Glamazon Queen Kong: My Life of Glitter, Guts, and Glory by Deanna Booher Book Review

Many years ago, I downloaded "Glamazon Queen Kong: My Life of Glitter, Guts, and Glory" by Deanna Booher to my Kindle, intending to read it once my life returned to normal after starting a new job. Despite juggling various activities like knitting and writing, I finally found the time to dive into this book.

I've been a huge fan of Deanna's portrayal of Matilda the Hun from GLOW: The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, as well as her many appearances in various films, television shows, and music videos. Little did I know that this lady, whose mainstream work in the entertainment business seemed to revolve around her image as a big bad lady wrestler with a playful and sexy flair, had much more going for her than just beating on people. In fact, my friend Beastie, yes, the same Beastie from GLOW, had been friends with "Queenie" for many years. Beastie told me there was more to Queenie than what we knew from her GLOW days. Within the first two chapters, I realized Beastie's statement was an understatement. Having flown through the book in just three days, I discovered that Deanna aka Dee aka Queenie aka Matilda aka Queen Kong is possibly one of the most fascinating people I've ever read about.

Deanna's writing style shows that every word she's written comes straight from the heart. Open, honest—no, brutally honest—and unapologetic are just some of the impressions I felt as I read. Queenie's words kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what she'd say next. I expected a bulk of this biography to feature wrestling, music videos, and the world of entertainment, but that doesn't come up until the last third of the book. I quickly realized this book is not about a wrestler; it's about the life of a woman who just fell into the world of wrestling.

Deanna's book starts off with her humble beginnings in Torrance, California, and follows her life in chronological order. Her dysfunctional family and childhood issues felt as if she had channeled many of my own situations within my own childhood. Her teen years, leading up to the birth of her son, are heartbreaking yet relatable to anyone who grew up with dreams of being something "extra special" and feeling the need to do whatever it took to please others. I commend her for her mention of her use of LSD, weed, and alcohol because most self-penned "tell-all" books skirt over drug use or candy-coat it, making it all sound glamorous. Queenie's no-holds-barred accounts of being violated, used, and broken down are as fascinating as they are sad.

Queenie's biggest supporter throughout her life was her amazing husband, Ken. The chapters featuring Ken & Queenie's years as swingers and their home-based phone sex and fantasy business made me blush, and I had to skim the pages quickly if I happened to be on the train or bus for fear of someone looking over my shoulder and seeing one of Queenie's photos featuring one of her Glamazon characters and assuming I was reading porn or looking at dirty pictures.

As I mentioned earlier, Queenie's mainstream entertainment career isn't covered until the last part of the book. Her accounts of GLOW, POWW, and the Bruce Willis bachelor party are worth the wait. Queenie puts to rest the untrue notion that Jacqueline Stallone was the creator of GLOW. The truth is that it was a joint venture between David McLane and Matt Cimber. Queenie dishes the dirt on many of her GLOW sisters and colleagues, both the good, the bad, and the ugly, including David McLane, Matt Cimber, Americana, Spanish Red, and even the owner of GLOW until her recent death, Ursula aka Babe the Farmer's Daughter. Beastie, Lightning, Hollywood, Daisy, Godiva, Roxy Astor, and even Mountain Fiji get super shoutouts within this amazing book.

Queenie's no-holds-barred mentions don't stop with GLOW. Be prepared for some spilled tea featuring the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and many others.

As Beastie told me, there is more to Queenie than what we know from GLOW. Once you read this book, you'll not only be a fan of Matilda/Queen Kong, but you'll also fall in love with the woman behind those iconic personas, Deanna Booher. As mentioned previously, I purchased the e-book without knowing that I would ever meet her. I had the pleasure of meeting Queenie on a week-long cruise with other GLOW girls in 2016 and can attest that her book is as genuine as she was. Sadly, she didn't have any copies of her physical book to purchase on the cruise, but she did autograph another book she was featured in as well as my DVD of The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling documentary.

Looking for a good read featuring one of the coolest, most honest, and fascinating people in the world? Do yourself a favor and buy this book!

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on Deanna Booher's incredible life story. Have you read "Glamazon Queen Kong: My Life of Glitter, Guts, and Glory" or any other biographies that left a lasting impression on you? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!

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