Karamo

April 22, 2019
In this often passionate, insightful memoir, Brown, known for his reality TV roles on The Real World and Queer Eye, shines a revealing light on addiction, race, and desire. Born in 1980 in Houston, Tex., he was the only son of a Jamaican-Cuban immigrant family and proud of his Rastafarian father, who gave him the Swahili name Karamo, meaning “educated rebel.” Sometimes the name caused Brown embarrassment, but it fostered an inner strength in grade school, he writes, and as an undergraduate at Florida A&M, a historically black college. His pioneering appearance as the first openly gay black man on MTV’s The Real World put all of his flaws on view, and led him to confront his drug use, excessive partying, drinking, and depression. Brown’s role as Queer Eye’s fiery culture expert allowed him to comment openly about racism and sexual stereotypes as he found happiness as the single father of two boys and, later, in a committed relationship. “We must find ways to move the needle on success and love,” Brown notes in the clear-eyed writing and encouraging tone that permeates his narrative. This is a powerful story of a young, gay black man’s fight to gain self-empowerment and healing.

May 1, 2019

These days, Brown is best known as one of the Fab Five on Netflix's Queer Eye. In this debut, he shares what life was like before the cameras started rolling. Beginning with the struggle of learning to love his name, Brown chronicles his journey of identity and black masculinity--the story of his Jamaican Cuban heritage and the pressure to succeed in a family of immigrants. From his childhood in Houston to his college years at Florida A&M, he's refreshingly honest about experiencing complex childhood trauma as the result of emotional and physical abuse, and living with a dad who wasn't always the best role model. Brown touches on racism and colorism in the gay community, homophobia in the church, and abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships. Before being cast on Queer Eye, Brown was a social worker in Los Angeles and later appeared on The Real World. His social worker background shines when he discusses his wavering self-confidence amid drug addiction and, ultimately, learning to focus on his emotional and mental health. Heartwarming chapters about his partner Ian Jordan and sons Jason and Christian round out the book. VERDICT Fans will flock to this sincere memoir and its thoughtful advice.--Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal

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