I had *heard* of Dylan Mulvaney before, but I didn't know her story or why she was famous. Going into this book blind was an awesome way to get my first impression of her. Her story is raw, beautiful, and touching. I especially liked hearing about her First Days of Girlhood series. I went back and watched some of them on her Instagram and it was super interesting to know that behind the scenes, Dylan wasn't feeling so confident and cheerful. Dylan is such a beautiful soul - inside and out! Safe to say I am a big Dylan Mulvaney fan now!

I'll preface this review by stating that I'm a fan of Dylan, I used to follow her on tiktok (I haven't been on tiktok for about 2 years).

Dylan is very young, she still has a lot left to live. Yet this memoir managed to say so much about her experiences.

Warm, cozy and joyful, that's how I'd call Paper Dolls. It's a true joy reading this, especially in audiobook format: Dylan reads it herself.

I really did appreciate Dylan acknowledging the privilege a large platform can give you, and the hardships that the same platform can dish you.

If you're a fan of Dylan, definitely listen to this. Even if you aren't, I do think it's worth a listen, to hear different life experiences than your own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paper Doll
•••
Notes from a Late Bloomer
by Dylan Mulvaney

Dear Dylan,

Admittedly, when I saw your audiobook pop up as “recently added” on NetGalley I thought the cover was catchy and that your name sounded familiar, likely a celebrity. Bonus that you were also the narrator, my favorite kind of Memoir.

Once I started listening I quickly realized that I had no idea who was opening up to me in such a raw and vulnerable way. Truthfully, it wasn’t until the mention of beergate that it all clicked.

What a wild ride, such a life you have already lived in a short time; quite intriguing to hear about your transition in detail. I definitely learned a lot and certainly had to look up a few definitions but enjoyed your perspective.

May you continue to live a happily fulfilled life.

I feel like I would have enjoyed this as a physical book so I could see the difference in essays and journals easier. Having the dates made it easy enough but I feel like I missed out on the drawings but got the bonus of dylan singing and reading the story to me which made it feel way more personal .Though I'm part of the queer community I only peripherally followed Dylan's transition since I don't have tiktok so this was an interesting inside lens.

The further the book got the more disinterested I became though. As she says she comes from a place of privilege and upper middle class-ness to me that just doesn't feel relatable and the privilege rubs me weird. She doesn't seem to know her queer community or history. She has trans and gay friends but ... Idk seems like she just hasn't put in that work. Not saying she hasn't had it hard too or doesn't belong I just wanted more I guess. As a bi woman I feel like I have to do so much work to be seen and accepted by the queer community so it's hard to see someone who hasn't done that become so beloved.

It overall felt bubbly and light even vapid at times which just wasn't for me. For a book that was suppose to "spill the tea" it felt like tepid tea that got sloshed on the floor. Could it be more obvious that dominos was a sponsor lol? I think I'm just not into influencer life. But if you love TikTok influencer life then you'd enjoy the book and the extra peep. This book will probably have a niche and die hard audience that I hope it finds and they love it

I love Dylan Mulvaney. Touching memoir.
It was great seeing all that she’s learned in the last few years.

Dylan Mulvaney had the unique experience of transitioning in the spotlight. Even if you haven't been following her since before her Days of Girlhood series, you undoubtedly had heard of the Beergate controversy. You probably have also seen her unrelenting positivity and joy.
But that's not a say that Dylan didn't have her share of pain and sadness. In her first book, a self-reflection piece on the first year (and then some) of being a girl, Dylan shows you the woman behind the social media smoke screen. Through absolute candor and hilarious honesty, you get to see the strength she has in the face of loud, ignorant hate. And she doesn't let the bastards grind her down.
This book is written like a conversation, and Dylan is an absolute joy to talk to. I wasn't sure how much she and I would have in common, outside of being high-energy girls, but as she dove deep into her well of insecurities and past traumas, she became more real and relatable than I expected.
Thanks for being my new friend, Dylan. I'm rooting for you!

This is such a delight of a memoir and having also purchased the book can say it is worth it to enjoy it via audiobook. Dylan herself narrates and her energy and delivery really made it feel more like a conversation with a friend than anything else. Her training in acting and musical theatre are apparent throughout. The narrative in this book/audiobook is scattered and jumps from diary entries to deep self-reflection to childhood memories and funny anecdotes without obvious flow, which, although a little jarring at times, does add to its charm.

Throughout, Dylan presents with self-awareness and is the first to admit her privilege and naivety as she went through the early days of transitioning, fame and finding her identity through it all. I am not an avid TikTok user so Dylan's 365 day project was something that unfamiliar to me, so I went into this memoir with very little back story beyond the headlines. After reading her story, I can say I am eager to hear more from her in the future.

Much of the criticism I've seen of this book is that it is not an accurate representation of the typical trans experience but Dylan never claims it to be, this is her unique journey, something she frequently reminds us of in the book. Overall, despite some more emotional reflections, most of the book is is lighthearted and humorous, reflecting Dylan's bubbly energy which was a pleasure to listen to and read along with.

Dylan had me laughing out loud and deep in the feels all within a few minutes. Her strength and vulnerability in sharing her journey has been such a privilege to watch and learn from.

Paper Dolls by Dylan Mulvaney is a powerful and deeply personal memoir that chronicles her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and advocacy in the face of immense public scrutiny. Through her signature warmth and honesty, Dylan shares the highs and lows of her "Days of Girlhood" series, celebrating the joy of embracing her identity while navigating the harsh realities of transphobia and media backlash. Her story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, offering an intimate look at the cost of visibility and the strength it takes to remain true to oneself. Inspiring and unapologetic, Paper Dolls is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of courage, authenticity, and hope.

What a lovely little memoir this is! If you use Tiktok, you may be familiar with human ray of sunshine Dylan Mulvaney, who is most famous for 1) documenting her first 100 days of transition on the app, and 2) drawing the ire of right-wing freaks after BeerGate in 2023. Paper Doll is a memoir, told largely in journal entries, of Dylan's early life, rise to fame, and transition. It's also a love letter to Dylan's first love: Broadway, baby!


I'd definitely recommend the audiobook, read by the author herself; Dylan is so perky and animated, enriching the narrative. It feels like a gossipy pal spilling the tea with you over brunch in the best way.

Structurally, Paper Doll is a bit all over the place, hopping between formats, times and places - I didn't mind that too much, as it added to the gossipy feel of the book and didn't take away from the picture Mulvaney builds of her life so far. She uses longer essay sections to delve deeper into certain topics and experiences, and intersperses these with lighter journal entries. On the whole, the memoir is actually less about transition than I expected, though I adore Dylan's openness and honesty when it comes to her ~trans journey~. She's very candid about the bodily nature of it all, as well as gross transphobia she's encountered and the struggles she had with her family accepting her identity. Dylan is also candid about her "dark thoughts" and suicidal ideation. They don't overwhelm the narrative but add depth to a memoir that could feel a bit light and fluffy at times.

Mulvaney is really goddamn funny; she's done stand-up in the past, and it shows! Paper Doll gave me a proper couple of laugh-out-loud moments, which is unusual with non-fiction! At times I was reminded of Pageboy, by Elliot Page - this is that memoir's lighter, funnier and campier cousin. Like Page's memoir, I do wonder if it comes a little too soon - at the time of publication, Mulvaney is only 28. That said, no-one ever said you can only have one memoir, and if Mulvaney wants to write another, I'll be first in the queue.

Dylan Mulvaney’s Paper Doll is a raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal memoir that captures her journey with vulnerability, humor, and unwavering authenticity. Having followed Dylan’s story on TikTok and listened to her audiobook, it’s clear that her voice—both literal and literary—is one of resilience, joy, and trailblazing courage.

What makes Paper Doll so compelling is how seamlessly it mirrors Mulvaney’s online presence. The narrative feels like an intimate conversation, filled with the same warmth, wit, and charm that have endeared her to millions. She writes with an openness that invites readers into her world, offering an honest reflection on identity, self-acceptance, and the challenges and triumphs of living authentically.

Beyond its personal anecdotes, Paper Doll is also an important cultural piece, highlighting the struggles and victories of the transgender experience in today’s world. Mulvaney’s bravery shines through every page, making this memoir not just a story of self-discovery but also a powerful statement on perseverance and hope.

For those who have followed her journey or for anyone seeking an inspiring, heartfelt read, Paper Doll is an absolute must. Dylan Mulvaney continues to be a pioneer, and this book is a testament to her strength, talent, and unwavering spirit.

Big thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the advanced copy!

Bigger thanks to Dylan Mulvaney for sharing so much of herself so candidly. Through her candor, I learned not only about Dylan but also about the transition journey and options many individuals weigh. While no trans journey is alike, I deeply appreciated following Dylan on hers. It was an honor.

And watching Gilmore Girls to get you through your ayahuasca journey? That's girlhood.

So glad I got to read this memoir! Great writing and interesting to hear her story. A wonderful read and loved it as an audiobook!

Thank you NetGalley and Dylan Mulvaney!

I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a digital ALC of Paper Doll in exchange for an honest review.

At 47 years old, I wasn’t particularly active on TikTok and only became aware of Dylan Mulvaney after the media frenzy surrounding her association with a certain beer brand. I hadn’t followed her journey prior to reading this book, so I was eager to learn more about her story in her own words.

Mulvaney is incredibly candid throughout Paper Doll, detailing not only her transition and gender-affirming experiences but also her broader journey toward self-discovery—including moments of introspection, personal growth, and even experiences like taking ayahuasca. She acknowledges her privilege and frequently reminds readers that many transgender individuals do not have the same access to gender-affirming care. However, despite this awareness, the memoir is undeniably steeped in privilege. From celebrity name-dropping to lamenting the loss of red carpet outfits, to gaining rapid access to surgeries because of social media connections, much of her story is far removed from the reality most transgender individuals face. Even moments of familial acceptance are framed through the lens of material perks she could provide, making her experiences more aspirational than relatable.

That said, Mulvaney does not shy away from the darker side of her fame. Her discussion of the backlash and threats she received following the beer-brand controversy is deeply unsettling and serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers trans people face in the public eye.

While Paper Doll wasn’t the right book for me, I appreciate Mulvaney’s willingness to share her journey so openly. Her memoir will likely resonate with readers who are drawn to her infectious energy and visibility as an advocate.

Paper Doll: A raw, heartfelt journey of self-discovery, identity, and the unexpected moments that shape us
***

As my first foray into non-fiction, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer was an enriching and unique experience. Having followed Dylan Mulvaney on TikTok since her debut video, "Day 1 of being a girl," it was fascinating to dive deeper into the story behind her viral moments. Dylan has been such a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, and this book gave me a front-row seat to the trials, triumphs, and everything in between.

Listening to the audiobook, which was narrated by Dylan herself, added a personal touch to the experience. It felt like a close friend was recounting their journey, and hearing her voice brought an authenticity and rawness to the narrative. It truly elevated the entire experience, making it even more engaging.

One of the most intriguing parts of the book was getting a "behind-the-scenes" perspective on some of the most significant events in Dylan's career, like Beergate and her interview with President Joe Biden. Hearing Dylan’s firsthand account of those moments I originally witnessed through my phone was eye-opening and made me appreciate the complexity of her experiences.

However, I have to admit that I was somewhat disheartened by some of the revelations in the book. As someone who admired Dylan, learning about her associations with certain figures, like Lady Gaga and Chelsea Handler, both of whom have been outspoken Zionists, left me conflicted. It was even more disappointing to read about her interactions with TikTok influencer Mikayla, who has a history of using anti-Romani slurs without apology. These revelations were jarring, and while I understand that people’s lives are multifaceted, it was tough to reconcile these aspects with the admiration I had for Dylan's journey.

The final chapter, in particular, left me feeling quite reflective. Dylan touches on the challenges that have emerged in the wake of Donald Trump's presidency, and it was sobering to hear her thoughts on the state of the world, especially as they relate to her identity and the broader LGBTQ+ community. It made me question where things stand and how much further we need to go in terms of acceptance and progress.

Overall, Paper Doll was a heartfelt, captivating read that opened my eyes to the complexities behind the person I’ve admired from afar. While the book was not without its difficult moments, I appreciate the vulnerability and courage Dylan shared in telling her story. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at the life of a late bloomer navigating a world that’s often far from kind.

I've been passively following Dylan's "Days of Girlhood" since the beginning of their journey... I've always been drawn to their humor and optimistic take on life even when being bombarded with disgusting levels of negativity. This book was like sitting around with a glass of wine with your gal pals. And although I really enjoyed this, I do feel like it is a bit too early in Dylans life/career for a memoir to really hit as hard as it could.

I started following Dylan Mulvaney on TikTok as she began her Days of Girlhood series. I was immediately struck by her positivity and humor, both of which shine through in her memoir! I wasn’t sure if everything would click the way her videos do, but this memoir worked! It was the perfect amount of heartfelt and funny. And the audiobook version was especially great as you have the chance to hear Dylan tell her own story.

this is so shockingly hopeful and optimistic that a lot of the times, i was just like, wow, you can do that??? it felt like watching parks and rec for the first time (except parks and rec in 2025 seems a bit... dated for reasons i can't say)

it's funny and vulnerable and my heart fills with the true earnestness of the entire project. i hope the author always maintains it, no matter what. the absolute hopeful note of the last "note"/"chapter" made me very very emotional, and i just wish i had 1/4th of this overlook of the world and our society in my life.

Once again, I need to gush over have beautiful the cover is. Dylan is GORGEOUS.
Knowing Dylan from TikTok is one thing, but this memoir is so much more. Having her narrate the book, it's like having your own personal yap session. I loved this. It was so intimate to hear how her transition was, how her raise to fame went and how she handled (and didn't). I loved jumping back and forth with the narrative. This was truly beautiful. Thank you for letting us in.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing an audio ARC of Paper Doll for review.

2.75 Stars (Rounded to 3 for Goodreads)

I approached this audiobook without much prior knowledge of Dylan Mulvaney. I had never seen her TikTok's and knew little about her beyond, what she calls, "Beergate." Even as someone unfamiliar with her, this memoir offered plenty of insight into her personality and kept me interested without being a fan. So if it catches your eye, you'll be able to read even with little background info!

What I Didn’t Like:

The audiobook—and Dylan’s persona—can best be described as the embodiment of a “cringe millennial theater kid.” This vibe is amplified through the audio format, complete with singing, the use of "tee-hee" in the first five minutes, and more. As someone who isn't a fan of musicals, the theatrical elements were always going to be a miss for me, regardless of who was belting out a tune.

One aspect I’m torn on is the overall structure. At times, the book felt less like a traditional memoir and more like a deep lore dump you'd give a new friend once you start to trust them. It’s casual, like you’re gabbing with a gal-pal, which can be fun and I think was her intention. But it also felt like she was still too early in her career to have the depth needed for a compelling memoir. Several times, she seemed on the verge of saying something truly profound, but it never quite got there.

What I Did Like:

It was refreshing to hear Dylan’s unique perspective on being trans. She brought up some aspects of her trans identity in ways I hadn’t considered before. I also appreciated her self-awareness in acknowledging that she was thrust into the spotlight without necessarily being the most qualified to speak on queer activism—there are certainly others who are more educated on the topic. She also acknowledges how she is incredibly privileged via her TikTok to have such ease of access to gender affirming care so early into her transition. No one person can represent the entire trans or queer experience and Dylan acknowledges that truth.