James St. JamesRecensioni

Hilarious, over-the-top, dripping with spangle and glitter Billy Bloom is a high school drag queen who decides to run for homecoming queen amidst his other homophobic, hyperconservative classmates. Thoroughly enjoyed this!

I've been fascinated by the 90's New York Club Kid scene: how can so many 20-somethings live with such reckless abandon? How do they even afford to live in NYC and party all the time and go to school? It's a world that I can't relate to, but reading James St. James' book definitely threw me in to the depths of it all. James' writing swirls and flourishes...I loved every minute. I later came to find out that he was still on drugs (speed or perhaps Special K) at the time of writing the book, but it worked for this story. I can't say that I walked away feeling sorry for Michael Alig, but it definitely led me to think more deeply about shared experiences and how living on the fringe can be both horrifying and fabulous.

[review written 2011]

I finished Freak Show by James St. James today and it was a rather intriguing book. It was funny, sometimes sad, but a really enjoyable book nonetheless. The writing style irritated me a little, but for the most point it really fit Billy, and it was in first-person so it made sense. It was funny how Billy was so dramatic.

Having faced teasing that turned into a brutal attack, Christianity expressed as persecution, and the loss of his only real friend when he could no longer keep his crush under wraps, seventeen-year-old Billy Bloom, a drag queen, decides the only way to become fabulous again is to run for Homecoming Queen at his elite, private school near Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

... so, I just remembered this book existed, and I just realised I probably read it when I was way, way too young. Oops.

This reads like a fiction novel. I can almost guarantee that it will be unlike any other crime memoir you've ever read in your life.

I loved reading it at the time. I'm honestly not sure how I would feel about it now, but at the time, I was trying to figure out who I was and I was absolutely starved for any LGBTIQA fiction. So, reading this was sort of like a lifeline for me, and this book could've been the worst book ever written and it would still hold a special place in my heart because of the themes.

... but! James St. James is actually a really good and consistent writer. Do I condone anything he did in the book? Not at all. I do not condone drug use or any of his outlandish behaviour that he calls partying, but man this guy can write.

I still remember his monologue about taking Ketamine and reciting Hamlet after all these years of reading it.

So if you like William S. Burroughs, if you like Irvine Welsh, if you like Herbert Selby Jr, you might really enjoy this book.

This is Andy Warhol on speed, this is a hangover, a celebration of life and sexuality and taking ownership of a very, very chequered past. Despite this book's many, many flaws I can't help but still feel some sort of vague connection to it.

Take care when you read it, it's an absolute trip.

(tw: oh, god, all the things. Underaged sex, possibly nonconsensual sex, excessive drug use, gore? I can't remember all of them, I'm so sorry!)

The GAYEST novel in the GLBT YA genre I've ever read! Over-the-top, exuberant, wa-a-ay-out-there. But sad and optimistic, too. Oh, and the author has appeared on America's Next Top Model. Fabulous!!!!!!!

Billy is a gay drag queen attending a conservative prep school and living with his dad in Florida after being kicked out of his mother’s house in Connecticut (when she caught him wearing her Ungaro dress). Billy is beyond over the top for his classmates. His biology teacher looks the other way when he is teased and abused by classmates. The abuse culminates in a brutal beating in class that lands Billy in the hospital. Miraculously, popular jock Flip Kelly stops the beating and later regularly visits Billy in the hospital and at his house. When a spontaneous, intimate moment between Billy and Flip ends badly, Billy decides to reemerge as a new, stronger person: Superfreak. He campaigns for homecoming queen on the platform that everyone is a freak in his or her own way. Not the book for everyone but the just the right book for someone!

Billy Bloom is a gay teenager who has recently moved to Florida. It’s bad enough being the new kid at school when you are a senior, but being an emerging drag queen at an ultra-rich, ultra-conservative school is even more challenging. Billy tries to make friends but the teasing, taunting and bullying he has to endure get out of hand quickly. Deciding that he has to be himself and speak up (and out loud) for all those other “shadow kids” trying to get along by not being noticed, Billy makes a momentous decision – he’s going to run for Homecoming Queen!

There is a nugget of a great story here. Billy’s situation is shared by many teens, who struggle with being themselves and also fitting in (or at least not being bullied, harassed, beaten up). His efforts are sometimes hilariously funny, sometimes incredibly touching, and sometimes so very inappropriate that they took me completely aback. I found myself alternately cheering for Billy and cringing at his antics. He was so over-the-top and the other students such caricatures that the important message here was somewhat lost in the glitter and drama.

The writing is, frankly, not very good. I nearly gave up after just a couple of pages because I am way past the teenage years and not very interested in wallowing in teen angst and self-absorption. But it’s a very fast read, and I flew through it. The young adult audience will probably enjoy it more.

Freak Show by James St. James is about a gay teenager with a unique fashion sense, being relocated from a liberal eastern seaboard school to a hyper-conservative prep-school in Florida.

Billy Bloom, the protagonist, narrates in a first person, stream of consciousness that's similar to many a tween or YA book featuring a young woman looking for first love and greater freedom from her over protective or overly weird parents.

Bill though, being (or trying to be) as out and proud as as he is, where he is, runs the threat of personal harm that usually doesn't appear in the female heterosexual YA books (even though that danger does exist in real life). Of the ones I've read, Behaving Like Adults by Anna Maxted, albeit an adult book, comes closet to being an equivalent.

That said, I found the tone somewhat jarring. It never really settled on either being a comedy or a drama. Nor did it balance the two swings of the pendulum to be a dramady.

I get what St. James is doing here, and it's a very cool idea. The problem is with me as a reader--I prefer my narrators to be more serious-minded. Some very interesting things happen in this book, but the problem is that I just couldn't deal with the narrator's point of view on them. I like the sort-of "burst of thought" technique for the narration, and the attempt to create a different type of LGBTQ narrator is a valid one. I personally just didn't connect with the narrator at all.

I liked the story but I think I had to work too hard for it.
The main character is sympathetic and believably over-the-top. The writing is spotty- it does a great job of conveying Billy's personality and motivation but somehow meanders and leaves gaps. Billy spends a fair amount of time in tight places (literally) and that particular behaviour is never explicated to my satisfaction- yeah, I get it as a symbol, but it's as awkward as an adolescent drag q....oh, right. Nevermind.

Fabulous. That is what Billy is. After moving to an ultra-conservative school, Billy shamelessly changes nothing about his drag queen appearance. Rather, the longer he stays in the school, the more he is tormented and tortured, the more Billy desires to become more fabulous. Billy experiences love interests, makes friends with a secret society, and even runs for homecoming queen. Although he never truly fits in with the crowd at his new school, Billy stays true to himself, never compromises, and never loses faith that he will be accepted. This novel is truly inspiring, and encourages readers to find their own identities, and begs the question, “How far would you go to be accepted for who you are?” As this novel deals with the weighty issues of adolescence, readers can find comfort in this humor-filled novel that remains as fabulous as Billy.

My favorite book of 2007 is Freak Show. It's like nothing I've read before. Billy Bloom is gay, but it’s mostly theoretical, as he hasn’t had much experience. When he has to move to Florida, he can’t believe his bad luck. His new school is a mix of Bible Belles, Aberzombies, and Football Heroes, none of whom are exactly his type. Billy’s efforts to fit in and stand out at the same time are both hilarious and heartrending. He is flamboyant..out there. Readers are in for a wild ride as Billy’s story of bravado, pain, and unexpected love is revealed. Funny and heartbreaking at the same time.½

I no longer review "norm" books but this one straddled the line between norm true crime and truly odd true crime. So I won't review it, but because it was such a fantastic book, I'll share some of the best quotes. St. James really does have a fascinating capacity to be glibly deep and deeply glib.

"There is no mystery to death. No complicated pattern, nothing difficult. They are no special. It could happen again. Anytime. Anywhere. Of course. A slight miscalculation, a simple mistake - it didn't take a special kind of person. Death was easy. A piece of pie. That is the true horror."

"If somebody asks you for a quote about your mortal enemy, simply drip with sincerity as you gush: "I worship him." And leave it at that. IF YOU ARE CORNERED AND YOU HAVE TO TELL THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH IS, WELL, SLIGHTLY BITCH, put a positive spin on it, then quickly follow it up by giving three reasons why you're even worse. FOR EXAMPLE: "Sure, Michael is a monster - but look at that flawless eyeliner. How many monsters do you know that can wield liquid liner LIKE THAT? Besides, I have anal fissures. And I just love Captain Lou Albano. Oh, do I have bad breath? Here, smell..." Works like a charm."

"But it's those seemingly normal exteriors (the beehive hairdo, the pennyroyal house dress, the stubble beneath the pancake...) that hide TRULY DERANGED minds. Watch out for the average - they're usual hiding something big."

"Suddenly Jenny did what Jenny was sometimes prone to do in those days: she ran out of the house, in a blind panic, into the cold autumn night without a jacket. She was just lost in the sauce, poor dear. Of course, it broke the monotony and everybody ran after her to give her the attention she was demanding. She might end up at the Russian Tea Room or she might end up in a crack den, who knew? Jenny's freak-outs were periodic, intense, and always anybody's guess.

These incidents were important, in that they showed her and us that the drugs were secondary, that we were a family first and foremost, and we would be there for each other, always.

She wasn't really craving butter beans that night in the trash can. She needed to know that we cared enough to drop the torch and find her a can opener...stop the madness and look for her shoes,,,thank her for her money and her support...

Give her a big kiss."

"But before the curtain falls, let me leave you with one question - ponder it as the events unfold, then riddle me this:

If one day, Mother Teresa was out weed whacking and accidentally chopped odd Hitler's head - WOULD THAT NECESSARILY BE SUCH A BAD THING?

I mean...if a person commits a crime and no one cares - can we all just adjust our lip liner?

Look, I'm just being honest here. I think that the whole point of my story is that nobody ever implicated Dorothy in the double witch homicides of Oz because, well... you know... She's Judy Garland, for God's sakes, and Louis B. Mayer forced her into a life of drugs at such a young age, poor thing..."

"I needed my K. My lightly toasted animal tranquilizer. My own personalized Prozac, if you will. (I'd have tried the actual stuff, but Prozac is SO, like, '91.) Oh, I needed that K badly, no doubt about it.

And nothing could be right until I got it. And God help the poor roommate or friend who didn't move heaven and earth on my behalf. I made Nancy Reagan seem positively CUDDLY in comparison.

"SOMEBODY FIND SOME GODDAMN K FOR ME! I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE TO SUCK IT OUT OF A SICK CAT'S ASS AND PUT IT THROUGH A DISTILLERY! Just... do it"

"Funny, that no matter where you are in the world, there's always someone eager to help you destroy yourself."

"But you failed.

You had so much inside of you and yet you threw it away. You hadn't finished changing the world, yet. You should be plotting corporate takeovers, making million-dollar deals, directing feature films, starting your own religion - not sitting in some overcrowded prison cell!

And if YOU failed, how on earth are the rest if us supposed to succeed?

What are we all supposed to do now?"

Pretty much a wish-fulfillment fable, and ridiculously heavy on the stereotyping, but fun nonetheless. I just wish it had tried to be either fabulous frippery or social commentary; it tries to be both, which doesn't quite work. On the other hand, I don't know of any other YA books about teenage drag queens, so I'm glad this is out there. Though I really hope someone else tackles transgender issues in a more realistic way for this audience, and SOON.

James St. James is GENIUS. This story is smart, witty and shockingly TRUE. There was a time when the club kids were essential to the New York party scene, and people actually read Michael Musto's column in THE VILLAGE VOICE. They are hardly relevant anymore, but that doesn't mean you can't relive all their glory. Step into this world of Impromptu parties, DRUGS, fame, money, jealousy, and murder! It's a quick read and incredibly entertaining.

A book about a boy's journey to self-discovery through personal and social ridicule. Trying to fit in, the main character knows the importance of remaining himself and certainly does with individualistic and innovative vigor.
This book can be helpful in the teaching of tolerance of others, especially homosexuality. Can also guide students to think that being themselves is the most important and rewarding things at the end of the day.

I loved this. Once I saw a YA novel by James-freaking-St. James proudly on display at the library, I knew I had to grab it. Hysterically, laugh out loud funny -- totally worth a soak in the tub and box full of chocolates read.

I love this book. It's s o funny and s o sad. I was devastated when the protagonists finally had to face reality. Their blissful youth was over.
And so is mine, I suppose.
My favourite quote is this one: "Marie Antoinette? Who's that? A new Club Kid?"

Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com

Billy Bloom has been forced to move to Florida for his senior year of High School. His mom, a little on the bi-polar side, couldn't take his flamboyant attitude toward life anymore. Billy is a self-proclaimed "Gender Obscurist," a fabulously creative drag queen and a character that is resilient, lovable, and stronger than anyone ever would have imagined, including himself.

After enduring unspeakable torture and bullying from his shell-shocked classmates, Billy ends up in the hospital and has a month-long recuperation period. During this time, Billy develops a deep friendship with Flip Kelly, the star and golden boy of the high school.

Flip, the one who saved Billy from the angry mob of students and whisked him to the hospital. Flip, who is feeling the pressure to be the best from his family and the entire school. Flip, the guy Billy falls head-over-heels in love with.

Billy relates his experiences at Eisenhower Academy with brutal honesty and laugh-out-loud humor. His decision to run for Homecoming Queen proves to be a true test of his character, strength, and resolve. Billy's message of tolerance and acceptance is important for everyone to hear. After all, "Gender is a choice, not a life sentence."

No matter your gender persuasion, FREAK SHOW by James St. James is a delightful story of bravery, trust, love, and friendship. So put on your tiara and platform shoes and settle in for a FABULOUS ride.

Freakin' good.

Billy Bloom is a fabulous drag queen of a teenager who finds himself out of luck when his mother sends him off to live with his rich father in the rural Florida swamps for his last year of high school. Surrounded by a family who doesn't accept him, students who are horrified by him or praying on his behalf, and constant physical threats, Billy decides to take it upon himself to shake up his private institution and make progress for the GLBTQ community.

The bright pink cover with the cross-dressing boy doll really grabs your attention. This book is definitely meant for the older teen sector; there is a fairly graphic part describing a group attack on Billy that leaves him nearly dead, as well as a fair amount of blue language scattered throughout. Billy himself is 100% over the top (swap queen and Carrie themed outfits, a homecoming float that is literally a 13 foot high purple platform shoe), but as someone who had a Billy of her own as a close friend through the high school years I find his voice to be very authentic of a serious teen queen. The book is able to explore the raw nature of bigotry but still be upbeat. Billy is a drag queen and the focus of the book is on how this community comes to terms with it, but the focus is not as much on gay relationships or sexuality. It's just one eccentric boy's coming of age story.

Yet another quick YA read, but this one was excellent. James' writing style is quite unique and takes some getting used to, and I'm not sure I ever did get used to it. But don't let that put you off the book. Freak Show is a brilliant near stream-of-consciousness book about, simply put, what it means to be different. Obviously, it's more than just that. It's a brilliant examination of the horrors of high school, specifically one a young, cross dressing gay boy. He's truly adorable, someone I'd probably like to be friends with. While much of the book seems to be quite unrealistic, focusing on that aspect would completely miss the point. What matters is the interactions, the way Billy feels, beneath all the glamor he embraces. Freak Show is more than just a coming of age story, it's a story to all of us who were picked on in high school and what it means when we fight back (even if we never had the courage to).½

Billy Bloom, teen drag queen, has just moved in with his father in Florida to attend the ultra-white, ultra-rich, ultra-conservative Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy. Unfortunately, Billy’s new classmates are not as accepting of his fashion and exuberant attitude as his previous school in Darien, Connecticut. However, he is sure that his swarthy pirate outfit for the first day of school will win them all over.Billy’s unfailingly positive outlook on his new situation is heartbreaking to say the least. When Billy gets a crush on the school quarterback, it becomes positively tragic. When it finally becomes obvious to Billy that he will never be accepted by those in control of Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy, after some very serious beatings that land him in the hospital, Billy decides on the perfect revenge, and beings his campaign to be elected Prom Queen. Billy, encourages other “freaks” to come out of the woodwork and take what is rightfully theirs from the undeservingly popular.

Great book. Laugh out loud funny.

Billy Bloom is a self-declared glitteroid queen and gender obscurist. Too fabulous to declare himself a general drag queen, Billy knows who he is and isn't afraid to share it with the world. Unfortunately for him, the world does not share his "equality for all" views. Billy has moved from Connecticut to Florida, where he is welcomed into his new school by being beaten into a coma.

However, out of this comes a beautiful, complicated and fascinating friendship with the star jock and all-around BMOC Flip. Their friendship goes through ups and downs and will resonate will many teens.

Billy's narration, at points charming, whimsical, snarky and hilarious, is always entertaining and well-rounded. I really felt for Billy as a human being and all the suffering he has to go through just to be who he is. An eye-opening read.