Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (2010), Edition: 1, 320 pages
Description
Here, from the incomparable John Waters, is a paean to the power of subversive inspiration that will delight, amuse, enrich--and happily horrify readers everywhere. This book is, in fact, a self-portrait told through intimate profiles of favorite personalities--some famous, some unknown, some surprisingly middle-of-the-road. From Esther Martin, the owner of the scariest bar in Baltimore, to playwright Tennessee Williams; from atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair to insane martyr Saint Catherine of Siena; from English novelist Denton Welch to timeless singer Johnny Mathis, these are the figures that helped the author form his own brand of neurotic happiness.--From publisher description.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Kek55
His collection of essays centers around people and things he considers role models throughout his life: his favorite clothing designer, one of the Manson girls, various artists.... The resultant book is exactly as Waters, and his movies, appear to be - by turns charming and degraded. Likely to
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leave some readers wishing they could wash out their brain with soap, but it's definitely an intriguing look at what's important to him. Show Less
LibraryThing member pdill8
Waters writes like he's delivering a monologue. It ain't great literature, but if you think you'd love to have a drink with the guy, you'll enjoy the read.
Drinks not included.
Drinks not included.
LibraryThing member delphica
I love John Waters, although I'm not a particular fan of his films. I just like him, and he's one of those writers where every line could be a quotation. (I would have to say my favorite from this book, after much deliberation, is when somebody asks him if he has any hobbies, and he offended
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replies "HOBBIES? DO I LOOK LIKE A DABBLER?" and it makes me feel good to know he is a fellow obsessive about his interests.) This is a collection of essays about people who have inspired him in some way -- some are more like interviews, others are people he has known over years, and then there are some that are ruminations on people he has never met, but have impacted his life and career. The most fascinating chapter is his very fair and thoughtful piece about his friendship with Leslie Van Houten. Also noteworthy is the essay about extreme pornographers, because really, what do you have to be doing for John Waters to think you're extreme? Show Less
LibraryThing member LibroLindsay
I don't know why anyone, if given the option, would choose to read a John Waters book and not listen to it. This was every bit as hilarious, crude, and salacious as I expected, and I learned a lot, too! Lots of laugh-out-loud moments, though, oddly, the only thing that didn't sit well with me was
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Waters' assessment of mental illness. Of course, it's John Waters, and, like everything else, he could just be saying that to get a rise. Show Less
LibraryThing member SarahEBear
Through "Role Models", John Waters, describes his loves, hates, interests and fears, through his experiences with close friends, acquaintances, places, heroes and role models. I love John Water's style of writing. You feel like you're reading personal correspondence from a close friend - a kooky
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friend, whom you worry about terribly and are always pleased to hear that they got through the weekend safely. Not for everyone - there are some frank and fearless descriptions here. In fact, his life reminds me of exactly how conservative I really am (and not the crazy bohemian I imagine myself to be). Show Less
LibraryThing member mrosol
John Waters, what a perversely funny, talented, depraved and humane artist you are!
Who wouldn't want to be a friend of someone whose role models include Johnny Mathis, a Manson girl, an underground porn producer who dreams of working with animals, a good-hearted, toothless lesbian Baltimore
Who wouldn't want to be a friend of someone whose role models include Johnny Mathis, a Manson girl, an underground porn producer who dreams of working with animals, a good-hearted, toothless lesbian Baltimore
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stripper, anti-fashion fashion designers, or obviously insane Catholic saints? Show Less
LibraryThing member ohsozoso
Role Models is, in fact, a 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 playwright Tennessee Williams; from the atheist
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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. Show Less
LibraryThing member jenn_stringer
Witty and self-reflective. I am not a John Waters fan as the creator of Hairspray or as the cult hero and yet the book is still entertaining and thoughtful. Maybe even more so because I was able to read his words and take them for what they are. The commentary of an aging gay man who pencils in his
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mustache, has been in the company of some very cool people, and was once outrageous only to now be quite tame. Show Less
LibraryThing member librarianbryan
We keep the flag flying high and bright. THE FREAK FLAG. Waters introduces us to the pop, high, and low culture icons that have influenced his life. This book contains the funniest joke I have heard in years. Of course, I can't repeat it here. I will share this nugget: "May I ask what you do for a
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living?""Can I be honest with you?""Sure.""I trade deer meat for crack."Waters never apologizes for his snobbery or his perversion. I love you John Waters. The most touching chapter was about his friend Leslie Van Houten (who recently was denied parole for the 19th time). Show Less
LibraryThing member ClifSven
Totally missed the entire point of this book. I'm a fan of Waters - this one just escaped me.
LibraryThing member datrappert
Listening to Waters read one of his books is always a pleasurable experience. He is an incredible, expressive narrator. In this case, however, the subject matter isn't as fascinating as is sometimes the case. Waters has the ability to humanize and sympathize with nearly anyone, from gay
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pornographers to (some) members of the Manson Gang. He also shows an incredible enthusiasm for modern art that is apparently not a put-on. His reading recommendations are also interesting, but all-in-all, this is not as interesting or entertaining as Mr. Know It All, which is in some ways similar. Show Less
LibraryThing member alexyskwan
Illuminating look into a very interesting man.
LibraryThing member Sullywriter
Weird, frequently outlandish, and quite entertaining.
LibraryThing member aront
The inimitable John Waters. That's all you need to know.
LibraryThing member listog
Sick, twisted, at times surprisingly highbrow fun from The Pope of Trash.
LibraryThing member vivwong
Brilliant. John Waters is smart and endearing like always.
LibraryThing member secondhandrose
Brilliant!
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2011)
ALA Over the Rainbow Book List (Selection — Essays — 2011)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010
ISBN
0374251479 / 9780374251475
Local notes
Signed