Hola Papi: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons

Written by John Paul Brammer

Narrated by John Paul Brammer

LGBTQ advice columnist John Paul Brammer writes a “wise and charming” (David Sedaris) memoir-in-essays chronicling his journey from a queer, mixed-race kid in America’s heartland to becoming the “Chicano Carrie Bradshaw” of his generation.

“A master class of tone and tenderness.” —The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)
“Should be required reading.” —Los Angeles Times

The first time someone called John Paul (JP) Brammer “Papi” was on the gay hookup app Grindr. At first, it was flattering; JP took this as white-guy speak for “hey, handsome.” But then it happened again and again…and again, leaving JP wondering: Who the hell is Papi?

Soon, this racialized moniker became the inspiration for his now wildly popular advice column “¡Hola Papi!,” launching his career as the Cheryl Strayed for young queer people everywhere—and some straight people too. JP had his doubts at first—what advice could he really offer while he himself stumbled through his early twenties? Sometimes the best advice comes from looking within, which is what JP does in his column and book—and readers have flocked to him for honest, heartfelt wisdom, and more than a few laughs.

In this hilarious, tenderhearted book, JP shares his story of growing up biracial and in the closet in America’s heartland, while attempting to answer some of life’s most challenging questions: How do I let go of the past? How do I become the person I want to be? Is there such a thing as being too gay? Should I hook up with my grade school bully now that he’s out of the closet? Questions we’ve all asked ourselves, surely.

¡Hola Papi! is “a warm, witty compendium of hard-won life lessons,” (Harper’s Bazaar) for anyone—gay, straight, and everything in between—who has ever taken stock of their unique place in the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jun 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797127989

John Paul Brammer

John Paul Brammer is an author, illustrator, and columnist from rural Oklahoma currently living in Brooklyn. He runs the popular advice column “¡Hola Papi!” on Substack. His work, including essays, short fiction, and illustrations, has appeared in The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Catapult, Business Insider, and many more. ¡Hola Papi! is his first book. He runs a print shop where he puts his artwork and designs at HolaPapiShop.com. You can keep up with him on Twitter or Instagram @JPBrammer.

Reviews for Hola Papi

[ryanjaymce · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the type of the book I needed when I was younger. It was witty thought provoking and I felt seen as a young gay man from rural America.

[Emily Preun · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a lovely memoir meets advice column. I didn't have many expectations going into this, I have never read anything written by JP Brammer. I enjoyed this memoir! The stories were funny, interesting, wild, and at times heart breaking. There were many times through out when I wanted to wrap JP in a hug and tell him it would all be okay. I loved the stories from his youth of working in the taco store, he found so much identity there and found people who helped him identify with his mexican roots. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys LGBTQ+ stories and experiences!

[Ammann Thomas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you for letting us in! Food for though, fun and well written. Con much amor!

[c Kops · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A lot more somber than I was anticipating based on the cover. Reflective but heavy

[RitaVicente · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This just reminded me why I love memoirs so much. I love listening to anyone with stories to tell, and Josh’s stories were ones that I’m glad I listened to. I’m glad I got to know him through this audiobook, it was a great listening experience

[Jahel Corbán Caldera · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found this book by pure luck. I had no idea who the author was and after I read the sinopsis I didn’t knew what to expect either. Quickly I was pleasantly surprised. I could relate to the stories, the experiences and what he has to say. I did feel the last part of the book felt a bit less poignant that the rest, but not too much to overshadow the entire book. Defined worth the time.

[AkiraReign · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed a lot about this book. This is a very honest reflection of the life a man who is asked for advice has lived. All it's ups and down, and things that hindsight would change. I dont usually read nonfiction, and because of that it was a bit of a struggle for me personally to finish. But the book is good. If you're looking for something nonfiction this one is a good one.