Freak Show (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 9 Up—Teenage drag queen Billy Bloom explodes onto the conservative scene at Eisenhower Academy, where he finds love and a band of blond sadists. St. James tells the oldest story in the book, the one where an outcast seeks the homecoming crown, only this time a queen wants to be Queen. Billy's bold, bawdy narration makes Freak Show not only cohesive but also immensely entertaining. Readers will relish his conversational voice, naughty humor, celebrity put-downs, unabashed exuberance, and ALL CAPS expletives. Beneath the sequins, feathers, and foundation, Billy nurses an ardent desire for acceptance. Teens will quickly identify with his worries and needs, even as he dons lip gloss and a beehive wig. Billy shirks labels (he calls himself a "Gender Obscurist"), and this book also refuses to be defined by sexuality. Yes, Billy falls for another boy, and yes, they do kiss. Teens will find this romance fresh and fun, but they will also enjoy exploring complicated issues of empowerment, bigotry, self-esteem, and fear. Freak Show visits these difficult regions of adolescence with gracious candor and humor. More buoyant than weighty, this book flows as a fast-paced, snarky story of high school horrors. Mature readers will love St. James's playful rendition of a conventional American tale.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library
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Review

In Billy Bloom, St. James has created an archetypal hero for outsiders and freaks. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (May 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525477993
• ISBN-13: 978-0525477990
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #330,446 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous in every way, June 3, 2007

By	Luna Eclipse "Changeling" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed St. James' previous book Disco Bloodbath, so when I saw this lovely little gem in my list of recommendations, I ordered it immediately. I finished it in 2 days flat (would've been sooner, if not for work and sleep and all that jazz.) The exploits of teen drag queen Billy trying to make it in a school full of uptight, straight-laced, super conservative rich brats had me laughing hysterically, groaning audibly, getting angry, even crying...rarely has a book elicited this much of a reaction from me. This story seemed like a mix of Mean Girls, Hairspray, Bruno, and even a little bit Napoleon Dynamite, all told with wit, humor and candor. It also sends a wonderful message about acceptance, not just of other people, but also of oneself. This book should be required reading not only for GLBT kids, but for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't belong (and quite frankly, who hasn't?)

I sincerely hope this becomes a movie. If it does, you better believe I will pull up to the premiere in a giant purple stilleto, decked out in my best SuperFreak costume and proudly waving my scarlet F in the air! EVER UPWARD, O FREAK OF NATURE!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It, June 4, 2007

By	Queequeg (West Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews

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Imagine "Disco Bloodbath" without the sex and drugs, and guess what? It's still a blast! This novel is a witty romp through the perilous high school world of one very special 17 year-old boy named Billy Bloom. It even has a happy ending, though not quite the one you might expect. I loved it. Tears, I'm telling you, TEARS WELLED!

Party Monster: A Fabulous But True Tale of Murder in Clubland

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an absolte must-read, July 31, 2007

By	K. Oconnor (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

whether you're gay, straight, bi, transsexual, transgender, young, old, or a little bit of everything, this book will change the way you think. i loved every minute of it. james st. james really knows how to evoke all kinds of emotions in the readers. i liked it better than party monster.