¡Hola Papi!

oops I read this earlier in the summer and forgot to put it on the ol GR. It's great though, a mix of funny and poignant, memoir and advice. Basically what you'd expect if you're a fan of the Hola Papi column, which I am.

thanks, papi!

Holy Papi! If you are looking for a biography to read ¡Hola Papi! is it!

Why? ¡Hola Papi! Tells the story of John Paul Brammer or as his readers call him Papi. Pai is a queer mixed-race Chicano who was raised in a religious home and community. He struggles with anxiety and comorbid illnesses.

Brammer covers his journey to queer awareness. He talks of his experiences with religion, racism, homophobia, and of course his love life. He tells his stories through letters to his readers. Some are funny and will have you shaking your head.

Others...I just wanted to hug him. Brammer tells one story of an incident that happens in his youth and I had to put the book down. The realism, pain, and the tears I cried for a boy who didn't even understand what was going on. As I am writing this I still want to hug him.

Why continue reading? Brammer has more stories to tell.

Kudos to whomever did the layout of the stories because you get a chance to breathe.

Brammer's writing style is easy and laid-back. His stories are told with humor, sensitivity, and depth. You feel as if you are walking by his side, sitting next to him getting crazy advice, or watching write this book. He takes you on his journey into the past with an openness that he realized after a bit of time needed to write with.

I love ¡Hola Papi! I am also crushing on Brammer. Let him take you on his journey, you will get to experience it all.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.