Review #27 - I Hate Myselfie

Title: I Hate Myselfie: A Collection of Essays by Shane Dawson
Author: Shane Dawson
Published: March 2015

Publisher: Keywords Press

A brief synopsis; (Via Goodreads)

From his first vlog back in 2008 to his full-length film directorial début Not Cool, Shane Dawson has been an open book when it comes to documenting his life. But behind the music video spoofs, TMI love life details, and outrageous commentary on everything the celebrity and Internet world has the nerve to dish out is a guy who grew up in a financially challenged but loving home in Long Beach, California, and who suffered all the teasing and social limitations that arise when you’re a morbidly obese kid with a pretty face, your mom is your best friend, and you can't get a date to save your life. 

In I Hate Myselfie, Shane steps away from his larger-than-life Internet persona and takes us deep into the experiences of an eccentric and introverted kid, who by observing the strange world around him developed a talent that would inspire millions of fans. Intelligent, hilarious, heartbreaking, and raw, I Hate Myselfie is a collection of eighteen personal essays about how messy life can get when you’re growing up and how rewarding it can feel when the clean-up is (pretty much) done.

Shane Dawson is an American YouTube personality, actor, comedian, and film director. Dawson is known for making comedy videos featuring many recurring characters, impersonations, and spoofs of popular music videos and television shows.

Shane Dawson. Where to begin? I have been a long time fan of his since 2009/10... Admittedly, it has been two or three years since I last watched one of his videos. That being said, as soon as I found out about this book... I was instantly on the hunt for it in the UK shops.

The thing about me and autobiographical works is that I will flat out not read them unless the person in question is a comedian, and I have no idea why. (With that in mind, note that not all comedians write good books.)

Now, Shane Dawson's work... utterly fantastic. I can not begin to tell you how much I love this. It isn't his entire life story; it's in segments, detailing some of his good days, some of his bad days, and it is the most honest, raw and compelling book that I have read in a while. So many of the tales in this book I can remember hearing about from one of his many vlogs.

Dawson's style is refreshing, from his wise-cracking anecdotes to his snide little comments, from his life-changing experiences and tender, heart warming emotions. I felt so many different emotions whilst reading this. I haven't finished a book so fast in so long, all the while thoroughly enjoying it.

There's not a lot I can say about this book, really, because it's Shane's life. There's no revitalising plot or tantalising cliffhangers- there's just Shane, as open as a book, pouring his heart, soul and life onto the pages.

I felt so connected. (And it's not just because of our mutual love for Canada, I promise.) I felt like I was experiencing his story, and it made me laugh in all the right moments. Even in all the serious parts, there was an underlying humour attached from Dawson's reflection upon the events.

I Hate Myselfie is a story you need to hear. Whether you're in the best place or the worst, Shane's story will inspire you to keep your head held high and your feet on the ground.

"I Have an unhealthy obsession with Canada."

"I had maple syrup running through my veins."

"I Don't know what got me so hooked on the maple people. Maybe it was the imaginary relationship I had with Avril Lavigne when I was thirteen."

"My brother and I hopped into the car and sped down the freeway like we were in a shitty Nicolas Cage action movie."

"So I guess I took down my pants and hopped into the cold water filled sink and started screaming obscenities."