John Waters is an American filmmaker, writer, and artist celebrated for his unique and provocative contributions to independent cinema. Known as the “Pope of Trash,” Waters gained fame for his cult films such as Pink Flamingos (1972), Female Trouble (1974), and Hairspray (1988). His work is characterized by its dark humor, transgressive themes, and offbeat characters, often starring his muse, the late Divine. Beyond filmmaking, Waters is a prolific author, visual artist, and charismatic speaker, maintaining a strong presence in the art and pop culture world.
Books Recommended by Josh Waters
Narrow Rooms
James Purdy
Source: “A salaciously satisfying novel that’s a great read, especially if you’re having a sexual nervous breakdown.” – Josh Waters
Genet: A Biography
Edmund White
Source:”The definitive life story of my hero, Jean Genet.” – Josh Waters
Pol Pot: Anatomy of a Nightmare
Philip Short
Source: “Incredibly detailed biography of the real ‘filthiest person alive’: the Cambodian leader who executed intellectuals for being in love or even laughing in public.” – Josh Waters
The Ghastly One: The Sex-Gore Netherworld of Filmmaker Andy Milligan
Jimmy McDonough
Source: “The astonishing career of Andy Milligan, the most pitifully damaged and insane film director whose personal life made Ed Wood’s look like a walk in the park.” – Josh Waters
The Sluts
Dennis Cooper
Source: “The novelist Dennis Cooper has always made other gay writers nervous. He’s a leader, a radical and his sexual horror stories are smart as hell.” – Josh Waters
My Prizes: An Accounting
Thomas Bernhard
Source: “Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth! The Austrian intellectual sourpuss hilariously rejects every literary award he was ever given. Refusal as an art form.”- Josh Waters
Still Holding
Bruce Wagner
Source: “This West Coast sage does it best — malicious, spiritually confused and sardonic storytelling like no other.”- Josh Waters
The Beard
Michael McClure
Source: “Jean Harlow and Billy the Kid meet up and have sex in this absurdist, Pop Art play that used to get busted for obscenity. Isn’t now the perfect time to bring it back and turn it into a Broadway musical?” – Josh Waters
Serious Pleasures: The Life of Stephen Tennant
Philip Hoare
Source: “Aubrey Beardsley, Ronald Firbank, Denton Welch — believe me, this ultimate British eccentric made them all seem butch. It’s a crime this book has gone out of print.” – Josh Waters
Good Morning Midnight
Jean Rhys
Source:”To hell with Charles Bukoswki, Jean Rhys is the best alcoholic writer of them all.” – Josh Waters
