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Monday, August 19, 2024

Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda, by Randy Rainbow


 Publication October 8,2024

How this man manages to travel and tour is beyond me. Not only is he introverted, he suffers from anxiety and what many of us would call "being too nice". People may walk all over him or annoy him to death, often just by trying too hard, but he still feels compelled to, as my grandmother would say, "play nice". I cracked up at his effort to right a perceived slight to an airport greeter and guide. Being famous or, as he notes sorta famous, has its perks but also annoyances, too.  That's actually good in this case as it gave him lots of things to whine and be aggravated about, his words not mine. I mean, re-read the title. That says it all. Randy Rainbow, far from living the worry/stress-free live of a star, seems to be in a constant state of anxiety. Even worse, despite the rider in his contract, unlike those of mega-stars, his simple requests are rarely fulfilled. I somehow doubt Taylor Swift would be shorted a humidifier in her hotel room if she requested one but, well, you'll see just how far being famous but not on the A-List gets you.

While I'm not sure I enjoyed this one as much as the first book, if you read closely you'll pick up more about what the real Randy Rainbow is really like. He's insecure, a dreamer, fretful, introverted, anxious when he has to travel, wants to please, and, well, the list goes on. The running theme of this book is, of course, of him complaining, so I'm happy to say he does in his usual funny way. Is it possible to be both light-hearted and serious? Somehow he manages. I've read countless books by comedians and they often appear to be some of the saddest people around, so a hint of melancholy isn't a surprise. He's still looking for the one true love but does adore his cat, Tippi, who gets a chapter to sound off about life with Randy, and obviously adores his mother, Gwen. She has a chapter, too, though she denies losing him as a child at a mega entertainment complex (hint, Randy lived in FL prior to moving to NYC). There are even a couple chapters in verse. Nope, not telling. You're just going to have to read the book.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed spending more time with Randy Rainbow. While I wouldn't want to live his life (although I'd have a constant supply of chocolate on my contract rider), it's a fascinating one to visit. I do feel compelled to offer a trigger warning to those offended by sexual talk, although he handles his less than stellar romantic episodes in a light, breezy way. I actually found myself laughing along with him, even when he delved into his bodily worries. Hey, admit it. We all wish we could be more perfect. Thanks #StMartin'sPress for allowing me to share an early peek at the current status of Randy Rainbow. I know he's on tour as I type, so hope the hotels remember that humidifier and his water.

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