Freak Show

by James St. James

Billy Bloom is Freak Show. Told from his point of view/stream of consciousness, he tells of his wild adventures as a transvestite parading through high school and letting everyone stare. He’s prepared for that. He cares so much more about his color coordinated outfits and accessories than what any one thinks about him. He is so over the top that he seems to belong on some wild sitcom. He’s funny enough for that and would certainly be one of the most loved characters on the show. Unfortunately, Billy is frequently the target of cruel words and actions, and suffers a vicious attack that lands him in the hospital. He recovers in a big way.

The book is about self-acceptance, accepting others as they are, and finding beauty in truth and forgiveness. Billy is a very likeable character with a great message. It seems like a book like this would be challenged regularly in school libraries. I can see how librarians would need to be prepared to justify keeping it on the shelf.