Hola Papi

I know Brammer's work from his amazing Twitter account as well as his column, so I was excited about this book. I have to say, though, that the depth and profundity of this volume really blew me away. I was expecting humor (which there is tons of) and some pathos (which, yes), but I wasn't expecting to cry by the end. As a white cis woman, this book isn't written for me (which is great--way fewer books should be written for my demographic), but that didn't impede my ability to appreciate it in the slightest. Also, some of the questions are really 'for' everyone/anyone, and Brammer's capacious, empathetic way of thinking about the world really shines through. Not only can Brammer write, he can convey deep philosophical truths pithily and unpretentiously...this book is a revelation.

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.

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.

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.