Karamo

My Story of Embracing Purpose, Healing, and Hope

By: Karamo Brown

Narrated by: Karamo Brown

An insightful, inspiring, “candid and warm” (Booklist) memoir from Karamo Brown—beloved culture expert from Netflix’s Queer Eye—as he shares his story for the first time, exploring how the challenges in his own life have allowed him to forever transform the lives of those in need.

When Karamo Brown first auditioned for the casting directors of Queer Eye, he knew he wouldn’t win the role of culture expert by discussing art and theater. Instead he decided to redefine what “culture” could—and should—mean for the show. He took a risk and declared, “I am culture.”

After all, Karamo believes culture is how people feel about themselves and others, how they relate to the world around them, and how their shared labels, burdens, and experiences affect their daily lives in ways both subtle and profound. Seen through this lens, Karamo is culture: his family is Jamaican and Cuban; he was raised in the South in predominantly white neighborhoods and attended an HBCU (Historically Black College/University); he was trained as a social worker and psychotherapist; he overcame personal issues of colorism, physical and emotional abuse, alcohol and drug addiction, and public infamy; he is a proud and dedicated gay single father of two boys, one biological and one adopted.

In “this soul-soothing memoir” (O, The Oprah Magazine), Karamo reflects on his lifelong education. It comprises every adversity he has overcome, as well as the lessons he has learned along the way. It is only by exploring our difficulties and having the hard conversations—with ourselves and one another—that we are able to adjust our mind-sets, heal emotionally, and move forward to live our best lives.

“During every episode of Queer Eye, there’s at least one touching moment where Karamo Brown drops some serious wisdom about self-love and makes everybody cry. His moving memoir about overcoming adversity captures that feeling in book form” (HelloGiggles).

I was Wowed the whole time

He did FANTASTIC! I was constantly wanting to know more! He has a great way of making you feel good and making you feel apart of his journey. Hope he does another book!

Karamo

Karamo Brown details his life leading up to and during Queer Eye masterfully. His narration is great, too.

Great message and live example

This book will show you the truth about growth and overcoming the difficulties in life. It is very heartwarming to hear the importance of self esteem and confidence in every decision. If you watched Queer eye you want to read/listen this book. I strongly recommend it to you.

such love and kindness

this was a wonderful, honest and warm story. no self pity just a real warm soul story. let us all take the kind theme into our hearts.thanks for writing it.

Inspiring!!

This book was so uplifting and inspired me to be more positive everyday. Also inspired me to be myself in my career and to stop focusing on the judgements of those around me.
It also reminded to be honest about who I am with those I love.
I’m not crying, you’re crying!
I’m going to give myself my Karamo moment to check in with myself everyday!

Beautiful

I had thought Karamo was a wonderful human, just from watching the show. But reading his book made me realize the depth to his character. I too had struggled with anger. This book made me feel less alone, and helped me recognize some of my own traumas. Thank you for existing. You truly bring so much light to this world.

Wonderful Read!

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Karamo share his life story. He’s truly inspirational and shares from the heart.

Love Karamo!

What a great read, it was so amazing to get to know Karamo and his life story. Love him and will watch, read anything he does! Such an inspiration!

A great read.

I am so proud of his progress. His story is inspirational. it's always good to see a good kid turn into a great man

life's purpose on purpose

I am a huge fan of queer eye and when I saw this book in a window downtown I knew I had to read it. Karamo is sick an interesting man, this book does not disappoint. It's a huge reminder that we all have purpose and we needed to follow our instincts.