Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for this advanced copy!

This was a warm, funny, and heartfelt collection of stories. At times, the structure was a bit repetitive, but I enjoyed every minute. Brammer's voice reads like a friend giving you advice based off his own personal experiences. It's a nice blend of humor and wisdom and would be great for LGBTQ+ youth and those newly coming out.

I'm a fan of JP Brammer and his advice column, so I knew I had to pick up his book. It was funny (to be expected) and also hard at parts (a little less expected). Brammer goes into detail about some of the tough relationships in his life, which brings some weight to the overall lighthearted feel of the book. I will say that due to the nature of the repetitive format, this book might be best enjoyed in multiple sittings.

Hola Papi is a nice memoir, but doesn't match the show the cover promises to be. That does not make this a bad read, in fact, I think this is a wonderful read for gay youth that are worried about coming out themselves or want to know what it was like just years ago.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC for an honest review.

Engrossing and deeply personal.

The first adult books I'd sneak off and read were compilations of advice columnists--specifically Abagail van Buren and Erma Bombeck. Despite the latter being more comic and decidedly more lower brow than the former, both were well-loved, with yellowing pages and the particular smell of dust that only an old book can have. While Dear Abby spoke with an air of authority designed to convey assumed trust. Bombeck's willingness to talk about her experiences that were embarrassing and humiliating at the time. Her charm and wit were engaging; who doesn't know what's it's like to be messy and fallible.

As such, Bombeck was both a storyteller and, in my opinion, the better columnist.

And since having read her series of books, I haven't found another that peaked my interest. That is until I discovered John Paul Brammer (@jpbrammer on Twitter, in case you're interested ).

He is clever and witty, and to someone like me who was completely unaware of queer culture and only moderately aware--and possibly afraid--of what it meant to identify as queer, he is wonderfully astute.

These columns all start with a simple question. He doesn't go into details about what the reader should or shouldn't do; instead, he finds something in his own experience and shares his story, his history, with relentless honesty. He doesn't solve the problem for the reader; he simply shows them one example of a case that has been true for him.

He writes intimately as if you were having a cup of coffee together. And he is so brave in sharing his stories that I feel...well, all I can say is that it speaks to my younger self, the kid who felt so alone in growing up different..queer...maybe ugly...definitely an outsider...always awkward...and it heals me. Every time he talks about his experience and adds "dear reader," I feel as if he's talking to me.

Between his tone, the questions he chooses, his courage, he's eminently relatable.

I am grateful for this book in a way I haven't felt for a very long time. In face, it just might be my new woobie.

¡Hola Pali! is a memoir/collection of essays. Each chapter starts with a question from a reader, and then the author spends the chapter telling a story from his life that relates back to that question and provides advice and validation.

I was drawn to this book because I follow JP Brammer on Twitter (no idea when I followed him or how I found him) and his takes always make me laugh or think to myself “yes, huge same.” I just finished reading a heavy series before this one, so I thought to myself, “this will be perfect!! A light, funny read from this funny guy I follow on Twitter who tweets about eating pine cones!!”

First and foremost, that was truly an incorrect assumption on my part — while this book does read like you’re talking to/listening to a friend, or someone you’re familiar with and love, it’s definitely heavy. It contains chapters about suicidal ideation, mental health struggles, sexual assault, heavy bullying, losing/finding identity, and homophobia (both internalized and external). A lot of those chapters are, obviously, tough to read because they’re about sensitive subjects and they’re coming from someone’s real, lived experiences. That being said, JP Brammer speaks on these topics very candidly and the way he’s so open makes you feel so seen and validated while you’re reading. His experiences and they way he reflects on them are so universal and validating, even if you haven’t lived them exactly like he has.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to read about love, identity, purpose, self forgiveness, navigating feelings of otherness, being a millennial, and trying to figure out who you are and what you’re doing here (from someone who is also trying to figure all this out too, and who doesn’t have all the answers, but he’s willing to share what he’s learned along the way).

I’ll leave this review with a quote that doesn’t really encompass the true depth of this book, but one that simply made me laugh:

“I sipped my midday mimosa and refocused on the penis before me. Oh god, I thought. My abuela picked fruit in this country for me to become this.”

John Paul Brammer's HOLA PAPI is successful in its structure; Brammer correlates his successful advice-column with the stories that define him. Responding to complex questions about identity, love and self-worth, Brammer writes frankly about his own experience to illuminate a solidarity in the queer experience. The ways in which this memoir spoke to directly to my soul double-underlines the idea that regardless of where you're from and what you look like, being queer comes with a miraculously unifying set of circumstances.

The essays in which Brammer most directly examines his developing identity are the most compelling and singular. 'How to Lose a Rabbit,' his essay about bullying, 'How to Kiss your Girlfriend,' about the significance of first love, 'How to be a Real Mexican,' about uncovering authenticity and 'How to Come Out to Your Boyfriend in a Walmart Parking Lot' about finding the courage to put words to your interiority are the crown jewels of the collection. They are expansive, well-articulated, painfully relatable and offer some truly solid counsel. I felt that some of the later essays were a bit less defined and in some cases, felt like Brammer was trying to shoe-horn a story in rather than genuinely respond to the question. Small potatoes when regardless, Brammer's writing is always dynamic and engaging.

Brammer is totally unpretentious in his advice. He never really sets out to fix someone's problems, but rather, to point out that we are all alike in them. This book will have you screaming "YES," will bring you back to your middle school lunch table, will remind you to deal with some unresolved shame and will affirm that you're on the right track.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster. I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Where to start with this wonderful breath of fresh air? I found myself wanting to savor John Paul’s writing as he describes growing up, coming out, and finding himself. At the same time, I wanted to rip through this book because I kept wanting more. I couldn’t put it down. I found myself in tears several times, laughing at the way John Paul wrote about pivotal moments. One passage that stood out was a high school JP meeting Corey, who attempted to get him to join his “Christian youth cult.” I couldn’t help but think of some similar moments from my high school years, even down to being lured in with promises of free pizza and skateboarding.

There were other moments in the book where I did not laugh, but I instead felt sadness for John Paul. Sadness for his heartbreak or his loss. Pain for his aloneness. I appreciate that he relates to his letter writers and shares his stories. I hope to read more from him in the future.

¡Hola Papi! is everything. Wise, warm, clever, heartbreaking, heartwarming, an intricately woven account of the absurdities and profundities of life, etc. John Paul Brammer’s writing is (as always) a balm. Definitely going to be a favorite of mine this year!

JP Brammer's debut finds a deeply satisfying harmony between tender, intimate reflections on queerness and isolation in a region that the South, Southwest and Midwest all refuse to claim, and the unconventional and occasionally unhinged millennial humor those familiar with his online work adore. Hola Papi builds off of his niche reputation, but readers who're hearing his name for the first time will feel equally welcome and entertained by his writing.

This was a warm, often funny, but heartfelt collection of essays. At times I found the structure a bit repetitive--a question, a story from Brammer's life, a conclusion--but I still sped through it and enjoyed every minute. Brammer's voice is so easygoing, even when he's talking about serious stuff. It's a nice blend of humor and wisdom.

In a year full of disappointments, you can be sure that JP Brammer's Hola Papi!, is not one of them. This book is everything: heartbreaking, funny, real, witty, and so much more. Brammer, best known for his syndicated advice column of the same name, offers a similar concept of advice-giving, but through his own life stories. The setup is perfect, told in "Dear Reader" format without being cliche or cheesy, and it's refreshingly honest. He shares his life as a member of the LGBTQA+ community, a Mexican-American, and someone who has spent much of his life in search of answers, happiness, and truth. The writing is beautiful and tangible, placing you alongside Brammer as he shares moments from his childhood in Oklahoma to New York City. Every chapter is a conversation that you will want to be a part of, taking you outside your comfort zone at times to challenge or understand everything from mental health, family ties, and heritage, to sexuality. It is a privilege to be privy to the many private thoughts and moments that Brammer shares in his own unique way, and to get glimpses into the life of someone who has seen success and failure (and is willing to share both!) Hola Papi! and Brammer are deserving of all the accolades, and I hope that this is not the last book Brammer plans to publish! Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy- I am certain that this won't be the last time I read this book and I can't wait to get my own copy when it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I was *thrilled* to receive an ARC of this book. I love JP, and Hola Papi is the only newsletter I actually read. If you've read and enjoyed the column or anything he's written, you'll enjoy this book. It is Hola Papi--turned up a few notches, but with the same humor and heartbreak. I was honored by how much of himself JP was willing to share with us, though it did lead to a lot of content warnings (see below). It's witty and uncomfortable and engaging and validating and I'm just really glad that this book exists in the world.

TW: Bullying, homophobia, homophobic slurs, internalized homophobia, depression, suicidal thoughts, self harm, HP reference, eating disorder, sexual assault

Hola Papi is John Paul Brammer's memoir in the form of essay à la his popular, titular advice column. Equal parts humor and heartbreak. I found myself relating to the emotions of the book in ways I was not expecting

John Paul Brammer's memoir is sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, and very relatable even as someone who isn't a member of the LBGT+ community. These are stories from his life written in short 'advice column' style letter answers. He examines his life, and his failures, and reflects on them, but in a way that allows the reader to peek in and see that "hey, nobody is perfect, and we can all learn something from our past". This was a quick read that allows a brief glimpse into the insecurities, trials, and what its like to grow up not really knowing who you are, and how it can shape you long after you leave your formative years behind.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger / Content Warning: discussions of suicide, hate speech, sexual assault (I'm sure I'm missing others)

I've been a fan of John Paul Brammer through Twitter and not surprised the book reads like his voice.

I like how it started with an introduction of how he started since I wasn't aware of it.

I identified with him *way* too much about a White dad and Mexican mom and that disconnect from your Mexican side.

Thank you for sharing this title with me! I included it in a roundup of must-read LGBTQ+ books coming out in 2021 for Cosmopolitan.com https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/books/g35283160/lgbtq-books-2021/

Thank you netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book it was a quick read and it was really entertaining it touches down on stuff that alot of LGBT people go through growing up finding themselves etc. And sometimes while reading i related too alot of the stuff i was reading. Like when drag race was mentioned because when i was 17 that show helped me accept myself more and seeing people like me on national TV etc.

I didnt know john until i read this book but i am glad i read this book because i love a good memoir/self help book. Just reading about people and how they grew up or went through etc.

John had some really great stories to read about and also touched down on alot of stuff in the LGBT that people sometimes dont like to hear about regarding needing someone for validation from gay apps etc which isnt a bad THING but it could become a bad thing depending on the person and what it can do to your mental health.

Overall this book was great!

Outstanding and overtly honest and uncomfortable in a way you don’t see in common LGBT+ media/literature. It doesn’t glorify stereotypes, nor does it stray from them in an effort to be “different.” I’m thrilled to see more LGBT+ authors being published, and even more settled knowing he is Mexican.

I think I have more to say, but I’m still reflecting on it.

I really enjoyed JP Brammer's essay collection based on his popular advice column Hola Papi. Brammer's essays are witty, sharp, and down to earth. I flew through this book and would definitely recommend!

TW: homophobia, bullying, suicidal ideation

Thank you to Simon & Schuster, the author and NetGalley for providing a copy for review!

I flew through this funny and honest book. It had the tenderness of Cheryl Strayed’s Dear Sugars mixed with the awkward sexual discovery of Sex Education and stirred with the funny snark of Samantha Irby,

The author is a popular online advice columnist. The book is structured with advice seekers’ questions and Brammer’s response, an experience from Brammer’s own life where he faced the same dilemma.

This book reminds readers of the power we each have to write our own stories. We each grow through awkward and painful experiences. A funny and easy read, this book feels like a warm, snarky hug.