(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“Much as we seek power in every corner of our lives, it’s always already in us; it’s impossible to be powerless if you recognize that you yourself are power. Life is power.
Finding that power within yourself—that’s the hard part.”
I can’t remember reading a memoir that I just couldn’t put down. That is, until I opened Ru Paul’s The House of Hidden Meanings. It is structured in a way that continues to pull the reader in to anticipate what happens next.
Ru Paul demonstrates a great amount of self-awareness and isn’t afraid to show his vulnerability. In fact, he is quite relatable. He reveals how he felt that he didn’t belong, even within the gay community. He had problems with intimacy and felt he was undeserving of romantic attention. He yearned to be known and to simply be felt.
RuPaul acknowledges Drag as the source of his power. Through his experiences, he uncovers the transformative nature of drag and its role in shaping his identity and career. Throughout the book he keeps returning to the “House of Hidden Meanings”, the influence of his parents and how being bullied had continued to affect him.
I was hoping to discover how he was able to create such a successful entertainment empire, but that was not part of the story. However, his admission of always being rich in imagination offers a glimpse into his creative mind and abilities.
RuPaul bares his soul with honesty in The House of Hidden Meanings, inviting readers to explore the complexities of his journey. It’s a memoir that not only entertains but also inspires.
