If you’re like me, and a little late to the Leslie Jordan party, you may know this comedian as Phil on “Call Me Kat” or maybe the various roles he played in the “American Horror Story” franchise. Maybe you found Leslie on Instagram during the pandemic. Or maybe his gospel album caught your attention. Whatever it was that brought Leslie into your life, there’s one thing for certain: his presence and personality are bigger than life.
How Y’all Doing? is Leslie Jordan’s memoir released about a year before his untimely death. With Jordan reading the audio version of this book, it brings readers to a new depth of understanding his humor and the struggles it took to bring him to the spot where he was comfortable being himself without shame. Full of celebrity encounters and tales from his Southern upbringing in Appalachia, this book is full of laugh out loud moments, but even more so for the hope of second chances and new beginnings.
I give How Y’all Doing? 4 out of 5 stars. There are so many moments in this book that had me giggling, but it was the more serious moments and memories that really hit home for me. I appreciate the way Leslie shared openly about his journey in recovery and to find a comfortability with who he is. I will say my favorite tales were about his connection to Carrie Fischer and his time filming The Help, as well as his adventure throwing out the first pitch at a Nationals game!
If you are a fan of Leslie Jordan’s work on screen or stage, you are going to love this book! And if, like me, you’ve missed his shining smile and personality, this is a fantastic audiobook. With discussions of recovery and coming out in the South, this might not be the right book for all readers. I would suggest this to more mature audiences over 13 as well.
How Y’all Doing? has been in my TBR stack for nearly 2 years since Leslie’s passing. I thought this week would be the perfect time to read it with our focus on books by comedians. While not every bit of this was funny, it carries Leslie’s signature lightheartedness. It was amazing ot hear his voice again and I could picture him in my mind reading these words!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Death in a Promised Land, Scott Ellsworth
- Current audio book: Where the Lost Wander, Amy Harmon
- Book I’m most looking forward to: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Fredrik Backman
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