Overview

Fall wig first into a world of big hair, high heels and even higher stakes in George Lester's debut novel Boy Queen. Life's a drag until you try . . . Robin Cooper's life is falling apart. While his friends prepare to head off to University, Robin is looking at a pile of rejection letters from drama schools up and down the country, and facing a future without the people he loves the most. Everything seems like it's ending, and Robin is scrabbling to find his feet. Unsure about what to do next and whether he has the talent to follow his dreams, he and his best friends go and drown their sorrows at a local drag show, where Robin realizes there might be a different, more sequinned path for him . . . With a mother who won't stop talking, a boyfriend who won't acknowledge him and a best friend who is dying to cover him in glitter make up, there's only one thing for Robin to do: bring it to the runway.

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9781529042115

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Reviews

What can I say to round up this absolute joy of a book. First of all, it is the only book in a long time that I literally couldn't put down. I started it before dinner and finished it in bed. I told George myself that I would kill to be able to send Boy Queen to my younger self - it certainly would have allowed me to release my inner queerness, my inner queen. It is the perfect read for everyone who needs help to find their fierce, true self, but might feel bogged down with the world around them * Lit Life London *

What can I say to round up this absolute joy of a book. First of all, it is the only book in a long time that I literally couldn't put down. I started it before dinner and finished it in bed. I told George myself that I would kill to be able to send Boy Queen to my younger self - it certainly would have allowed me to release my inner queerness, my inner queen. It is the perfect read for everyone who needs help to find their fierce, true self, but might feel bogged down with the world around them * Lit Life London * A lovely, inclusive book with very likeable characters, and a must-read for fans of drag * Sophie Cameron, author of Out of the Blue * I enjoyed being a part of Robin's world, watching him hope, and fail, and recalibrate, just as we all have to do. It's about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and getting over knockbacks - the hard lessons awaiting everyone as they reach adulthood. There's a message here about not only being true to yourself, but being there for others and lifting them up - everyone needs a shot at centre-stage. BOY QUEEN has drama, charm, and warmth, and George Lester has created a cast of characters you'll miss as soon as it's over. * Justin Myers, The Guyliner * This book will be enjoyable for both diehards and newbies to drag. It's full of fun, sass, and heart. Hang on to your wig because it will be snatched! * Dean Atta, author of The Black Flamingo *

This book is *singing* FABUUUUUULOUS!!!!.....Robin is a flawed character and throughout the entire book he learns a lot about himself.... I loved the sheer joy, fun, glitz, glamour and owning the stage and expressing yourself of being a Queen. I thought it was Dragtastic!....Boy Queen is ultimately about expressing yourself, chasing your dreams and never giving up. -- Nver Judge A Book By It's Cover Boy Queen' is a truly brilliant tale of a young man finding himself in the most unexpected way, with some wonderful supporting characters, some good old juicy teen romance and bravery in the face of adversity. I mean, George himself has described 'Boy Queen' as 'Dumplin' meets RuPaul's Drag Race by way of Gilmore Girls', and this is perhaps the perfect summary of the story. You've got the downtrodden, inexperienced but determined main character who shines when they're given the right opportunity, the supportive drag community - with some shade thrown in for good measure - the adorable first love with classic teen complications, friendships that could withstand any storm, and a bloody good mother-son relationship that makes your heart swell. I flew threw this proof in the early stages of lockdown, and it was just what I needed to lift my spirits and give me hope. Thank you for this, my darling. It's golden. -- Grace Latter I absolutely couldn't put it down while I was reading. Overall, this was such an amazing debut and I'm already dying to get my hands on whatever George does next! -- Golden Books Girl A wonderful and uplifting contemporary for long time fans and those only just getting to know drag. It might seem scary at first, but it's a blast -- Fantastic Books and Where To Find Them Boy Queen is heartwarming, witty, and full of love. It's all about finding yourself and learning to accept your truth, highlighting the importance of seizing the moment. -- Scorpio Book Dreams Overall I adored Boy Queen. It's a truly beautiful story about finding and accepting yourself -- Ren on the Road Utter perfection!!!! Condragulations. A Queer, Diverse, YA Contemporary book with flawed characters, loyal friendships, some romance, heartache and of course lots of drama, but ultimately self exploration. [...] I highly recommend you join this fabulous Drag journey. I am so happy to be a part of the LGBTQ+ Community, and this Book just makes my heart so happy. George is such a wonderful Author, and you can tell this book has been written with heart and passion. A fantastic Debut Novel. I hope you all love Boy Queen as much as I did -- Bookish Lauren I can't recommend this book enough, it's once of those charming, important quick reads (because you won't be able to put it down, I couldn't). And like I said, I want a sequel! -- Jth Books Overall, I loved it! It was a fun and very enjoyable read that had me constantly turning the pages! The story was unique and works as an insightful look into the world of drag. It's full of fun, friendship and glitter - what more could you want?! I definitely agree that anyone who is a fan of Ru Paul's Drag Race or Everybody's Talking About Jamie will love this, but I would actively encourage anyone to read it. I have already recommended it to two friends who I know will adore this book! -- Janay Brazier Oh my wigs and lashes, this was such a fun read, I loved it. Written by a real life drag queen, aka That Gurrrl, this is such a delight. -- Rambling Mads This is just BRILLIANT. It made me laugh and cry. It's full of fun and expression. It's learning from others and being yourself. It's romance and heartbreak. It's lies and friendship. It's Drag Race and queer. It's just bloody brilliant. Team Seth all the way. Sometimes everything's gotta fall apart for it to come back together. I really loved Robin and his crew. I thought his mam was great too. -- A Little But A Lot If you're in the mood for an exciting new contemporary I would most definitely recommend Boy Queen, it's fun, queer and fabulous! I could not put this novel down, and the cover is absolutely beautiful, I loved the detailed descriptions of dressing in drag and the journey Robin took to becoming a drag artist. -- Library Looter Well, this is a hoot of a read! An unapologetic queer cackle of a read with extra glitter thrown in for good measure! This feels like such a strong UKYA contemporary debut, tackling the issues of friendship, LGBTQIA+, homophobia bullying while touching on a gentle romance and coming out in your own pace. Am intrigued to see if George writes a sequel or a companion novel to follow one or two of the characters and tackle these issues further. -- The Pewter Wolf I read this book from cover to cover without putting it down and loved the story - I particularly think that it deserves a spot in and some attention from school libraries, especially with its look at first relationships, identity, and the anxiety and pressures surrounding the end of secondary schooling. -- Pythia Reads Boy Queen by George Lester was a fabulous, heartfelt and fun story about coming into your own, with a loveable main character, wonderful friendships and sparkling all over with queer joy. I loved this book so much! It was hilarious and full of fabulous drag shows as well as confronting homophobia and telling a relatable story about figuring out your path in life. -- Sasha and Amber Read Overall, this is a beautiful, emotional story that was a delight to read! This is a delightful read full of realistic, hilarious characters and lots and lots of drag! I would definitely recommend this! * The Everlasting Library * Funny, warm-hearted, packed full of joy and spectacular glamour! Utterly delicious! * Simon James Green, author of Noah Can't Even * Brand new LGBTQ book that just screams that it's going to be a lot of fun * Featured in a Summer Reads TBR blog piece on Never Judge A Book by it's Cover * What can I say to round up this absolute joy of a book. First of all, it is the only book in a long time that I literally couldn't put down. I started it before dinner and finished it in bed. I told George myself that I would kill to be able to send Boy Queen to my younger self - it certainly would have allowed me to release my inner queerness, my inner queen. It is the perfect read for everyone who needs help to find their fierce, true self, but might feel bogged down with the world around them * Lit Life London * A lovely, inclusive book with very likeable characters, and a must-read for fans of drag * Sophie Cameron, author of Out of the Blue * I enjoyed being a part of Robin's world, watching him hope, and fail, and recalibrate, just as we all have to do. It's about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and getting over knockbacks - the hard lessons awaiting everyone as they reach adulthood. There's a message here about not only being true to yourself, but being there for others and lifting them up - everyone needs a shot at centre-stage. BOY QUEEN has drama, charm, and warmth, and George Lester has created a cast of characters you'll miss as soon as it's over. * Justin Myers, The Guyliner * A hilarious, exhilarating, touching debut novel, filled with failure, self-discovery, resilience and glitter. * Guardian * This book will be enjoyable for both diehards and newbies to drag. It's full of fun, sass, and heart. Hang on to your wig because it will be snatched! * Dean Atta, author of The Black Flamingo * A funny, sparkly, and joyful celebration of drag! Boy Queen celebrates the power of community and shows how finding your people can help you find yourself. I loved it! * Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper *

Author Information

George Lester is a freelance editor, musical theatre lover and drag nerd who lives with his wonderful partner in Twickenham. He semi-regularly posts videos online talking about books and writing mostly. He is also a Drag Queen under the name That Gurrrl.

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