*Review* My Name's Yours, What's Alaska?

 

Genre: Memoir

Published: 

Pages: 264

Alaska Thunderfuck spills the tea on her meteoric rise from timid Pennsylvania kid to drag superstar in this intimate photographic memoir that will appeal to diehard Alaska admirers and broader drag fans alike.

Before RuPaul's Drag Race became a worldwide phenomenon, Drag was mostly an underground art form, performed by the daring and the quick-witted, with maximum energy and a minimal budget. This is the story of one of the galaxy's greatest queens, Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, as she transforms from wearing dresses made of trash bags because she has to, to wearing dresses made of trash bags because she wants to. Finally coming clean on her home planet (earth), this dishy, visual memoir tells the stories that shaped Alaska into an All Star: from prom king to the House of Haunt, to the very public breakup that almost destroyed her. Intimate and alluring with exclusive photography throughout, and illustrations by the author, My Name's Yours, What's Alaska? is the ultimate backstage pass.

UNIQUE & PERSONAL: Chronicling Alaska's journey from small-town kid to drag superstar, this memoir stands out for its emotional resonance, distinct humor, and unapologetic realness. Filled with compelling personal stories told in Alaska's unique voice, it gives fans an exclusive look at Justin Honard the person, not just Alaska Thunderfuck the drag queen.

LGBTQIA+ REPRESENTATION: LGBTQIA+ consumers will see their experiences and passions reflected in Alaska's authenticity and openness about her childhood struggles, and will be excited by a drag memoir that celebrates the whole story of queerness, not just the sassy, shady highlights.

GREAT GIFT FOR FANS OF RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE: Behind the scenes stories of Alaska's journey to RuPaul's Drag Race fame, alongside full-color photography of Alaska's iconic trash-glam looks throughout her career, will deliver the exclusive content fans crave.

Perfect for:
• Diehard drag fans
• Fans of Alaska Thunderfuck, RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Trixie Mattel, Bianca del Rio, Sharon Needles, Magnus Hastings, Cherri Baum, Veruca, and more
• RuPaul's Drag Race enthusiasts who want to deep dive into a famous queen's rise to stardom

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, because that is my favorite way to experience memoirs. I am probably the oddball of people who have "read" this book. I'm pretty sure most readers are Drag Race fans. I don't think I've ever seen a single episode, but now I wanna binge watch all of them (I just have to figure out which streaming service they're on, but I'm pretty sure we subscribe to it). And I personally think that's the sign of a good memoir. A book that makes me want to go watch what would have led most people to reading the book in the first place is a win in my book. 

My experience with drag is very minimal. I've been to a single live drag show, in the most conservative city in my state, at a bar that recently made national news because of a jackass bigot with a gun. I was there with a friend who knew one of the performers and hadn't been back since because while I enjoyed the vibe and the show, I felt like I didn't belong there and didn't want to encroach on that space. This book makes me feel like I should go back when the club reopens because I can show support without being part of the group. I just need to find some local friends with similar interests I guess. 

While the blurb of this book indicates it's perfect for people who are already fans, I'd say it's also perfect for people who are intrigued by drag or curious about it. You get a lot of info about how Alaska got started and the drag scene back then, and probably some less known behind the scenes facts about RuPaul's Drag Race. It's a win-win-win. But I definitely recommend that you let Alaska read her story to you herself, i'm like 96% sure it's better that way. 

Overall I give this book 4.93 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

ALASKA THUNDERFUCK 5000, primarily known mononymously as Alaska, is a drag performer and recording artist best known for competing in the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and as the winner of the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. She has traveled the world touring her chart-topping hits from her variety of albums and has appeared on television and in film. She currently co-hosts the hit podcast "Race Chaser with Alaska & Willam," and continues to inspire the people of Earth with her unmistakable brand of irreverent humor and extra-terrestrial glamour.