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

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.

As someone who is afflicted with “being gay on the internet,” JP Brammer has always been a light. His advice column, “Hola Papi,” injected his personality into genuinely moving answers to questions about the gay experience, and helped him develop a devoted internet following.

In his debut essay collection, Brammer borrows the setup of his column to structure the book, recounting his childhood experience with bullying, tentative first loves, millennial ennui, and his experience in online media while blogging at a number of publications (some now defunct.)

What comes through in each section is his warmth, sense of humor, as well as profound empathy for those he has encountered in his life. Brammer’s tales provided much-needed comfort during this dark era. Anyone familiar with his work will love this collection, and those who aren’t will have the pleasure of discovering the best person on the internet for the first time. This has my highest recommendation.

“I’m no one at all, except for my experiences. I am the things I’ve seen and the things I’ve felt. I am the people I’ve met.”

From the author of the the popular queer advice column “Hola Papi” comes this captivating series of personal essays of the same name. JP Brammer delves into questions with chapters titled everything from “How to dress yourself in silks and linens” to “How to be a real Mexican.” Brammer tackles difficult subjects of bullying, homophobia, identity, and culture using his experiences growing up in America’s heartland and working in cities such as DC and NYC. His sharp and witty voice make this an important and engaging book to read from the author’s note onward. ⁣

TW: homophobia, bullying, suicidal ideation

Thank you, JP, for sharing your stories and advice with us. Thank you for being an advocate and a mentor. And thank you, Simon and Schuster and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy!