Brown, Karamo. Karamo: My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope. Gallery: S. & S. Mar. 2019. 304p. ISBN 9781982111977. $27 ; ebk. ISBN 9781982111991. MEMOIR
These days, Brown is best known as one of the Fab Five on Netflix’s Queer Eye. In this debut, he shares what life was like before the cameras started rolling. Beginning with the struggle of learning to love his name, Brown chronicles his journey of identity and black masculinity—the story of his Jamaican Cuban heritage and the pressure to succeed in a family of immigrants. From his childhood in Houston to his college years at Florida A&M, he’s refreshingly honest about experiencing complex childhood trauma as the result of emotional and physical abuse, and living with a dad who wasn’t always the best role model. Brown touches on racism and colorism in the gay community, homophobia in the church, and abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships. Before being cast on Queer Eye, Brown was a social worker in Los Angeles and later appeared on The Real World. His social worker background shines when he discusses his wavering self-confidence amid drug addiction and, ultimately, learning to focus on his emotional and mental health. Heartwarming chapters about his partner Ian Jordan and sons Jason and Christian round out the book.
VERDICT Fans will flock to this sincere memoir and its thoughtful advice.— Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal

France, Tan. Naturally Tan: A Memoir.St. Martin’s. Jun. 2019. 288p. ISBN 9781250208668. $27.99; ebk. ISBN 9781250208828. TV
France, one of the stars of Netflix’s Queer Eye, delivers with this fun, relatable memoir. From his childhood growing up as a Pakistani immigrant in England, where he experienced racism and bullying, to his challenges and triumphs as an entrepreneur, France offers a touching look at his past and present. Peppered throughout are fashion tips in short, PSA-style chapters, paying homage to France’s past work as a fashion designer as well as his current role on Queer Eye . France speaks with candor about growing up gay in a traditional South Asian family, struggling to carve out his place in the world, falling in love with Salt Lake City, and marrying his husband, a real-life Mormon cowboy. Though his trajectory may be atypical, his story gives voice to many underrepresented areas and ultimately succeeds in spreading its message of personal acceptance and understanding.
VERDICT France’s popularity will surely drive checkouts. This book deserves a spot on library shelves for its affirming representation of coming of age and finding oneself. [See Prepub Alert, 11/26/18.] —Mattie Cook, Flat River Community Lib., MI