RuPaul Book Ball

"RuPaul Book Ball" is the eighth episode of the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Amy and David Sedaris are guest judges.

Episode
For the mini-challenge, contestants impersonate each other as part of a puppet show. Kim Chi impersonates Chi Chi DeVayne, who impersonated Bob the Drag Queen. Derrick Barry and Naomi Smalls impersonated each other, and Bob the Drag Queen impersonates Kim Chi. For the main challenge, contestants are tasked with presenting three looks. The categories are: Baby Drag Realness, That's My Mama Realness, and Autobiographical Eleganza Extravaganza, which requires contestants to designing outfits from book "that would tell their life stories". Contestants must also present a musical adaptation of Comedy Central's Strangers with Candy. Bob the Drag Queen and Derrick Barry place in the bottom and face off in a lip-sync to "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester. Derrick Barry is eliminated from the competition.

Reception
Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club gave the episode a rating of 'A'. Gay Times included Chi Chi DeVayne's runway presentation in the episode among her "most sickening moments" on the show. Screen Rant included Kim Chi's book look in a 2021 overview of the show's best ball challenge outfits, and said: "Kim Chi's stunning flower headpiece and her accompanying gown were awe-inspiring, especially when considering the look is made out of pages from a book. With a beautiful silhouette and an appreciable construction, Kim Chi's Book Couture gown and headpiece were an amazing example of how unconventional materials can create a fantastic look."