For over a year now the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has affected people all around the world. While social distancing and quarantining at home, many of us found new hobbies to stay busy or indulged heartily in existing interests like completing jigsaw puzzles or crosswords, reading books or binge-watching Tiger King. (Seriously, Netflix … your timing was impeccable on that one!) Like many of the rest of us, actor Leslie Jordan spent a lot of time on social media. However, what started as just a bit of fun to help him pass the time quickly turned into a viral sensation, leading to millions of new followers!
Using this as a jumping off point, Jordan created his hilarious new essay collection, How Y’all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived. In a dozen highly entertaining and energetic pieces, Jordan gives readers an inside look at some of his most memorable moments and life experiences, including:
- “The Time Debbie Reynolds Called My Mother”: Well, this one pretty much explains itself. As you might expect, Jordan tells the story of the time Debbie Reynolds called his mother. What you might not expect is that this call was placed after his family found a picture of him wearing women’s clothing in National Enquirer There is, of course, more to this story, but you’ll have to read it to find out!
- “The Short Journey”: Jordan and two friends take an unforgettable overnight expedition to the run-down Amargosa Opera House and Hotel. What starts off as a reluctant road trip ends with a lesson about finding joy in unexpected places.
- “Not in My House”: Don’t mess with Leslie Jordan when he is trying to enjoy time with his friends at the local Starbucks. You might just get a sweet tea thrown in your face! (In other words, a tale about the time Jordan stood up to bullies who were harassing him and his friends for being gay.
- “Hymn Singing”: Did you know Leslie Jordan also just released an album of hymns? And he got to sing with the great Dolly Parton? If you didn’t, here’s a story about how it all happened.
As you can see, Jordan covers a little bit of everything in this compact book. He shares the trials and tribulations of learning Instagram, his love for reading, and discusses his iconic roles in television shows like Will & Grace and American Horror Story. He reflects on growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, how this impacted his coming out as gay, and how his larger than life personality has been just a little too big for his hometown at times. He even delves into more weighty topics like the loss of his father at age 11, his battle with addiction, and the importance of his sobriety.
With a whole lot of heart and even more laughs, Jordan captures his personality perfectly on the page in How Y’all Doing? In fact, this would be a great book to pick up on audio. Although I read a hard copy, I could practically hear his signature southern drawl in my head throughout, and I’m sure the real thing is priceless!
How Y’all Doing? is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of April 27th 2021. Many thanks to William Morrow Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Viral sensation and Emmy Award-winner Leslie Jordan regales fans with entertaining stories about the odd, funny, and unforgettable events in his life in this unmissable essay collection that echoes his droll, irreverent voice.
When actor Leslie Jordan learned he had “gone viral,” he had no idea what that meant or how much his life was about to change. On Instagram, his uproarious videos have entertained millions and have made him a global celebrity. Now, he brings his bon vivance to the page with this collection of intimate and sassy essays.
Bursting with color and life, dripping with his puckish Southern charm, How Y’all Doing? is Leslie doing what Leslie does best: telling stories that make us laugh and lift our spirits even in the darkest days. Whether he’s writing about his brush with a group of ruffians in a West Hollywood Starbucks, or an unexpected phone call from legendary Hollywood start Debbie Reynolds, Leslie infuses each story with his fresh and saucy humor and pure heart.
How Y’all Doing? is an authentic, warm, and joyful portrait of an American Sweetheart— a Southern Baptist celebutante, first-rate raconteur, and keen observer of the odd side of life whose quirky wit rivals the likes of Amy Sedaris, Jenny Lawson, David Rakoff, and Sarah Vowell.
