Book Review: "Karaoke Queen" by Dominic Lim

This book was so sweet and fun. I could totally see an adaptation of this into a movie or television show—it’s part Kinky Boots,” part RuPaul’s Drag Race, and even a bit of Pose. But that’s not to say the book was derivative or a copycat in any way.

“For me, drag is heightened reality. It’s not about lying, it’s about revealing the truth in a different way. My truth. I see that now.”

Rex used to be a popular drag performer and karaoke host, until he locked that part of him away. But when he discovers his old college boyfriend Aaron is now managing a gay club and karaoke bar, it awakens the desire to perform again—not to mention his desire for Aaron.

The Pink Unicorn is a part of Oakland’s gay culture, but it’s never gotten back on its feet post-COVID. When Rex learns that the bar is struggling, he offers to host karaoke in his drag persona, Regina Moon Dee. But while Aaron is no longer the closeted guy Rex dated in college, drag makes him uncomfortable—so Rex can’t let Aaron know that he and Regina are one and the same.

Paolo, the bar’s karaoke jockey, immediately takes a shine to Rex, and recognizes his alter ego right away. He can’t understand why Rex would want to date Aaron if he won’t accept Rex for who he is. But Paolo is all too willing to help continue the ride that Rex and Regina are two separate people. As you might imagine, hijinks and drama ensue.

I really enjoyed Dominic Lim’s debut, All the Right Notes, and this book had the same amount of heart. Sure, there is lots of bending the truth and hiding things, but it’s all for the right reasons. Rex and Paolo are such winning characters, and their friends and family are so appealing too. You’ll definitely want to break into song after reading this!