Customer Reviews

Hiding My Candy: The Autobiography of the Grand Empress of Savannah

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book after seeing the lady chablis in Midnight and the Garden of Good and Evil. If you've seen the movie, the books reads just like she's talking to you. It follows from her beginnings, discovering herself, meeting up with her first drag queens, all the way through to the black people's ball, and hormones. If you're looking for a light, fun read, about a very interesting real-life person, this definately fits the bill. Don't expect perfect grammar, because that's not how she talks, so this is "from the horse's mouth" so to speak.

as a side note, the lady chablis actually does appear in the movie version of the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. the dynamic that she and john cusak have is incredible, and her comments about two tears in a bucket, nearly made me wet my pants from laughing so hard :) the people i went with to see the movie actually didn't even realize that she was a transgender person until half way through the movie....
<!br>if there is any one character that "makes" the movie, it's her.

This book is a plain good read on several levels.

First, The Lady Chablis herself, with the help of a co-author, has managed to convey her highly entertaining stage persona on paper--no mean feat. I suspect, though I have not listened to it, that the audio version of the book is a scream.

Second, the bare facts of her autobiography as she tells them are riveting. One has to respect the desire to be true to an authentic self that is different from the norm when it drives an African-American biological male in the South to dress as a female during adolescence. The Lady could easily have been killed on her way to stardom!

Third, as a "fish" (biological female) myself, I always learn a thing or two about the nature of Glamour-with-a-capital-G from the writings of persons whose femininity comes primarily from their minds. As Blanche DuBois said, fifty percent of a woman's charm is illusion (or something like that). The illusion The Lady creates is uniquely her own.

Finally, The Lady's discussion of why she has not had gender reassignment surgery adds a serious note that is easy to ignore. The Lady Chablis has played well the hand she was dealt in life with more complicated cards than most receive.

I was initially introduced to The Lady in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I ran across this autobiography at a thrift sale and started casually reading the first few pages. Well I was hook and finished the novel in one sitting (it's a short read). The Lady's life story is interesting, informative and funny. She is quite the character living her real-life drama of struggle with flair and determination. Sassy and quick witted, the Lady tells her story with charm, humor and truth. A nice quick read.

I enjoyed the book, especially after watching the movie of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". I found that he really feels like a woman, and doesn't think of himself as a man unless you bring it to his attention. I respect his thoughts regarding why he has not had surgery to be a female, because he felt it was not God's intentions for him to remove what God gave him.

Seems like he would be a fun person to know and keep you laughing. Would like to have seen one of his stage shows. I thought he did an excellent job in the movie, of course he was playing himself.

I loved this book. I thought it was very funny, very interesting but the best thing about it is the theme of perseverance and being who you are.

The Lady Chablis is a wonderful character and so "down to earth" and in your face. Wonderful.

It moved me to read of all her struggles to get where she is. Very inspiring. Such strength.

I recommend you read this AND you read Midnight in the Garden of good and evil.

Enjoy!

"Hiding My Candy" was so interesting. The author candidly told us her story. Chablis allowed us into her life by sharing the humor and the pain. Non pretentious, down to earth, occasionally crass, but never boring. Definitely should be on your books to buy list.

This inspirational tale of a boy, his dog, their love affair, the Rev. Billy Graham, pop-tarts, and hair remover was an inspiration not only to me, but my mom who was bitten by a rare bug in Brazil and can't swallow any food. God bless you Lady Chablis! And all who sail on yo

I saw this amazing performer in person in Savannah, Georgia. She is phenominal on stage. I purchased her book and couldn't put it down until I was finished. Funny - I kept visualizing her as a small girl growing up in Florida - then I'd see a photo of a beautiful African-American boy in the book. She has been through alot and survived. I, for one, am glad she's still working and that this and Berendt's book have brought her some fame and happiness.

P.S. The recipies are great too!!! Love the punch girl!~

Danny

If you have read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" you certainly remember one of the most fascinating and intriguing characters of the book. And now it is time to learn all her secrets!

The book starts with a wonderful introduction by Berendt where he explains how he met Lady Chablis, and from that point it is all her. The Lady entertains us with her claims, like the one about being the protagonist of the best two chapters of The Book, and leaves us in awe with some of her stories, like the ones about men's reactions to finding out about her T.

The narrative is so vivid that it feels as if we were listening to the Lady speak as in the movie. Of course, it helps having being able to see her play herself in the film, because like she says, she "...wouldn't have it any other way".

The switches in mood throughout the book help keep the reading engaging. At times we find sections with a very serious tone, in which she addresses issues like her family's reaction to her true self, the decision of losing her candy and the relationship with a variety of men, ranging from caring to abusive. At other times, she livens up the mood and starts firing funny anecdotes and jokes that make us laugh out loud.

If you have read or watched "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" you owe it to yourself to find the T behind this fascinating character. I certainly enjoyed the ride.

I'm glad I listened to the audio version of this book...Miss Chablis sounds so good! What an attitude, and what a voice! She is absolutely inspiring. I feel upbeat just remembering this book.