Throughout all of the tragedy that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic, there have also been small glimmers of hope and joy. One of those bright spots has to be the sudden Instagram stardom of Leslie Jordan. After several weeks of quarantine at home, the entire world put on hold, I would often find myself mindlessly scrolling through the various social media apps on my phone, not really looking for anything in particular. Amongst the doom and gloom that surrounded the pandemic in those early days, I vividly remember stopping on the smiling face of Jordan as he proclaimed, "What are y'all doing?" That silly little video instantly made me laugh and was shared with my friends and family through our various group messages. His infectiously humorous musings in a time that was so dark was just what the doctor ordered. In his new book How Y'all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived, Leslie Jordan brings that same zeal and wit to life in the pages.
There's a dichotomy to Jordan that makes him quite fascinating. He's an openly gay man with a career in Hollywood who also has deep ties to traditional southern values. Behind the humor lies a man who has learned to love and accept himself. Jordan doesn't shy away from writing about coming to terms with his sexuality or battling addiction. In fact, one of the most moving stories in the book is about how Jordan got his Southern Baptist mother to finally accept the fact that he is gay. I don't want to spoil it, but it involves a friendship with Carrie Fisher and a phone call from Debbie Reynolds.
This book reads less like a memoir and more like a conversation between friends. Jordan pivots from topic to topic bringing his trademark humor and southern charm to each story. I was familiar with his work on both Will & Grace and American Horror Story, but I didn't realize the depth and longevity that his career has had. Through his decades-long career, he has been able to be unabashedly himself. I think that this is the key to his popularity. Whether he is hamming it up with Megan Mullally on a sitcom or documenting his time in quarantine from the camera on his phone, there is a sense of "what you see is what you get." In the era of reality television and influencers, the frankness of Leslie Jordan is a breath of fresh air.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2021, 22)
I love that cover. Jordan is adorable there, but I am so charmed by what you shared in your review as well. I liked the memoirs that read the way you are describing. It feels appropriate with confessional type material.
ReplyDeleteI agree! The best memoirs don't feel forced at all. It should read like we're just talking with a friend.
DeleteLeslie Jordan is one of those people who always makes me smile! :)
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteI'm not sure who Leslie Jordan is but he sounds like he has a great story to tell. I love memoirs that feel so informal and almost like a conversation.
ReplyDeleteAt the very least, do a quick search for some of his Instagram videos from the quarantine. He's a real hoot!
DeleteAnyone that can make me laugh is a plus. This sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Laughter is always a plus!
DeleteI've never heard of him but he & the book sound quite delightful so I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteKaren @For What It's Worth
He's always good for a laugh!
DeleteI know his face, and I know his face and his voice, but I am ashamed to say I didn’t know his name until now. He sounds wonderful, and this memoir such a treat — and I just followed him on Instagram!
ReplyDeleteHe's such a delight!
DeleteI don't really know too much about him and missed his Instagram stardom but he makes me smile every time I see something he is a part of. This sounds like a delightful read.
ReplyDeleteI live Leslie so much, he is so cute in Call me Kat!
ReplyDelete