I received a free audiobook of Paper Doll from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Paper Doll is a lovely listening experience- much like sitting down for an intimate chat with a friend. Mulvaney is irresistibly likeable and it was a real treat to spend so much time listening to her vivacious, bubbly voice. In Paper Doll, she remains as effortlessly funny as she does in her social media content. I can’t imagine even those unfamiliar with her wouldn’t be won over after this memoir. 

This isn’t a deep, philosophical, intersectional mediation on transness and it doesn’t pretend to be. This is one individual’s journey- not just through her transition but through her fame and coming-of-age as a young adult. It’s thought provoking and honest. I had an awful lot of sympathy for the pressures Dylan faced getting thrust it into a very particular kind of spotlight- I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, and it was fascinating to hear how she dealt with (and struggled to deal with) the position. I’m so proud of the grace she’s handled everything with- speaking as just one trans person, she’s doing far better than I would’ve in her shoes (I can’t walk in heels anyway!)

I think pretty much anyone could get something out of this memoir- a glimpse into a very interesting life, that for most people, is going to be very different to their own. I’d recommend giving it a shot, whether you know of Dylan or not.