teacher. I am here to be a conduit. I know how to make magic. I have the ability to help people cross over to their greatness and realize their potential."
Also, as someone who, like Ru, is an amazing dancer, I totally agree with this sentiment:
"I’m so disappointed in these modern times that there aren’t enough places to dance. I’d rather boogie than try to fit in. If other people can’t get with the boogie, I have no time for them."
Who doesn't just love a writer and reality show host with that sort of confidence and pep? Can I get an amen up in here?
About half the pages are photos of RuPaul (which you may or may not have already seen) or gigantic pullquotes of various tRUisms that will lift your spirits, and your skirt: These include:
"MAY THE FIERCE BE WITH YOU"
- and -
"Painting the house won’t fix a shaky foundation."
But it's not just style, there's substance here too. I have done drag just once in my life and learned that, for me, it was destined to be neither a hobby nor a career. Ru's advice on, say, how to create the perfect "smokey eye" were not all that applicable to me.
However, as someone who has taught a lot in my life, and may again at some point (who knows?) I was inspired by passages like this one:
"I feel at my core that I am a teacher. I am here to be a conduit. I know how to make magic. I have the ability to help people cross over to their greatness and realize their potential."
Also, as someone who, like Ru, is an amazing dancer, I totally agree with this sentiment:
"I’m so disappointed in these modern times that there aren’t enough places to dance. I’d rather boogie than try to fit in. If other people can’t get with the boogie, I have no time for them."
Who doesn't just love a writer and reality show host with that sort of confidence and pep? Can I get an amen up in here?
January 10, 2019
“You’re born naked and the rest is drag,” is a saying RuPaul has made more than once and in thus beautifully pictured guide, he shares himself and his journey with readers with a fierceness that only RuPaul can deliver.
One of the things I enjoyed most were the quotes. I list my favorites here:
- Happiness is wanting what you already have.
- Know who you are and deliver it all times.
- Consciousness is so sexy.
- Quick reminder: Instead of constantly pointing out what’s missing celebrate what is.
- Your fear of looking stupid is holding you back.
- Arriving early is not against the law.
- The phrase “Please refrain from” should be replaced with, “Bitch, Please!”.
- Catching a cold is your body’s way of saying “Bitch, you need to sit yo’ ass down.”
- Folks gon’ talk sh*t about you anyway, so you might as well just go ahead and do your thang.
- You are the heir to the laws of the world you identify with.
- Always wear high heels because flats are for quitters.
- Keep an open heart
- Quick reminder: Don’t dumb yourself down. Own your greatness.
- Willingly release the hurt. Don’t let heartache define you.
- A weak handshake coupled with no eye contact says the person is not present, not engaged, and not trustworthy.
- Some people are so poor, all they have is money.
One of the things I enjoyed most were the quotes. I list my favorites here:
- Happiness is wanting what you already have.
- Know who you are and deliver it all times.
- Consciousness is so sexy.
- Quick reminder: Instead of constantly pointing out what’s missing celebrate what is.
- Your fear of looking stupid is holding you back.
- Arriving early is not against the law.
- The phrase “Please refrain from” should be replaced with, “Bitch, Please!”.
- Catching a cold is your body’s way of saying “Bitch, you need to sit yo’ ass down.”
- Folks gon’ talk sh*t about you anyway, so you might as well just go ahead and do your thang.
- You are the heir to the laws of the world you identify with.
- Always wear high heels because flats are for quitters.
- Keep an open heart
- Quick reminder: Don’t dumb yourself down. Own your greatness.
- Willingly release the hurt. Don’t let heartache define you.
- A weak handshake coupled with no eye contact says the person is not present, not engaged, and not trustworthy.
- Some people are so poor, all they have is money.
March 6, 2019
Giving this a three-star because, like the rating says when you hover over it, I liked the book. It was a lot of generic Ru-isms, but the photos were really nice, and a good chunk of them weren't pics I'd seen before. Not quite as good as Willam's book, but better than Bianca Del Rio's book. I think one of the sterotypical straight cis white girls who're "obsessed" with drag would probably love this, but as a queer person who's followed Ru and been immersed in drag for a coulpe of years now, nothing was really new in this book for me. If you listen to RuPaul's podcast (like I do), then you've probably heard him say all the things in this book before. But, if you're in it for the art, it might be worth it!
November 9, 2023
There just aren’t enough words in the English language to express my love and adoration of Ru Paul. If it wasn’t for them then I’d probably never have gotten into drag queens and realized that I myself am queer and I’ll always be grateful for that. This was so perfect to listen to on audio, it was practically made for the format. Especially with Mama Ru themselves narrating! I really couldn’t have enjoyed listening to this more, definitely highly recommend this one if you want a funny and uplifting read.
November 25, 2018
I don’t like self-help books. Most of what I see could have been taken care of in a small pamphlet. However. When I can combine Glamazon photos of the Queen Mama herself with thoughts about taking care of yourself, I’m in. Perhaps I’ll pick a page a day and see how I can incorporate the ideals. Regardless, I’ve got fabulous images of just how to wear a lace front.
January 5, 2019
Some solid advice, and thoughtful reflections from one of my favorite humans. RuPaul, you are a national treasure.
January 15, 2019
Cute little book of quotes, quick read. Three and a half stars.
September 26, 2020
“I hear the voice of my darkness, and I say thanks for sharing, lover, but I’m going to do the opposite of what you’re saying.”
November 3, 2021
listening to this as an audiobook felt like a sinister fever dream
February 24, 2020
3.3 out of 5
NOTE: I have chosen to use the pronoun he/him/his for RuPaul. It is known that RuPaul is indifferent to gender-specific pronouns so I choose this only for the sake of this review. Ru has been quoted as saying, “You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me Regis and Kathie Lee; I don't care! Just as long as you call me."
Quick Review
- A charming collection of thoughts, quotes, and advice on life from the one and only RuPaul, told from his unique perspective.
- This is a quick and fun read, you can easily read this book in an hour or less.
- The book is just one chapter which is basically one very long monologue.
- While the book is short and a very fast read, in the end it does have a lot of substance. It left me feeling uplifted and ready to tackle life.
- If you are a fan of RuPaul I would recommend this book.
If I had to describe this book in two words: quotable and uplifting.
**MILD SPOILERS :) **
In Depth Review
eBook Review
- The eBook version is 208 pages which seems like it may be a novel sized book. This is not that - the pages are filled with large, full color images and there is actually not a lot of text.
- Guru has a gorgeous cover with RuPaul in a red gown striking an arresting pose, in full drag of course.
- The best part of this book are the endless full color photographs of RuPaul in various drag looks. Absolutely and endlessly beautiful.
- The eBook was easy to navigate and is a fast read.
- The fonts are colored with different colors for significant thoughts and ideas, which is fun. Since this is an eBook you can change the actual font to one of your choosing.
- There is only one chapter in this book, GuRu, and a few other normal book sections, such as the introduction and acknowledgments, etc.
- The last section in the book Become Your Own Guru is a list of “musts” in film, books, and albums. Recommendations range from Funny Face, Death Becomes Her, The Exorcist, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, and Blondie to Bowie.
NOTE: I read an eBook version of this book which I read in companion with the audiobook, both that I checked out at my local library.
Audiobook Review
- Narrated by RuPaul himself.
- Ru has an American accent and reads as himself.
- The pace of this audiobook is read painfully slowly. However, this made it really easy to speed up much faster while still sounding really good.
- Overall I found the audiobook version delightful and would highly recommend it (it’s just not complete without the images however).
- 01:15:44 in length.
Favorite Quotes
“To all you sweet, sensitive souls out there in the world—
look for the light in the world, in people, in places,
in art and music. Light will lift you up.”
“We will explore the path of the seeker. The one who dares to feel more, to experience more, and to fearlessly love more. Together, we will uncover ancient sacred “realness” that is tried, tested, and found true.”
“You are an extension of the consciousness that guides the universe, for which there is no name because it cannot be defined. That’s why all the superficial things you list as your identity are in reality your “drag.”
“Clear out the blockage that keeps you playing small, keeps you listening to the negative stories in your head, keeps you in the darkness, and move forward into the light. You have the power to move on if you’re willing to let go of the limited perception you have of yourself.”
“People are looking to fill that void with some outside source, but that empty feeling can only be filled from within.”
“The biggest obstacles I’ve ever faced were my own self-imposed limitations.”
“You’re actually stronger than you allow yourself to be.”
“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”
Musical Suggestions
I enjoyed this book while listening to the playlist "Stormy Sundays chillhop" on Spotify by Damon Broussard.
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NOTE: I have chosen to use the pronoun he/him/his for RuPaul. It is known that RuPaul is indifferent to gender-specific pronouns so I choose this only for the sake of this review. Ru has been quoted as saying, “You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me Regis and Kathie Lee; I don't care! Just as long as you call me."
Quick Review
- A charming collection of thoughts, quotes, and advice on life from the one and only RuPaul, told from his unique perspective.
- This is a quick and fun read, you can easily read this book in an hour or less.
- The book is just one chapter which is basically one very long monologue.
- While the book is short and a very fast read, in the end it does have a lot of substance. It left me feeling uplifted and ready to tackle life.
- If you are a fan of RuPaul I would recommend this book.
If I had to describe this book in two words: quotable and uplifting.
**MILD SPOILERS :) **
In Depth Review
eBook Review
- The eBook version is 208 pages which seems like it may be a novel sized book. This is not that - the pages are filled with large, full color images and there is actually not a lot of text.
- Guru has a gorgeous cover with RuPaul in a red gown striking an arresting pose, in full drag of course.
- The best part of this book are the endless full color photographs of RuPaul in various drag looks. Absolutely and endlessly beautiful.
- The eBook was easy to navigate and is a fast read.
- The fonts are colored with different colors for significant thoughts and ideas, which is fun. Since this is an eBook you can change the actual font to one of your choosing.
- There is only one chapter in this book, GuRu, and a few other normal book sections, such as the introduction and acknowledgments, etc.
- The last section in the book Become Your Own Guru is a list of “musts” in film, books, and albums. Recommendations range from Funny Face, Death Becomes Her, The Exorcist, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, and Blondie to Bowie.
NOTE: I read an eBook version of this book which I read in companion with the audiobook, both that I checked out at my local library.
Audiobook Review
- Narrated by RuPaul himself.
- Ru has an American accent and reads as himself.
- The pace of this audiobook is read painfully slowly. However, this made it really easy to speed up much faster while still sounding really good.
- Overall I found the audiobook version delightful and would highly recommend it (it’s just not complete without the images however).
- 01:15:44 in length.
Favorite Quotes
“To all you sweet, sensitive souls out there in the world—
look for the light in the world, in people, in places,
in art and music. Light will lift you up.”
“We will explore the path of the seeker. The one who dares to feel more, to experience more, and to fearlessly love more. Together, we will uncover ancient sacred “realness” that is tried, tested, and found true.”
“You are an extension of the consciousness that guides the universe, for which there is no name because it cannot be defined. That’s why all the superficial things you list as your identity are in reality your “drag.”
“Clear out the blockage that keeps you playing small, keeps you listening to the negative stories in your head, keeps you in the darkness, and move forward into the light. You have the power to move on if you’re willing to let go of the limited perception you have of yourself.”
“People are looking to fill that void with some outside source, but that empty feeling can only be filled from within.”
“The biggest obstacles I’ve ever faced were my own self-imposed limitations.”
“You’re actually stronger than you allow yourself to be.”
“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”
Musical Suggestions
I enjoyed this book while listening to the playlist "Stormy Sundays chillhop" on Spotify by Damon Broussard.
- - -
View all my reviews
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