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Beautiful People: My Family and Other Glamorous Varmints
by
Simon Doonan
When Simon Doonan sat down to write a memoir, he discovered he had no memories of cuddly family times or romantic Hallmark moments -- turns out most of his memories are notably nasty. Birthday parties? No recollection. But his mother's dentures flying out of her mouth when she sneezed and skittering across the kitchen floor? A vivid mental image that still brings a smile. ...more
Paperback, 304 pages
Published
April 14th 2009
by Simon & Schuster
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I picked this one up because I have been watching the tv show "Beautiful People" on logo. Boy, the TV show takes some liberties with the book, it has a few basic plot points but that is about it!
But the book was a light and funny read, and has some vignettes about Doonan's life. It is not concentrated on his childhood like the TV show, but instead offers some tales from his childhood, his mother Betty and her large hairdo, his Father Terry and the homemade wine, his...more
But the book was a light and funny read, and has some vignettes about Doonan's life. It is not concentrated on his childhood like the TV show, but instead offers some tales from his childhood, his mother Betty and her large hairdo, his Father Terry and the homemade wine, his...more
If I could give it 4.5, I would.
Made me laugh out loud often. Often crazy situations viewed with humor and a light touch. Stories from throughout the author's life, happily skipping from one age to another and back (the author does like to skip after all).
Floor pillows, mentally ill relatives, "plaid bondage trousers," window dressing, and cool parents to a gay kid born in 1952: what more could you want?
If you liked "Running With Scissors" ...more
Made me laugh out loud often. Often crazy situations viewed with humor and a light touch. Stories from throughout the author's life, happily skipping from one age to another and back (the author does like to skip after all).
Floor pillows, mentally ill relatives, "plaid bondage trousers," window dressing, and cool parents to a gay kid born in 1952: what more could you want?
If you liked "Running With Scissors" ...more
Much of this book is either funny or amusing and I can see why they did a television show loosely based upon it. I never really cared too much for Simon Doonan when seeing him on televison and toward the end of this "memoir" I had filled up enough on his authorial voice to last two "memoirs" full. I am glad that my friend, who sent me the book to read, liked it enough to suggest it to me. Add a star to my review if you are a Simon Doonan fan or if your home is decorated by Jo...more
Having always considered Doonan a kindred spirit, I had high expectations for this -- and I have to admit that I was a little disappointed. A few truly funny bits, and a few dear and moving love letters to his friends -- but there was something off in the writing/presentation of this. I'm impressed that he has other books -- and I would say that reading those others, like these, on a plane might be perfection.
This book is amazing!
One of my new favorites. If you love Bill Bryson's memoir you'll love this book.
It's different than the show, but that's why it's good. You can enjoy both things.
One of my new favorites. If you love Bill Bryson's memoir you'll love this book.
It's different than the show, but that's why it's good. You can enjoy both things.
Throughly fun and enjoyable from the opening sentence to the end. I would love to see the British Comedy Series based on this book...could be great.
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Doonan's subtle wit, off-beat anecdotes, and delightfully daffy worldview make this memoir a pleasure from start to finish.
Simon Doonan, Barneys Window Display Designer, blogger of the Barneys babble and fashion extraordinaire, narrates his own memoir, in a very entertaining manner. Its personal, yet so relateable. It truly captured what I feel whenver I am in any of my cumbia-filled family reuninons in Guadalajara, where my mom is dancing around with the kids, my aunt cracking up about anything and every idiosyncratic trait that families have. Doonan is honestly an inspiration to anyone who aims for better, and its...more
Mr. Doonan is as witty as her window displays. A fun, humorous read that helped take me away on my rustic vacation.
Very different from what I was expecting having watched the TV series. Overall it had the same spirit but a different era means completely different anecdotes. Generally very entertaining.
Rather than a "hilarious memoir" it struck me as sad and bizarre.
This wasn't quite as hilarious as I'd hoped but it was a fun read.
Clearly a work of towering genius. And hilarious!
wonderful, funny and irreverent. I really enjoyed this.
Funny and enjoyable.
A very funny and well written memoir. Don't expect it to match the storyline of the Logo TV series.
Simply fabulous.
As a huge fan of the television series I was excited to read this and I was not disappointed. I would give it 5 stars if not for the chapter about Mundo.
I love that they were able to distill the essence of Simons life and give it a modern twist to create a show that would resonate with younger viewers. Even though Many of the historical references are before my time, Simons ability to paint a hilarious scene is wonderful.
Will recommend this to a few friends.
I love that they were able to distill the essence of Simons life and give it a modern twist to create a show that would resonate with younger viewers. Even though Many of the historical references are before my time, Simons ability to paint a hilarious scene is wonderful.
Will recommend this to a few friends.
I didn't like this book at all; it gave away the ending righ at the very beginning.
Much better than the TV series based on it that's currently airing in the USA. A funny but solid memoir.
Very camp memoir of a lad growing up in the late 50s (as I did), realising he was 'different' and his search for the 'Beautiful People' who populated the 60s.
Very amusing read.
Very amusing read.
This book is seriously funny, laugh out loud funny. Because of this book, I had to go and discover all things Simon Doonan. Witty, charming, and hilarious!
I'm not terribly far into this book, but I was expecting it to be much more flamboyant, fabulous.
why did this book get such rave reviews? it boggles my mind. FAIL
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
READ THIS BOOK!
Seriously.
READ THIS BOOK!
Seriously.
Christine
marked it as to-read
Daniel
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