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Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer
"Dylan makes me laugh and makes me brave. I love
Paper Doll
, and I love this woman.”—Glennon Doyle, #1
New York Times
bestselling author of
Untamed
Actress and content creator Dylan Mulvaney’s honest account of her journey through girlhood
When Dylan Mulvaney came out as a woman online, she was a viral sensation almost overnight, emerging as a trailblazing voice on social media. Dylan’s personal coming-out story blossomed into a platform for advocacy and empowerment for trans people all over the world.
Through her “Days of Girlhood” series, she connected with followers by exploring what it means to be a girl, from experimenting with makeup to story times to spilling the tea about laser hair removal, while never shying away from discussing the transphobia she faced online. Nevertheless, she was determined to be a beacon of positivity.
But shortly after she celebrated day 365 of being a girl, it all came screeching to a halt when an innocuous post sparked a media firestorm and right-wing backlash she couldn’t have expected. Despite the vitriolic press and relentless paparazzi, Dylan was determined to remain loud and proud.
In Paper Notes from a Late Bloomer, Dylan pulls back the curtain of her “It Girl” lifestyle with a witty and intimate reflection of her life pre- and post-transition. She covers everything from her first big break in theater to the first time her dad recognized her as a girl to how she handled scandals, cancellations, and … tucking. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and powerfully honest—and is a love letter to everyone who stands up for queer joy.
Actress and content creator Dylan Mulvaney’s honest account of her journey through girlhood
When Dylan Mulvaney came out as a woman online, she was a viral sensation almost overnight, emerging as a trailblazing voice on social media. Dylan’s personal coming-out story blossomed into a platform for advocacy and empowerment for trans people all over the world.
Through her “Days of Girlhood” series, she connected with followers by exploring what it means to be a girl, from experimenting with makeup to story times to spilling the tea about laser hair removal, while never shying away from discussing the transphobia she faced online. Nevertheless, she was determined to be a beacon of positivity.
But shortly after she celebrated day 365 of being a girl, it all came screeching to a halt when an innocuous post sparked a media firestorm and right-wing backlash she couldn’t have expected. Despite the vitriolic press and relentless paparazzi, Dylan was determined to remain loud and proud.
In Paper Notes from a Late Bloomer, Dylan pulls back the curtain of her “It Girl” lifestyle with a witty and intimate reflection of her life pre- and post-transition. She covers everything from her first big break in theater to the first time her dad recognized her as a girl to how she handled scandals, cancellations, and … tucking. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and powerfully honest—and is a love letter to everyone who stands up for queer joy.
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First published March 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,158 reviews
January 19, 2025
Dylan. Is. An. Icon.
God, I love them.
I had no idea she was a quadruple threat??? She's a comedian??? I mean obvi from her insta stories (sorry guys I'm too millennial for tiktok, my brain shorts out) she's hilarious, but the amount of thought and intent behind their words? Wow.
Dylan is less than 1k days into Girlhood by the time I write this, but she has learnedddd the lessons - and learned 'em fast. At times it feels like homejoy (iykyk) is MacGyver'ing Girlhood (this is 0 shade, have you SEEN MacGyver?), and that's part of the beauty. We're all just winging it. And their transparency in that? Refreshing is an understatement. Dyl had me cry-laughing, Dylan had me cry-crying. The way she is able to put into words some of the feelings I've had since the day I first perceived being perceived speaks wonders to her experiences in and around femininity.
Such shitty timing to be writing this review, post-election that didn't go the way we'd hoped. I woke up, heard the news, finished this ARC, then sat in silence for...a while. It makes this stunning memoir even more powerful. Do you see what's at stake here? What if we didn't have her? How could anyone be afraid of someone else blossoming so beautifully?
An olive branch is certainly not the right word for this, as there is no mutual disrespect or misgivings. This is simply a masterclass in peoplehood. We are LUCKY to have this memoir. These words are not owed to us, especially not with how we (the media) have treated them. Finally, things are on Dylan's terms - albeit to a fault (it'll make sense if/when you read).
I have a feeling I'll be coming back to this review and adding more once I'm further out from finishing it, and from all of the stupidity that is being an American.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Dylan Mulvaney and Abrams for the DRC in exchange for my honest review!}
PS Dyl if you're reading this, PLEASSSEEEEEEE narrate your own audiobook, I'd listen on repeat.
God, I love them.
I had no idea she was a quadruple threat??? She's a comedian??? I mean obvi from her insta stories (sorry guys I'm too millennial for tiktok, my brain shorts out) she's hilarious, but the amount of thought and intent behind their words? Wow.
Dylan is less than 1k days into Girlhood by the time I write this, but she has learnedddd the lessons - and learned 'em fast. At times it feels like homejoy (iykyk) is MacGyver'ing Girlhood (this is 0 shade, have you SEEN MacGyver?), and that's part of the beauty. We're all just winging it. And their transparency in that? Refreshing is an understatement. Dyl had me cry-laughing, Dylan had me cry-crying. The way she is able to put into words some of the feelings I've had since the day I first perceived being perceived speaks wonders to her experiences in and around femininity.
Such shitty timing to be writing this review, post-election that didn't go the way we'd hoped. I woke up, heard the news, finished this ARC, then sat in silence for...a while. It makes this stunning memoir even more powerful. Do you see what's at stake here? What if we didn't have her? How could anyone be afraid of someone else blossoming so beautifully?
An olive branch is certainly not the right word for this, as there is no mutual disrespect or misgivings. This is simply a masterclass in peoplehood. We are LUCKY to have this memoir. These words are not owed to us, especially not with how we (the media) have treated them. Finally, things are on Dylan's terms - albeit to a fault (it'll make sense if/when you read).
I have a feeling I'll be coming back to this review and adding more once I'm further out from finishing it, and from all of the stupidity that is being an American.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Dylan Mulvaney and Abrams for the DRC in exchange for my honest review!}
PS Dyl if you're reading this, PLEASSSEEEEEEE narrate your own audiobook, I'd listen on repeat.
March 3, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
I've been following Dylan on Tiktok since she was a few months into documenting her transition. Paper Doll is written the way she talks online, and she reads the audiobook which feels like an extended intimate conversation. While I've seen a lot of this from the outside, her memoir/essay collection lets us into what she was going through privately and how she's grown into herself and gained true confidence. I appreciate how she admits she went into this not knowing much of anything about the trans community or the experiences of trans women writ large, only that she was a girl herself. She acknowledges the uncomfortable privilege of her position having a large platform and not dealing with the degree of struggle that many other trans women do.
And yet, that certainly doesn't make it easy. Things have been dark at times, especially in the wake of Beergate (if you've been following along you know, though in the book she only refers to the company as "generic beer", likely to avoid legal issues). If you follow Dylan on socials, this is easy to recommend. It has her signature humor, charm, and disarming vulnerability. And honestly, right now having a visible trans woman this popular feels like a win with all of the horrific anti-trans legislation and rhetoric in the US. I wish her all the best. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I've been following Dylan on Tiktok since she was a few months into documenting her transition. Paper Doll is written the way she talks online, and she reads the audiobook which feels like an extended intimate conversation. While I've seen a lot of this from the outside, her memoir/essay collection lets us into what she was going through privately and how she's grown into herself and gained true confidence. I appreciate how she admits she went into this not knowing much of anything about the trans community or the experiences of trans women writ large, only that she was a girl herself. She acknowledges the uncomfortable privilege of her position having a large platform and not dealing with the degree of struggle that many other trans women do.
And yet, that certainly doesn't make it easy. Things have been dark at times, especially in the wake of Beergate (if you've been following along you know, though in the book she only refers to the company as "generic beer", likely to avoid legal issues). If you follow Dylan on socials, this is easy to recommend. It has her signature humor, charm, and disarming vulnerability. And honestly, right now having a visible trans woman this popular feels like a win with all of the horrific anti-trans legislation and rhetoric in the US. I wish her all the best. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
March 31, 2025
Trans Rights Readathon 2025 #2
I have no time for conservatives or TERFs. I unfortunately had to turn off comments from non-friends due to other reviews, but please feel free to see yourself out if you "don't believe in LGBTQ+." Thanks.
I actually wasn't familiar with Dylan before this book, but I enjoyed the epistolary style on audio. It's giving middle school diary, which I obviously had.
I get having conservative parents. I get disagreeing with them while still loving them. I hate that Dylan deals with so much hatred. I hate the current administration. I don't think the last one did much better, but that's neither here nor there.
Anyway, read this for a little queer joy. And obviously, trans lives matter.
tw: misgendering, suicidal ideation, transphobia
🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books
I have no time for conservatives or TERFs. I unfortunately had to turn off comments from non-friends due to other reviews, but please feel free to see yourself out if you "don't believe in LGBTQ+." Thanks.
I actually wasn't familiar with Dylan before this book, but I enjoyed the epistolary style on audio. It's giving middle school diary, which I obviously had.
I get having conservative parents. I get disagreeing with them while still loving them. I hate that Dylan deals with so much hatred. I hate the current administration. I don't think the last one did much better, but that's neither here nor there.
Anyway, read this for a little queer joy. And obviously, trans lives matter.
tw: misgendering, suicidal ideation, transphobia
🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books
March 20, 2025
The audiobook was like being on a 6 hour FaceTime with Dylan
March 1, 2025
A vulnerable and funny look at the inner thoughts and feelings of a blossoming girl. I loved reading this book, which was both funny and touching. I’m not much of a TikTok person, but I became aware of Dylan, her bubbly personality and reluctant activism during “beergate.” This book definitely is true to her voice- a musical theater kid who is both drawn to and repulsed by the spotlight. Although I will never understand the emotional impact of transitioning, let alone so publicly, Dylan sure does try to help me.
She jumps around a bit, from her childhood of dreaming about Broadway, to her early transitioning days, to the fallout of beergate and beyond. I was surprised and heartened to hear about her naïveté and conflict aversion. Dylan seems to see herself as having thin skin, but she is extremely strong. She’d have to be! After reading this fun memoir, I can truly see how she didn’t have an ambition to be as internet-famous as she is, and how she has become an icon. There are complex emotions involved in constantly having to be aware of how others “consume” your appearance. I also appreciated how she acknowledges her privilege in being able to control her transition and what choices she has made.
One change I am going to make after reading this book is that I will actively shame trolls and back up people dealing with hateful comments. I have a tendency to stay away from comments sections, knowing that’s where the trolls feast. But Dylan helped me see how useful it is and how just the small action of being supportive can strengthen us.
Like, if you speak negatively about, say, the weather reporter, and you make negative comments about her appearance, she won’t hear you, but your family will. And even subconsciously they will internalize the believe that if you are visible you are less worthy if you don’t look like you are “supposed to.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams books for the ARC. Book to be published March 11, 2025.
She jumps around a bit, from her childhood of dreaming about Broadway, to her early transitioning days, to the fallout of beergate and beyond. I was surprised and heartened to hear about her naïveté and conflict aversion. Dylan seems to see herself as having thin skin, but she is extremely strong. She’d have to be! After reading this fun memoir, I can truly see how she didn’t have an ambition to be as internet-famous as she is, and how she has become an icon. There are complex emotions involved in constantly having to be aware of how others “consume” your appearance. I also appreciated how she acknowledges her privilege in being able to control her transition and what choices she has made.
One change I am going to make after reading this book is that I will actively shame trolls and back up people dealing with hateful comments. I have a tendency to stay away from comments sections, knowing that’s where the trolls feast. But Dylan helped me see how useful it is and how just the small action of being supportive can strengthen us.
Like, if you speak negatively about, say, the weather reporter, and you make negative comments about her appearance, she won’t hear you, but your family will. And even subconsciously they will internalize the believe that if you are visible you are less worthy if you don’t look like you are “supposed to.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams books for the ARC. Book to be published March 11, 2025.
March 26, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an alc!
do be sure to check trigger warnings before reading.
i really didn’t know much about dylan mulvaney aside from the beer commercial debacle, but listening to her recount her life with such humor and grace was an unexpected delight.
i appreciated her sharing her journey and the pain she experience from friends, family, and strangers alike. despite all of this, as well as her own internal struggles, she persevered.
mulvaney narrated the audiobook, and i think she did a wonderful job! her humor is very much similar to mine, and so i enjoyed her quirks💗
do be sure to check trigger warnings before reading.
i really didn’t know much about dylan mulvaney aside from the beer commercial debacle, but listening to her recount her life with such humor and grace was an unexpected delight.
i appreciated her sharing her journey and the pain she experience from friends, family, and strangers alike. despite all of this, as well as her own internal struggles, she persevered.
mulvaney narrated the audiobook, and i think she did a wonderful job! her humor is very much similar to mine, and so i enjoyed her quirks💗
July 28, 2025
This book was laugh-out-loud funny. I wasn’t super familiar with Dylan before reading it, but by the time I finished listening to the audiobook, I felt like she was an old friend. She comes across as warm, thoughtful, and just a LITTLE bit catty in a fun way.
I definitely recommend listening to this one on audio. The author is the narrator, and her background in theatre and comedy shines through in the lively narration.
And if you, like me, are an ally who isn’t super familiar with the nitty gritty of the transition experience, you’ll find this book very educational. I realized there are so many facets of the process that had never even occurred to me. Overall, this one is well worth your time!
I definitely recommend listening to this one on audio. The author is the narrator, and her background in theatre and comedy shines through in the lively narration.
And if you, like me, are an ally who isn’t super familiar with the nitty gritty of the transition experience, you’ll find this book very educational. I realized there are so many facets of the process that had never even occurred to me. Overall, this one is well worth your time!
March 24, 2025
Huge kudos for Dylan for putting herself out there and being vulnerable in this book. That said, I feel like this was a book written too prematurely. While Dylan is a famous influencer now, I feel like a few more years would have added deeper reflection and more maturity. Many of her anecdotes felt superficial and the more important topics often felt glossed over in a “I’ll say the things I’m expected to say so I don’t get into trouble way”. I hope she continues writing though, and I hope to keep seeing her advocate for the trans community. I’m sure one day in a decade or so, she will have even better perspective.
January 13, 2025
I want to start by saying, this book was not written for me, a cis het white woman!
If you're a stan of Dylan Mulvaney, you will love this book! I am more of a passive follower of Mulvaney and she writes exactly like she talks and acts, which I think many people will love. I did not, as it is very flowering and exaggerated, which is totally fine but just not my personal style.
I think Mulvaney approaches this book very honestly and tries to check her privilege as much as she can. I have not heard much about how this book so I am excited to see others' takes once it is available!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book!
If you're a stan of Dylan Mulvaney, you will love this book! I am more of a passive follower of Mulvaney and she writes exactly like she talks and acts, which I think many people will love. I did not, as it is very flowering and exaggerated, which is totally fine but just not my personal style.
I think Mulvaney approaches this book very honestly and tries to check her privilege as much as she can. I have not heard much about how this book so I am excited to see others' takes once it is available!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book!
June 17, 2025
I wanted to love this, but it’s just so meh:(
April 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Dylan Mulvaney’s Paper Doll is an honest, heartfelt, and deeply personal memoir that captures the highs and lows of her journey as a trans woman in the VERY public eye. Her writing style quickly reminded me that she is, in fact, a passionate and dedicated online influencer (nothing wrong with that, I'm just not used to it in writing). Dylan’s dedication to her own growth and her unwavering support for the full acceptance and ability to thrive for fellow trans individuals was so clear and truly genuine. Her voice shines with authenticity (I listened to the audiobook, highly recommend), mixing vulnerability and humor. Speaking of humor, I had no idea that along with being an influencer and a writer, she is also a comedian. And a singer. And theater actor. And a dancer. Soooo impressive. This memoir isn’t just a recounting of her experiences; it’s an invitation to embrace joy and resilience in the face of adversity. I hope Dylan continues to find happiness and to inspire others with her courage and compassion.
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dylan Mulvaney’s Paper Doll is an honest, heartfelt, and deeply personal memoir that captures the highs and lows of her journey as a trans woman in the VERY public eye. Her writing style quickly reminded me that she is, in fact, a passionate and dedicated online influencer (nothing wrong with that, I'm just not used to it in writing). Dylan’s dedication to her own growth and her unwavering support for the full acceptance and ability to thrive for fellow trans individuals was so clear and truly genuine. Her voice shines with authenticity (I listened to the audiobook, highly recommend), mixing vulnerability and humor. Speaking of humor, I had no idea that along with being an influencer and a writer, she is also a comedian. And a singer. And theater actor. And a dancer. Soooo impressive. This memoir isn’t just a recounting of her experiences; it’s an invitation to embrace joy and resilience in the face of adversity. I hope Dylan continues to find happiness and to inspire others with her courage and compassion.
Thanks to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2024
I want to start by extending my gratitude to Abram’s Books for allowing me the pleasure to read this ARC. Secondly, to Dylan…:while I know she didn’t personally pick me….I am gonna low key live in my own delusional bubble and pretend she did.
Reading this book was a privilege that I am so honored I was able to partake in. The stories brought happiness, sadness, anger, hope and then some.
This book takes you on a radical journey from before “Beergate”, during “Beergate” and after “Beergate”. She bared her heart and soul into this book told us her deepest pains and her happiest highs (also some literal highs….I will never go to Peru).
What I admired most was she mentioned many times that she recognizes her immense privileges in the trans community due to her platform.
This book is inspiring for those who have transitioned, are transitioning or want to. I hope this book gives hope and light to anyone struggling in the trans community that you have a people that love you and see you.
I read this book as an ally and will forever continue to fight for and support the trans community.
I will say if you have an issue with a slightly unconventional and chaotic format you may struggle to read it as it reads as a regular autobiographical book as well as a journal and has a very stream on consciousness vibe to it. Personally I loved it but can understand how grammar police might cringe.
So again Dylan, that you for personally choosing me to read your story…..because like you I LOVE FREE SHIT!
Reading this book was a privilege that I am so honored I was able to partake in. The stories brought happiness, sadness, anger, hope and then some.
This book takes you on a radical journey from before “Beergate”, during “Beergate” and after “Beergate”. She bared her heart and soul into this book told us her deepest pains and her happiest highs (also some literal highs….I will never go to Peru).
What I admired most was she mentioned many times that she recognizes her immense privileges in the trans community due to her platform.
This book is inspiring for those who have transitioned, are transitioning or want to. I hope this book gives hope and light to anyone struggling in the trans community that you have a people that love you and see you.
I read this book as an ally and will forever continue to fight for and support the trans community.
I will say if you have an issue with a slightly unconventional and chaotic format you may struggle to read it as it reads as a regular autobiographical book as well as a journal and has a very stream on consciousness vibe to it. Personally I loved it but can understand how grammar police might cringe.
So again Dylan, that you for personally choosing me to read your story…..because like you I LOVE FREE SHIT!
March 25, 2025
LOVED the audiobook.
Felt like chatting and learning with a friend. Really eloquent too.
Felt like chatting and learning with a friend. Really eloquent too.
April 24, 2025
A beautiful story of trans joy. The ending reminds me of how saddened I am every day with the state of this country. But Dylan’s story is a reminder that trans joy is not going anywhere. She is a such a lovely lady and I’m glad to be in the same timeline as her.
March 31, 2025
The vibe of this book is "me, me, me, meeeeee", "what can I get for free" and "I don't want to talk about privilege, but I have so many"
I'm unfamiliar with Dylan, save for the Budweiser debacle (proud independent political person, both sides have great ideas and both sides have terrible ideas, but I'm not a Bud fan anyways), so I went into this with an open mind, not knowing what to expect, and well, this wasn't it. I have read books by other trans individuals and they were much better. This seems to be another notch in Dylan's "look at me and give me attention now" ploy.
I'm unfamiliar with Dylan, save for the Budweiser debacle (proud independent political person, both sides have great ideas and both sides have terrible ideas, but I'm not a Bud fan anyways), so I went into this with an open mind, not knowing what to expect, and well, this wasn't it. I have read books by other trans individuals and they were much better. This seems to be another notch in Dylan's "look at me and give me attention now" ploy.
Want to read
October 15, 2024Oh I LOVE this cover, it's giving I'm Glad My Mom Died vibes <3
March 9, 2025
At first, I wasn’t sure about this book. In the first few pages, phrases like “World War She” and “The Angel of Transness” made me cringe a little. Queue up “I don’t fink I wike dis book” However, as I continued, I found myself settling into Dylan's storytelling style and enjoying the narrative more and more. “I fink I’m starting to wike dis book”
Dylan shares her life in a raw and unfiltered way, which I came to admire. What initially felt like a bubbly persona now feels deeply authentic, especially when I hear it in her voice in audio format. It gave me a much deeper understanding of who she is.
As a cis white woman, I recognize that there’s always work to do in learning about marginalized communities. While Dylan makes it clear she doesn’t speak for all trans women, reading about her experience allowed me to empathize with the struggles she faces. Though I can never fully understand, I am grateful for her bravery in sharing her story. This book has made me a better person, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have read it. Overall, a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Dylan shares her life in a raw and unfiltered way, which I came to admire. What initially felt like a bubbly persona now feels deeply authentic, especially when I hear it in her voice in audio format. It gave me a much deeper understanding of who she is.
As a cis white woman, I recognize that there’s always work to do in learning about marginalized communities. While Dylan makes it clear she doesn’t speak for all trans women, reading about her experience allowed me to empathize with the struggles she faces. Though I can never fully understand, I am grateful for her bravery in sharing her story. This book has made me a better person, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have read it. Overall, a compelling and thought-provoking read.
April 11, 2025
I knowwww it's a memoir but this felt veryyyy self-indulgent with near constant celebrity name-drops, comped hotels/meals/trips/products, etc. - so a bit heavily steeped in privilege that is only minorly addressed. It was a little too much of Dylan going: I didn't know about this thing, someone taught me, yay! E.g., girl went to South America for ayahuasca and didn't know the seasons are opposite from LA?! And times that by 10 for her learning about literally anything. And ya know, maybe that's very realistic and candid! But it was just not my cup of tea.
The last 5 minutes were the only really reflective moments of the book, where Dylan really sits with how she got to where she is with fame/social media. I also listened to Dylan read it, and that was nice.
The last 5 minutes were the only really reflective moments of the book, where Dylan really sits with how she got to where she is with fame/social media. I also listened to Dylan read it, and that was nice.
March 7, 2025
6 stars! No notes! 🤍
I LOVE Dylan and have followed her on Instagram since the beginning of her transition - so glad I listened to this audiobook instead of reading it! Dylan’s writing is the same as her online presence - unfiltered, real, earnest, sweet, hopeful, honest, funny, self-aware, and unique. I want to give her a huge hug and hang out in a canopy bed eating dominos together 🤍 can’t wait for her future writings!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audio! 🤍
I LOVE Dylan and have followed her on Instagram since the beginning of her transition - so glad I listened to this audiobook instead of reading it! Dylan’s writing is the same as her online presence - unfiltered, real, earnest, sweet, hopeful, honest, funny, self-aware, and unique. I want to give her a huge hug and hang out in a canopy bed eating dominos together 🤍 can’t wait for her future writings!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audio! 🤍
March 25, 2025
this was absolutely 5 stars!!! dylan you are an absolute icon. i have followed her since the days of girlhood on tiktok and i absolutely loved getting to dive into a more behind the scenes look on her transition. this book had me laughing and in tears. i 100% recommend this book.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
March 20, 2025
All the transphobes that are rating this book one star can F off. Dylan is an icon and I’m so proud of her for living her truth and being honest/vulnerable about her story. The chaos of this book had me laughing out loud and it makes sense now knowing that Dylan is also an ADHD queen. Love you Dylan, keep doing what you’re doing! ❤️
April 7, 2025
I appreciated the glimpse into Dylan’s journey. However I felt like it was a lot of lifestyle of the rich and influential.
April 15, 2025
Super quick, fun read. The writing style was a bit too silly for my liking and it lacked depth that I was really hoping for. However, I loved the girly details - the pink borders & little paper doll drawings were a really cute addition that took me back to my own girlhood (Dork Diaries, I’m looking at you) which was a really sweet representation of Dylan’s experience with girlhood later in life.
March 19, 2025
Crying over this book - an easy five stars🥹
August 11, 2025
this felt very out of touch and that makes sense considering dylans complete silence on palestine
March 17, 2025
I think she’s a good writer. I’m not sure we needed a memoir quite yet
March 28, 2025
she’s an (inter)national treasure
May 9, 2025
Trans rights are human rights btw
June 24, 2025
Absolutely loved reading about Dylan’s journey through her first year of transition! The book also detailed impactful events from before and after the first year and it really gave me a more deep and intimate look into her life. I thought it was really beautiful and moving and hilarious throughout. There were moments of pain and sadness as well that made her story so human and putting it out in the world like that is quite brave.
I also really appreciate that Dylan acknowledged her privilege throughout this book in many ways, specifically by naming it outright and ensuring her audience knows that, while she may provide some really great insight into the trans experience, her story is in no way THE trans experience. Many trans people especially Black trans women do not experience the level of gender affirming care she was able to receive early on or EVER. Dylan does a beautiful job acknowledging this and that she is by no means the teacher but also a student.
I loved the way the book is laid out, in majority diary entries throughout her first year of womanhood, and also that she included stories in essay format that had some formative moments for her. I enjoyed getting to read about her friends and family members and how she dealt with differing levels of support and acceptance from them. Overall would recommend!! I love memoirs and this one was a very unique one and I’m so glad I got to read it!
I also really appreciate that Dylan acknowledged her privilege throughout this book in many ways, specifically by naming it outright and ensuring her audience knows that, while she may provide some really great insight into the trans experience, her story is in no way THE trans experience. Many trans people especially Black trans women do not experience the level of gender affirming care she was able to receive early on or EVER. Dylan does a beautiful job acknowledging this and that she is by no means the teacher but also a student.
I loved the way the book is laid out, in majority diary entries throughout her first year of womanhood, and also that she included stories in essay format that had some formative moments for her. I enjoyed getting to read about her friends and family members and how she dealt with differing levels of support and acceptance from them. Overall would recommend!! I love memoirs and this one was a very unique one and I’m so glad I got to read it!
March 17, 2025
***I received a free eARC of this book from Abrams Image through Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.***
I'm fairly familiar with Dylan from TikTok and other social media, but as I'm a Millennial and she's Gen Z, I'm not quite as intimately familiar with her goings on as someone a few years younger may be. However, I think her book, which includes essays in the "present" day and journal entries from the start of her very public transition, is a vulnerable look at her life, both as a trans woman and a newfound celebrity. She's funny, honest, and genuine, and I think her likability make this a quick, easy, and enjoyable reading experience. Also, the amount Dylan talks about Twilight in this book is extremely relatable to me.
I'm fairly familiar with Dylan from TikTok and other social media, but as I'm a Millennial and she's Gen Z, I'm not quite as intimately familiar with her goings on as someone a few years younger may be. However, I think her book, which includes essays in the "present" day and journal entries from the start of her very public transition, is a vulnerable look at her life, both as a trans woman and a newfound celebrity. She's funny, honest, and genuine, and I think her likability make this a quick, easy, and enjoyable reading experience. Also, the amount Dylan talks about Twilight in this book is extremely relatable to me.
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