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Fully Functioning Human (Almost): Living in an Online/Offline World
Growing up in an online age, becoming an internet sensation with half a million followers on her YouTube Channel, Irish girl Melanie Murphy's journey has been far from ordinary. Here, in her first book, she shares the ups and downs of her life. From dealing with online bullying, to living with anxiety and eating disorders to coping with acne and coming to terms with her sexuality, Melanie shows us how through difficult times we can learn the most about ourselves. And that, by learning to value and love ourselves, we can overcome whatever life throws at us.
310 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2017
71 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Murphy
3 books974 followersMelanie Murphy is an author and online content creator from Dublin.
Her debut novel 'If Only', featuring an unforgettable Irish grandmother and glimpses at parallel lives, was an Irish bestseller and is still reaching new audiences.
Melanie's pandemic word baby 'Glass Houses' - a second fiction novel - is out on the 5th of May, 2022!
In 2017, Melanie published her first non-fiction book, "Fully Functioning Human (Almost)" which also sold thousands of copies, received many positive reviews and topped the Irish book charts.
Her YouTube videos have amassed eighty million views online, reaching people with her weird but warm personality and her life lessons as well as her views on divisive topics such as sexuality, women's rights, health and relationships.
Her debut novel 'If Only', featuring an unforgettable Irish grandmother and glimpses at parallel lives, was an Irish bestseller and is still reaching new audiences.
Melanie's pandemic word baby 'Glass Houses' - a second fiction novel - is out on the 5th of May, 2022!
In 2017, Melanie published her first non-fiction book, "Fully Functioning Human (Almost)" which also sold thousands of copies, received many positive reviews and topped the Irish book charts.
Her YouTube videos have amassed eighty million views online, reaching people with her weird but warm personality and her life lessons as well as her views on divisive topics such as sexuality, women's rights, health and relationships.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 21, 2017
Where do I even start with raving about this book because genuinely, I don’t think I’ve ever had a non-fiction book speak to me so much as this one did! For those that don’t know who she is (how dare you), Melanie Murphy is an Irish YouTuber and regularly posts videos about health, beauty, food, sex, LGTBQ+ issues etc.
I have been following Melanie for I think a little over half a year and I quickly became sucked into her channel, her content and just her general loveliness so I knew I was going to break out of my general non-reading of YouTuber memoirs (the only other one was Carrie’s All I Know Now) to pick up her book. And I’m so glad I did.
Melanie is only a little over two years older than me and I think this is why I maybe related to her, and a lot of stuff she talked about, so much. She grew up in the same type of Ireland I did, with the same kind of introduction to social media ad the internet. we went through the same terrible fashion and dating stages as teenagers. I just got a lot of what she went through and reminisced about.
Melanie has some pretty strong points in this book, particularly about relationships with food and body, and learning how to self-love. You can tell she planned out this book really well, as each part of the book has specific chapters relating to different things under that topic and it all fits together really nicely to create a well-rounded discussion on food, sex, body, confidence, dating, you name it.
I think this book is generally aimed at people in their late teens onwards which I think is perfection. She talks open and honestly about sex, masturbation and modern dating in a way that people still tend to find it hard to talk and accept today (especially in Ireland). Melanie is so wonderful and hard-working and at times she seems so far above us normal people as a successful YouTuber but many of her experiences are completely average meaning it’s easy to relate to her and say, ‘Hey, if this happened to Melanie too, it’s not that bad,’ or ‘If Melanie could confront this and get over it with help, I can too.’
I genuinely think this book could end up helping a lot of people, even if it’s just finding that friend talking to you straight from the pages. This is a book I think I will find myself cracking open again and again just to reread certain passages to feel less alone or I need some sharp-witted advice.
I have been following Melanie for I think a little over half a year and I quickly became sucked into her channel, her content and just her general loveliness so I knew I was going to break out of my general non-reading of YouTuber memoirs (the only other one was Carrie’s All I Know Now) to pick up her book. And I’m so glad I did.
Melanie is only a little over two years older than me and I think this is why I maybe related to her, and a lot of stuff she talked about, so much. She grew up in the same type of Ireland I did, with the same kind of introduction to social media ad the internet. we went through the same terrible fashion and dating stages as teenagers. I just got a lot of what she went through and reminisced about.
Melanie has some pretty strong points in this book, particularly about relationships with food and body, and learning how to self-love. You can tell she planned out this book really well, as each part of the book has specific chapters relating to different things under that topic and it all fits together really nicely to create a well-rounded discussion on food, sex, body, confidence, dating, you name it.
I think this book is generally aimed at people in their late teens onwards which I think is perfection. She talks open and honestly about sex, masturbation and modern dating in a way that people still tend to find it hard to talk and accept today (especially in Ireland). Melanie is so wonderful and hard-working and at times she seems so far above us normal people as a successful YouTuber but many of her experiences are completely average meaning it’s easy to relate to her and say, ‘Hey, if this happened to Melanie too, it’s not that bad,’ or ‘If Melanie could confront this and get over it with help, I can too.’
I genuinely think this book could end up helping a lot of people, even if it’s just finding that friend talking to you straight from the pages. This is a book I think I will find myself cracking open again and again just to reread certain passages to feel less alone or I need some sharp-witted advice.
October 1, 2017
Melanie Murphy is an Irish YouTuber who posts videos on make-up, relationships, sexuality and self-care. This book is about her own struggles with life issues and the lessons learned from these experiences.
Rating it 2 out of 5 doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book - I did. It's a simple, quick read, like you're having a down-to-earth chat with a friend. The main problem is that the book doesn't offer anything new, and the author's "I'm your gabby best girlfriend" shtick is annoying after a while.
Fans will like reading about the bits of her life she hasn't shared in her videos (yet). The parts of the book that touch on issues like depression and anxiety, and eating disorders will be useful for people going through the same issues; she offers helpful insight into how she overcomes these problems.
But ... there isn't really anything new in the book. I'm not diminishing her struggles in any way. It's shitty that she has to go through such horrible experiences. But because the book is written such a subjective way, and she doesn't refer to external sources to validate her tips and advice, it's hard to have much substantial takeaway.
Take for example, the section on 'Beauty and Confidence':
Meh. This is the kind of generic advice that everybody receives that don't really tell us how to get there. Sure, self-confidence is a very personal journey - if you don't want to be confident, there's no way anyone else can make it happen for you. Perhaps it is useful for people to hear such things again and again, just to remind them that it could happen if they tried.
If it's basic self-care tips that you need, this is the book for you. I'm lucky enough that I'm at a stage in my life where self-confidence or mental health don't really impede me from living my life. But if you want to be better, if you want to be happier, this book could be useful.
I can see how with better editing and sharper focus, the book could be better. Would I read another non-fiction book on her life? Nah. But I would check out her fiction work, if she ever writes that YA fantasy novel she talked about in a recent video. Her writing is solid.
This review can also be found on my website.
Rating it 2 out of 5 doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book - I did. It's a simple, quick read, like you're having a down-to-earth chat with a friend. The main problem is that the book doesn't offer anything new, and the author's "I'm your gabby best girlfriend" shtick is annoying after a while.
Fans will like reading about the bits of her life she hasn't shared in her videos (yet). The parts of the book that touch on issues like depression and anxiety, and eating disorders will be useful for people going through the same issues; she offers helpful insight into how she overcomes these problems.
But ... there isn't really anything new in the book. I'm not diminishing her struggles in any way. It's shitty that she has to go through such horrible experiences. But because the book is written such a subjective way, and she doesn't refer to external sources to validate her tips and advice, it's hard to have much substantial takeaway.
Take for example, the section on 'Beauty and Confidence':
Be smarter than the masses, gang. Accept that everyone perceives beauty in different ways and just because Jimmy over there doesn't find you beautiful doesn't mean that Joe around the corner won't you so astonishing that he won't be able to keep his shit together and might even jizz in his pants just a tiny bit. (pg 157)
Let go of the concept of perfection and #goals. You define what is perfect to you. We all desire different qualities and characteristics and we all like different things, so we shouldn't feel like just because somebody else thinks something is #goals that we need to conform. (pg 182)
Meh. This is the kind of generic advice that everybody receives that don't really tell us how to get there. Sure, self-confidence is a very personal journey - if you don't want to be confident, there's no way anyone else can make it happen for you. Perhaps it is useful for people to hear such things again and again, just to remind them that it could happen if they tried.
If it's basic self-care tips that you need, this is the book for you. I'm lucky enough that I'm at a stage in my life where self-confidence or mental health don't really impede me from living my life. But if you want to be better, if you want to be happier, this book could be useful.
I can see how with better editing and sharper focus, the book could be better. Would I read another non-fiction book on her life? Nah. But I would check out her fiction work, if she ever writes that YA fantasy novel she talked about in a recent video. Her writing is solid.
This review can also be found on my website.
October 22, 2017
I like Melanie as a YouTuber, I feel she touches a lot of sensitive topics that need to be more outspoken, but this book... was a struggle to get through. The content was basic, the language rushed, feels more like an endless chat than a memoir - to the point that it made me irk. I enjoyed the section about relationships, I think there were some valid points there. Overall I didn't like this book and would recommend against it.
June 11, 2017
Even without reading it yet , even before it coming out … I'm sure this book will b a great success and a huge motivation - all around the world Melanie :) it'll resolve a lot of self esteem and self confidence issues and so much more . Best wishes and lots of love from India ! Excited for 26th August :)
July 14, 2018
4,5 stars
This memoir discusses having anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia, binge eating disorder and orthorexia, sexual harassment and miscarriage so trigger warnings for those topics.
I enjoy watching Melanie Murphy’s videos on youtube, even though I haven’t been that active of a subscriber. I like listening to her talk and this book was no exception.
I think she sectioned and organised the topics well and didn’t just jump around them randomly. I liked that the writing wasn’t too formal and I really like how the audibook was narrated.
What I also really loved was how personal this book is. Melanie didn’t shy away from all the shit she’s been through and how honest and transparent she was in telling her story. Also, the fact that she narrated the audibook added to how personal it is. You could hear from her voice when she was telling something sad which caused me to tear up on multiple occasions. She was also able to tell her story exactly the way she wanted by showing her personality not only in writing but also vocally.
Melanie is sort of a rolemodel for me as so many of her struggles have also been more or less present in my life. I’m inspired how she overcame the obstacles she’s faced and I wish I can do the same. This book really spoke to me and I could relate to multiple parts of it and considering how much the book is about Melanie’s obstacles, I don’t know if it is a good thing or not.
The discussion on eating disorders and other mental illnesses both on her channel and in this book is something I rarely see online and I really like that. I think she speaks very well on the subject. I think the section on eating disorders was the strongest part of the book.
Also, I loved how she talked about her sexuality in great detail and coming out. I think she is one of the better out queer youtubers out there and I really like the way she talks about it so openly and, like I said before, doesn’t shy away from the more serious subjects.
This book has a great emphasis on her love life and relationships which was at times a lot to listen as she went into a lot of detail. She also mentioned asexuality only once, which I get as she is allosexual but since the she gave advice on relationships and sex generally, the focus on allosexual relationships was majorly on the forefront. I would have wanted some more inclusion of the people on the asexuality spectrum. That is the only criticism I have of this book.
I think this book isn’t for everyone. People who are subscribed to her will most likely enjoy this as it is very similar to her videos. Also, I would recommend this to people who’ve experienced problems with mental health as it is a major topic in this memoir. This definitely made me know Melanie better and maybe even made me like her more.
This memoir discusses having anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia, binge eating disorder and orthorexia, sexual harassment and miscarriage so trigger warnings for those topics.
I enjoy watching Melanie Murphy’s videos on youtube, even though I haven’t been that active of a subscriber. I like listening to her talk and this book was no exception.
I think she sectioned and organised the topics well and didn’t just jump around them randomly. I liked that the writing wasn’t too formal and I really like how the audibook was narrated.
What I also really loved was how personal this book is. Melanie didn’t shy away from all the shit she’s been through and how honest and transparent she was in telling her story. Also, the fact that she narrated the audibook added to how personal it is. You could hear from her voice when she was telling something sad which caused me to tear up on multiple occasions. She was also able to tell her story exactly the way she wanted by showing her personality not only in writing but also vocally.
Melanie is sort of a rolemodel for me as so many of her struggles have also been more or less present in my life. I’m inspired how she overcame the obstacles she’s faced and I wish I can do the same. This book really spoke to me and I could relate to multiple parts of it and considering how much the book is about Melanie’s obstacles, I don’t know if it is a good thing or not.
The discussion on eating disorders and other mental illnesses both on her channel and in this book is something I rarely see online and I really like that. I think she speaks very well on the subject. I think the section on eating disorders was the strongest part of the book.
Also, I loved how she talked about her sexuality in great detail and coming out. I think she is one of the better out queer youtubers out there and I really like the way she talks about it so openly and, like I said before, doesn’t shy away from the more serious subjects.
This book has a great emphasis on her love life and relationships which was at times a lot to listen as she went into a lot of detail. She also mentioned asexuality only once, which I get as she is allosexual but since the she gave advice on relationships and sex generally, the focus on allosexual relationships was majorly on the forefront. I would have wanted some more inclusion of the people on the asexuality spectrum. That is the only criticism I have of this book.
I think this book isn’t for everyone. People who are subscribed to her will most likely enjoy this as it is very similar to her videos. Also, I would recommend this to people who’ve experienced problems with mental health as it is a major topic in this memoir. This definitely made me know Melanie better and maybe even made me like her more.
November 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I don't know if it's because Melanie is one of my favorite "internet personalities" or because she had some really bangin' advice here.
She really does tell all in this novel about growing up with the internet, dating, acne, weight, relationships, her parents, periods, assault, the list goes on. She's very honest and includes quite a few lists to try to help the readers cope with different life struggles and I really appreciated that. Melanie also challenged my way of thinking and made me reflect deeply on some things about my own life, like the fact that I have body dysmorphia when it comes to my skin.
All in all, I enjoyed listening to this. It almost felt like a friend telling me all of their deep, dark secrets during a sleepover.
She really does tell all in this novel about growing up with the internet, dating, acne, weight, relationships, her parents, periods, assault, the list goes on. She's very honest and includes quite a few lists to try to help the readers cope with different life struggles and I really appreciated that. Melanie also challenged my way of thinking and made me reflect deeply on some things about my own life, like the fact that I have body dysmorphia when it comes to my skin.
All in all, I enjoyed listening to this. It almost felt like a friend telling me all of their deep, dark secrets during a sleepover.
October 7, 2017
I've been a regular viewer of Melanie's since early 2014, and my draw to her was how helpful her food, lifestyle and body image videos were, and so I was so looking forward to this book. I certainly was not disappointed. Melanie's writing style is informal and very approachable in this book, which is perfect for the fact that she is trying to deliver advice through experience. As you read you feel as though you are having a helpful chat with an old friend who does not dictate advice through lack of experience, but is not afraid to share her most personal moments and tales of hard times to make you feel as though you are not alone in your struggles. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with food, body, sexuality, or just life problems in general.
June 2, 2018
This book is so personal and honest and lovely! It taught me tons of new things, things I had no idea about but thanks to Melanie giving me a peek inside her head, I feel like I might understand them at least a little, but also things that were SO relatable they made me laugh or cry. I'm so glad I picked this up!
January 20, 2019
Melanie Murphy is a Youtuber. Here she writes about the ups and downs of her life, writing about things that she wishes she knew when she was younger and offering advice.
This book reads exactly like watching one of Melanie's videos; chatty, helpful and relatable. It made the book easy to read and engaging.
There was a lot of general advice that I think would help younger readers (actually...I'm not sure what age range this was aimed at), but for me a lot of it was things I had heard before. It was when Melanie spoke about her own personal experiences that I found myself engaging more.
She wrote very honestly about her own experiences - from dating, mental health, childhood and her relationship with food - and it read almost like a personal diary sometimes.
This was a easy, quick read with Melanie's personality bringing the book to life.
This book reads exactly like watching one of Melanie's videos; chatty, helpful and relatable. It made the book easy to read and engaging.
There was a lot of general advice that I think would help younger readers (actually...I'm not sure what age range this was aimed at), but for me a lot of it was things I had heard before. It was when Melanie spoke about her own personal experiences that I found myself engaging more.
She wrote very honestly about her own experiences - from dating, mental health, childhood and her relationship with food - and it read almost like a personal diary sometimes.
This was a easy, quick read with Melanie's personality bringing the book to life.
December 14, 2017
Onesto, fresco e divertente. A metà tra l'autobiografia e il self-help, questo primo libro di Melanie Murphy esplora argomenti che vanno dall'alimentazione alla sessualità passando per autostima e problemi dell'era digitale, come cyberbullismo e dipendenza da internet, e il tutto con la solita spigliatezza e schiettezza a cui, se la si segue su Youtube, si è già abituati. L'inglese è semplice, arricchito da espressioni irlandesi che rendono la narrazione decisamente più colorita, lo stile è spassoso e la lettura scorre leggera. In generale un bel libro che lascia un bel messaggio, oltre che un buon modo per conoscere meglio l'autrice attraverso le numerose esperienze personali (positive, negative, catastrofiche, formanti) raccontate con maturità e delicatezza in queste pagine.
November 17, 2018
I've been following Melanie on Instagram for a few months now and have seen a few her YouTube videos. I'm always down for a memoir and thought this would be a fun/insightful/entertaining read. I'm giving it two stars because I felt that all the topics covered were done so in a way that was a bit over-generalized. Like others have said, I'm no way demeaning what she's gone through in anyway, I just felt that it was very superficial and never truly delved deep into the problems/struggle/resolutions. I also felt a bit too old (I'm 26), as though it was written for a bit younger crowd. I didn't give this one star because the whole time I was admiring Melanie for writing her first book...always a great accomplishment to me!!
February 17, 2018
This was a lovely read because I watch Melanie' videos. But if you're not familiar with her other work I don't think this is a book for you. I usually find these kind of life guide books weird because I'm usually around the same age as the author so I consider having the same amount of life experience. But in general I think this book gave good advice for almost anything. I especially enjoyed the eating part.
May 19, 2020
My second audio book ever.
Melanie Murphy is my favorite Youtuber. I love listening to her stories, relationship advices and makeup tips. So it's no surprise that I wanted to listen an audiobook instead of reading it. In about 8 hours Melanie talks a lot about her childhood, family, friends, crushes, sex and about all the things I love following her for. I've really enjoyed hearing her voice while I was walking or washing dishes or just lying on my bed.
Melanie Murphy is my favorite Youtuber. I love listening to her stories, relationship advices and makeup tips. So it's no surprise that I wanted to listen an audiobook instead of reading it. In about 8 hours Melanie talks a lot about her childhood, family, friends, crushes, sex and about all the things I love following her for. I've really enjoyed hearing her voice while I was walking or washing dishes or just lying on my bed.
April 9, 2019
I’ve watched Melanie’s videos for years, and they’ve always been a wonderful comfort for me, like a cozy and inspiring conversation with a friend. This book was an extension of her videos in the best way—it’s written in exactly like she talks and every page is infused with her lovely personality. I loved this book and I’ll read/watch anything Melanie creates.
September 16, 2017
Everyone needs to read this!
August 25, 2017
In general this was a very good book. I read it in one sitting and was really immersed until maybe the last 70-80 pages. I loved the take on growing up in a digital society in a time when no-one had a clue how it could affect kids (and people in general). The new possibilities but also the risks of consuming the wrong kind of content. I loved the book right up until the relationship part (the last 70-80 pages). A bit to much sex and the city for me. I couldn't really relate to this but maybe that is just me. Still I would definitely recommend this book. It was a quick read and made me think :)
September 7, 2017
Full review at: http://booksandchill.weebly.com/recen...
I'm in love with this! Just. Wow. I can't honestly wait to read this again.
I'm in love with this! Just. Wow. I can't honestly wait to read this again.
April 6, 2018
read my full review with pictures here: http://isabellsbooks.blogspot.de/
MY OPINION
How I became sort of obsessed with Melanie Murphy
I think I started watching Melanie's videos one or two years ago when I got more invested in the whole LGBTQ* community and searched for queer Youtubers. She has talked in a couple of videos about her bisexuality and those basically made me subscribe to her channel. I continued watching some of the videos that appealed to me, while not watching videos that were focused too much on her personal life - because I think that one has to be quite into a Youtuber to take the time to watch half an hour long vlogs of someone's month and stuff like that.
At the end of last year or at the beginning of this year, I started getting more into her Favourites videos - especially into this year's January Favourites video, which she starts with saying "I'm obsessed with shirtless Kylo Ren" - which basically made me fall for her hard. (click here to watch this video) .. besides, since she started having a PORG mug and plush toy in her videos, I was sold. :D
But besides the STAR WARS fangirling, I also loved that her Favourites videos didn't only consist out of Beauty items like most of the Favourites videos from other Youtubers do (if you know other Youtubers who do Favourites videos that also focus on other things, please let me know!) - and I am just so bored of those Beauty Favourites and mostly skip these videos entirely, because they don't inspire me a tiny bit. And that's what I want from those videos. I want to get inspired by new things.
Melanie talks about sex toys, underwear, food, movies, series and books in her Favourites videos and I'm so up for that! I love these videos so much, and became so obsessed with them lately, that I've just added ALL her Favourites videos (all the way back to her 2013 Favourites) to my 'WATCH LATER' Playlist! :D
And since I noticed how drawn I've become to her videos lately, I thought I'd finally order her book - which has been on my wishlist since its release anyway. :)
About The Book - On the Outside
I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of the title of this book - I think it's a bit awkward and too long (especially with the subtitle "Living in an Online/Offline World" addded to it), but I was pleasantly surprised that the book title was actually incorporated into the book multiple times.
I have some mixed feelings about the cover - I really like the main colour of it, but I don't really like Melanie's picture on it too much (although I felt like the very first page of the book sort of made an allusion to the face she's making on there). Melanie's releasing a smaller version of this book with a different cover in a few months - which annoyed me a bit at first, because I thought that I might regret not having waited for that new version - but I'm actually not sure which cover I prefer so I'm not too upset about that. I just think that the cover of my book edition is a little bit childish while the content of the book is not aimed at children at all.
However, what actually bothered me a lot was the fact that this was now the third book that I bought from which I could pull off the foil because it had already peeled off a bit. That annoyed me so much that I eventually really pulled off the whole foil - which left some ugly marks on the front, back and spine of the book. :/ I wish they'd stop with those foils or at least make them not peel off so easily.
The edition that I have is very tall and a bit unusual for a book - at least to what I'm used to - but it's nothing that bothered me really.
On the Inside of the Book
I really enjoyed all the little illustrations in the book - they felt very much like Melanie and were very lovely and unique. I especially loved the very first illustration in the book - which shows a pile of books - featuring three specific books that I read and enjoyed myself. That shared taste in books made me instantely relate to Melanie a lot, and it was defintiely a great way to start the book.
I also very much liked the fonts that were used in the book - they made it all look much prettier than a normal book. And it was also super cute that hearts were used as listmakers instead of dots. ♥
My Reading experience
If you watch a lot of Melanie's videos, you will probably read this book in her Irish accent. :) (Btw there also exists an audio version of this book, spoken by Melanie herself, if you're interested in that.)
Since this book actually made me far more obsessed with Melanie, I've probably watched more of her videos after I've read this book than before - so I didn't really read it in her accent, although I sort of tried to... :D
The last sentence of her Introduction (which is super honest in itself) shows point blank what a giving being Melanie Murphy is and how much she wants others to learn and grow from and through her mistakes, and it just felt like I had a big sister for the time that I was reading this book.
"If I can make one thing easier for one of you then every misstep I've made so far has been worthwhile."
If you've read a lot of my reviews, you will know that nothing makes me fall for a book as hard as references to other things that I love. Melanie did very well in that aspect. She did not only mention Harry Potter and Harry Potter related things multiple times, but also Lord of the Rings and STAR WARS, which made me relate to her 100% more and also made me a very happy reader. :)
I especially want to point out the part of the book in which she listed all the female characters that had an influence on her - including amongsr others Hermione Granger, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Lizzie Bennet. Since I'm also very influenced by fictional characters, I loved that acknowledgement a lot.
I could relate a lot to what she wrote about media and how the statistics and analytics and general data of your social media accounts can get very easily to your head - it was quite comforting to read her advise on that, because it's something that you don't really find a lot of people talking about in books. If you also find yourself occasionally stressing out too much about the number of your followers of likes, Melanie's chapters on media will be heart-balm for you aswell.
I could also 100% identify with what she wrote about texting and getting the feeling that someone 'corners' you.. I loved how she described that because it's exactly the way that I very often feel.
As I said before, although I'd considered myself a fan of her Youtube channel before I ordered the book, I actually didn't know too much about her.. which made reading this book a very eye-opening and getting-to-know-her experience. For example, I didn't know before that she had a university degree in teaching. And since I'm currently studying at university to become a teacher myself, I could obviously very much relate to that. The fact that she pointed out that the teachers in Harry Potter had had a great influence on her studying decision warmed my heart, because it was the same for me aswell. The teachers in Harry Potter (obviously NOT all of them... ) are such amazing role models and inspirations for their students and I think that one can only aspire to be like them. This made me like Melanie even more than I already did. (Generally, this book was just an immense boost for my admiration for her.)
When I read the content table I was least interested in the section about "Food and Body" because it's luckily not a subject that I have to spent much time with. But I ended up finding the chapters under this category extremely eye-opening and raw and honest, which made my respect for Melanie grow immensely. She was incredibly open about her eating past and as with the teaching degree, I also didn't know about the eating disorders that she faced in the past. I must admit that I hadn't even been that aware of the variety of eating disorders before reading those chapters. Melanie really bared it all in those chapters and shared a lot of 'ugly' details about her past. Since I read this book while I was myself in a very stressful period of time because I put myself under a lot of pressure to perfect a term paper, I had also started eating a lot of unhealthy snacks to cope with the stress. It felt a bit like it was meant to be that I read those brutally honest chapters while I was myself on a dangerous edge of becoming addicted to bad eating habits. I was obviously no where near where Melanie had been, but I was very glad that I had this eye-opening moments while reading this chapters and overthought my bad eating habits and stopped them. (Though I'm still slightly addicted to Pringles.. but Melanie also mentioned those a lot in her book, so I felt not too bad about that .. craving.)
I was very glad that Melanie didn't solely focus on the problems that she had as a teenager but also very much on her issues as an adult, especially at the beginning of her twenties - where I'm currently at -, so I definitely felt like I read this book at the exact right time.
There are a lot of lists in her book that mostly feature some practical advise and tips for the reader that are very easy to adopt into one's life. She also put her favourite social media accounts and her most inspiring celebrities into her book - which I loved because I'm always eager to find new inspiring people to fill my social media timelines with.
As I said before, I've now flooded my 'Watch Later' Playlist with all of her Favourites videos - just because I wanted to continue having her have such a vivid presence in my life. After I've finished her book, I terribly missed her daily advise - which is why her book basically made me yearn for her content much more than I did before I've read it. Her videos just have this same calming, relaxing, reassuring effect on me that her book had and I've become so in need of that that I almost only watch her on Youtube at the moment.
Now that I've invested much more time into her, I've also seen videos in which she addressed a lot of the stuff that she's written about in the book and that was new to me in the book. That's why I think that an avid viewer of her videos might not learn as much new things about her through the book as I did. But I still feel like she shared a lot more in her book than she does on Youtube - although she already shares a lot of emotional and personal things on Youtube aswell. But that's one of the reasons why I'm so drawn to her - because she's so bloody honest.
CONCLUSION
This book was very comforting to read and always made me feel very much at ease while I read it - which was exactly what I needed during the stressful time that I read it. Melanie feels like a big sister who's already been though all of the messy stuff and now passes on her helpful advise to her readers (and viewers). And although you know that there are a lot of them out there, it still feels as though she's just directly talking to you/me.
Like I said, this book made me get to know Melanie a lot better - I would even say know her inside and out, but not with ending up being bored of her but the absolute opposite: wanting more and more of her - wanting all of her. (Yes, I admit, I have some sort of crush on her - but honestly, how could you not?) You definitely end up having a strong connection with her after getting to know her so deeply through this book, and almost feel like you're friends with her.
Her words made me reflect on myself a lot, which I really liked and appreciated. :)
She is currently writing her second novel and first fictional story and I'm obviously super hyped about that and cannot wait to read it!
MY OPINION
How I became sort of obsessed with Melanie Murphy
I think I started watching Melanie's videos one or two years ago when I got more invested in the whole LGBTQ* community and searched for queer Youtubers. She has talked in a couple of videos about her bisexuality and those basically made me subscribe to her channel. I continued watching some of the videos that appealed to me, while not watching videos that were focused too much on her personal life - because I think that one has to be quite into a Youtuber to take the time to watch half an hour long vlogs of someone's month and stuff like that.
At the end of last year or at the beginning of this year, I started getting more into her Favourites videos - especially into this year's January Favourites video, which she starts with saying "I'm obsessed with shirtless Kylo Ren" - which basically made me fall for her hard. (click here to watch this video) .. besides, since she started having a PORG mug and plush toy in her videos, I was sold. :D
But besides the STAR WARS fangirling, I also loved that her Favourites videos didn't only consist out of Beauty items like most of the Favourites videos from other Youtubers do (if you know other Youtubers who do Favourites videos that also focus on other things, please let me know!) - and I am just so bored of those Beauty Favourites and mostly skip these videos entirely, because they don't inspire me a tiny bit. And that's what I want from those videos. I want to get inspired by new things.
Melanie talks about sex toys, underwear, food, movies, series and books in her Favourites videos and I'm so up for that! I love these videos so much, and became so obsessed with them lately, that I've just added ALL her Favourites videos (all the way back to her 2013 Favourites) to my 'WATCH LATER' Playlist! :D
And since I noticed how drawn I've become to her videos lately, I thought I'd finally order her book - which has been on my wishlist since its release anyway. :)
About The Book - On the Outside
I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of the title of this book - I think it's a bit awkward and too long (especially with the subtitle "Living in an Online/Offline World" addded to it), but I was pleasantly surprised that the book title was actually incorporated into the book multiple times.
I have some mixed feelings about the cover - I really like the main colour of it, but I don't really like Melanie's picture on it too much (although I felt like the very first page of the book sort of made an allusion to the face she's making on there). Melanie's releasing a smaller version of this book with a different cover in a few months - which annoyed me a bit at first, because I thought that I might regret not having waited for that new version - but I'm actually not sure which cover I prefer so I'm not too upset about that. I just think that the cover of my book edition is a little bit childish while the content of the book is not aimed at children at all.
However, what actually bothered me a lot was the fact that this was now the third book that I bought from which I could pull off the foil because it had already peeled off a bit. That annoyed me so much that I eventually really pulled off the whole foil - which left some ugly marks on the front, back and spine of the book. :/ I wish they'd stop with those foils or at least make them not peel off so easily.
The edition that I have is very tall and a bit unusual for a book - at least to what I'm used to - but it's nothing that bothered me really.
On the Inside of the Book
I really enjoyed all the little illustrations in the book - they felt very much like Melanie and were very lovely and unique. I especially loved the very first illustration in the book - which shows a pile of books - featuring three specific books that I read and enjoyed myself. That shared taste in books made me instantely relate to Melanie a lot, and it was defintiely a great way to start the book.
I also very much liked the fonts that were used in the book - they made it all look much prettier than a normal book. And it was also super cute that hearts were used as listmakers instead of dots. ♥
My Reading experience
If you watch a lot of Melanie's videos, you will probably read this book in her Irish accent. :) (Btw there also exists an audio version of this book, spoken by Melanie herself, if you're interested in that.)
Since this book actually made me far more obsessed with Melanie, I've probably watched more of her videos after I've read this book than before - so I didn't really read it in her accent, although I sort of tried to... :D
The last sentence of her Introduction (which is super honest in itself) shows point blank what a giving being Melanie Murphy is and how much she wants others to learn and grow from and through her mistakes, and it just felt like I had a big sister for the time that I was reading this book.
"If I can make one thing easier for one of you then every misstep I've made so far has been worthwhile."
If you've read a lot of my reviews, you will know that nothing makes me fall for a book as hard as references to other things that I love. Melanie did very well in that aspect. She did not only mention Harry Potter and Harry Potter related things multiple times, but also Lord of the Rings and STAR WARS, which made me relate to her 100% more and also made me a very happy reader. :)
I especially want to point out the part of the book in which she listed all the female characters that had an influence on her - including amongsr others Hermione Granger, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Lizzie Bennet. Since I'm also very influenced by fictional characters, I loved that acknowledgement a lot.
I could relate a lot to what she wrote about media and how the statistics and analytics and general data of your social media accounts can get very easily to your head - it was quite comforting to read her advise on that, because it's something that you don't really find a lot of people talking about in books. If you also find yourself occasionally stressing out too much about the number of your followers of likes, Melanie's chapters on media will be heart-balm for you aswell.
I could also 100% identify with what she wrote about texting and getting the feeling that someone 'corners' you.. I loved how she described that because it's exactly the way that I very often feel.
As I said before, although I'd considered myself a fan of her Youtube channel before I ordered the book, I actually didn't know too much about her.. which made reading this book a very eye-opening and getting-to-know-her experience. For example, I didn't know before that she had a university degree in teaching. And since I'm currently studying at university to become a teacher myself, I could obviously very much relate to that. The fact that she pointed out that the teachers in Harry Potter had had a great influence on her studying decision warmed my heart, because it was the same for me aswell. The teachers in Harry Potter (obviously NOT all of them... ) are such amazing role models and inspirations for their students and I think that one can only aspire to be like them. This made me like Melanie even more than I already did. (Generally, this book was just an immense boost for my admiration for her.)
When I read the content table I was least interested in the section about "Food and Body" because it's luckily not a subject that I have to spent much time with. But I ended up finding the chapters under this category extremely eye-opening and raw and honest, which made my respect for Melanie grow immensely. She was incredibly open about her eating past and as with the teaching degree, I also didn't know about the eating disorders that she faced in the past. I must admit that I hadn't even been that aware of the variety of eating disorders before reading those chapters. Melanie really bared it all in those chapters and shared a lot of 'ugly' details about her past. Since I read this book while I was myself in a very stressful period of time because I put myself under a lot of pressure to perfect a term paper, I had also started eating a lot of unhealthy snacks to cope with the stress. It felt a bit like it was meant to be that I read those brutally honest chapters while I was myself on a dangerous edge of becoming addicted to bad eating habits. I was obviously no where near where Melanie had been, but I was very glad that I had this eye-opening moments while reading this chapters and overthought my bad eating habits and stopped them. (Though I'm still slightly addicted to Pringles.. but Melanie also mentioned those a lot in her book, so I felt not too bad about that .. craving.)
I was very glad that Melanie didn't solely focus on the problems that she had as a teenager but also very much on her issues as an adult, especially at the beginning of her twenties - where I'm currently at -, so I definitely felt like I read this book at the exact right time.
There are a lot of lists in her book that mostly feature some practical advise and tips for the reader that are very easy to adopt into one's life. She also put her favourite social media accounts and her most inspiring celebrities into her book - which I loved because I'm always eager to find new inspiring people to fill my social media timelines with.
As I said before, I've now flooded my 'Watch Later' Playlist with all of her Favourites videos - just because I wanted to continue having her have such a vivid presence in my life. After I've finished her book, I terribly missed her daily advise - which is why her book basically made me yearn for her content much more than I did before I've read it. Her videos just have this same calming, relaxing, reassuring effect on me that her book had and I've become so in need of that that I almost only watch her on Youtube at the moment.
Now that I've invested much more time into her, I've also seen videos in which she addressed a lot of the stuff that she's written about in the book and that was new to me in the book. That's why I think that an avid viewer of her videos might not learn as much new things about her through the book as I did. But I still feel like she shared a lot more in her book than she does on Youtube - although she already shares a lot of emotional and personal things on Youtube aswell. But that's one of the reasons why I'm so drawn to her - because she's so bloody honest.
CONCLUSION
This book was very comforting to read and always made me feel very much at ease while I read it - which was exactly what I needed during the stressful time that I read it. Melanie feels like a big sister who's already been though all of the messy stuff and now passes on her helpful advise to her readers (and viewers). And although you know that there are a lot of them out there, it still feels as though she's just directly talking to you/me.
Like I said, this book made me get to know Melanie a lot better - I would even say know her inside and out, but not with ending up being bored of her but the absolute opposite: wanting more and more of her - wanting all of her. (Yes, I admit, I have some sort of crush on her - but honestly, how could you not?) You definitely end up having a strong connection with her after getting to know her so deeply through this book, and almost feel like you're friends with her.
Her words made me reflect on myself a lot, which I really liked and appreciated. :)
She is currently writing her second novel and first fictional story and I'm obviously super hyped about that and cannot wait to read it!
December 2, 2019
A lovely reminder of how achievable it is to better ourselves and our lives (and I have to strongly recommend the audiobook... Melanie offers such a natural, friendly narration).
I have followed Melanie’s YouTube channel for about three years - there’s a reason. She has helped me navigate loneliness, confusion, anxieties... as well as underscored the niceness and charm that’s waiting in every day for us to find and unwrap like little gifts. In a cup of tea or a new sweater or a good laugh.
I credit Melanie Murphy for deeply meaningful moments of reflection and rediscovering that wide-awake-at-2am excitement about life. Fully Functioning Human (Almost) is a worthwhile investment that can give you a place to breathe through new ideas, forgive yourself and your past, strengthen empathy and compassion, laugh yourself silly, and prepare to sculpt the self you know you have in you - that you want to get to know better and let out into the world.
I have followed Melanie’s YouTube channel for about three years - there’s a reason. She has helped me navigate loneliness, confusion, anxieties... as well as underscored the niceness and charm that’s waiting in every day for us to find and unwrap like little gifts. In a cup of tea or a new sweater or a good laugh.
I credit Melanie Murphy for deeply meaningful moments of reflection and rediscovering that wide-awake-at-2am excitement about life. Fully Functioning Human (Almost) is a worthwhile investment that can give you a place to breathe through new ideas, forgive yourself and your past, strengthen empathy and compassion, laugh yourself silly, and prepare to sculpt the self you know you have in you - that you want to get to know better and let out into the world.
November 24, 2017
For those that don’t know, Melanie Murphy is an Irish YouTuber and regularly posts videos about health, beauty, food, sex, LGTBQ+ issues etc.
Melanie is varied in the issues she covers in her book. It’s a self help book with and autobiographical feel. She follows through her life so far in well planned out, themed chapters. Covering a variety of topics such as, food, eating disorder, body image, friendship, relationships, dating and her love for her parents. Particularly she focuses on her relationship with food and her body, and learning how to self-love. You can tell she planned out this book really well, as each part of the book has specific chapters relating to different things under that topic and it all fits together really nicely to creating well-rounded discussions.
My guess is that it is aimed towards teens, but as a women in her thirties, I found it educational and illuminating. Melanie is kind and generous in her love to the reader, dishing out compliments and advice in equal measure.
I have read a few of the “Youtuber” books, but I have to say this one lives up to the hype. I relates to Melanie so much in moments and felt safe reading about topics near to the bone.
I genuinely think this book could end up helping a lot of people, it has helped me. Reading it feels like a friend is talking to you straight from the pages. This is a book I think I will find myself cracking open again and again just to reread certain passages to feel less alone or I need some sharp-witted advice.
Highly recommended.
Melanie is varied in the issues she covers in her book. It’s a self help book with and autobiographical feel. She follows through her life so far in well planned out, themed chapters. Covering a variety of topics such as, food, eating disorder, body image, friendship, relationships, dating and her love for her parents. Particularly she focuses on her relationship with food and her body, and learning how to self-love. You can tell she planned out this book really well, as each part of the book has specific chapters relating to different things under that topic and it all fits together really nicely to creating well-rounded discussions.
My guess is that it is aimed towards teens, but as a women in her thirties, I found it educational and illuminating. Melanie is kind and generous in her love to the reader, dishing out compliments and advice in equal measure.
I have read a few of the “Youtuber” books, but I have to say this one lives up to the hype. I relates to Melanie so much in moments and felt safe reading about topics near to the bone.
I genuinely think this book could end up helping a lot of people, it has helped me. Reading it feels like a friend is talking to you straight from the pages. This is a book I think I will find myself cracking open again and again just to reread certain passages to feel less alone or I need some sharp-witted advice.
Highly recommended.
August 27, 2020
Melanie Murphy is such a sweet woman, as her debut novel this memoir/ self help guide ticked all the boxes. She’s honest and presents her issues with mental health, binge eating disorder, and so much more. Whilst going through tough personal issues I treated this as a bible of sorts. Took her advice and tried to better my relationship with myself and my body. Melanie is an inspirational public figure who doesn’t hide her life behind curtains, bringing an immersing atmosphere and creating a family. I do, and always will love her and all that she’s done to help women better understand themselves without shame.
I couldn’t recommend this book enough, but would probably suit ages 15-35? I listened to the audiobook version and loved it! Her narration is great but be sure to listen to a preview in case you struggle with the Irish accent.
I couldn’t recommend this book enough, but would probably suit ages 15-35? I listened to the audiobook version and loved it! Her narration is great but be sure to listen to a preview in case you struggle with the Irish accent.
December 4, 2020
I honestly enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected, I'm more of a Fiction reader as I just seem to enjoy them a lot more but I have watched Melanie for quite a while now on Youtube and just love her personality and everything about her so I knew when this book came out I had to read it (A lot later than I expected if I'm honest!) and I honestly loved it. I just loved reading her opinion on certain topics and it honestly opened my eyes to quite a few things but again just made me love this book even more. I read this a lot quicker than I expected also but just seemed to fly through this book as I wanted to see what the new section was about - I found this book just so informative about certain topics and feel as though I was reading this as if I was having a conversation with my best friend I honestly loved this!
July 16, 2017
I obviously haven't read it yet but Melanie Murphy is such a brilliant person I know this book will be too! I am so happy and excited for the book launch for 3 reasons. 1) The book is out in Ireland on August 24th (my birthday) 2) There will hopefully be a book signing because I want to meet Melanie and 3) An Irish person wrote it!
Can't wait for the release! xx
Can't wait for the release! xx
January 6, 2019
I believe I’ve first started watching Melanie’s videos on YT sometime in 2014 when she was new to the platform. I mostly watched her videos that were about healthy foods and exercise. I liked her approach to these topics and I felt inspired to be healthier myself. I liked her personality. Nowadays, I watch her sporadically. Still, I wanted to read her book when she come out with it. Honestly, it felt like having a chat with her. She went through some tough times in her life so far. Some things were already familiar to me from her videos, but I still liked reading about her story in this compact way. I could relate to sections dealing with her relationship to food, exercise and body image the most.
November 11, 2018
Where do I start?
I LOVED THIS! I have actually read it twice, it's so funny as it was like I could hear Melanie talking when I read it.
There is so much really good advice, lots of laughs, some teary moments, romance and just a brilliant book to read in general.
If you want something to give you all the feels, then this is the book for you. I honestly think it would be a brilliant stocking filler with Christmas coming up and I can't wait to read Melanie's new book, If Only when it's released next year.
Melanie is definitely an author to watch, she's going to go far not only in the book world but with her Youtube channel, too.
I LOVED THIS! I have actually read it twice, it's so funny as it was like I could hear Melanie talking when I read it.
There is so much really good advice, lots of laughs, some teary moments, romance and just a brilliant book to read in general.
If you want something to give you all the feels, then this is the book for you. I honestly think it would be a brilliant stocking filler with Christmas coming up and I can't wait to read Melanie's new book, If Only when it's released next year.
Melanie is definitely an author to watch, she's going to go far not only in the book world but with her Youtube channel, too.
February 23, 2018
I love this woman so much! She talks about her life and the lessons she has learned with such honesty and I appreciate that greatly. I listened to this as an audiobook but I need to get the physical copy now. I think that this will be one of those books that whenever I am feeling down I will pick up this. I loved it so much and it made me realize things. Melanie is one of my role models and this book made her feel like a bit sister even more than her videos do.
September 25, 2017
I love this book. What makes it so special is that you’ll surely recognize yourself maybe more than once in what Melanie Murphy writes. That probably happens because a lot of what she writes is so personal, and when it is appropriate Murphy has advice that is not airy-fairy, but pretty down to earth. 5 out of 5 stars.
February 26, 2018
I've watched and adored Melanie's YouTube videos for years so of course I was going to read her book. I read a physical copy while listening to the audiobook. It was so immersive listening to it read in her voice, rather than just imagining it. There are so many wonderful stories and piece of advice in this book. I loved every second of it 💚
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