Take a photo of a barcode or cover
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
I have followed Harry Styles since his X-Factor audition way back in 2010 and I have followed all the guys from one director and seemed them live once and Harry last year. My parents and everyone know me how much I like Harry. So obviously, my mum bought me this book maybe 2 years ago and I have finally got around to reading it. Now before I start this review, I struggle with non-fiction books as it is and especially ones where it’s not the person directing the book but someone else, especially when it’s a reporter.
Sean Smith tells the story about Harry Styles. He has grown up. The One Direction boy bad member who is loved by millions has become a truly global superstar and he’s done it without shouting it from the rooftops or displaying a mammoth ego. Harry’s life changed forever when his mum Anne filled in a form requesting an audition to the X-Factor. He left his home in rural Cheshire as a sixteen-year-old and never went back – setting out on a path to become a genuine icon of the age. This book follows his journey, painting a picture of a man who at times remains an enigma while embracing the world he cares about – his family, his friends and lovers, his music, acting and the world of fashion.
This book didn’t have new information for me. I just felt like it didn’t go into more of a deep dive which I would have appreciate. It just seemed like a wiki page that has been typed up with a bit more of glitter. For a book with the title of The Making of a Modern Man – the whole book was about him being straight or being with this girl, or that girl. I think five of his sexual relationships got mentioned from his high school girlfriend to Kendall Jenner. There were hints of his fashion and how he got there and yet there was three chapters about it and the last one was to do with his Vogue cover which I would have loved to have known more about.
Sean Smith’s voice was very plain, and it took me a while to get into. The photos were great, and the book cover was nice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence, Police brutality, Grief, Stalking, Alcohol, Pandemic/Epidemic