First things first, going in with expectations is always a bad idea. I know that. Just because a lot of people liked a book doesn't mean you, personally, are going to like it as well. I know that. Not relating to everything in the story doesn't make it bad. I know that.

But seems like I forgot.

Concerning expectations: I don't know why, but I thought this book was more structured like a how-to-here's-my-advice-book. That is not the case. Dolly Alderton's "Everything I know about love" is first and foremost a memoir sprinkled with ironic Wedding invitations and recipes (??? I don't know why either). I don't have to tell you I was confused and disappointed when I realized this reading experience wouldn't be what I'd hoped for.

Concerning "hype": this book was first published in 2018, but (at least in my bubble) gained popularity during the lockdown in 2020. I can see how reading about partying in your twenties and kissing in bars is something a lot of people wanted during the lockdown when none of it was possible. And not to be that person, but a book with a nice cover written by a pretty white woman about her life is a good starting point to generate some type of hype. Saying that, hype isn't necessarily something bad, not liking something just because a lot of people like it is a pretty stupid reason in my opinion. But I think it is important to state that certain topics and authors are more likely to become bestsellers than others and we have to be critical about this.

Concerning relatability: Dolly Alderton spends most of this book talking about growing up in the suburbs of London, her extensive parting and her often disappointing love life. I don't necessarily think you have to relate to someone to like what you're reading, unfortunately in this case it became a problem for me. I didn't grow up in the UK, I am not a party girl (never was and probably never will be) and I only had long term relationships. This isn't me being a special snowflake, I'm just acknowledging that I'm most likely not the target audience for this book. And that's fine.
What I can relate to are the struggles of friendship Alderton describes. Growing older and suddenly having to share your best friend with her partner. Living in different cities, having different career plans. Or talking about her eating disorder and how it gave her a (false) sense of control.
It's those more raw and somewhat universal topics that I found most comforting and relatable.


Conclusion:

For me it wasn't a fit and I think it would've benefited from more rigorous editing.

Alderton writes like she is your older, funny roommate who has always a story up her sleeve to fill an awkward silence. If you like memoires, know the London party scene and watch reality TV (yeah ironically ofc) you might really enjoy this book.