Customer Reviews

Freak Show

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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

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.

This is a very funny novel about a drag queen in a conservative private high school in Florida. The main character is charming, his voice is unique, the pace is fast, and the writing is hilarious. After reading a lot of young adult novels, it was so refreshing to read this one. It really stands out from the pack.

I have been a fan of James St. James for years. I had previously read Disco Bloodbath and watched Party Monster (both the Movie, and the Shockumentary). James St. James is awesome with words and has a gift of interpreting them. From the very first sentence of Freak Show, I knew the book was going to be over-the-top fabulous. I made the mistake of starting to read it right before I went to bed. I could not put the book down and as a result I only got 3 hours of sleep. I read the whole thing in one sitting. It was just too good to put down! I suggest that everyone read Freak Show. As strange as it is, one can also learn from the book.

After seeing 'Party Monster', I was anxious to read James' 'Disco Bloodbath' and it delivered well beyond the movie. 'Freak Show', however, is an extremely predictable story and it is written in an elementary fashion. Its not a seat-gripper either.
Honestly, you could skip through about half of the book and not really miss anything but humdrum fashion rambling, typical of James St. James, I guess. If you love the man, you'll love the book.
It's a quick read. Perhaps more appropriate for teenagers.
All in all, I would recommend it, just don't pay more than two or three bucks for it. But yeah, Disco Bloodbath is way way better.
Enjoy!

Im so excited someone asked me to write a review about this book.I ordered it through amazon .com in about two weeks it arrived.When i first read this book I felt a kinship with the author,then the more i read I started thinking James SAINT. James and I have alot in common. Then it was like oh my god this book is totally about me.Once again James engages and titilates the reader, well he does me anyway.Loved the book so much [...]. I bought to more copies to give to my James st. james fan club. Two othere girls i know that helped me read party monster. It was sad to me that this book such a great work of art, was on the clearance rack.But I am in a small southern town ,well what do they know?Well to rap up here ,I loved the book.I devowered the book.A must read. Mike Tudor

Just the cover of this entertaining read will make fans of James St. James want to purchase and delve into the world of little Billy Bloom.

Billy is typically queeny and quickly dismissed and dissed amongst his peers and classmates in sunny Florida after moving to live with his father after difficulties with his mother. After his first day at school, Billy finds making new friends will prove much more difficult than ever anticipated. But with a little determination and persistance, manages to make a place for himself and rise above the hate and hostility of the teens of his school.

For all the teens that have felt out-of-place or coming to terms with their homosexuality, this is a must have is their literary collection. The end of the novel is truly inspirational, that love can find anybody, no matter how hopeless your situation at the time may seem.

Being a fan of James St. James other novel, Party Monster, I was so excited for this book! He captured my attention and I couldn't put it down! Everyone can relate to the main character, whether you were a teenage girl or a homosexual male (not outted yet) in high school.

very funny in the usual james st. james writing style. james st. james is of course the original club kid and, as some of you might recall, was involved in the party monster debacle.