Hiding My Candy: The Autobiography of the Grand Empress of Savannah

By The Lady Chablis

Book Overview

The Lady Chablis, the outrageously charming drag queen made famous in John Berendt's bestselling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, takes us on an unforgettable tour of Savannah in her amazing story-- a triumphant woman's life filled with passion, humor, flair, and resourcefulness beyond the imaginings of mere mortals. With the guts of a five-star general and an appetite for life that would make even Madonna blush, Chablis takes us for a whirlwind walk on the wild side, callin' it out and pourin' the T (truth, as The Lady would say). Its was at a club in Tallahassee that she found her drag mother: Cliff Taylor, better known as Miss Tina Devore, who would set her on the path to stardom. Playing clubs in Atlanta, Chablis began taking hormones to grow breasts, and developed her stage routine-- but it was in Atlanta that she discovered how dangerous prejudice can be when she was arrested for falsification of identification. They took my purse and my gowns and they took The Doll to jail, honey... Chablis's fan club in Savannah had started up, and, after a detour with Miss Crystal Meth that turn The Doll bionic, she began headlining at the Friends Lounge, where she was crowned Grand Empress of the city. Chablis soon formed a club called the S.L.U.W.W., or the Savannah League of Uptown White Women, whose members met for dinner parties knows as P.T.A. meetings (Party, Talk, and Alcohol). At the Pickup, an S&M club (That's 'stand and model, ' girl), Chablis met her fiancee, a little blond thang who loves her incognegro (without her wigs and makeup). Miss Debbie has the qualities that you look for in most men and never find. The Doll's been busted, dusted, cheated out of men and money (I wasn't wearing my crown so I could be screwed royally ). She's lived as the Grand Empress of Scrapin' to Get By, she's beat up bad-mouthed bouncers, know love sweet and tender, mean and rough, legal and outlawed... and she's survived, honey, she's FLOURISHED Hiding My Candy, spiced with her special recipes for such delicacies as Brenda's Kickin' Chicken and Smack Y'Mama's Ribs, also features The Doll's beauty tips and her Blue Book (a very social register). Laugh-out-loud funny, deeply touching, and just as entertaining as The Lady Chablis in person, Hiding My Candy is one dessert you'll find absolutely irrisistible

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671520946
• ISBN13: 9780671520946
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 207 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Nothing to Hide

"Hiding My Candy" was so interesting. The author candidly told us her story. Chablis allowed us into her life by sharing the humor and the pain. Non pretentious, down to earth, occasionally crass, but never boring. Definitely should be on your books to buy list.

I love the Lady Chablis

I loved this book. I thought it was very funny, very interesting but the best thing about it is the theme of perseverance and being who you are.The Lady Chablis is a wonderful character and so "down to earth" and in your face. Wonderful.It moved me to read of all her struggles to get where she is. Very inspiring. Such strength.I recommend you read this AND you read Midnight in the Garden of good and evil.Enjoy!

Couldn't Put It Down

I saw this amazing performer in person in Savannah, Georgia. She is phenominal on stage. I purchased her book and couldn't put it down until I was finished. Funny - I kept visualizing her as a small girl growing up in Florida - then I'd see a photo of a beautiful African-American boy in the book. She has been through alot and survived. I, for one, am glad she's still working and that this and Berendt's book have brought her some fame and happiness.P.S. The recipies are great too!!! Love the punch girl!~Danny

Just Wonderful!!

I'm glad I listened to the audio version of this book...Miss Chablis sounds so good! What an attitude, and what a voice! She is absolutely inspiring. I feel upbeat just remembering this book.

Sweet, yet surprising

This inspirational tale of a boy, his dog, their love affair, the Rev. Billy Graham, pop-tarts, and hair remover was an inspiration not only to me, but my mom who was bitten by a rare bug in Brazil and can't swallow any food. God bless you Lady Chablis! And all who sail on yo