Dylan Mulvaney’s Paper Doll is a candid and innovative memoir that blends traditional storytelling with multimedia elements like summaries of social media posts, artwork, and journal entries. This format gives the book a dynamic, immersive quality that reflects the multifaceted nature of Mulvaney’s public life. The personal record aspect is especially powerful; Mulvaney’s vulnerability and honesty about her journey as a transgender woman navigating fame, identity, and self-discovery make the memoir compelling.


The constant references to brand deals, sponsored posts, and the behind-the-scenes of her online presence felt a little unrelatable, especially for readers less interested in influencer culture. Still, Paper Doll remains an important exploration of gender, identity, and the complexities of fame in the age of social media. Despite its occasional self-indulgence, it’s a book worth reading for those interested in the intersection of personal transformation and public life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Abrams books for this ARC

thank you to netgalley, abram’s publishing and author, dylan mulvaney for an ARC read of “paper doll”.
i loved following dylan through her days of girlhood and they good, the bad and the beer of it all. i found the writing fun and enjoyable to read.
dylan expresses her thoughts her way and it comes through the page.
this book comes out march 11, 2025 to give you something to look forward to.
also not related to the rating but the cover is absolutely fabulous.

Dylan. Is. An. Icon.

God, I love them.
I had no idea she was a quadruple threat??? She's a comedian??? I mean obvi from her insta stories (sorry guys I'm too millennial for tiktok, my brain shorts out) she's hilarious, but the amount of thought and intent behind their words? Wow.

Dylan is less than 1k days into Girlhood by the time I write this, but she has learnedddd the lessons - and learned 'em fast. At times it feels like homejoy (iykyk) is MacGyver'ing Girlhood (this is 0 shade, have you SEEN MacGyver?), and that's part of the beauty. We're all just winging it. And their transparency in that? Refreshing is an understatement. Dyl had me cry-laughing, Dylan had me cry-crying. The way she is able to put into words some of the feelings I've had since the day I first perceived <i>being</i> perceived speaks wonders to her experiences in and around femininity.

Such shitty timing to be writing this review, post-election that didn't go the way we'd hoped. I woke up, heard the news, finished this ARC, then sat in silence for...a while. It makes this stunning memoir even more powerful. Do you see what's at stake here? What if we didn't have her? How could anyone be afraid of someone else blossoming so beautifully?
An olive branch is certainly not the right word for this, as there is no mutual disrespect or misgivings. This is simply a masterclass in peoplehood. We are LUCKY to have this memoir. These words are not owed to us, especially not with how we (the media) have treated them. Finally, things are on Dylan's terms - albeit to a fault (it'll make sense if/when you read).

I have a feeling I'll be coming back to this review and adding more once I'm further out from finishing it, and from all of the stupidity that is being an American.

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Dylan Mulvaney and Abrams for the DRC in exchange for my honest review!}

PS Dyl if you're reading this, PLEASSSEEEEEEE narrate your own audiobook, I'd listen on repeat.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

I first became aware of Dylan via tik tok following the journey to girlhood. This read captures more behind the scenes of what went into the videos and the 365 day process. I also did not recognize the impact of beergate had on her. I very much enjoyed this read and getting a glimpse of the triumphs and struggles she has overcome. Loved learning more about her background and journey to where she is today!

very cool and really felt like an awesome read (and also made me question my identity a bit). mulvaney's personality really shines through and her journey is so moving and an awesome read for anyone, whether you're trans, gay, bi, lesbian, nonbinary, any of the million other sexualities/genders, or just interested. tysm for the arc. 5 stars.

I want to start by extending my gratitude to Abram’s Books for allowing me the pleasure to read this ARC. Secondly, to Dylan…:while I know she didn’t personally pick me….I am gonna low key live in my own delusional bubble and pretend she did.

Reading this book was a privilege that I am so honored I was able to partake in. The stories brought happiness, sadness, anger, hope and then some.

This book takes you on a radical journey from before “Beergate”, during “Beergate” and after “Beergate”. She bared her heart and soul into this book told us her deepest pains and her happiest highs (also some literal highs….I will never go to Peru).

What I admired most was she mentioned many times that she recognizes her immense privileges in the trans community due to her platform.

This book is inspiring for those who have transitioned, are transitioning or want to. I hope this book gives hope and light to anyone struggling in the trans community that you have a people that love you and see you.

I read this book as an ally and will forever continue to fight for and support the trans community.

I will say if you have an issue with a slightly unconventional and chaotic format you may struggle to read it as it reads as a regular autobiographical book as well as a journal and has a very stream on consciousness vibe to it. Personally I loved it but can understand how grammar police might cringe.


So again Dylan, that you for personally choosing me to read your story…..because like you I LOVE FREE SHIT!