Binge

Why does it seem like being an avid YouTube fan has to be such a dirty secret? Is it because so many people are so behind the times in terms of entertainment that it is still seen as weird and kooky to turn to it as a primary source of media? Or is it just an acquired taste? Either way, here's a personal admission that I never had sufficient reason to declare passionately on social media until now: I have loved Tyler Oakley for so many years. I have loved him with a true, pure, beautiful adoration dating back to the day my best friend/old roommate and I stumbled upon his channel in 2011. Now, years later, Tyler's empire is building and stacking up to be one of the most impressive in the entire online community. I'm proud of my little baby kindred spirit, and I love him now as much as I did the day we found his "HOW TO: Pray The Gay Away" video (that's right, young fans...I was there before the stalking One Direction video). At present, I have just finished his book at the end of my long night shift and passed it off to my partner, who just happens to be another avid YouTube content consumer and fan of our Queen Oakley. We spend our nights watching some of the other greats: Joey Graceffa, Mamrie Hart, Dan Howell, Phil Lester, Shane Dawson, Trisha Paytas, Zoe Sugg, and (my personal favorite right now) Drew Monson, just to name a few. Tyler, himself, embodies everything you want in a friend and his videos have become a tremendous source of comfort for me. It truly fills my heart with joy to know that anyone out there who may be struggling can turn to him and others like him to find refuge and strength. I realize now that this may sound cheesy and borderline pathetic, but when you find yourself at a low point in your life and you don't have the strength to leave your comfort zone, sometimes seeing a friendly face with a smile and a quick funny story can mean the difference between disparaging loneliness and heart-lifting hopefulness. That face can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but something about a sweet "Well, hello everybody!" followed by either a quick Q and slay, a cheeky story, or a hilarious collab seems to resonate with an abundant amount of people, and I am among them. Thank you, Tyler, for making the dark days brighter and the good days great ones. I also realize now that I haven't even talked about the book. Oops. This book is truly great. Tyler is obviously a very talented entertainer on so many platforms, and it was almost aggravating for me to realize that, in addition to being so seemingly adept at everything else he tries, he's an exemplary writer. Save some talent for the rest of us, Queen! The book flowed so beautifully that I would have believed that he was an author first and a content creator second. There were a few times throughout the book in which I felt like it would have had a better flow had the chapters been in a more chronological order, however upon finishing the entire thing I realize that it was formatted that way for a reason. The stories all come together to give you an even better understanding of who Tyler is as a person and I feel I can say with confidence that this particular book can be enjoyed by anyone, whether they be a Tyler Oakley addict living their life in a onesie or a YouTube novice who somehow found this book in their lap. As far as age-appropriateness goes, I would have to give it a PG-13 rating. In other words: Sure, there's a little bit of language and slightly graphic content, but I have seen Lady Gaga's titties with tassles 3 times in 3 weeks on basic cable and your big brother probably says worse, so who's going to stop you from staying up late to watch Beavis and Butthead when your mom falls asleep? Sorry, that was a flashback to 1998. Also sorry to Lady Gaga. No shade on the titties. You are bangin'. Keep slaying me. The stories in this book will warm your heart and break it, sometimes at the same time. It also goes without saying that you will be laughing out loud...a lot. And this is coming from an emotionless drone whose default expression is blank disinterest. You will horse laugh and scare those around you. You have been warned. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did and I hope this isn't the last book we see from our favorite Professional Fangirl. I can't wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.

I can honestly say I have not been a fan of Tyler Oakley's for a whole year yet, but he is definitely the first Youtuber I've officially watched and fell in love with, and as soon as I heard he was coming out with Binge, it's all I wanted since. Unfortunately I had to wait until literally today, over two months after it's release to read it. From the get-go I planned on reviewing this book, trying to figure out what I was going to say since I took it out of my mail box this morning. Now that I've read it from beginning to the very end, straight to the acknowledgements, I'm actually rather speechless and still trying to figure out how to critique Tyler's book - down-to-earth, adventurous, amazing, are some words that would definitely describe it though without doing full proper justice to this piece. So let me say this: as a young person myself this book has given me a lot of worldly insight and this memoir/autobiography may be pinned as being written by someone too young to have written such a book - I'd disagree because; again, as a young person myself, it's incredibly relateable and reveals just how much a short time-span of someone's life, even at the very beginning of our childhood, has so many valuable lessons and subtly inspiring tales. I started reading Binge this morning and finished in less than eight hours with very few interruptions, the whole time marking my favorite chapters, most relateable stories of both good and bad, and parts that made me laugh out loud with hysteria or giggle, and I don't "giggle." Now, having read the whole book, I can say I plan not to only reread it soon, but take out every sticky marker, because even though there are a lot of quotable parts and lessons that I can apply to myself now and in the future - which I'm not sure was Tyler's full intent, but was nonetheless a very successful one. The reason I say this is because Binge is exactly what it's title suggests: something worth being binged on, not dissected. I know I'm probably dragging this review on perhaps too long - I'm a person of too many words too often- but I'd like to mention a few more important side notes: this book not only made me laugh, I cried because there were parts I connected deeply with. Even in aspects I wouldn't expect to connect with, not just the whole part about body image or a youth's desire to fit in and make friends. Additionally, if one cannot see Tyler's humanity throughout the entire book, I believe in the last chapter it hits your really hard in a way I can't exactly explain other than say I appreciated his willingness to share it. Lastly, I'm not sure what intent Tyler had in writing his own book, but whatever it was - again, coming from a relateable experience - I know that sitting down and writing down your life experiences, both in the good and bad, reading it afterwards, it brings an entirely new perspective onto oneself and one's own life, one of self-discovery that builds upon foundations of one's character. And it's not always easy to do, not even for me who is a writer in his own world. I just want to conclude with: I am more of a fan now more than ever and applaud Tyler for this self-discovering journey and emotional whirlwind he's had and that Binge brought to life for others to explore with him. This is a book I'd recommend to almost everyone, even if they only read it as a guilty pleasure in secrecy, but I'd recommend this especially to anyone in middle/high school, college, or in their young/early adulthood especially. And now, I need to save money for that audiobook. - @QuintenJenson PS: sorry if this was too long.

Tyler has been my YouTube Queen since 2012 and he never fails to make me laugh with his videos, so I was beyond excited to read what he had to say in his first book Binge, and what a delightful, indulgent treat it was. Binge isn’t a typical biography that chronicles his life from birth to where he is now. It’s more like what the cover suggests, you dip your hand into a bowlful of sweets and you never know what you’re going to pick out next. Tyler shares with us a look into various parts of his life that hold meaning to him, be it good, bad, or completely bizarre. What I especially loved about this book was the pure honestly within its chapters. Tyler isn’t afraid to talk about anything. Call it an overshare if you will, but he is unapologetic in writing about the details, and I loved every moment of it. There was an entire chapter on poop that I didn’t realize I needed in my life until I read it. I was crying with laughter over how absurdly hilarious it was. We are taken on an emotional roller-coaster with Tyler through his memories, laughing and cringing at some of his wild tales, but not every chapter is full of funny moments. What was also captivating about Binge was Tyler’s honesty about the darker times in his life, and the struggles he has faced. It made me view the work he does for The Trevor Project with a new admiration. There are also a few important lessons within the pages of Binge, reminding us on several occasions that it’s okay to indulge ourselves in order to find our own limits, and to never knock something until we try it (see for example chapter ‘Hopeless Toemantic’). Tyler on the page is exactly how you imagine him to be from watching his videos, he is still as brilliantly entertaining. He speaks to readers as friends, in a casual and fun way, so we’re able to feel as connected with him as we do whilst watching him speak his mind on YouTube. Binge left a huge smile on my face and I came away from this book feeling energized and positive. I’m so glad Tyler is able to share his story with us in book format because it works perfectly. Even if you’re not already a fan of Tyler through his videos, this book is so very enjoyable. Katie from The Queen of Teen Fiction @KatieBookQueen

As much I would love to give this book a 5 star rating, I cannot. This book is amazing in the sense that Tyler Oakley is so unabashedly... Tyler Oakley. He does not hold back and many of the stories presented in this book can be looked at life lessons for young or old, gay or straight! He lays out his life and his most harrowing moments in a humorous way that really puts you into the life of Tyler Oakley. In a truly enjoyable set of life lessons from his own personal collection of stories, Oakley teaches us happiness, sadness and everything in between. I cannot give this book a 5 star rating because its just a set of stories that don't really seem to connect. It throws you all over the place and you cannot really place yourself at any one time of Oakley's life. I would defintely say that this book is PG-13 because there is some language and some stories that allude to sexual activities, even though there is not explicit sexual content.

I for one, absolutely loved this book. Well, what can I say? I LOVE this human being. Okay so this book tells a story of a gay man (duh) and what he had gone through throughout his 26 years of life. Some may think the book's too crude for certain age group but let's be real, this is the 21st century and things are moving fast, especially with the presence of the internet. This book is pretty tame compared to what can be found with just a click of a mouse (TRUTH). I find the book to be very honest, very eye-opening and very much entertaining. I gasped at certain chapters, laughed my ass off at some others and cried a bunch also. I don’t know what’s there not to like, really! I'm sure there's some life lesson to be learn in the book as well. Oh, I couldn't be sure. Maybe it was the chapter about how he had to be INDEPENDENT at a very young and work in fast food restaurants to get some pocket money, or maybe it was the chapter about how he OVERCAME his low self-esteem and pulled himself back up. Oh wait, maybe it was that chapter where he told us about how he had failed many times in his life but still pushed forward and finally be SUCCESSFUL in doing what he loved? OR how he had loved unconditionally and almost made a terrible life decision but then stopped himself and LOOKED FOR HELP? Yeah, maybe they were among these chapters. I’ll have to BINGE read them again for the n-th time, just to be sure. So I was a changed person. His story had shined a different light on how I see things. Very colorful life experiences and he had gone through them like a champ! The reason why I love this book is really simple. I can feel that each and every chapter was written from the bottom of his heart and he was being genuinely him. To inspire someone doesn't mean you have to be Gandhi or Mother Theresa. Sharing his life story (be it the lowest of low or the highest of high), he made me feel like he’s reaching out to his readers and seeing him doing the best that he can, with whatever cards he was dealt with INSPIRES me to no end. So, I LOVED IT! Thanks Tyler for sharing your stories with us. Sincerely, Chin @chkoh85

So I've been watching Tyler Oakley since his "How To Stalk One Direction" video in 2012. And I must admit, I've been watching Tyler's youtube channel on and off because I too was overwork and stressed out with college and working 2 jobs. 1) Why I purchased BINGE? Well, I actually forgot Tyler released a book. (Again I was busy with college and work!) But I was watching a Kingsley's video and I saw the BINGE book on his shelf. So I thought, why not? I assumed the book was an autobiography, and it would be funny. 2) Quality of book: AWESOME. Kudos to Gallery Books because the quality and design of the book is so nice! It is definitely a sturdy book. 3) BINGE REVIEW: So, I LOVED it. Reading has always been a struggle for me, but this book is written in a way that you feel Tyler is talking to you. I read this book imagining Tyler was telling me these stories in person. It's hard to say which chapters are my favorite, but I think the diversity of the chapters is what I enjoy about the book. Everyone can relate to at least one of these chapters! This book is perfect for young college adults or even junior or senior high school students. Life is too short, but you need to make mistakes in order to learn and understand who you are. 4) Yes there are some cuss words and other things, but the overall lesson is valuable. 5) Very easy read. Roughly 300 pages. It took me two days to finish it because I got hung up watching Making a Murderer on Netflix! 6) Lastly, I want to thank you, Tyler, because I related the most to the chapter "Unhappiest Birthday." I was also in that rut of just working and not taking the time to relax! Working two jobs and going to college full time (it's my last year!), I'd forget to take some "me" time. I'm glad to say I'm not in that rut anymore and it was so refreshing to read your book because I think a lot of people are in that position. I have yet to meet you in person, but if I ever do, I would hug you and be like I want to get to know you, Matthew Tyler Oakley. Also, I would ask you to sign my book hahah. (P.S. My twitter is @rachelgascon)

My initial impression of the book when I had just began reading it was that it's one of those boring celebrity memoirs from narcissistic self-obsessed celebrities. Sure enough such impression was squashed a few chapters in - it's one of those books which you have to read several chapters before the book actually(!) begins, and that's when you're hooked! Verry interesting stories, complete with admirable conclusions on them. It's a collection of several stories, so I kinda feel uncomfortable judging the book as a whole thing. Out of roughly 40 chapters at most only 5 are boring, which if you ask me is an accomplishment for a celebrity memoir these days. Having finished the book, I kind of feel very grateful to Tyler (Matthew (wink)) for daring to share these - I really am grateful that he shared these stories. He now feels very relatable, and more human, often making me think "wow, I'm not the only one who's been there and felt that way". Towards the end of it Tyler is like my very best friend, and i started feeling upset that the book is about to end. The whole reading experience is like a conversation between him and the reader, and the end feels somewhat like parting of ways with somebody very dear to you. That being said, Binge by Tyler Oakley is definitely worth reading, as it gives an honest (i hope) insight into a pretty interesting lifestyle from his perspective. I am giving more than 4 stars because, despite being debute work, at his age he did manage write something that gives you loads of feels, but most importantly, makes you feel sad when ends. Tyler, if you're reading - thank you! It really was great taking time to converse with you, and I hope you won't make us wait more than 5 years for another one. And I wish you well ^_^ P. S. For those deciding, if possible, go for the audiobook. Best experience! (I'm @homidjon and @leoheartworld)

I thought the book was good. I have never seen a Tyler Oakley youtube video, but have listened to the podcast and came into the book as a fan of who he is overall but without knowing too much about the guy. I like the stories he shares especially of childhood, as a young man trapped in a Midwest small town just making his way being as real of a person he can be. As any gay man knows, this is always the best route and contributes to Tyler's success. There is nothing to be anything to be proud of within oneself and Tyler illustrates this well. Tyler is a good role model for many young adults and the honesty allows for the book to be good advice to those lacking experience. With that in mind, I feel that the book was speaking to a particular audience rather than it being raw. It provides a very short glimpse of situations that Tyler has been involved in, without a true emotional expression from the author or an indication of who he thinks he truly is. We see what he experiences, the repercussions of such events, but in many areas, the heart and the emotion of the author was missing. He does discuss the idea of happiness and understanding fame and its contributions and at times, deduction to/from one's truth. The theme is present within the book whether he as an author knew that or not. I enjoyed the authors comparisons from past to present. Hobbies, video games, events, Tyler did a good job of explaining 80s/90s technology and differences with communication. How that can change from decade to decade. His story of the climb up the ladder was incredibly written and showed the most passion and all of these different events interwoven throughout was a theme I enjoyed. He does discuss grindr and his use of it and this I feel is the most raw part of the book. Tyler portrayed his current navigation of the gay community through the dating app and provided positive examples of its use. These stories as well as others involving his dating life show the youth of himself and this is appreciated but lends to a switch in audience which takes away from the overall feel of the book. All or nothing and the book treads too lightly in many areas while apologetically misbehaving (and with control) in others. Overall, it's worth a rent or a buy. I don't regret the purchase or the reading time. I think for a first book it's very well done and the author has likely learned much from writing his first book. I look forward to reading more from him.