Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. At times it was hard to read because of the gay bashing and the things Billy goes through. But, of course, the author keeps the tone more or less upbeat in his special way. I would love to see this one made into a movie. I think it could be really interesting. My only issue is that I think some of the pop culture references were a little older for a current teenager. For example, there was a Degrassi High reference that I understood, but I don't see a current high school student using. Of course, there is now Degrassi: The Next Generation, but it still stood out to me a bit as possibly out of place. Anyway, there are a few moments for me where I felt like the pop culture references should have been a little more recent. But, the actual story and the writing were great. It is similar in writing style to Party Monster which I enjoyed. Overall, a very fascinating book, especially if you know a teenager that feels like a freak. Which, as Billy points out, we all feel like freaks from time to time. :)
Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
Billy Bloom has been forced to move to Florida for his senior year of High School. His mom, a little on the bi-polar side, couldn't take his flamboyant attitude toward life anymore. Billy is a self-proclaimed "Gender Obscurist," a fabulously creative drag queen and a character that is resilient, lovable, and stronger than anyone ever would have imagined, including himself.
After enduring unspeakable torture and bullying from his shell-shocked classmates, Billy ends up in the hospital and has a month-long recuperation period. During this time, Billy develops a deep friendship with Flip Kelly, the star and golden boy of the high school.
Flip, the one who saved Billy from the angry mob of students and whisked him to the hospital. Flip, who is feeling the pressure to be the best from his family and the entire school. Flip, the guy Billy falls head-over-heels in love with.
Billy relates his experiences at Eisenhower Academy with brutal honesty and laugh-out-loud humor. His decision to run for Homecoming Queen proves to be a true test of his character, strength, and resolve. Billy's message of tolerance and acceptance is important for everyone to hear. After all, "Gender is a choice, not a life sentence."
No matter your gender persuasion, FREAK SHOW by James St. James is a delightful story of bravery, trust, love, and friendship. So put on your tiara and platform shoes and settle in for a FABULOUS ride.
Billy Bloom has been forced to move to Florida for his senior year of High School. His mom, a little on the bi-polar side, couldn't take his flamboyant attitude toward life anymore. Billy is a self-proclaimed "Gender Obscurist," a fabulously creative drag queen and a character that is resilient, lovable, and stronger than anyone ever would have imagined, including himself.
After enduring unspeakable torture and bullying from his shell-shocked classmates, Billy ends up in the hospital and has a month-long recuperation period. During this time, Billy develops a deep friendship with Flip Kelly, the star and golden boy of the high school.
Flip, the one who saved Billy from the angry mob of students and whisked him to the hospital. Flip, who is feeling the pressure to be the best from his family and the entire school. Flip, the guy Billy falls head-over-heels in love with.
Billy relates his experiences at Eisenhower Academy with brutal honesty and laugh-out-loud humor. His decision to run for Homecoming Queen proves to be a true test of his character, strength, and resolve. Billy's message of tolerance and acceptance is important for everyone to hear. After all, "Gender is a choice, not a life sentence."
No matter your gender persuasion, FREAK SHOW by James St. James is a delightful story of bravery, trust, love, and friendship. So put on your tiara and platform shoes and settle in for a FABULOUS ride.
Book had a good start but just ended up going nowhere with the plot. Disappointed about this because the subject matter is unique to young adult reads. If you don't mind not finishing a book, go ahead and start reading it....
This book was so funny and touching. I even cried at the end. Tears of joy. It woke up my imagination with it's beautifully painted mental pictures. I suggest this book to anyone who loves a good Cinderella story and a little bit of fab thrown into the mix.
This isn't as it's hyped up to be. Yes it has oodles of cute pop culture references that modern youths may not get, nicely witted in areas, but absolutely a nightmare to read this book.
The author likes to take forever to get to the point of the story and will drag on into other mini stories or details that don't go along at all with the book. Heck, even the mini stories are lacking in consistency to one another. Needless to say, over 70 pages in and then you might see something developed in the plot.
I'll summarize a bit:
Flamboyant teen moves to the south to live with his rich dad, decides to "fly the freak flag" and wear a loud attention getting outfit, is outed and outcast instantly. Spends the next portion of the book bullied, whining about it, and doesn't make an attempt to defend himself. But instead makes another enormous garment then the previous one.
I been trying to read this for sometime now. Just can't get past how naive the main character is and how poorly the writing is. Maybe it'll make a better movie like Party Monster, but as a book... it's hard to get into.
The author likes to take forever to get to the point of the story and will drag on into other mini stories or details that don't go along at all with the book. Heck, even the mini stories are lacking in consistency to one another. Needless to say, over 70 pages in and then you might see something developed in the plot.
I'll summarize a bit:
Flamboyant teen moves to the south to live with his rich dad, decides to "fly the freak flag" and wear a loud attention getting outfit, is outed and outcast instantly. Spends the next portion of the book bullied, whining about it, and doesn't make an attempt to defend himself. But instead makes another enormous garment then the previous one.
I been trying to read this for sometime now. Just can't get past how naive the main character is and how poorly the writing is. Maybe it'll make a better movie like Party Monster, but as a book... it's hard to get into.
