BOOK REVIEW | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 39
DECEMBER, 2020 | ISSUE 318 | Qsaltlake.com
the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
‘TMI: My Life in Scandal’ BY PEREZ HILTON WITH LEIF ERIKSSON AND MARTIN SVENSSON C.2020, CHICAGO REVIEW PRESS, $26.99, 229 PAGES
You’re allowed to change your mind. You grow, get a few experiences under your belt, and things might look a bit different. You can have a change of heart then, and pivot your life in a different direction. You can take do-overs and take-backs, but carefully. And as in the new book TMI by Perez Hilton (with Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson), you can ask for
forgiveness, too. If you knew Mario Armando Lavandiera Jr. when he was a child, you’d be surprised at the man he is today. He says he had a good childhood but he was a “different” kid then and was often bullied: among other indignities, his classmates called him “the Fat Kid” because he loved to eat. That last part hasn’t changed. What has is that Lavandiera is now thinner, famous, and known by a nicer name: Perez Hilton. And no, if you’re wondering, Paris Hilton “never bothered” to sue him over the lookalike name, “though she definitely could have.” This transformation didn’t happen overnight. By the time he moved to New York to attend college, Hilton knew for sure that he was gay; while there, he gained friends, a pile of debt, and a mitt full of credit cards. Down but not out, he started a series of jobs and launched a series
of websites that both spanned time in New York and L.A., and that got him into trouble in one way or another. Then a photogra-friend leaked a few celeb pictures his way, Perez posted them on his website, and he was famous, literally overnight. And that was good — for a while. Hilton partied near-constantly, busted into celebrity events, became “wifey” with Gaga, clubbed with Jessica Simpson, and hung with Paris Hilton. And then he made a video for a national cause that caused him to see the hurt he’d left… Could it be that the infamous author and gossip blogger Perez Hilton has…. softened? Yes, mostly. There’s a whole lot less venom inside TMI than you might expect from Hilton, but fans won’t be entirely bereft. There’s still a little spark of gossip here, names dropped, and stories propped up and left on the roadside for embarrassment or for examina-
tion. Those are accompanied in this memoir by a glint-in-hiseye tone, and the sneakiest of snark hidden here and there, but that’s often tendered by tenderness. The surprise — or the shock, depending on your level of fandom — is that Hilton apologizes to several people he feels he hurt; and he expresses a degree of regret for having lost good, close friends because he reported gossip about them despite the friendship. It’s contrition that feels like it came from a battered schoolyard bully, only genuine. Hilton is a father now and he writes with an unabashed love for his kids, from a refreshing, seemingly-happier place in his life. TMI still includes plenty of Hiltonized Too Much Information, some snickers, and a hint of tattle-tale, but if you’ve never been much of a fan, here’s a chance to change your mind. Q
q scopes DECEMBER BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19
There isn’t much break in the action. Slow things down in order to maintain momentum. Lay low for a while, even if it means putting people on hold. You don’t need the drama intense friction, though there could certainly be an issue. Indulge in much needed romance and enjoy.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
You are being reflectivie and the past means more now because of a strange development in your belief system. No matter what the future holds, the past will allow you to grasp your inner desires. To keep expectations low is not always right, bu you need something to hold on to.
GEMINI May 21–June 20
Truth is bent with the lens of time and memories change. Be open to morphing perceptions. Realize that truth is an asset. A relationship is suffering as a result of repeated antagonizing from both sides. It’s time to kiss and make up in the way you know best,
which may get dirty.
CANCER June 21–July 22
While a dependency on others isn’t common for you, seeing benefit in conflicting ideas has always kept you grounded. Trying turning a foe into an ally to see the world from a new point of view. No one is inherently bad by simply seeing things differently. Find truth in reflecting.
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22
Take time to eliminate the impossible and streamline everything. It’s time to ease up on expectations. Have fewer but better friends, and find a career that works for you. Act now while things are lowbrow, because the future is bound to become chaotic for you soon.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21
LEO July 23–August 22
Focus energy into a personal relationship. A highly enlightened person will touch you in ways never thought possible. Clear the schedule to spend more time with them, but be careful of being too obsessed. While there is much to gained, there is a risk of losing yourself as well.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 2
Nov. 22–December 20.
Put trust into a respected acquaintance. Gain some levity in a work position and gain favor with the boss. It may not be the most dignified thing to do, but it will help a great deal. Everything is merging into one big opportunity, so keep an open mind and smile. Things will work out. You set the bar high, but only because much is expected from friends and family. But what matters to you doesn’t always matter to them. Back off from someone who needs space. It’s likely you need space too. Grow from experiences, and the world will seem brighter as a result.
SAGITTARIUS
Don’t spend too much time on one project and keep interests varied. This will not only prevent boredom, but agitation. Look deeper into finding truth behind a nagging problem, and nip it in the bud. People can often get in your way, so to take a different path toward happiness.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
Relationships are about give and take. It is better to give rather than receive. Let reason provides a path to personal growth. A mission requires much effort, but the real question is whether it matters at all. Find a sense of reason and purpose and learn to expand your horizons.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18
Despite a temptation to flee, life is actually pretty good. Don’t fear eliminating a relationship that isn’t doing much for you, especially if it’s setting you off in the wrong ways. There is too much time wasted on the frivolous issues of others. When life gives you variety, adapt with style.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19
It might be wise to back off with an old friend. They might simply be oversensitive to your direct way of doing things. A substantial pay off is very probable and bonding with this person could be life changing. The best that could happen is yet to come so keep positive right now!. Q