Review of Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer by Dylan Mulvaney
From the moment I saw the cover of Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer, I felt an unshakeable pull toward it. As a fan of Dylan Mulvaney—who, let’s be honest, is an absolute icon—I knew I was in for something special. The way she captures humor, vulnerability, and sharp insight is nothing short of mesmerizing. After diving into her memoir, it’s clear that Dylan isn’t just a quadruple threat: she’s a full-on force of nature.
The heart of this memoir lies in its exploration of femininity and self-discovery. At less than 1,000 days into her journey of girlhood, Dylan shares her raw and unfiltered experiences, making the reader feel like they’re experiencing this transformation alongside her. It was as if I was witnessing her process of “MacGyver’ing” girlhood—crafting something beautiful out of chaos and uncertainty. Her ability to articulate the wild ride of becoming a woman resonated so deeply with me; I often found myself laughing out loud one moment and tearing up the next.
For me, the most striking aspect of Dylan’s writing is her authenticity. There’s a delightful blend of humor and sincerity that keeps the pages turning. In one particularly memorable moment, she reflects on the unspoken pressures that accompany femininity and the absurdities of social expectations. Her transparency here is not just refreshing—it’s a powerful reminder that we are all just winging it, trying to figure things out as we stumble through life. Dylan had me “cry-laughing” and “cry-crying” as she voiced feelings I’ve often harbored silently. It felt almost like a conversation with a friend who just gets it.
But the timing of my reading experience intensified its impact. I finished the book on a rather heavy day—post-election results that felt disheartening. In that silence that followed, I couldn’t help but think about the stakes of Dylan’s journey. What if we didn’t have such voices of beauty and resilience? Her memoir serves as a timely reminder of what is at risk when we silence those who reflect the beauty of blossoming into oneself.
And perhaps what struck me the most is how this book stands out in a world often rife with negativity and division. Reading Paper Doll felt like an embrace, a masterclass in “peoplehood” that brings us closer together rather than pushing us apart. Dylan’s words are not owed to us—they are a gift that offers solace, laughter, and profound discovery.
As I close this review, I can’t help but think about the diverse audience Dylan’s memoir could touch. Those navigating their own journeys of self-discovery, anyone who appreciates a good laugh mixed with heartfelt insights, or anyone curious about the complexities of femininity will find joy and understanding here. I know I’ll be revisiting this book, particularly as I reflect on what it means to be an American today.
Lastly, a quick plea to Dylan: Please consider narrating your own audiobook! I’d be first in line to listen to your words, over and over again. Thank you to NetGalley, Dylan, and Abrams for the chance to experience this incredible story.
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