Who better to satirize a guide to modern womanhood than Trixie Mattel and Katya, the hilariously sharp-tongued drag queen veterans of RuPaul's Drag Race. Both competed in the show's seventh season and returned in separate seasons of All-Stars, where Trixie won the crown. The clever duo's guide is a laugh-out-loud mixture of profane standup and stylish advice writing that rivals Miss Manners at her best. Trixie describes herself as "an oil painting of Jennifer Coolidge," while Katya writes, "I'm a passive-aggressive introvert with no boundaries or shame."
With wit, sass and surprising insight (not to mention charisma, "uniqueness," nerve and talent), the duo offer advice on self-worth, finances, interior design, alcohol, drugs, dating tips, break-ups, making friends and makeup. Trixie wisely advises, "When you put your makeup on, you're deciding less about how the world sees you and more about how you see yourself." But they still find time to read former competitors and not-so sacred icons. On Madonna's youth-chasing fashion sense, Trixie writes, "She is so rich, and so iconic, that no one is stepping in. And I think someone should." The book also contains three hysterically funny "Conversations with Trixie and Katya" where the two banter back and forth and usually veer far off topic.
Filled with kooky, brightly colored photos of the outrageous duo, Trixie and Katya's Guide to Modern Womanhood is a visual delight. And the eye-catching design is matched by the smart and zany tongue-in-cheek advice skillfully dispensed by Trixie (Brian Michael Firkus) and Katya (Brian Joseph McCook). --Kevin Howell, independent reviewer and marketing consultant