Drew Afualo's 'Loud,' Dolly Alderton's 'Good Material' & Upcoming Music, Movie Reviews
Spoiler: I love 'Loud' & books that just come at the right time for you.
I have been a fan of Drew Afualo since she came across my FYP. She’s funny, smart, and well-known for her clever and sharp comebacks to jerks on the internet. In addition to her iconic laugh, she’s known to share her experiences and advice to women, so I was excited to pick up her new book Loud: Accept Nothing Less than the Life You Deserve.
It’s part memoir, part life advice, and it’s one more book I’ve picked up from a beloved TikTok star. I did listen to the audiobook version of this and I felt like hearing her story in her voice was a fantastic experience. She discusses her family and her early career, but she also expresses a lot of vulnerability including her reaction to her sister coming out to her and her near-abortion experience, both of which had a heavy impact on her as a person and created a lot of reflection of how she wanted to live her life.
This book came at a needed time for me as I was dealing with some personal issues (family drama, pending layoffs, and just overall feelings of like anguish given all that, not to mention just the excessive world events of late). I felt like I was getting a pep talk every time I listened and also just permission to not only be justified in my feelings of frustration, but also that I can act on those feelings, pick myself up, and still make my life the way I deserve. I know, I’m getting a little corny here, but I did appreciate the sincerity of Afaulo’s words. I think that’s what makes some of these TikTok starts memoirs so special, they continue the vulnerability and sincerity that made you fall in love with them in the first place and carry it through their writing as well.
Overall, I recommend it! It’s short, motivational, and still packs a punch.
I also finished Good Material by Dolly Alderton for my fiction read. And it was, ok? I mean I was entertained, but I was also like ok let’s wrap this up? I just don’t think I was the target audience for this one.
The novel follows Andy who was recently dumped (for which he is not sure why) and is now doing a bit of couch surfing while he works on his career as a comedian (which has been very lackluster). Most of it is Andy going through a breakup. Lots and lots of talking about the break up and the ex. Maybe too much, but as I said, I think that’s just the main thing in this book, moving through a break up.
The writing is good. The character development is fine. It’s funny at times, as well as a tad predictable. Andy is probably the most difficult to like, which is a tad unfortunate since we hear 80% of the book from his perspective.
It’s not a bad read, and I did find it entertaining. I didn’t drag through this, I just didn’t love it.
Books
Currently I’m reading Boulder by Eva Baltasar, Nicole d’Amonville Alegria (Translator) which I picked up after reading this review.
I’m currently listening to The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans, which has some unique short stories.
Watching
I just finished watching all four of the recent Planet of the Apes movies, most of which I watched for the first time. I think I want this to be its own post for further discussion, so stay tuned if that interests you.
Activities
I was fortunate enough to see Olivia Rodriogo in concert last Saturday and I can’t wait to share more with you--I am OBSESSED. Post coming soon and I did get carried away ranking all of the GUTS songs if that is somehow of interest to you.
One moment from last week: on my morning run when this gorgeous cat walked right up to me for pets!! I needed this moment.
Hope to see you later this week!!