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.

I've loved Dylan since before Day 1 of girlhood. She has always been up front and realistic about what is going on and how hard her journey has been. I was so happy to hear she was writing a book, and this book held up to everything I had hoped it would be. She has always had a way of storytelling that keeps you entertained and engaged, even through the rough parts of her story. While Dylan does have a bit more privilage than most Trans folks, I still think her story is a wonderful way to see the ins and outs of finding your true self. From navigating her new personality, style, and sexuality Dylan has found herself and her platform. Also BeerGate was stupid and it infuriated me to see all of that happening. I hate she went through so much hate, when all she wanted was to just share her own journey. This book almost felt like reading her journal or like when you catch up with a friend you haven't talked too in months. Trauma dump, but in the best way. No such thing as too much info if you ask me. Loved having Dylan narrate, it made it all feel so much more intimate.

Props to Dylan for sharing their story and being so open during this time. I enjoyed listening to it and grateful to hear more about them

Audiobook eARC provided by RB Media through Netgalley
The book is already out (I didn't have the time to read it in advance), so you can go and read it.

In this memoir Dylan Mulvaney reminisces on her Days of Girlhood series, the realities of transitioning while in the public eye, the beer promotion gone wrong that she has termed BeerGate and the fallout of it all. While I didn't engage with a lot of her content prior to reading the book, I always found her to be a energetic and sweet presenter and that totally comes through in her writing style and narration of the audiobook. It's a book that's both funny and vulnerable and ultimately a great read. Dylan shares the hardships of living in the public eye, while acknowledging the immense privilege she has had both as a white, (relatively) palatable version of trans womanhood and a public figure with a large platform. I also really enjoyed her chaos (if she's a dnd character her alignment would be chaotic good, mark my word) and her great sense of humour that she uses to process her trauma. I have to say it's not the best memoir I've read (the honour goes to Transland by Mx Sly) but it's certainly a great book.

Content Warning: Dylan is very open about her mental health and discusses experiencing depression and suicidal ideation. The book also get into drugs, transphobic harassment, and the realities of having a family that's not fully supportive.

I enjoyed the insight and the journey the creator took us on and a peak behind the curtain. I was aware of her from tik tok and it was nice knowing them more

3.50

If you followed Dylans days of girlhood this felt like a run on of that series. Why fun, I was hoping she would share more with us about her struggles and life. I loved that she narrated the book.

I've been a fan of Dylan's since the Girlhood series on Tiktok so when I saw she had wrote a book I just knew I needed to read it. Well in this case I listened to it, I loved the audiobook Dylan does narrate it which was great. It's a great book covering the highs and lows of her journey. I loved the writing. It's a great read! I'm proud to see how far she's come.