Title: Binge
Author: Tyler Oakley
First published October 20, 2015
303 pages, Hardcover
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Tyler Oakley, the voice of the LGBTQ+ community and internet sensation, brings to you his latest masterpiece, a collection of thought-provoking and humorous essays that will leave you in splits. From his journey towards social activism to his hilarious encounters with pop culture icons, Tyler’s voice resonates with millions of followers across various social media platforms.
With his trademark wit and personal anecdotes, Binge is a heartwarming yet hilarious guide to navigating through the complexities of life.
About the Author
Tyler Oakley, a Michigan native and pop-culture influencer, has gained a massive following of over 21 million on social media platforms due to his entertaining and candid YouTube videos, noteworthy interviews, and activism for social justice. Oakley became an Internet sensation eight years ago when he uploaded his first video, and his fame has only grown since.
He has had many achievements, including conducting interviews with high-profile individuals such as First Lady Michelle Obama and the popular boy band One Direction, embarking on a worldwide tour that spanned several cities, and breaking records in terms of social media followers. As a YouTube icon, Oakley currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he creates and posts new videos every week from his living room.
Editoral Review
Tyler Oakley’s Binge is a memoir that will make you laugh, cry, and feel like you’re having a conversation with a close friend. Oakley, who rose to fame through his YouTube channel and social media presence, shares personal stories with his trademark wit and humor.
Published in October 2015, the book belongs to the memoir and autobiography genre, and speaks to a young adult audience. The memoir is divided into chapters, each one revolving around a significant moment or theme in Oakley’s life.
From his childhood in Michigan to his college years, and his journey to becoming a digital influencer, Oakley takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride. The memoir is set against the backdrop of Oakley’s coming out as a gay man, and explores the challenges and joys that come with finding one’s identity.
Oakley is a natural storyteller, and his writing is engaging and accessible. Despite the heavy themes, the book never feels too heavy or preachy.
Oakley’s humor and self-deprecating style keep the tone light, while still conveying the depth of his experiences. The book also benefits from Oakley’s familiarity with his audience, and the book reads like a conversation between friends.
One of the strengths of Binge is Oakley’s willingness to be vulnerable on the page. He shares personal stories that are candid and moving, and his honesty is refreshing.
Oakley is not afraid to admit his flaws, or to share experiences that might be uncomfortable or embarrassing. This adds depth and authenticity to the memoir, and makes it all the more relatable.
Another strength of Binge is the way in which it explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance. Oakley’s journey is a universal one, and his experiences will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Whether it’s learning to accept oneself, or facing challenges with resilience and humor, Oakley’s memoir is full of life lessons that readers can apply to their own lives. However, one criticism of Binge is that it can feel repetitive at times.
Oakley’s writing is engaging, but some of the stories and themes start to feel familiar after a while. This can make the book feel like it’s dragging in places, and it would have benefited from tighter editing.
Overall, Binge is a memoir that is funny, heartfelt, and relatable. Tyler Oakley’s writing is engaging, and his willingness to be vulnerable on the page is refreshing.
While the book might feel repetitive at times, its themes of self-discovery and acceptance make it a worthwhile read. We recommend it to young adults who are looking for a memoir that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
We give Binge a rating of 4 out of 5.
