LGBTQ advice columnist John Paul Brammer writes a âwise and charmingâ (David Sedaris) memoir-in-essays chronicling his journey from a queer, mixed-race kid in Americaâs heartland to becoming the âChicano Carrie Bradshawâ of his generation.
âA master class of tone and tenderness.â âThe New York Times Book Review (Editorsâ Choice)
âShould be required reading.â âLos Angeles Times
The first time someone called John Paul (JP) Brammer âPapiâ was on the gay hookup app Grindr. At first, it was flattering; JP took this as white-guy speak for âhey, handsome.â But then it happened again and againâĻand again, leaving JP wondering: Who the hell is Papi?
Soon, this racialized moniker became the inspiration for his now wildly popular advice column âÂĄHola Papi!,â launching his career as the Cheryl Strayed for young queer people everywhereâand some straight people too. JP had his doubts at firstâwhat advice could he really offer while he himself stumbled through his early twenties? Sometimes the best advice comes from looking within, which is what JP does in his column and bookâand readers have flocked to him for honest, heartfelt wisdom, and more than a few laughs.
In this hilarious, tenderhearted book, JP shares his story of growing up biracial and in the closet in Americaâs heartland, while attempting to answer some of lifeâs most challenging questions: How do I let go of the past? How do I become the person I want to be? Is there such a thing as being too gay? Should I hook up with my grade school bully now that heâs out of the closet? Questions weâve all asked ourselves, surely.
ÂĄHola Papi! is âa warm, witty compendium of hard-won life lessons,â (Harperâs Bazaar) for anyoneâgay, straight, and everything in betweenâwho has ever taken stock of their unique place in the world.