Tanqueray

Tanqueray is a short book of Stephanie’s life as a burlesque dancer in the late 1960s and beyond. Brandon Stanton, of Humans of New York fame, bumps into Stephanie in 2020 and she almost immediately begins to open up to him about her colorful life. As Brandon puts it perfectly, she “always sensed a good opportunity.” I think they both felt this. He immediately runs home to grab his notepad and camera and begins the interviewing process of Stephanie. I love stories like this. Happenstances that lead to amazing opportunities for everyone involved. Serendipity as it were. The book reads as though your having a long chat with someone. I kinda wish there were more dates and historical details so I could visualize in my mind what all was happening in New York at that time. But that’s okay the book is still a joy to read. I believe they wanted to get a book out soon so Stephanie could benefit from the proceeds because gf is an old gal now and had some serious health concerns. So, happily you learn at the end she was able to benefit financially and get the surgery she desperately needed. I believe it was this fortitude of Stephanie’s that kept her going as a child living with her abusive mother and it was this same fortitude that has kept her going throughout her life up until now. This is exactly why she’s still around at almost 80 years old. She’s a strong minded and savvy business woman. You get a sense of this in her book, she was not easily swayed by anyone, not even by the Temptations. It would be great if they did a more thorough research and either made a full fledge detailed book, movie or documentary about her colorful life. I just feel like there’s definitely more there. (If anything a documentary about New York burlesque dancers of the 1960s and 1970s would be fab too.)I encourage anyone and everyone to write down the stories of their grandparents and great grandparents (and hopefully they’ll be honest with you.) ;)

I, like many others, discovered the story of Stephanie Johnson on Instagram.It just captured me in an instant and I wanted to know more immediately.The book perfectly captures her voice (I feel like I’m sitting at a cafe and she’s telling me all these things herself) and I appreciate that it isn’t in super tiny print.So many things about her life that I (and many others will, more than likely) identify with: her hatred for her mother, never feeling comfortable enough with only one stream of income at a time, a passion for arts, mouth like a sailor, etc.Stephanie’s story is interesting, fun and more importantly, full of heart. Several moments made me cry, especially the parting words at the end which if you think about it weren’t even sad. Love this book and I highly recommend it.

LOVE THIS BOOK! I read it in one day and know I’ll be reading it again. Her story is entertaining and heartbreaking at times but her strength and being a survivor is something I can deeply relate too. Even tho I was born after most of these stories took place, I could still identify with so much and Stephanie is honestly portraying herself as a complete person, the good, bad, and in between. Was interesting to think of how much NYC has changed and how many ppl have lived such big, eventful lives and we just don’t know their stories. Really beautiful and I’m thankful I was able to read her story.

Stephanie is a hell of a storyteller, and Brandon is one hell of an ear. He asks the right questions that encourage Stephanie to share ALL the details. The picture she paints of New York City in the 70s is astonishing, vivid, and unforgettable. Her life is a series of wild, funny, and heartbreaking moments. Every narrative is a page-turner, captivating the reader and enfolding them in Tanqueray’s true-life tale. This is a worthwhile read whether you need to laugh, cry, or marvel at the human experience. Don’t miss it!

I read portions of the story online but still enjoyed them all together in a book that’s just the right size and speed. Well written and easy to read, recommend it for an interesting story about a fantastic person.

Wow! I finally had the chance to read Stephanie Johnson’s memoir on vacation and it did not disappoint. Truly a powerful testament to perseverance, unwavering belief and courage. It’s not about the sex or the drugs, it’s about the inspirational story of a woman who never lost courage or the determination to make the most out of life. There’s a little bit of “Tanqueray” in all of us if we are willing to tap into it. Beautifully done. I kinda wish they would make a movie about her life next. :)

This was a fantastic read! I wasn't expecting it to be so funny and sad at the same time. This woman has LIVED!

About 40% of this book was already published online in 2019. Despite this, I knew her story and somehow it all read fresh. For much of it, I couldn't tell what was new and what I had already read. It's a wild ride. It's vulgar, funny, sad, shocking, uplifting. I wish it never ended. She goes through a lot of characters she's met and a lot of memories but I'm sure this is just scratching the surface. This is an excellent, remarkable and unique collection of stories from her past. And I know she still has plenty of more wild stories ahead of her.

I love to read about people because every single person has a story . Stephanie’s story happens to be way more interesting than a lot of peoples story.I am drawn to people that are brutally honest , and take no nonsense . Someone who breaks barriers , gets things done . We would be good friends . I sincerely hope she is enjoying her new found fame and can li e comfortably.

I had read Tanqueray's story on Humans of New York Facebook page and I had loved it. I bought the book and read it in one session: Tanqueray has lived a great and interesting life, and still is a great woman. I really liked this book!

This book is so interesting that you just cant't stop reading.

I’ve read other books by Brandon Stanton after following his Humans of New York page on Facebook. The book has this fascinating story of Stephanie/Tanqueray as featured on his page but with more content. It is well set out with photos and text. Read it the same day as delivery and it didn’t disappoint.

Will become a classic. Not for children.