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themagicalworldofnian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.25
Everything I know and love by Dolly Alderton
The reason for me to start reading this book was for a bookclub, and since I had heard this to be the perfect book for when you are in your 20s.
The book is about Dolly her live, especially her 20s. How she went through them. The main topics being, love, jealousy, sex, drinking, drugs and rock and roll, during the early 2000s.
I thought the way the book was written was very funny and original. Every so chapters their is a recipe inserted, from scrambled eggs to birthday cake. Additionally there are some satirical email chapters and it has a chapter of some texts.
Further as someone in their 20s I think the book is very relatable, but also not so relatable. I will explain. I think the things that Dolly went through the not knowing what to do with your live and the being lost, not knowing who you are and wanting to be loved, are feelings that most people will relate to, especially during your 20s. Since that is the time that you are finding yourself. In addition I found it very relatable that you have these different friendships during your 20s, some people getting married, some buy their first house, while others are still studying and partying every night.
However, I did think that some of the stories where very over the top. This made it less relatable and more an exageration. And in some of the moments I found it also very self-absorbed.
Overall I enjoyed the read, but I do think that the book is a bit overhyped, and the title does not do it justice. The title of the book is "Everything I know about love", however the book is mainly about just the time during your 20s, friendships, partying, and being lost.
I also think that the book could have added a trigger warning for alcohol and drug abuse and eating disorders. Since I was quite surprised that these topics where so heavely discussed.
The reason for me to start reading this book was for a bookclub, and since I had heard this to be the perfect book for when you are in your 20s.
The book is about Dolly her live, especially her 20s. How she went through them. The main topics being, love, jealousy, sex, drinking, drugs and rock and roll, during the early 2000s.
I thought the way the book was written was very funny and original. Every so chapters their is a recipe inserted, from scrambled eggs to birthday cake. Additionally there are some satirical email chapters and it has a chapter of some texts.
Further as someone in their 20s I think the book is very relatable, but also not so relatable. I will explain. I think the things that Dolly went through the not knowing what to do with your live and the being lost, not knowing who you are and wanting to be loved, are feelings that most people will relate to, especially during your 20s. Since that is the time that you are finding yourself. In addition I found it very relatable that you have these different friendships during your 20s, some people getting married, some buy their first house, while others are still studying and partying every night.
However, I did think that some of the stories where very over the top. This made it less relatable and more an exageration. And in some of the moments I found it also very self-absorbed.
Overall I enjoyed the read, but I do think that the book is a bit overhyped, and the title does not do it justice. The title of the book is "Everything I know about love", however the book is mainly about just the time during your 20s, friendships, partying, and being lost.
I also think that the book could have added a trigger warning for alcohol and drug abuse and eating disorders. Since I was quite surprised that these topics where so heavely discussed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Drug abuse, and Drug use
itwasrayning's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
1.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Addiction, and Alcoholism
lacanadienneinreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
I didn't anticipate liking this. I don't tent towards memoirs, don't tend towards books about love, or even nonfiction in general. I admit I was cynical about this book.
But Dolly's style, reflective, emotionally vulnerable but humorous, nostalgic and dreamy... It felt very intimate and familiar. Even situations outside my lived experience spoke to my understanding. And those that were reflective of my own life felt frighteningly accurate.
I'd recommend it to any woman, but especially those in their mid to late twenties, on that knifes edge between the girl you were and the woman you'll be.
Fair warning, I laughed, I cried, and I was triggered by some of the content.
But Dolly's style, reflective, emotionally vulnerable but humorous, nostalgic and dreamy... It felt very intimate and familiar. Even situations outside my lived experience spoke to my understanding. And those that were reflective of my own life felt frighteningly accurate.
I'd recommend it to any woman, but especially those in their mid to late twenties, on that knifes edge between the girl you were and the woman you'll be.
Fair warning, I laughed, I cried, and I was triggered by some of the content.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Eating disorder, Cancer, Drug use, Alcoholism, and Death
emilye's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Drug use
katjayorke's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
The perfect comfort book when all you need is a big hug. Not only is this book about love, but everything in life itself. I think everyone can take at least one thing away from this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Addiction, Alcohol, Death, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
mistypb's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
2.5
I was told to read a memoir this year as part of my book bingo. This is SUPER HYPED. BookTok really pushed me to listen to the audiobook so I did a mix of audiobook and my physical copy (bought from book outlet, I regret buying it but at least it was cheap).
What didn't work for me:
- It felt too long. Excluding the random recipes, phone conversations, and fake emails would have been great.
Why are recipes for scrambled eggs or cake in here??
- So many of her "great" stories revolve around extreme alcohol and drug habits. Substance abuse problems are not something to joke about and it just gives off pretty, privileged white woman that won't have any
repercussions for that (and she really doesn't. Besides an expensive taxi that her friends need to transfer her money for.)
What did:
- There were several great quotes in here and I really resonated with maybe a chapter or two.
- Friendship love is so important!! But I already knew that...
I'm happy that others enjoyed/learned from this but going to therapy is much better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Alcoholism
julianairving's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
books_withblooms's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Drug use, Alcoholism, Death, and Cancer
abicaro17's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
I laughed. I cried. I learned. I was worried with the first part of the book and the talks of eating disorders (which usually trigger me to dnf books) but, Dolly just got more interesting with each chapter. It definitely felt like either a podcast or a gossip sesh with a friend but the way it made me self reflect, cry, and fall in love with Dolly was incredibly meaningful. I normally take much longer to read nonfiction as I get bored but this took me a fraction of the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Dysphoria, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Cancer, Cursing, Medical trauma, Eating disorder, Acephobia/Arophobia, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Classism, Death, Medical content, Abandonment, Vomit, Sexism, Sexual content, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, and Terminal illness
jaanareads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Lessons on life, love, and relationships of all kinds through a witty but sincere lens.
Without knowing it, this book is exactly what I needed at this point in my life. Though I don't relate to all of Alderton's experiences, I resonated with her worries about love in the modern world and feelings of comparison throughout your 20s. Her vulnerability, honesty, and growth really touched me and I cried a few times towards the end of the book. I'm coming out of this book feeling immensely grateful for my female friendships and relieved that my twenty-something experience is a shared one.
I didn't understand the satirical emails and random recipes throughout the book. Not positive what exactly these bits added besides additional humor? Or just a way to break up the structure?
Overall, I'm really grateful I got to this book when I did. I think it would be a good read to revisit in a few years. I am holding this one close to my heart.
Without knowing it, this book is exactly what I needed at this point in my life. Though I don't relate to all of Alderton's experiences, I resonated with her worries about love in the modern world and feelings of comparison throughout your 20s. Her vulnerability, honesty, and growth really touched me and I cried a few times towards the end of the book. I'm coming out of this book feeling immensely grateful for my female friendships and relieved that my twenty-something experience is a shared one.
I didn't understand the satirical emails and random recipes throughout the book. Not positive what exactly these bits added besides additional humor? Or just a way to break up the structure?
Overall, I'm really grateful I got to this book when I did. I think it would be a good read to revisit in a few years. I am holding this one close to my heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Minor: Cancer