The Ultimate Fan Guide to RuPaul's Drag Race

by John Davis, Paul Borchers (Illustrations)

Prepare for a RuPaul's Drag Race herstory lesson like no other - as this book celebrates all the queens from seasons 1 to 10, plus so much more!

Buckle up hunties, as we spill the T on the greatest reality show! This ultimate guide celebrates all the queens that have sashayed the runway from seasons 1 to 10 and All Stars seasons 1 to 3 - all 127 fierce performers are included and all are illustrated by talented artist Paul Borcher! Author John Davis also gives the reader an insider's guide to drag terms, and includes inspiring quotes from RuPaul, and stats and facts on all those sickening lip-sync battles, the mad fashion moments and the feuds and friendships that make this series so exceptional.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, LGBT

320 pages, Hardcover

First published July 2, 2019

Reviews

[Melanie (TBR and Beyond) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not going to do a full review on this because there isn't a ton I could really say about it. I enjoyed it and am glad to have bought it. If you are a hardcore Drag Race fan then you might have fun with this but casual fans aren't going to find anything here. The book is pretty basic but it does give a little information about every queen over the first nine season and first two all-star seasons. The information is nothing that juicy though - most dedicated fans will already know this stuff. I still liked reading it here and there and the illustrations are cute. I hope a fan guide eventually comes out that has more info and queen interviews. I know I will be buying but I'm completely OBSESSED with the show. It's not healthy haha

Just incase anyone is curious - my favorite queens are: Alyssa Edwards, Tati, Roxxxy, Detox, Milk, Bianca, Katya, Alaska, Raven, Raja, Aja and Ben. I know nobody wanted that information but I wanted to put it in anyway because..... obsessed.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yassss mama ru!

Best guide to the series by far! Very factual and funny!

[Iva · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who lives for RuPaul's Drag Race, I found myself wanting more from this book. While it contains a few pages of RuPaul herstory, explanations on some drag lingo that you're already familiar with if you've watched the show, and a list of all lipsync battles, most of it is devoted to the queens, with an article on each of the participants so far. This did not leave me gagging. I know this is an unofficial guide, but I would have liked for it to include information on the production, judges, maybe some behind-the-scenes t. Most of the contestants are on Wikipedia anyway. The illustrations are pretty and overall, this is a cute book -- when it should have been drop dead gorgeous. No tea, no shade, no pink lemonade: it could have been better.

[_SakuraBooks_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌸15th December 2018🌸

Is this a book I love from my little library? Yes. Is it an excuse to fangirl and get hyped over the new season of All Stars? Hell yes! I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of RuPauls Drag Race and am ecstatic for All Stars 4! I honestly don’t know who I want to win...I love that they’ve brought back Manila and Letrice, but I also love Monet and Monique 💖 Anyway, back to the book. I got this book last Christmas and have cherished it ever since. It is a who’s-who of all the queens from season 1 to 9, as well as drag term dictionary definitions, RuPaul facts, and lip-sync chart of all the seasons (up to 9). I not only loved finding out more about my favourite queens, but I also really adore the art style. It’s an unofficial guide which is a shame but nonetheless an essential for all fans of Drag Race. Shantay, you stay (in my little library and my heart).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[Vickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as I am a huge fan of the show but sadly there are mistakes dotted within all of the details. Nicole Paige Brooks (from Atlanta Georgia) now has the surname books, Naomi Smalls is called Davis not David as stated in the book and Pandora Boxx didn't come second in season two to name a few. It's a shame that this wasn't checked properly. Otherwise it's a perfect gift for fans of Drag Race.

[Megan ☾ Lawrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are cute, and it's a great reminder of those queens you always forget but it's not mindblowing. You could google most of this information in two seconds flat, and the entire book (save around 10 pages at the end which are lipsync lists) is contestant profiles s1~s9. It's definitely a cute keepsake for fans of the show but I really wanted just a little more from it?

[Alonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not a Nobel prize book but it is fun and as a new RuPaul’s Drag Race fan, I enjoyed it a lot and it helped me to learn more about the queens I love and the ones I still haven’t met! Sashay, away!

[Carlos Bexlier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un libro que tienes que tener si eres fan de Rupauls drag race o de las queens que aparecen, tiene una edición bien bonita a todo color.
Se da información de cada rugirl desde la season 1 hasta la season 9.

Mis favs son Bianca del Rio,Valentina, Violet Chachki y Shangela
#Halleloo

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide to all of the queens featured on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” from seasons 1 - 10. It also features a brief history, iconic moments and a list of the lip sync songs. A fun guide for any fan of the show.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing mind blowing...but a great companion to any Drag Race fan. Literally devotes two pages to every queen from seasons 1-10.

[Rebecca Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun guide for Drag Race fans to learn more about their favourite contestants and all of the lingo used. Love the cartoon art!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I loved the artwork inside and reading up more about all of the queens , especially what they went on to do after the show, I just feel like this book could have included abit more. A couple things I would’ve like to have seen is maybe more about the production of the show, about the judges and guest judges & behind the scenes bits & bobs! I also really wish there was an illustration for every queen instead of just a few because I really liked the art style! A bonus is that this book also included definitions of words & terminology used on the show & also has a whole list of all the lip syncs that have happened including the songs & who performed them which I wasn’t expecting! Overall I did enjoy this book & would recommend it/ re read it!

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! The Essential Fan Guide to RuPaul's Drag Race is a must-read for any fan of the show. John Davis captures the essence of what makes Drag Race so special, diving deep into the iconic moments, legendary queens, and the cultural impact of the series.

The writing is engaging and informative, filled with fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights that really enhance the viewing experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of drag, this guide offers something for everyone—rich in humour and warmth, it truly celebrates the artistry and diversity of drag culture.

The layout is visually appealing, making it easy to navigate, and the trivia and anecdotes keep you hooked from start to finish. This book not only pays homage to the queens we love but also highlights the show's significance in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

I couldn’t put it down and found myself laughing out loud at several parts. If you love RuPaul's Drag Race, you need this book in your collection!