How Yall Doing? Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived by Leslie Jordan
(format used for this read: Audiobook)
Viral sensation and Emmy Award-winner Leslie Jordan regales fans with entertaining stories about the odd, funny, and unforgettable events in his life in this unmissable essay collection that echoes his droll, irreverent voice.
When actor Leslie Jordan learned he had “gone viral,” he had no idea what that meant or how much his life was about to change. On Instagram, his uproarious videos have entertained millions and have made him a global celebrity. Now, he brings his bon vivance to the page with this collection of intimate and sassy essays.
Bursting with color and life, dripping with his puckish Southern charm, How Y’all Doing? is Leslie doing what Leslie does best: telling stories that make us laugh and lift our spirits even in the darkest days. Whether he’s writing about his brush with a group of ruffians in a West Hollywood Starbucks, or an unexpected phone call from legendary Hollywood start Debbie Reynolds, Leslie infuses each story with his fresh and saucy humor and pure heart.
How Y’all Doing? is an authentic, warm, and joyful portrait of an American Sweetheart— a Southern Baptist celebutante, first-rate raconteur, and keen observer of the odd side of life whose quirky wit rivals the likes of Amy Sedaris, Jenny Lawson, David Rakoff, and Sarah Vowell.
Leslie Jordan came into my own personal entertainment radar back in the early 2000s when he played Beverly Leslie, Karen’s long held “frenemy”, on the TV show “Will & Grace”.
I thought he was friggin’ HILARIOUS and sooo entertaining…and also downright PRECIOUS.
He’s been in tons of other things since then (and before then too)….. but my adoration for him sparked again during 2020 when he began regularly posting short videos on his Instagram.
He started most of his posts by saying “Well SHIT….how yall doin??” which quickly become an iconic tagline.
He would tell a funny stories about his life or he’d do something silly like a lip synch performance in costume.
While all of us were stuck at home, Leslie wanted to bring smiles and laughs and a little 30 second sparks of joy into our dreary days….and ohhhh how he DID!
If yall have zero clue what I’m talking about, do yourself a favor and go log into Insta THIS VERY MINUTE and follow him…then scroll back and watch some of his delightful posts from the past two years.
Buckle up and prepare to be entertained…and get ready to giggle A LOT.
Same can be said for this book.
He isn’t only funny….but also extremely positive, lovely and he’s just a TREMENDOUS human being.
He is a day brightener…a joy cup filler…and omg…he is just SO DAMN ENTERTAINING.
He is a fantastic storyteller and yalllll does he share some HILARIOUS memories and life moments!
His heavy Tennessee accent just adds to the sass so you DEFINITELY should listen to the audio version of this one. You feel like you’re just chilling with him in his living room and having a glass of lemonade.
You feel like he is one of your besties, just having a chat together. (or maybe that’s just me…because I tend to do that when I read memoirs….I still think Michelle Obama is in my inner circle because I listened to “Becoming” and felt the same way 🤣)
To be honest, I don’t really think the print version would be quite as enjoyable as the audiobook was😬
Listening to his words in his own voice just gives it that Leslie FLAIR that makes them so fabulous.
Silly little quips on random life events and Hollywood celebrities aren’t ALL you will read about though….
Leslie also shares some deeply personal life stories too— about his struggles with addiction, professional plateaus, family relationships, and encounters with homophobia and hatred.
You will mostly have laughs and smiles while reading… be prepared to have just a few moments of wet eyes and sorrow too.
The thing about Leslie that makes him so special though is that even thru the darkness, he finds a way to see the light.
He is just one of those special kinds of people that you don’t find much in life…he is a optimistic, magical and sassy unicorn and I just friggin LOVE HIM.
I am drawn to people like him who are eternal optimists because by nature I am the COMPLETE opposite. I am always AMAZED at how they can always see the best in people and situations. It astonishes me and impresses me to no end. (My bestie Amber is this exact way and one of the reasons I love her so so much!)
This book was DELIGHTFUL, yall.
If you are a Leslie Jordan fan in any way, shape or form, you will adore this book as much as I did.
If you have no clue who he is, do like I said and get your ass over to his Insta RIGHT NOW and get to know him! I promise it will only add joy to your life.
And then once you DO know him, go read this book.