Tan France

My 10yo son and I both absolutely adore Queer Eye, and watching it together has led to so many fantastic conversations about acceptance and loving kindness and self-care and self-love. I'm so grateful and happy that this show exists and that the cast are all so loving and open. And so this memoir-loving gal was delighted to get her hands on this book; reader, it doesn't disappoint. France tells us about growing up as South Asian and gay in the UK and about the struggles inherent in show more negotiating those qualities with the world, then moves on to moving to the states, starting multiple businesses, battling the immense stress caused by running those businesses, and finally, of course, getting cast and being a member of the QE show. He manages to be honest about himself and the world as he sees it in a lovely and gracious way, and walks the humble-and-grateful line without tipping over into humble-brag territory or insincerity at all. It's well done and engaging, and (as all honestly-written memoirs are, I believe) brave, and I'm grateful to Mr. France for sharing a bit of his life with us. show less

I adore Tan on the show and I enjoyed learning a bit about his childhood, first businesses, and his personal life; however, the lack of any kind of literary structure got to me at times. Fashion tips, 9/11, representation...these are all lovely things to talk about but the book jumped in and out (and back to) them without any sort of order or transition. Also, I know he tried to portray a humble tone but the “it’s nice to be rich” talk really turned me off.

This book as taught me that Tan France and I have irreconcilable differences: mainly I think Olive Garden is a national treasure. Anyway, enjoyable memoir peppered with some strong style opinions. Expected nothing less from Tan!

The reality tv show Queer Eye is about makeovers for straight guys. Each show features a different man that has been nominated for the makeover. The "Fab Five" arrive to help him with home decor, grooming, cooking, fashion, and culture, and at the end of the week, the guy goes solo hosting a party or attending a significant event.

Naturally Tan is the memoir of the fashion guru, Tan France. He is from northern England, and the first chapters of the book are about growing up a gay Pakistani in show more a small English town. Next Tan talks about his career in fashion, from following his grandfather around the family clothing factory to owning three successful fashion businesses simultaneously. He writes about the toll work stress can have on oneself and one's family. Tan works hard to maintain a work-life balance in his relationship with his husband, who is a rancher's son from Salt Lake City. Finally, Tan writes about being asked to audition for Queer Eye and what it has been like to be on the show.

If not for a friend's recommendation, I would never have picked up this memoir, but I'm glad I did. I was mesmerized by the twists and turns of Tan's life, and how grounded he has remained through adversity, business success, and now fame. The book is written in a straightforward, unpretentious manner, and I admired both his candor and his desire for privacy (for instance, he refuses to talk about being Muslim, saying religion is personal). An interesting and enjoyable read, great for a summer day relaxing with some lemonade. show less