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A review by me_alley
Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer by Dylan Mulvaney
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
A vulnerable and funny look at the inner thoughts and feelings of a blossoming girl. I loved reading this book, which was both funny and touching. I’m not much of a TikTok person, but I became aware of Dylan, her bubbly personality and reluctant activism during “beergate.” This book definitely is true to her voice- a musical theater kid who is both drawn to and repulsed by the spotlight. Although I will never understand the emotional impact of transitioning, let alone so publicly, Dylan sure does try to help me.
She jumps around a bit, from her childhood of dreaming about Broadway, to her early transitioning days, to the fallout of beergate and beyond. I was surprised and heartened to hear about her naïveté and conflict aversion. Dylan seems to see herself as having thin skin, but she is extremely strong. She’d have to be! After reading this fun memoir, I can truly see how she didn’t have an ambition to be as internet-famous as she is, and how she has become an icon. There are complex emotions involved in constantly having to be aware of how others “consume” your appearance. I also appreciated how she acknowledges her privilege in being able to control her transition and what choices she has made.
One change I am going to make after reading this book is that I will actively shame trolls and back up people dealing with hateful comments. I have a tendency to stay away from comments sections, knowing that’s where the trolls feast. But Dylan helped me see how useful it is and how just the small action of being supportive can strengthen us.
Like, if you speak negatively about, say, the weather reporter, and you make negative comments about her appearance, she won’t hear you, but your family will. And even subconsciously they will internalize the believe that if you are visible you are less worthy if you don’t look like you are “supposed to.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams books for the ARC. Book to be published March 11, 2025.
She jumps around a bit, from her childhood of dreaming about Broadway, to her early transitioning days, to the fallout of beergate and beyond. I was surprised and heartened to hear about her naïveté and conflict aversion. Dylan seems to see herself as having thin skin, but she is extremely strong. She’d have to be! After reading this fun memoir, I can truly see how she didn’t have an ambition to be as internet-famous as she is, and how she has become an icon. There are complex emotions involved in constantly having to be aware of how others “consume” your appearance. I also appreciated how she acknowledges her privilege in being able to control her transition and what choices she has made.
One change I am going to make after reading this book is that I will actively shame trolls and back up people dealing with hateful comments. I have a tendency to stay away from comments sections, knowing that’s where the trolls feast. But Dylan helped me see how useful it is and how just the small action of being supportive can strengthen us.
Like, if you speak negatively about, say, the weather reporter, and you make negative comments about her appearance, she won’t hear you, but your family will. And even subconsciously they will internalize the believe that if you are visible you are less worthy if you don’t look like you are “supposed to.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams books for the ARC. Book to be published March 11, 2025.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Eating disorder