Karamo

By: Karamo Brown

Narrated by: Karamo Brown

Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

An insightful, candid, and inspiring memoir from Karamo Brown - Queer Eye’s beloved culture expert - 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 Netflix’s 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.” 

Karamo believes that culture is so much more than art museums and the ballet - it’s 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. It is by discussing deep subjects like these, he feels, that the makeovers on the show can attain their full, lasting meaning. Styling your hair and getting new clothes and furniture are important, but it’s imperative that you figure out why you haven’t done so in 20 years so you can truly change your life. 

In this eye-opening and moving memoir, 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. 

Karamo shows us the way.  

©2019 Karamo Brown (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

All about how great he is

Honestly, I wanted to like this book. But 7 chapters in, all he was talking about was how great he is, how he was this incredible youth (who apparently staged a social justice protest by sitting outside of his principles office for 30+ days... in the third grade), and then details abusing his boyfriends and how his past drug addictions were due to every reason other than himself. I really did want to like this but the whole thing reads like "I have always been awesome. Except these few times I wasnt, but that wasnt my fault. let me tell you how I'm awesome again". Its also performed in a very disjointed way. Sometimes he sounds really sincere, other times it feels super scripted, and then he completely changes energy from one chapter to the next. Maybe this is one of those books better read than listened to... I dont know. But I eventually couldn't stand his hyperbole anymore and am returning the book. I really wish it had been better, he seems like an interesting guy. Just super full of himself.

A read for everyone.

Karamos' story is just a whirlwind. The good, the bad, the embarrassing. His narration is of course amazing. So full of energy and emotion.

Him being so candid with his struggles like fame, and the ego that comes with that. As well as addiction, and the hurt that always follows. Be it hurting himself or others.

Then some of the great stuff, like the two sons he realized he had. Stepping up for them in a huge way, and building a family as well as keeping the one he has together.

My favorite part was the surprise party for his husband.

I cried, I laughed, I related, and I came away with more knowledge that I can do it. That *you* too can do it! That we can go on and live our best lives.

Amazing story

This book is truly inspirational. It opened my eyes to many different points of view. Karamo thank you for your words, and for sharing your story.

An emotionally stimulating listen!

Knowing Karamo from Queer Eye, I had to chuckle the couple times I teared up while listening. Dang you, Karamo, I said to myself. This book is inspiring without being too self-help-y, which is something I'd never read. Grateful he's shared his story in this way.

Amazing

Every chapter was so inspiring and eye opening. Karamo has a way of talking that makes me want to be a better person to myself and others. Focus on what he says and I guarantee you will benefit from listening or reading this book.

What A Ride!!

I cried, I laughed and I learned a lot about myself. I love Karamo’s story about his love for Ian. His story took you on a roller-coaster ride of his ups & downs, reminding us to get up whenever we fall and not to be afraid to take risks when face with them.

Yaaaas

my soul needed this book. Karamo is so inspiring! Thank you for all you do and all you inspire.

Karamo

I remember watching Fab 5, and just loving him...but I could never remember his name. This book goes in depth about not only his name, and his background, but how big of an impact he plays not only on the show, but in people's lives. I absolutely love his outlook on life, dreams, and even religion. You're making waves in so many good ways Karamo, God Bless you and your family.

Wanted to like it, too much of a diary

Love Karamo but this lacks structure, focused purpose for chapters, too many unnecessary details about what he likes or doesn’t like, or why he was a victim of his environment- the first few chapters on his name, race, religion, I thought were helpful but the rest of the book was hard to get through. He needs work to find maturity as a writer and thinking through how to deliver stories in a way that are meaningful to readers.

Very back and forth

Loved it, love Karamo! But his story telling was bouncing back and forth soo much that it became distracting and confusing at times. Other than that it was great!