Reviews

Note to Self by Connor Franta

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Surprisingly, I don't enjoy this at all as much as I enjoyed reading his first book. I usually love reading inner monologues, but I can't bring myself to take delight in reading Connor's monologues in this book. It is all too chiché and melodramatic. However, I do love the photos he included in the book.

pbraue13's review

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3.0

Poet laureate Mr. Franta is not, but this book really touches on some topics that I needed to hear and knew I felt when this book initially was published and I first read it. Looking back, there are many moments that still ring true for me. The getting comfortable in your own identity, the pain of worrying about others needs while neglecting your own or seeing yours as less important, the feeling of that first heartbreak out of the closet, etc. all still feel so familiar to me. Reading it I was suddenly 18 again in my freshman college dorm. The poetry and photos (while beautiful) feel a lot like filler to me, but in the end I had a formative experience and was taken on a journey.

3.5/5 stars

lothika's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

4.25

jraye1998's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

cordiallyinvited's review

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emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.5

I'd give this book a 3.5 star rating. There were parts that I resonated with and others I didn't, and the author's quirkiness in his writing was often overwhelming. I understand that these essays were from his heart and deeply personal, so I don't wish to judge him for his writing style. Regarding his poems, they're very Instagram poetry-esque, so take that as you will. Overall, a fast read, with colourful albeit abstract photos to space apart the essays and poems.

bookswithline's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

2.0

I did really enjoy the first book, but this one just felt forced. It was nice to listen about Connor’s feelings in which I feel the same at points, but there are parts that are kind of romanticizing depression and a little cringy. I shouldn’t be too surprised as this can be common in the writing from youtubers. I honesty just read this now because I had it sitting in audible for a long time, but I honestly don’t miss the era where all youtubers were writing books. I do applaud Connor for trying his best to be open and honest, I can admit that takes a lot to do. Also, there were points where he comments on weight loss and previous weight that felt fat shaming and honestly the comments made can be really damaging.