Role Models

By: John Waters

Narrated by: John Waters

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Role Models is filmmaker John Waters's self-portrait told through intimate profiles of favorite personalities---some famous, some unknown, some criminal, some surprisingly middle-of-the-road. From Esther Martin, owner of the scariest bar in Baltimore, to the American playwright Tennessee Williams; from the atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair to the insane martyr Saint Catherine of Siena; from the English novelist Denton Welch to the timelessly appealing singer Johnny Mathis---these are the extreme figures who helped the author form his own brand of neurotic happiness. Role Models is a personal invitation into one of the most unique, perverse, and hilarious artistic minds of our time.

©2010 John Waters (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Nominee - Best Narration by the Author, 2011

"Waters delivers a worthy tribute to his personal pantheon of artistic icons. An impressive, heartfelt collection by a true American iconoclast." (Kirkus)

Running Waters

It's rare that I laugh out loud when reading a book. During John Water's superb reading of his own book, this happened over and over and over again. Great literature? Probably not, but lots of tongue-in-cheek fun for listeners like me, who have a warped sense of humor. Don't miss this one.

fascinating

One of the most interesting, avant-garde personalities of the last century, our creepy uncle John keeps us laughing while making us think about society and ourselves. You can not have a better time with a book.

God I love John Waters.

there's only one John Waters. I've read this book, but hearing him, his own voice, what a completely awesome way to salvage time on the city bus

Fantastic Story Teller

John Waters is truly an amazing story teller. His voice draws you in. His stories are funny, interesting full of quirkiness and raw humanity. I was sad when it ended and will likely listen to it many times again. So great.

Makes you think, makes you laugh, makes you cringe

Would you consider the audio edition of Role Models to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed them both, but the added experience of hearing Waters read his pieces—he's a great performer in this audiobook—gives the audio the edge. I enjoyed hearing his tone of voice and inflection and the tempo of his readings at various points and how he approached the variety of topics his essays cover.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Role Models?

Where he describes an interview with Little Richard that goes a little bit off the rails.

Which character – as performed by John Waters – was your favorite?

N/A

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The essay on former "Manson Girl" Leslie Van Houten, whom Waters befriended while she was in prison and with whom he maintains a decades-long friendship, is difficult and moving as he describes his feeling that she has paid her debt to society and should be freed while still acknowledging the horror of her crimes. He's serious and thoughtful and while yes, there are funny parts even in this essay, he isn't flippant. A difficult and thought-provoking piece.

Any additional comments?

Just know that this book swings back and forth from "Hairspray"-type fun to "Pink Flamingoes"-type explicit grossness. Unless the latter doesn't bother you at all, you won't emerge unscathed ;)

A guide for how to appreciate the questionable

John Waters is a joy to listen to. He’s so upbeat about things that many people would be bashful to even acknowledge. He’s fabulously positive and champions the rejects and misunderstood. The chapter about contemporary art reinvigorated my ability (and willingness) to look at the art world with something other than an eye roll and the taste of a little puke in my mouth.

Just like having a ticket to Mr. Waters' show

If you have been to one of John Waters' talks you have heard some of these stories before. He is just as animated and enthusiastic on this reading as he is on stage. The characters, almost all real people, are fascinating. And getting a glimpse into the author's brain, with his own voice, is both scary and amazing. Though my personality is nearly the opposite of his, I have always seem him as something of a hero. I enjoyed listening a whole lot and will probably do a repeat sometime. (Be prepared for some raunchy stuff, though not much cursing.)

Role Models from the Far Side

If you could sum up Role Models in three words, what would they be?

It was a very entertaining read, you would not expect less from John Waters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

He was as it was a book about the people who have had an impact on his life.

What does John Waters bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think it makes it more interesting having the book read by the author.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Truth is stranger than fiction

Any additional comments?

I disagree with his take on Leslie Van Houten, and his continuing plea to have this woman freed. If it had not been for the abolition of the death penalty this would be mute.
Her victims cant go home. She has diminished her involvement in these crimes by saying she stabbed the woman after she was dead, as though it is less of an offence.
You take a life you should serve a life sentence. Even if you have come to the realisation that what you did was abhorrent. Its called punishment. I think the reason all the Manson killers are still in prison is because they chose random innocent people to slaughter, they showed no mercy and now are being shown no mercy in return.

Score!

The moment I heard Waters talking about this book (last year on KQED's Forum) I hoped it would be released on Audible. How cool to get to hear the book read by the author! Lucky day! I'm going to enjoy this one!

Another great book of Waters' fabulous filth.

Not for the uninitiated. It's practically a requirement to have seen at least five John Waters movies before you can grasp the twisted humor and appreciate his idea of "fashionable." I love getting into his head and "Role Models" is a moderately deep dive into what makes Waters tick, so be sure to pack a towel and a bucketful of disinfectant for this wild ride.