Blog

Growing up in the digital age can be difficult. Dealing with issues that arise when growing up such as body image issues, discovering your sexuality
and more can be hampered with the added pressure of constant online scrutiny. In that vein, YouTuber turned author Melanie Murphy has written a
book that explores the important issues of modern life that she has experienced and hopes to pass her knowledge and experiences unto a growing
generation in her book, “Fully Functioning Human (Almost): Living in an Online/Offline World. The Irish YouTuber hopes to bring her honesty and
unique brand from her YouTube channel to a whole new audience who may be struggling in life and may get the advice or the comfort they need knowing
they are not alone in their dilemmas. Here is the official synopsis:

In her first book, Irish YouTuber Melanie Murphy shares a series of experiences from the struggle that is growing up in the digital age:
cyberbullying, dumping by text, gaining (and then losing) too much weight, having acne in a world of Instagram filters, and, most of all,
finding the strength to tackle poor mental health. From self-image struggles to important life lessons about family, friendship, love and
mindset, Fully Functioning Human (Almost) is a warm, illuminating memoir full of wit and wisdom that doubles up as a life guide for millennials.

Now for those of you who don’t know me, reviewing non-fiction works is something I’ve only recently begun doing this past year. Normally ensconced
in my office chair with a YA or horror novel, the honesty and real life experiences told in the non-fiction format is something I’ve quickly
come to enjoy and connect with, and I am happy to say no other memoir has had me as invested as Melanie Murphy’s book. The incredible wit and warmth
in which she delivers her own stories is an emotional shot to the heart, (which is a definite good thing). The stories not only allow you to connect
with the author herself, but allow you to find ways to relate to her stories and get a firmer understanding of how to best deal with these real
life situations. Whether you are a young adult struggling to come to terms with your sexuality and the perceptions of said sexuality by those around
you or your having trouble determining which friends are your lifeline and which friends are toxic, this memoir has something everyone can connect
with.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed, I cried and I smiled as I dove into the complicated world of living life while connected to
the online world. As someone who is passionate about equality in all areas of life and thinks discussions about mental health and sex and sexuality
is important to begin incorporating in our lives, this story spoke to me on so many levels. The lessons imparted in this memoir show the honest
struggle of not only our generation but of future generations to come, and I think the kindness the author showcases along with the wisdom that
comes with experience and struggle make this a must read memoir and honestly the best memoir I’ve read in 2017. If you haven’t yet, I highly
recommend you pick up a copy of Melanie Murphy’s “Fully Functioning Human (Almost): Living in an Online/Offline World” today!

Rating: 10/10

You can find Melanie Murphy at the following sites:

https://www.youtube.com/user/MelaNiieVideos
Twitter: @melaniietweets
Instagram: melaniiemurphy
WEBSITE: http://www.melaniemurphy.ie