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Freak Show

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Freak Show

By: James St. James
Narrated by: Ben Estus, Suzanne Toren, Tracey Petrillo, Caitlin Kelly
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About this listen

Soon to be a major motion picture with Bette Midler, Laverne Cox, and Abigail Breslin!

Meet Billy Bloom, new student at the ultra-white, ultra-rich, ultra-conservative Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy and drag queen extraordinaire. Actually, "drag queen" does not begin to describe Billy and his fabulousness. Any way you slice it, Billy is not a typical 17-year-old, and the Bible Belles, Aberzombies, and Football Heroes at the academy have never seen anyone quite like him before. But thanks to the help and support of one good friend, Billy's able to take a stand for outcasts and underdogs everywhere in his own outrageous, over-the-top, sad, funny, brilliant, and unique way.

©2017 James St. James (P)2017 Hachette Audio Bullying Bullying & Abuse Dating & Sex Difficult Situations Family & Relationships LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction Funny

Critic reviews

"Freak Show has it all. It's hilarious, sad, sexy, and glamorous - just the way life should be." (Perez Hilton)

"Gutsy, funny, over-the-top Billy Bloom is a profile in courage." (The Washington Post)
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I'll start by saying that Billy Bloom already had a special place in my heart, I read the book years ago because James St James also has a spot right in there next to BB. I was delighted when I saw Freak Show on Audible but also a little terrified. My dear Freak Show, sweet Billy how would they treat the swamp princess super freak? I needn't have worried. I absolutely loved this audible book, adored it, Ben read it beautifully he was Billy. At times I thought I was listening to a young James St James reading and just made the experience even more delightful. A true story of battling and overcoming hate and finding love! If you've seen the film then I encourage you to listen to hear the complete thoughts & wonderfulness of Billy. James is a genius, more please. Can I get some lipgloss x

Thank you for letting Billy Bloom

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James St James’s freak show brings to live the tale of Billie Blume, a young drag queen Blutung the gender binaries within his school, exploring what it means to be himself by being anything but himself. An absolutely breathtaking performance by Ben Estus who gives sass and colour and camp glamour to Billie in his mundane world. Fellow freaks, this will be your bible, self help book, and inspiration.

Long live the freak

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this will having u rolling on the floor laughing or in my case at my desk in work. it will have you crying at ur desk or wherever you are! it is a beautiful story

freaking funny and beautiful

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If you liked this audio book, you'll LOVE the original!

I read the book a few times before listening to this. It holds up.

Sure, when reading a book oneself, the tones and infections will almost always be different than when others read it, but, nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this performance.

Some of the cultural references were updated to the time of the performance; for example, they mentioned different artists, actors, etc., to fit the times - nice touch.

The voice acting is top-notch. Different actors are used for different characters (for the most part).

This book will have you laughing out loud uncontrollably, every time.

Hilarious, Stunning, and Wonderful!

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