Type of read: Commuter Read.

What made me pick it up: Mamma Ru is an icon and I was so excited to hear more of their story. I'm also using 'The House of Hidden Meanings' for my TN R.E.A.Ds prompt of reading a book that’s won an award (instant NYT Bestseller).

Overall rating: Do I even need to say it at this point? Well, I'm going to because I feel like it continually needs to be heard. Memoir/autobiography authors don't owe us shit and what they choose to put on the page is their story, how they experienced it, and how they would like us to take in those experiences they had. Ok, now that's out of the way, I really enjoyed 'The House of Hidden Meanings.' I felt like I was sitting down to coffee with Ru and they were telling me about their life and experiences and how they got to be where and who they are today. It's not a super heavy memoir but it gives you the bits and pieces that help you feel a little more connected to the author. I'm extremely thankful that I got to see and experience this side of RuPaul. I would absolutely recommend 'The House of Hidden Meanings' with the caveat that it's not going to be the flamboyant, over-the-top Ru many people know from Drag Race, this is everyday Ru and it's a beautiful story.

Reader's Note: 'The House of Hidden Meanings' includes mentions of drug use, abuse, and, obviously, the LGBTQIA+ lifestyle.