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Playing with Myself Hardcover – April 19, 2022

by Randy Rainbow (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,936 ratings
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Instant New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller!

An intimate and light-hearted memoir by viral sensation and three-time Emmy-nominated musical comedian Randy Rainbow that takes readers through his life―the highs, the lows, the lipstick, the pink glasses, and the show tunes.

Randy Rainbow, the man who conquered the Internet with a stylish pair of pink glasses, an inexhaustible knowledge of Broadway musicals, and the most gimlet-eyed view of American politics this side of Mark Twain finally tells all in Playing with Myself, a memoir sure to cause more than a few readers to begin singing one of his greatest hits like “A Spoonful of Clorox” or “Cover Your Freakin’ Face.”

As Randy has said, “There’s so much fake news out there about me. I can’t wait to set the record straight and finally give people a peek behind the green screen.” And set the record straight he does. Playing with Myself is a first-hand account of the journey that led Randy Rainbow from his childhood as the over-imaginative, often misunderstood little boy who carried a purse in the second grade to his first job on Broadway as the host at Hooters and on to the creation of his trademark comedy character. In chapters titled “Pajama Bottoms” (a look back at the days when he wore pajama bottoms on his head to pretend he was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), “Yes, It’s My Real Name, Shut Up!” (no explanation necessary...) and “Pink Glasses” (a rose-colored homage to his favorite accessory), Playing with Myself is a memoir that answers the question “Can an introverted musical theatre nerd with a MacBook and a dream save the world, one show tune at a time?”

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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    St. Martin's Press
  4. Publication date
    April 19, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    6.55 x 1.05 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    125027625X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1250276254
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“I was already a big fan of Randy’s commentary on American celebrity and culture. Always smart, always wickedly funny, with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. I waited, as we all did, for his next target. Then he asked me to sing with him. His target, Donald Trump. Oh joy! I went to his apartment and met a shy, handsome young guy who just happens to have this enormous talent. It was a joyful two hours. I left his home with a huge smile and lots of swag. I wait patiently now, as we all do, for his next video that will make me laugh, make me feel not so alone in my thinking, make me wonder in awe at the audacious force of nature that is Randy Rainbow.”
―Patti LuPone

“Discovering Randy is one of my happiest memories. I don’t toss around the word ‘genius’ often, but there’s no other word to describe him. After being in touch with each other, I’m thrilled to call him my friend. He’s as nice as he is talented. Wow.” ―Carol Burnett

“Brilliant . . . as good as anyone writing lyrics today.” ―Stephen Sondheim

“I fall in love with Randy Rainbow a little bit more with each new video. Brilliant! And that voice!” ―RuPaul

“Randy Rainbow is so damn important.” ―Lin Manuel Miranda

"A rollicking debut . . . packed with well-timed zingers . . . Rainbow's gift for striking a well-honed phrase will have readers cackling. Fans are sure to be heartened and tickled by this entertaining account." ―Publishers Weekly

"Buoyant and campy throughout, Rainbow’s revelations and lighthearted banter will entertain fans and newbies alike. A chatty autobiography brimming with heart and humor."
―Kirkus Reviews

"Filled with the kind of anecdotes that anyone raised on a steady diet of Sex and the City and Broadway musicals will eat up with a spoon, Rainbow's memoir is pure, indulgent fun. Fans of Rainbow (there are millions, and they include big-name celebs, presidential candidates, and Broadway superstars) will want this book immediately, as will anyone who enjoys a good, dishy celebrity memoir." ―Booklist (starred)

About the Author

Randy Rainbow is a three-time Emmy-nominated comedian, actor, singer, writer, and satirist best known for his popular series of musical parodies and political spoofs, which have garnered him international acclaim. Randy tours the U.S. to sold-out audiences, and his viral comedy videos receive millions of views across all social media and digital platforms. He resides in New York City.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press (April 19, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 125027625X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250276254
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.55 x 1.05 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,936 ratings

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Randy Rainbow

Randy Rainbow

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,936 global ratings
What! There’s not 10 ⭐️ Stars?
5 Stars
What! There’s not 10 ⭐️ Stars?
I’m up to chapter 14. I stopped there because I don’t want to use it up too quickly. If you like his videos you’ll love this book. I hear his voice as I read it. I know now I must see him onstage.Do yourself a favor BUY IT
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Top reviews from the United States

Randall
5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious and fascinating. I can't put this book down!
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
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Randy writes really well, which is already evident in his videos. This book gives fascinating insight of how he came to this point in his life. As a gay man, I have also experienced a lot of pain and ridicule, but became strong and independent because of it. Randy's story hopefully gives power to other young men who don't fully understand why whe world treats them as it does, but that it is in their power to turn it around and not simply survive (thank you Gloria Gaynor!) but thrive and be the most FABULOUS person possible. I will be seeing Randy at the Paramount in Seattle in early February, and have a meet-and-greet ticket so that I can shake his hand and thank him personally for all of the laughs, joy, social commentary and inspiration he continues to bring to us. He truly makes the world a better place. See you soon, Randy!

- Randy Johnson (Yes, that is my real name. Not quite as remarkable as his, however.)
4 people found this helpful
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The Fictional Housewife
5.0 out of 5 stars loved
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
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I recently read Playing with Myself by Randy Rainbow. Randy is a popular personality on YouTube. He does parody videos with rewritten songs generally from Broadway shows. He is enormously gifted and if you have a sense of humor, he will brighten your day. I gave my speech about politics because once Trump became President, his administration was the subject of many videos. I thought this book would be about how Randy makes those videos, using a green and a computer, and it is, but there is much more substance, which surprised and delighted me. The book tells the story of when he was a child, figuring out he was gay, eventually telling his parents. He encounters plenty of mean kids in school, as we all do. Randy talks about wanting to be a performer but almost falling into his current career. There are loads of sarcasm, profanity, laughs galore and even a few tears. If you're interested in the people he's met and has worked with, the author does not hold back, naming them all specifically. He has charming stories about Carol Burnett, who I'm so happy to say is actually due the adoration I've had for her for years. You'll read about Stephen Sondheim, Steve Martin, Patti LuPone...the list of his admirers is endless and the stories amazing. Best of all, the reader is treated to a peek into Randy's relationship with his mother, which will make you choked up and smile at the same time. This is a feel-good book you'll be glad you read.

If reading nonfiction isn't your thing, I get it, in general it isn't mine. At the least do yourself a favor, put away your political affiliation, pull on your big boy/girl pants, and go look up Randy Rainbow on YouTube. You will be amazed at his talent.
15 people found this helpful
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Curmudgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars Randy Rainbow's memoir is both hysterically funny and very touching
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023
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As a long time fan of his satirical comedy, I expected this to be funny. It was but it was also extremely insightful to the issues of growing up as someone "diferent". There are both hysterical moments and some that are almost tear jerking. Enjoyed it so much h that I quickly bought two more for gifts. Anxiously awaiting seeing Randy in a live show.
One person found this helpful
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Jamie
5.0 out of 5 stars Gurl, hold onto your Pink Glasses - because Randy Rainbow Rules!
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2022
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Okay, so I am a huge fan of Randy Rainbow and his funny and insightful viral videos. Having seen many, more than once - because let's face it folks, the guy is a genius at song parodies, with a wonderful singing voice to match - now we can add to his many achievements/talents - that of, writer.
His first-hand account of his journey from earliest childhood to present time is a fun read, yet he infuses honesty and heartfeltness, that reminds you under that enchanting stage persona (and those famous Pink Glasses!), Randy Rainbow continues to shine like a bright star.
Unfortunately, I did not discover Randy's videos until 2021, but having survived the 2016-2020 nightmarish, Dark Prehistoric Ages, thrust upon this country, I came to appreciate Randy's intelligent, yet clever and hysterically funny musical insights into American politics, world affairs, dealing with Covid, and also his imaginary dating life. So, what's not to love about this charming lad?
Thank you, Randy for saving my and no doubt, much of America's sanity.

"Playing with Myself" offers the reader a looksie into a wise, yet funny, and yet gentle soul of a man, who also made me cry unashamedly when he wrote about losing Mushi (his beloved cat), during the pandemic. His book is also a loving tribute to his much-adored Jewish mother. Randy, could you loan her out to the United States?
And I am a senior citizen "Gurl", who highly recommends Randy Rainbow's book.
Yes Kween!
11 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars well written and. read Go Randy!
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
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The humor and trauma add up to a wonderfully engaging story. Totally enjoyed the day reading it and look forward to the next installment.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I love this
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved seeing this side to him so much, and I'm glad he got out all of the stuff about his dad, and the stuff about his introverted self. And how he's as bad as celebrity-ing than everyone else. He's a great human who started humble before he got big. Beautiful book.
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reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Randy Writes Like He Talks
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024
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I just saw Randy in L.A. so I know: He’s funny as he talks about a childhood that would have broken others. But he had a mom as.screwy as she was accepting and supportive. No problem he’s gay. He’s Randy.

And how’d he get that name?

He is not political? C’mon!

I didn’t realize I had so many questions about him until he confided in me in this book. It’s that personal.
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Charlie02895
5.0 out of 5 stars Playing with Myself
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
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I LOVE Randy Rainbow's work, so I was excited to buy this autobiography!
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Top reviews from other countries

cansuite
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Entertaining Read
Reviewed in Canada on April 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
I bought this book to say a BIG thank you to Randy Rainbow for providing so many wonderfully entertaining videos during covid for my husband & I to enjoy and share. I am happy to say the book is very entertaining (as expected). Thank you Randy for all you do and continued success from a couple of Canadian friends.
4 people found this helpful
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Ms L S Ewing
5.0 out of 5 stars Thaaat's Randy!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2023
Verified Purchase
Love it! Love it! Love it! Can't imagine life without our Randy. The world would be a much sadder place than it already is. If you're a RR fan then you've probably already read this book. If you're not, read it NOW and join the rest of us!
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Randy fan
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it!!
Reviewed in Canada on July 2, 2022
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Classic Randy in every way!!
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Christina Mcilwaine
5.0 out of 5 stars Book review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 11, 2023
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Great book fast delivery definitely worth reading
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B. Alexander
5.0 out of 5 stars fun
Reviewed in Canada on April 27, 2022
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liked
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