Binge
by Tyler Oakley
Original Synopsis:
Pop-culture phenomenon, social rights advocate, and the most prominent LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, Tyler Oakley brings you his first collection of witty, personal, and hilarious essays.
For someone who made a career out of over-sharing on the Internet, Tyler has a shocking number of personal mishaps and shenanigans to reveal in his first book: experiencing a legitimate rage blackout in a Cheesecake Factory; negotiating a tense standoff with a White House official; crashing a car in front of his entire high school, in an Arby’s uniform; projectile vomiting while bartering with a grandmother; and so much more. In Binge, Tyler delivers his best untold, hilariously side-splitting moments with the trademark flair that made him a star.
My Review: Okay so I'm writing this fresh from finishing it so excuse me if my thoughts are disorderly or random. Firstly, this is addicting, much like the title implies. Once I started, I couldn't stop. This book was so real and raw. I have been a fan of Tyler Oakley for a long time now and this book still surprised me. He reveals so much through his videos and you would think that you know him pretty well but this book opens up so much more. Tyler is such a bubbly and happy person but this book really lets you into his hardships and struggles he faced in the past, and recently as well. My favorite chapter, by far, (if you've read it) is the Adam chapter titled, "the one that got away." It was so heartbreaking and yet so sweet. Tyler writes this book very well. It has just the right amount of formality but his personality is spread through the words and pages. Binge has so much character in its stories and words. I am very disappointed that I didn't listen to the audiobook but at the same time when I read the book I was reading in his voice. That's how distinct it is. I don't usually read memoirs but I have developed a new found love for them. There is something so refreshing about them, especially this one. Most stories are fiction and they're great to escape for a while but in Binge there was something about the fact that he has actually lived through these things that comforted me. All around, this was a great book, amazing actually. However, there are some things that weren't as great. I will admit that sometimes I felt that the chapters were a bit too sporadically placed but at the same time I enjoyed it. It took me on a roller coaster, with the sad and funny chapters just coming and going. Also, it should be said that this book should be intended for older readers. There are scenarios where a little tween shouldn't be reading this. I mean I as a 16 year old was shocked at some of the things in here, mostly because I don't get out much. But yes there is a lot of instances where Tyler discusses sex, drugs, drinking, and then there is the occasional profanity. I think you should be mature enough to read it because you could actually learn a lot from his stories. Like how love is not pain, abuse, or being damaged mentally, physically, or emotionally for the sake of someone you love. Or that feeling lonely is okay and working through it is possible. Or to be yourself unapologetically.
