Queer Eye: Book Recs For The Fab Five
[TV still from Queer Eye, Netflix]
Since the makeover show got a revamp in 2018, fans have been laughing, crying, and loving the new Fab Five and the lives they change. From Tan’s style tips (and his love of a good French tuck), to Antoni’s delightful cooking (and hilarious responses to smelly fridges), to Karamo’s kindness and caring, to Bobby’s miracle-working interior design, and of course, Jonathan Van Ness’s inimitable style, these men turn the lives of their targets upside down––in the best possible way.
But when they aren’t working tear-jerking miracles, we assume that the guys love to curl up with a good book (and hopefully a snack that Antoni made!), so we’ve got some great recommendations for them this summer––and one for fans of the show!
Tan – Remembrance by Rita Woods
All the guys talk about their upbringing and their family from time to time, but Tan France often brings up his parents and his sense of a cultural self. He has often spoken about growing up in a strict Muslim home, the traditions his Pakistani parents taught him, and navigating life now as an English, Muslim, gay man on American TV. Remembrance, Woods’s historical debut, would be perfect for Tan, as it ties together the stories of the women of a family over multiple generations and places, bringing their history and culture together.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Bookshop
Antoni – Haute Dogs by Russell van Kraayenburg
For Antoni Porowski, food is everything––so of course, we’re recommending something that will make his mouth water: Haute Dogs. This book elevates the humble hot dog into something that can be inspired by any cuisine, dressed up in high-fashion condiments, and essentially turned into the Park Avenue equivalent of the humble Wiener.
Buy the book:
Karamo – Siri, Who Am I? by Sam Tschida
Karamo Brown’s role on the show is culture, but any fan knows that he’s really about getting into the emotional side of things, and helping people figure out what’s really holding them back. His podcast, Karamo, delves even deeper into these subject––which is why we think he’d love Siri, Who Am I? This book may be light, but Karamo knows the value of a little joy, and the story deals with a young woman with amnesia who uses her social media to figure herself out. No doubt Karamo would have something to say about the symbolism in that!
Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Bookshop
Bobby – Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Bobby Berk is the interior design maven of the show––and while it would be easy to suggest a style book for the man who transforms living spaces, it’s clear that he already knows exactly what he’s doing there! So instead, he may want to take a break with Queenie, a book about a bad breakup and the many roadblocks on the path to happiness––something the Fab Five know so well.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Bookshop
Jonathan – Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Jonathan Van Ness may tame hair, but the rest of him is about as gloriously untamed as can be. Of all the Queer Eye guys, Jonathan is the one who is the loudest, brightest, and most likely to be found in a pair of stilettos––and fans adore him for it. While he may not necessarily learn much from the smash hit Untamed, there’s no doubt he would resonate with this autobiographical journey into discovering your sexuality, your wildness, and your place in a world that doesn’t want anyone to be ‘too much.’
Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
Fans – Geekerella by Ashley Poston
Finally, one for the fans––Geekerella is a modern take on the classic fairy tale, as a young girl obsessed with a sci-fi series decides that she will go to the ball! Ahem… the con. A convention, a cosplay contest, a ‘prince’ in disguise… Geekerella has all the sweet ‘finding yourself’ moments that Queer Eye fans will love, along with a little sweet escapism to enjoy.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Bookshop
Which books do you think the Fab Five would love? Comment and let us know!
