Title: The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire
Author: Daniel Howell
First published October 8, 2015
224 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781785031090 (ISBN10: 1785031090)
Rating: 4.41
Overview
Greetings reader! Inside the pages of this book is a universe waiting to be explored. Created by two socially awkward guys who share their lives on the internet, we welcome you to join us on a journey through our minds.
Meet Dan and Phil and delve into the tales of our births, explore Phil’s teenage diary and find out exactly why Dan is a fail. Discover how to draw flawless cat whiskers, get advice on how to handle awkward situations and uncover the dining chair that best represents you emotionally.
We spill all the tea, from our text conversations to our encounter with One Direction and our wild adventures in Vegas…
Editoral Review
The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire by Daniel Howell is not your typical memoir. For those already familiar with Daniel Howell, known as Danisnotonfire on YouTube, the book encapsulates his quirky and witty persona in a literary format.
Published on October 8, 2015, the memoir delves into Howell’s life and background, his struggles with mental health, and how he went from creating YouTube videos in his teenage bedroom to becoming an Internet sensation. One of the most striking features of the book is how it manages to encompass humor in a way that is both relatable and endearing.
Interspersed with short anecdotes and life hacks, it is not surprising that this book has become a favorite amongst young readers. Howell’s writing style is conversational, and his self-deprecating humor is refreshing as he navigates the ups and downs of his life.
In terms of structure, the book is divided into several “chapters” that are not in chronological order, so readers just getting to know Howell may find the timeline of events slightly confusing. Nonetheless, this nonlinear approach adds to the charm of the book, and fans will undoubtedly appreciate the tangents in which Howell goes off on.
In addition to the entertaining storytelling, the book also offers valuable insight into the realities of living with mental health issues. Howell’s honesty in recounting his own struggles and how he coped with them is commendable.
And while the memoir might not be able to offer any concrete solutions, the author’s willingness to be open and vulnerable about his experiences is something that readers can find comfort in. Moreover, it is not just Howell’s personal experiences that make this book worth reading.
The memoir is a testament to how content creation and social media have created new paths to fame and success, and how a new generation has found a way to monetize hobbies that were previously dismissed as mere pastimes. It would be remiss not to mention Howell’s writing partner, Phil Lester of Amazing Phil, who contributed significantly to the book as well.
Together, they have created a narrative that is both captivating and relatable. Overall, The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire is a highly recommended memoir that will appeal to fans of both Howell and Lester, as well as those interested in the phenomena of online personalities and how they have infiltrated the mainstream.
While it may not be as insightful as other memoirs in terms of craft, it offers a fun, humorous, and light read that will leave you feeling entertained and possibly even inspired. With a rating of four out of five stars, this memoir is a solid addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.