Author: Tyler Oakley
Genres: Non-fiction, Memoir, Humour
Trigger Warning: This book has a short chapter about physical abuse.
Reviewers Note: I received a signed hardback copy of Binge when I met Tyler Oakley in Cardiff during his UK book tour of Binge. I had the incredible opportunity to meet him, and man was I nervous. I went with my sister, and we both got selfies with him (here are the links to my selfie, Katy's selfie, and our Tyler Oakley "Instagram" photo). I was so nervous & star-struck I could barely speak. I just mumbled a "hi!", and grinned like the Cheshire Cat. When I leaned in for our selfies (after he tried to say Hi! How are you? and I literally couldn't open my mouth to speak, so I just smiled & nodded, and tried to look calm in my photo) I ended up bumping him on the head with my head. I, being incredibly English, apologised profusely. His reply? "Oh no, don't worry. It was all I ever wanted." He then shouted, "great to meet you! Bye Queens!!" as Katy & I walked away. I was so overwhelmed I just giggled & waved goodbye. Not only did I meet him, get a signed book & a tour poster, he also liked all of my selfies with him. And, he also liked my tweet about reading the book! I have been truly blessed. (PS, follow my Twitter & Instagram for this blog - I update every day!)
Pop culture phenomenon, social rights advocate, and the most prominent LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, Tyler Oakley brings you his first collection of witty, personal, and hilarious essays written in the voice that’s earned him more than 10 million followers across social media.
My Thoughts:
I have been watching Tyler's videos on YouTube regularly since 2013. I've seen him go from eating 50 chicken nuggets in 20 minutes with his best friend, to interviewing famous celebs on the red carpet, having a stadium of people chanting his name, and of course, meeting President Obama. It's a natural progression, then, for him to write an auto-biography. What I found amazing is that after so many years on YouTube he has managed to keep so many hilarious & cringe-worthy stories secret!
Now, when I say "hilarious" & "cringe-worthy", I mean it. There were times that this book had me in stitches, and other times that I was so embarrassed for Tyler that I had to read the book with one eye closed (the foot chapter, for example). There were also moments in the book that truly broke my heart (and, to be honest, I am still broken up by it all). Tyler's fast & excitable energy starts to fade as the book draws to a close, and we are presented with the real Tyler. Mathew Tyler Oakley. The man who has 8 million subscribers on YouTube, a chart-topping podcast, a sell-out tour, and a hit documentary. But he's also the man who is from a broken home, who was outed as a gay man, who endured physical abuse from his partner, who is the face of The Trevor Project, and who struggles with being a worldwide phenomenon. After reading this book, I no longer see Tyler as this two-dimensional character on my computer screen. I see him as a complex human being (as we all are), who has endured so many difficulties, but still manages to bring joy to millions of people around the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tyler's writing style. Sometimes I find auto-biographies difficult to read, as the author hasn't had any previous writing experience, but with Binge, it was a dream to read. I finished the book in one sitting! His personality perfectly translated onto the page, so much so that at times it felt as if I was just having a deep conversation with him. He obviously has a knack for writing, and I feel like he would make a brilliant fiction writer!
YouTuber's books can be hit and miss, but Tyler has definitely hit a homerun with this one (he's a New York Times Bestselling Author for goodness sake)! If you are a fan of Tyler's, then please read Binge. Not only will you be entertained with hilarious, shocking, and cringe-worthy stories that have never been told before, but you'll also learn what makes Tyler, Tyler. Once you've finished this book, you'll see him in a new light, taking your love and respect for this bubbly character to a completely new level.
Now, when I say "hilarious" & "cringe-worthy", I mean it. There were times that this book had me in stitches, and other times that I was so embarrassed for Tyler that I had to read the book with one eye closed (the foot chapter, for example). There were also moments in the book that truly broke my heart (and, to be honest, I am still broken up by it all). Tyler's fast & excitable energy starts to fade as the book draws to a close, and we are presented with the real Tyler. Mathew Tyler Oakley. The man who has 8 million subscribers on YouTube, a chart-topping podcast, a sell-out tour, and a hit documentary. But he's also the man who is from a broken home, who was outed as a gay man, who endured physical abuse from his partner, who is the face of The Trevor Project, and who struggles with being a worldwide phenomenon. After reading this book, I no longer see Tyler as this two-dimensional character on my computer screen. I see him as a complex human being (as we all are), who has endured so many difficulties, but still manages to bring joy to millions of people around the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tyler's writing style. Sometimes I find auto-biographies difficult to read, as the author hasn't had any previous writing experience, but with Binge, it was a dream to read. I finished the book in one sitting! His personality perfectly translated onto the page, so much so that at times it felt as if I was just having a deep conversation with him. He obviously has a knack for writing, and I feel like he would make a brilliant fiction writer!
YouTuber's books can be hit and miss, but Tyler has definitely hit a homerun with this one (he's a New York Times Bestselling Author for goodness sake)! If you are a fan of Tyler's, then please read Binge. Not only will you be entertained with hilarious, shocking, and cringe-worthy stories that have never been told before, but you'll also learn what makes Tyler, Tyler. Once you've finished this book, you'll see him in a new light, taking your love and respect for this bubbly character to a completely new level.
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