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  • The House of Hidden Meanings

  • A Memoir
  • Written by: RuPaul
  • Narrated by: RuPaul
  • Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (36 ratings)

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The House of Hidden Meanings

Written by: RuPaul
Narrated by: RuPaul
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Publisher's Summary

Read by Ru Paul

***An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!***

From international drag superstar and pop culture icon RuPaul, comes his most revealing and personal work to date—a brutally honest, surprisingly poignant, and deeply intimate memoir of growing up Black, poor, and queer in a broken home to discovering the power of performance, found family, and self-acceptance. A profound introspection of his life, relationships, and identity, The House of Hidden Meanings is a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag.

Central to RuPaul’s success has been his chameleonic adaptability. From drag icon to powerhouse producer of one of the world’s largest television franchises, RuPaul’s ever-shifting nature has always been part of his brand as both supermodel and supermogul. Yet that adaptability has made him enigmatic to the public. In this memoir, his most intimate and detailed book yet, RuPaul makes himself truly known.

In The House of Hidden Meanings, RuPaul strips away all artifice and recounts the story of his life with breathtaking clarity and tenderness, bringing his signature wisdom and wit to his own biography. From his early years growing up as a queer Black kid in San Diego navigating complex relationships with his absent father and temperamental mother, to forging an identity in the punk and drag scenes of Atlanta and New York, to finding enduring love with his husband Georges LeBar and self-acceptance in sobriety, RuPaul excavates his own biography life-story, uncovering new truths and insights in his personal history.

Here in RuPaul’s singular and extraordinary story is a manual for living—a personal philosophy that testifies to the value of chosen family, the importance of harnessing what makes you different, and the transformational power of facing yourself fearlessly.

A profound introspection of his life, relationships, and identity, The House of Hidden Meanings is a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag. “I've always loved to view the world with analytical eyes, examining what lies beneath the surface. Here, the focus is on my own life—as RuPaul Andre Charles,” says RuPaul.

If we’re all born naked and the rest is drag, then this is RuPaul totally out of drag. This is RuPaul stripped bare.

©2024 RuPaul Charles (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The House of Hidden Meanings

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Un baume sur le coeur

J’ai bien aimé ce roman. C’est mon premier livre audio, en anglais et j’ai adoré le fait que ça soit RuPaul qui ait raconté son histoire. On dirait que c’est comme un grand-père qui nous raconte sa jeunesse en personne. C’est un mélange parfait entre des sujets plus légers et d’autres plus difficiles à aborder. J’ai vraiment appris à connaître la personne dernière le « personnage ». J’aurais toutefois aimé qu’il parle de ses débuts avec drag race comme on le connaît, mais ça n’avait peut-être pas nécessairement sa place dans ce livre; pour ce faire, ça prendrait un second tome (si une lecture sur le sujet n’existe pas déjà)

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Z
  • 2024-03-08

Mama GuRu

Authentic. Ru-veiling story of sincerely earned wisdom from a beloved icon, human, and mentor to humanity. Thanks for sharing your story. Shante you stay. 💖

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent Listen

This was an amazing read whether you’re a fan of him or not RuPaul reading this is just like sitting down having a great conversation with one of your friends, very enlightening about his story of his life.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Condragulations, Ru! What a wonderful memoir!

Less than an hour left until I complete this terrific memoir and I don't want it to end! Having Ru narrate it himself is a special treat. Highly recommended!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Refreshing & a pleasure to listen to

I pre-ordered the hard copy the moment I heard it was available and waited patiently for months until it arrived.

When I got it, I was determined to savour it ‘the old fashioned way’. But simply knowing that there was an audible version with RuPaul narrating it was too much to resist. So, I put the crisp new book on the shelf and indulged, I have no regrets.

I loved every minute of it. The story, the telling of the story and the Ru-isms that just made it sparkle. I am convinced (as I’m sure everyone is) that RuPaul would be a fast and sincere friend if our paths ever were to cross. That’s a special kind of magic :)

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Great book and new insight into Rupaul’s start

I enjoyed this book and Rupaul’s narration. This focus on his early years was something new and interesting to hear. I enjoyed this book - more personal.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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his brilliant words that paint a unique picture of realizations

This is helping me to reconcile with my own struggles even the grief of losing my mouther recently

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved every second.

This audiobook left me wanting more. I hope there is a part 2. I’ve always loved Rupaul and now I love him even more.
So good!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Just Amazing

Loved every minute!! His voice is so easy to listen to and his life fascinating to hear about.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Rue’s Past Unveiled

The portrayal of Rue's past is strikingly authentic, capturing the essence of his character with an appropriate level of drama that feels both genuine and profound. Unlike present depictions, which at times feel excessive and over scripted. His backstory is presented with a subtlety and depth that eschews the scripted sensationalism, offering a more nuanced and believable narrative. This contrast not only enriches the character but also serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of his journey, allowing the audience to connect more deeply with Rue's experiences and struggles.

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