Lettin It All Hang Out: An Autobiography

``Some of the most unforgettable women in the world... are men.'' In this engagingly chatty, featherweight autobiography, drag queen RuPaul traces his transformation from misfit son of a troubled mother in Georgia, to unsung ``superstar-in-exile'' dancing on bars in Manhattan's East Village, to international sensation with the hit single ``Supermodel of the World.'' Since the book's completion, he has also become the first known cross-dresser to win an advertising contract with a major cosmetics company. Ru takes ample time out along the way to expand on the New Age platitudes of such songs as ``Everybody Say Love'' and aim a few harsh words at naysayers and tellers of stupid anatomical jokes--including comedian Milton Berle, whose infamous run-in with co-presenter Ru at the MTV Video Awards is described in sordid backstage detail here. But despite the title, Ru remains emotionally corseted until the final chapter, in which he discusses the hardships involved in growing up gay and examines his difficult relationship with his father. This extraordinary extrovert remains a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma wearing a bodysuit and sky-high wig. Ample snapshots of the many faces of Ru nearly make up for the lack of psychological insight. (June)