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Workin' It!: RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style
Workin’ It!, the new book from world-renowned recording artist, television host, and drag queen RuPaul, provides helpful and provocative tips on fashion, beauty, style, and confidence for girls and boys, both straight and gay—and everyone in between! No one knows more about life, self-expression, and style than the host of the hit LOGO series "RuPaul’s Drag Race," and Workin’ It! picks up right where the show leaves off. More than just a style guide, Workin’ It! is a navigation system through the bumpy road of life. Let RuPaul teach you the tried, tested, and found-true techniques that will propel you from background player to shining star!
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2010
280 people are currently reading
2311 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 280 reviews
February 24, 2010
favorite part is when she talks about getting a high colonic
March 13, 2011
I'm a huge Rupaul fan, always have been, but this book was pretty disappointing. Though he offers quite a bit of wisdom and words of advice on how to love oneself and to be true with yourself, this book was pretty scattered and disorganized in its format and execution. He comes from talking about confidence, loving yourself, and achieving your goals, to then talking about himself, then about what drag-queens-in-the-making should do to mold their image, then more and more about himself again. About a good 85% of this book is pure filler, with too much information on Rupaul's working schedule, makeup, and hair. There was never any transition, this book was basically going with the flow. The only thing I did really love about this book was the pictures, which showcases just how absolutely STUNNING the amazing Rupaul is in and outside of drag. Overall, this was a fun, quick read, but nothing special.
November 11, 2012
I've been a fan of RuPaul's work, style and attitude for a long time, so this book was a natural "must-have" for me. Too bad it was such a disappointment.
Aside from the lack of content -- the book is half comprised of photo spreads of RuPaul which, while beautifully done, leave an already small book downright emaciated -- the book suffers from a lack of identity and purpose. What there is to read comes across more as musings from a journal or rough draft than a finished book.
Ru, a shining beacon of optimism and kindness, actually manages to come across as sort of unlikeable and out-of-touch in this book. What little advice there was came across either as unapproachable if you don't share his spiritual beliefs or as impractical for someone who doesn't live the very specific lifestyle Ru does (i.e. someone with a 9-5 job or on a tight budget).
For example, his advice includes hiring an expensive tailor (because "good ones are expensive") to fit your clothes and style you, to change your nail polish to match your outfit every day, and because he hasn't done his own hair in 20 years his advice for wig styling is to hire someone else to do it.
Anyone looking for actual advice on style and attitude should look elsewhere. If you want some glossy promotional shots of Ru (mostly taken from Drag Race seasons 1 and 2) this might satisfy you.
Aside from the lack of content -- the book is half comprised of photo spreads of RuPaul which, while beautifully done, leave an already small book downright emaciated -- the book suffers from a lack of identity and purpose. What there is to read comes across more as musings from a journal or rough draft than a finished book.
Ru, a shining beacon of optimism and kindness, actually manages to come across as sort of unlikeable and out-of-touch in this book. What little advice there was came across either as unapproachable if you don't share his spiritual beliefs or as impractical for someone who doesn't live the very specific lifestyle Ru does (i.e. someone with a 9-5 job or on a tight budget).
For example, his advice includes hiring an expensive tailor (because "good ones are expensive") to fit your clothes and style you, to change your nail polish to match your outfit every day, and because he hasn't done his own hair in 20 years his advice for wig styling is to hire someone else to do it.
Anyone looking for actual advice on style and attitude should look elsewhere. If you want some glossy promotional shots of Ru (mostly taken from Drag Race seasons 1 and 2) this might satisfy you.
February 5, 2021
I love RuPaul but this must of taken 20 minutes to put together. The most beautifully written bit was about what its like to get a colonic. Take the money and RUN Ru!
December 7, 2015
This book is so strange. I don't know if reading the kindle edition contributes to that, but it felt like very disjointed notes the Ru had down as ideas for a book. I'm a huge Ru fan and really enjoyed his first book, this one was just "meh". Listen to his podcast, what's the t?, for real charming insights. This book really needed a better editor.
January 8, 2015
I used to flip through this at my friend Stacey's apartment and I finally sat down and read it all the way through. Like... obviously I love RuPaul. Obviously. I love his positive attitude and ~realness~ in and out of drag, and my favorite parts of this book revolved around that. (Sometimes it gets borderline The Secret-esque, which I hate, but... whatever.) There were also a ton of gorgeous photos of Ru in drag. I also enjoyed reading, in DETAIL, about all the work Ru puts into her drag. For someone who wanted to start doing drag, this might be a good how-to manual. For a fan, it's a cool behind the scenes look.
Also there is a lot of advice in here that I read and was immediately like, "I am NOT doing that." Get up at 4:30am to work out? I am NOT doing that. Invest in cashmere sweaters as part of your basic travel wardrobe? I am NOT doing that. Never eat in public? Never eat after the sun goes down? I am NOT doing that. And that's why RuPaul is RuPaul and I am me.
~You're born naked and the rest is drag~
Also there is a lot of advice in here that I read and was immediately like, "I am NOT doing that." Get up at 4:30am to work out? I am NOT doing that. Invest in cashmere sweaters as part of your basic travel wardrobe? I am NOT doing that. Never eat in public? Never eat after the sun goes down? I am NOT doing that. And that's why RuPaul is RuPaul and I am me.
~You're born naked and the rest is drag~
December 16, 2017
Me gustó, pero no fue lo que yo esperaba.Creí que era algo biográfico, pero no.
RuPaul definitivamente es uno de mis role models en la vida. Gracias por existir.
Si están involucrados o tienen que ver en algo con la moda, o son Drag queens, definitivamente, esta es la mejor guía que pueden tener.
Las frases de Mama Ru (como ya lo sabemos), son lo mejor del mundo y aplican a la vida de cualquier persona.
RuPaul definitivamente es uno de mis role models en la vida. Gracias por existir.
Si están involucrados o tienen que ver en algo con la moda, o son Drag queens, definitivamente, esta es la mejor guía que pueden tener.
Las frases de Mama Ru (como ya lo sabemos), son lo mejor del mundo y aplican a la vida de cualquier persona.
April 2, 2012
I read it for the pictures ;)
February 20, 2022
I've been watching a lot of RuPaul's Drag Race lately, and he's always plugging this book on the show, so I read it. When I ordered it from the library, I wasn't really sure what it was about or who it was for. And I can't really say now that I have read it that I have any real clarity on either of those questions. What I can say about it is this:
It begins with RuPaul's philosophy of life. And although that might sound kind of cheesy--I would be totally lying if I said that it didn't stimulate a rousing conversation with my awesome office mate today. And, I totally agree with what RuPaul has to say about the universe, spirituality, and whatnot. I've read hindu sages, buddhist monks, and the Supermodel of the World, and they all say the same thing and they're all awesome.
There are chapters where Ru gives basic fashion advice--and in these chapters, he addresses "civilian" men and women. There are also chapters where Ru explains the process of transforming from civilian to drag queen/Supermodel of the World. It was an interesting description for sure.
There's also a pretty in depth description of Ru's first colonic--which, honestly, made me kind of want to get one.
Overall, it was an enjoyable 90 minutes of reading with tons of great pictures.
It begins with RuPaul's philosophy of life. And although that might sound kind of cheesy--I would be totally lying if I said that it didn't stimulate a rousing conversation with my awesome office mate today. And, I totally agree with what RuPaul has to say about the universe, spirituality, and whatnot. I've read hindu sages, buddhist monks, and the Supermodel of the World, and they all say the same thing and they're all awesome.
There are chapters where Ru gives basic fashion advice--and in these chapters, he addresses "civilian" men and women. There are also chapters where Ru explains the process of transforming from civilian to drag queen/Supermodel of the World. It was an interesting description for sure.
There's also a pretty in depth description of Ru's first colonic--which, honestly, made me kind of want to get one.
Overall, it was an enjoyable 90 minutes of reading with tons of great pictures.
September 23, 2018
From a technical point of view, the book is disjointed, confusing and veers from Ru having a colonic to how to apply a lace-front wig to a list of women she deems to have great style within the first 15 minutes. It's peculiar. The layout of the book is baffling, with sections of font aligned at random across each page. Quotes are placed at the top of some pages, making them look like subtitles, even though they aren't supposed to be.
As for what RuPaul actually has to say... some things I liked. That's why it gets 2 stars. RuPaul has a lot of insight and he shares some valuable life lessons.
However, he also talks a lot of shit. According to this book, one should adopt an irreverent 'I don't care!' approach to fashion, whilst simultaneously matching your belt, handbag and shoes. Additionally, women should have a very specific 34-26-34 body, because that is what 'turns men on to the extreme'. RuPaul is aiming this advice at women, not drag queens. It's convenient of Ru to combine his misogyny, body-shaming and patriarchal views all in one little paragraph - at least one knows where he stands.
More than the questionable views on gender, though; more than the dodgy design of the book... RuPaul says he enjoys dry burnt toast for breakfast. No butter. What a monster.
As for what RuPaul actually has to say... some things I liked. That's why it gets 2 stars. RuPaul has a lot of insight and he shares some valuable life lessons.
However, he also talks a lot of shit. According to this book, one should adopt an irreverent 'I don't care!' approach to fashion, whilst simultaneously matching your belt, handbag and shoes. Additionally, women should have a very specific 34-26-34 body, because that is what 'turns men on to the extreme'. RuPaul is aiming this advice at women, not drag queens. It's convenient of Ru to combine his misogyny, body-shaming and patriarchal views all in one little paragraph - at least one knows where he stands.
More than the questionable views on gender, though; more than the dodgy design of the book... RuPaul says he enjoys dry burnt toast for breakfast. No butter. What a monster.
August 13, 2012
Very inspirational and gave me my basics for developing my own style! I have written down many of his quotes that I will return to for inspiration. RuPaul definitely has done his spiritual work, his research on make-up, proportions, communication, and himself and it inspires me to do my own work on standing out and being my unique self.
"You're born naked, the rest is drag"
"You're born naked, the rest is drag"
June 30, 2013
I don't know that I necessarily needed a whole chapter on wigs, but I found this very inspiring.
July 25, 2020
3 stars, rounding up to 3.5 because of the quotes below.
This was a lot of fun, with some fabulous photos of the author.
Like Cotton Candy, this blog-type book is bright and colorful and melts in your mouth-not much nutritional value.
Who should read this: Drag Queens and fans of RuPaul's Drag Race. Also, this is a great gift for the Homophile in your life. Belongs on the shelf next to Queer Eye for The Straight Guy Tip Book.
There is some interesting stuff on how to look your best--if you are 6 ft 4 inches tall and have perfect features and prominent zygomatic arches.
There are a lot of smoke and mirrors that go into looking good on camera--even IF you are already good-looking.
What blew my mind: the temporary face-lift. How the wigs stay on. Why women with wide-set large eyes, a high forehead, and heart-shaped face are considered more attractive.
How make-up and a wig transforms one person into a very different one.
My favorite quotes:
"I was a sweet, odd-looking kid with a face full of freckles."
"Being an outsider forced me to study human behavior."
"The truth is you are a spiritual being having a human experience. The human part of the experience is temporary, like a T-shirt and jeans.
Your spiritual being is NOT temporary. It is eternal, like the sun and the moon."
"Whatever you put on after you get out of the shower is your drag.
Be it a three-piece shuit or a Chanel dress, a McDonald's uniform or hospital scrubs.
The truth of who you really are is not defined by your clothes."
"Drag queens are essentially making fun of the roles people are playing."
"Very litte is off-limits, but draw the line at being unkind."
"Do whatever you want just so long as YOU DON'T HURT ANYONE
else in the process."
"Dealing with stress, disappointments, and the myriad other problems that plague modern life can be daunting, but not impossible if approached from a foundation of self-love. That foundation is firmly rooted in the knowledge of who you really are. And who you really are is a spiritual being having a human experience. This isn't something you have to learn--this is something you have to remember. Because deep down, you already know it."
"You cannot thrive in toxic relationships."
"When the envy and negativity of others start to undermine your confidence, you have to find comfort in other places."
"I realized how much I used smoking cigarettes to block my feelings and put up a wall around me. Today, I want to feel my feelings. I want to be here for the experience. I've learned how to process the feeling of being frustrated, which used to be a trigger for me to light up."
"Today I define success by the fluidity with which I transcend emotional land mines and choose joy and gratitude instead."
This was a lot of fun, with some fabulous photos of the author.
Like Cotton Candy, this blog-type book is bright and colorful and melts in your mouth-not much nutritional value.
Who should read this: Drag Queens and fans of RuPaul's Drag Race. Also, this is a great gift for the Homophile in your life. Belongs on the shelf next to Queer Eye for The Straight Guy Tip Book.
There is some interesting stuff on how to look your best--if you are 6 ft 4 inches tall and have perfect features and prominent zygomatic arches.
There are a lot of smoke and mirrors that go into looking good on camera--even IF you are already good-looking.
What blew my mind: the temporary face-lift. How the wigs stay on. Why women with wide-set large eyes, a high forehead, and heart-shaped face are considered more attractive.
How make-up and a wig transforms one person into a very different one.
My favorite quotes:
"I was a sweet, odd-looking kid with a face full of freckles."
"Being an outsider forced me to study human behavior."
"The truth is you are a spiritual being having a human experience. The human part of the experience is temporary, like a T-shirt and jeans.
Your spiritual being is NOT temporary. It is eternal, like the sun and the moon."
"Whatever you put on after you get out of the shower is your drag.
Be it a three-piece shuit or a Chanel dress, a McDonald's uniform or hospital scrubs.
The truth of who you really are is not defined by your clothes."
"Drag queens are essentially making fun of the roles people are playing."
"Very litte is off-limits, but draw the line at being unkind."
"Do whatever you want just so long as YOU DON'T HURT ANYONE
else in the process."
"Dealing with stress, disappointments, and the myriad other problems that plague modern life can be daunting, but not impossible if approached from a foundation of self-love. That foundation is firmly rooted in the knowledge of who you really are. And who you really are is a spiritual being having a human experience. This isn't something you have to learn--this is something you have to remember. Because deep down, you already know it."
"You cannot thrive in toxic relationships."
"When the envy and negativity of others start to undermine your confidence, you have to find comfort in other places."
"I realized how much I used smoking cigarettes to block my feelings and put up a wall around me. Today, I want to feel my feelings. I want to be here for the experience. I've learned how to process the feeling of being frustrated, which used to be a trigger for me to light up."
"Today I define success by the fluidity with which I transcend emotional land mines and choose joy and gratitude instead."
February 14, 2022
In this short book filled with photos, RuPaul Charles gives advice on how to be your best self, no matter who you are. There is advice here specifically for drag queens, but anyone can read this book and feel good about themselves. I can’t really be objective because I have been a big fan of RuPaul for the past dozen years of so. RuPaul’s Drag Race & Untucked are two of the four shows I never miss. It must be her creativity, uniqueness, nerve and talent! Whether dressed to kill or in a suit, I consider Ru to be one of the kindest, most beautiful people ever to grace our planet. Although she and I could not be more different, I admire her for the respect and acceptance she shows everyone. Someone who spends their life being a kind and thoughtful person and loving themselves and others is important and it’s obvious from this book that that’s what Ru does. AND she watches Judge Judy! Judge Judy & Late Night With Stephen Colbert are the only other TV shows I watch faithfully. Other than those, I'd rather be reading.
October 29, 2019
confesso que achei que esse livro seria mais autobiográfico do que ele realmente é. o livro acabou sendo um uma auto ajuda que te incentiva a correr atrás dos seus sonhos além de falar sobre moda e dar dicas pra quem quer se montar
é legal, mas, definitivamente, não é pra qualquer um. acredito que só vá gostar desse livro quem já conhece a mama Ru ou o programa. recomendo só pra quem já acompanha, pros outros, indico q fujam
é legal, mas, definitivamente, não é pra qualquer um. acredito que só vá gostar desse livro quem já conhece a mama Ru ou o programa. recomendo só pra quem já acompanha, pros outros, indico q fujam
September 19, 2018
3.5 stars. The beginning and the end of this "style guide" highlight RuPaul's very pronounced spiritual side, which is what drew me in. It's clear he is a follower of Eckhart Tolle, which has also influenced his philosophy on drag and performance. Chapters on wigs, high colonics, and finding your personal style were entertaining (and insightful!), although I would have liked to read more about his personal story/history.
February 18, 2019
What I liked most about this book was the fact that its written by RuPaul and that it contains a lot of pictures. Literary there is nothing special about this book, but RuPaul is such an icon its worth a read anyways. I sort of wish he’d write a book that was a bit more personal, and that he’d elaborate on some of his statementes.
Why should one never be seen eating in DRAG!? Why!?
Why should one never be seen eating in DRAG!? Why!?
January 4, 2023
this is fine; just not for me. 2-2.5
i would recommend this to middle-aged women, who watch drag race
also, i just read dick van dykes memoir yesterday and now finishing this, i think Ru and him would get along really well. they're on a similar "frequency" ig
but i would lie if i said that this doesn't make me want to get a colonic. i need to feel like that
i would recommend this to middle-aged women, who watch drag race
also, i just read dick van dykes memoir yesterday and now finishing this, i think Ru and him would get along really well. they're on a similar "frequency" ig
but i would lie if i said that this doesn't make me want to get a colonic. i need to feel like that
August 4, 2017
I adore Ru, but this just fell so flat for me. She goes from the dgaf-attitude re: materialism and not caring what other people think to you need so-and-so designer brand. There are some inspiring words and thoughts, as well as some really weak platitudes. Oh-no-she-betta-didn't :(
Later in the reading, I found myself receiving queen advice, which was unexpected and read as B or C magazine fashion tips - probably decent recs, but that writing and flow. I much prefer her (and him) in verbal format across interviews and RPDR, where the articulation, intelligence, and intuition come through.
Later in the reading, I found myself receiving queen advice, which was unexpected and read as B or C magazine fashion tips - probably decent recs, but that writing and flow. I much prefer her (and him) in verbal format across interviews and RPDR, where the articulation, intelligence, and intuition come through.
June 8, 2019
I need a miniature Rupaul to keep in my purse and carry around with me. Whenever I’m feeling down about life in general, I can just take him out of my purse and place him on my desk and feel good about things. This book is great too.
January 25, 2020
Was a pretty good book, but there was nothing really new and exciting about this book...very much like the others. But the message is always what’s important and this message is love! Love yourself, love your peers, love your world, love love love.
May 9, 2021
Wait why was this kinda good?! Like as advice books go I’ve read a lot worse 😂 it was scattered and chaotic and there was a little too much info about a colonic but I mean there are worse ways to spend two hours than reading this
(Read for an upcoming YouTube video I have not completely lost the plot I promise)
(Read for an upcoming YouTube video I have not completely lost the plot I promise)
January 7, 2025
i finished this within two sittings. a very fun, quick read, but i fear that i didn't glean much from it. it had some good nuggets of advice, but mostly it was just interesting to get into rupaul's head for a little bit.
May 18, 2018
The perfect book from mother to help you feel inspired.
August 22, 2020
Very cute, I love his message / style. I liked the photos (but wish they depicted different periods of his life, but maybe those are in his autobiography, which I would like to read sometime).
December 30, 2017
RuPaul is great. This was a fantastic mix of fashion tips and life advice. Loved it.
May 21, 2019
good life advice. wasnt very interested in the fashion ones as im not a drag queen lol
October 25, 2024
“ I don’t differentiate drag from dressing up or dressing down. Whatever you put on after you get out of the shower is your drag. Be it a three-piece suit or a Chanel suit, a McDonald’s uniform or a police uniform. The truth of who you really are is not defined by your clothes.”
November 9, 2023
Kind of a snoozer, not a book for anyone/everyone.
December 6, 2019
The more I learn about Ru and his philosophy on life, the more I find it resonates with me and what I believe in. He values emotional growth and actively honoring your inner energy. He calls it his frequency, it’s whatever way one wants to describe the inner guide and voice that makes them uniquely them. I’m realizing more and more that we aren’t taught to listen to that voice. Because that wouldn’t make countries and governments run if people didn’t live in fear. Ultimately it’s the fear of not being enough that drives people to take action. I think he’s done a great job of breaking this down in his book, in addition to timeless fashion and hygiene tips that anyone can integrate into their routines, regardless of gender identity. So yeah, this book was well worth the purchase. I can see myself pulling it out for reference in the years to come, especially if my 28th year is as turbulent as Ru predicts:)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews