What can I say? I’m a fan and John Waters lets us into his brain here, describing his favorite people and sometimes the things his favorite people created (art, literature, pornography, music). I’m very happy I chose the audio CD. Prior to hearing Waters present at one of his spoken word events, I read a few of his books and I watched a few of his movies. In 1973 or so, I was grossed out and turned off by Pink Flamingoes, but over time, well I couldn’t FORGET Pink Flamingoes. And that’s the point here: John Waters is interesting –in such a fundamentally idiosyncratic, perverse, intellectual, down-to-earth yet totally into his wealth and stuff– that he is unforgettable. I was reading other stuff before I listened to this and lent the CD to a friend who listens to books a lot. “How can you STAND him”, she asked? “He’s SO full of himself and he goes on and on about things I don’t want to hear about.” Well, yes. Yes, he does. And I am mesmerized! I’m even reading one of the authors who wrote in the early 20th century, Ida Compton-Burnett on the Internet Archive. She’s as hard to read as he promised as her novels are 99% dialogue and I personally find her entertaining as promised. I suspect others might not UNLESS they read Role Models and think about her the way Waters does. (HINT: Internet Archive is a treasure trove of all things past copyright! Give them $$$$) I’m looking up his favorite artists because he explains why they bring him joy and, while I’ve gone to many a contemporary/modern art installation, I’m not so sure I’ll get his taste. We’ll see. So, if you’re a fan of more than Hairspray and Serial Mom– or if you just like getting into other people’s weirdo minds — read this book.
Role Models (Audio Read by Author) – John Waters
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Published by Emily Leader
I have been an avid reader since Dick and Jane met Sally. At age 7, I read my parents' first edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird." I am a retired lawyer and so read almost only fiction for pleasure. I'm adding in nonfiction these days, largely on social justice matters but also history, biography, and weird topics that catch my imagination. I used to read only serially, one book at a time. Presently, I read paperbacks, hardcovers, listen to audible, listen to CDs and read online through Net Galley. Covid-19 has caused me to read a lot so I have re-upped my Goodreads challenge for 2021 and am starting to review at least my favorite finds annd, perhaps, some stinkers. View all posts by Emily Leader
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