by Sahana C.

Drag Race fans: Bob the Drag Queen wrote a book. I wasn’t going to miss this one, especially since it asked the age-old question: what would the ones who came before us think about how we are today? 

In Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert, Harriet Tubman, among other historical figures who everyone has heard of (though not Jesus, as Bob the Drag Queen makes sure to tell us), comes back from the dead. She picks a blacklisted, gay, music producer to help her achieve her next-greatest life work: making a hip hop album that will free people’s minds. It’s a cute premise, and the themes of freedom are present throughout. Harriet Tubman isn’t the only historical figure of note, just the lead singer of the band. She’s accompanied by her band, the Freedmen, who were all freed thanks to her leadership and who all have their own stories to share.  

This is a debut and some points feel like it, but the overall story is charming, funny, and really imparts a love of history. It is quasi-historical fiction written by an author with immense love of the historical figure at the center, and that’s evident beyond anything else. I’d especially recommend the audiobook, since Bob the Drag Queen reads it with her signature charm and aplomb. Original songs are also included – fully produced numbers that add so much fun to the listening experience – performed by Bob the Drag Queen so it’s incredible.  

Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

Sahana is the Communications Strategist at HCLS. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.