Book Review- Naturally Tan

Naturally Tan by Tan France

In this heartfelt, funny, touching memoir, Tan France, star of Netflix’s smash-hit QUEER EYE, tells his origin story for the first time. With his trademark wit, humor, and radical compassion, Tan reveals what it was like to grow up gay in a traditional Muslim family, as one of the few people of color in Doncaster, England. He illuminates his winding journey of coming of age, finding his voice (and style!), and how he finally came out to his family at the age of 34, revealing that he was happily married to the love of his life–a Mormon cowboy from Salt Lake City.

In Tan’s own words, “The book is meant to spread joy, personal acceptance, and most of all understanding. Each of us is living our own private journey, and the more we know about each other, the healthier and happier the world will be.”

Straight people love to ask, “When did you know you were gay?” Maybe some people do have an epiphany. I am not that person.

Naturally Tan is a must read for anyone who loves Queer Eye. You will fall more in love with Tan France than you ever thought possible. He is great on the show, but his memoir helped to me understand him and appreciate him even more.

A lot of the memoirs that I read are dark and difficult to read so it was refreshing to read one that, while touching on important topics such as race and LGBT issues, remains light and carefree. Tan (yes we are on a first name basis because it feels like I know him!) shares stories of his childhood, his career, his marriage, his friendships, and more. He also touches on some behind the scenes Queer Eye info that was fun to read about. I loved the sprinkles of fashion tips and tricks that were scattered throughout.

I loved this book so much that after reading the eARC (thank you St. Martins Press!) I had to listen to the audiobook. Tan narrates his own story and it was such a delight to listen to. He has a soothing voice and his reading added some personality to his memoir. There is also an special guest appearance that made me smile.

Naturally Tan is one of the better celebrity memoirs that I have read. Tan’s voice and personality really shines through his writing and you walk away feeling like you have a better understanding of who he is. I have since rewatched a few episodes of Queer Eye and I find myself connecting to him on a deeper level.

Yes! While I think this book is a must-read for Queer Eye fans, I also think that someone who does not watch the show will get something out of it.

I have not read many celebrity memoirs but I usually enjoy the ones that I do read. Do you have any favourite celebrity memoirs? I want to listen to some on audiobook!