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!