Follow Me: A Memoir in Challenges - Softcover

Dillon, Ricky

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1501132016 ISBN 13: 9781501132018

Publisher: Atria/Keywords Press, 2016

Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In this inspiring and hilarious memoir, YouTube star Ricky Dillon gives you an exciting look into his personal life and reveals the ins and outs of being a young star online.

Have you ever picked up a new instrument and tried learning to play your favorite song? Or found out exactly how much sour candy you can possibly eat in one sitting? Or given yourself permission to be friendly to a total stranger who looked sad?

Ricky Dillon has, and in Follow Me, he invites you to join him on a series of challenges—from serious, contemplative tasks to hilarious, outrageous stunts—that are bound to stretch your mind (as well as your muscles) and change your life for the better.

Sure, trying something new or putting yourself out there—facing the unknown—can be scary, but Ricky himself understands what it’s like to face life’s great obstacles. He also knows that every day offers chances to try something new, to push yourself a little farther, and to get a little stronger both inside out.

Along with the challenges, Follow Me also ushers readers into Ricky’s real life, sharing exactly how he creates his videos, what it’s like collaborating with other YouTube stars, what his family and friends mean to him, and how he juggles all of his creative endeavors—from music to fitness to writing and beyond—while keeping a positive attitude and appreciating all of life’s adventures, big and small.

Inspiring, informative, and incredibly fun, Follow Me is not just a book but a full-on reading experience from one of our most beloved and hardworking social media stars.

About this title

About the Author

Ricky Dillon is a vlogger and a musician with millions of fans worldwide. A former member of the popular YouTube group Our2ndLife, he released his first studio album as a musician, Gold, in 2016. Follow Me is his first book. To learn more, visit Youtube.com/RickyDillon.

Reviews

Gr 6 Up—Dillon writes about his life—from growing up with few friends and a speech impediment to discovering YouTube and working his way to becoming a social media star. The narrative rambles, covering everything from his family life to music. Each chapter ends with a challenge to readers, accompanied by a hashtag that fans can use to upload their responses. While teens might be interested in learning more about their favorite YouTuber, this memoir lacks structure. Dillon encourages readers to try things like running a marathon, although he himself has never run one. Other issues undermine the book's message. Dillon blithely dives into problematic topics but lacks depth, empathy, and diversity when discussing things like rebellious teens, haters, and body image; his writing comes across more like pretentious personal branding than honest dialogue. VERDICT If readers want to read about the lives of YouTubers, they should try Dan Howell and Phil Lester's The Amazing Book Is Not on Fire. If they are seeking inspiration, Esther Earl's This Star Won't Go Out and Josh Sundquist's We Should Hang Out Sometime are better alternatives.—Jessica Bratt, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Edition details

• Publisher: Atria/Keywords Press
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1501132016
• ISBN 13: 9781501132018
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288