Ghetto Klown: A Graphic Novel

by John Leguizamo, Christa Cassano, Shamus Beyale Narrated by John Leguizamo

Overview

In Ghetto Klown, celebrated performer John Leguizamo lays bare his early years in blue-collar Queens, his salvation through acting and writing, and his colorful career trajectory. He brings us onto the sets of his films opposite stars such as Al Pacino and Patrick Swayze and with directors such as Baz Luhrmann and Brian De Palma, while also opening up about his offstage life in love and marriage. In this candid graphic novel memoir, Leguizamo offers a strong message of moving beyond self-doubt-and beyond the doubters-to claim some happiness.

Originally staged on Broadway in 2011, Ghetto Klown won Leguizamo Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards before being adapted into an HBO special. Now, teaming up with artists Christa Cassano and Shamus Beyale, Leguizamo shares his life story in this vibrant, funny, and moving adaptation.

Includes an interview with the author!

Editorial Reviews

Parade online

A touching and sometimes hilarious graphic novel.

Sophia Vergara

John’s writing has always been cutting-edge. His relationships with women, father and son stories, autobiography . . . He is a pioneer in theater and comedy, not just for Latin people, but as much as any comic or playwright I’ve ever seen or read. No one makes me laugh louder than this man. We are better because of him.

Spike Lee

My main Johnny Legs has done it again. Ghetto Klown as a graphic novel? DOPENESS.

Booklist

Though Leguizamo has matured, this insightful and engaging memoir still offers plenty of youthful edginess.

Baz Luhrmann

John’s writing is a cross between hip-hop and Eugene O’Neill. His scathing and unforgiving look at his own life takes no prisoners and, best of all, sets himself—and us—free.

Junot Díaz

Ghetto Klown is autobiographical dynamite—this is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as I’ve read.

Jesse Eisenberg

The graphic novel of Ghetto Klown captures the infectious spirit of John Leguizamo’s live performances with the same surprising humor and cultural insight. These pages make John seem like the coolest super hero in New York.

Junot Díaz

Ghetto Klown is autobiographical dynamite—this is Leguizamo at his scathing, honest, moving, comedic best. Among the finest portraits of an artist as a young wounded talented man as I’ve read.

Booklist

Though Leguizamo has matured, this insightful and engaging memoir still offers plenty of youthful edginess.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178447925
Publisher:	Abrams
Publication date:	06/25/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	380,325

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