My sister strongly recommended ‘Everything I Know About Love’ by Dolly Alderton a year or two ago. It sat on the shelf amongst the several other books I promised I’d read. But shocker, it sat there collecting dust until recently. If you’re wondering if this book is worth a read, you’ve come to the right place.
Overview (no spoilers)
So despite it’s title, this is not a relationship advice book. Far from it. ‘Everything I Know About Love’ is a memoir of Dolly Adlerton’s personal experiences, mainly in her 20’s. Most of the time, I don’t strongly relate to the author I’m reading (or maybe I haven’t read enough books to do so) but this one clicked instantly.
From school experiences, to nights out, her relationship with her best friends, dark times, funny times, and figuring out what to do with her life, it’s a real coming of age story. I love a coming of age story. The level of detail and ability to remember even the smallest of stories with her friends is amazing and I am convinced that none of it is hyperbole.
Alderton’s style of writing keeps you turning the pages throughout. Some chapters will have you giggling at her take on situations in the past, whilst others will make you shed a tear. Yes I did cry. She even throws in some bonus recipes, how her mindset developed throughout each stage of her life, and more. A key aspect of the book is her love for Rod Stewart which I can strongly relate to, so it had me from the get go. Okay there’s one spoiler, I’ll stop there.
Who would enjoy this book?
Are you an idiotic twenty- something who drinks too much and doesn’t know what they’re doing half the time? Look no further, because this ones for you!
This book outlines all the idiotic things Alderton did in her early 20’s that make for a great story. This book would be a good one for a mildly hungover Sunday when you’re questioning all your life decisions and why you decided to do the things you did at 3am the night before. Not from personal experience or anything. I’m just guessing that it would fit in nicely with that type of day.
Some Useful Links
I normally buy my books off eBay or the likes. It’s cheaper, which is my main motivation, however I tend to cover up my scabbiness with the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra. Sustainability and all that. I’ve even found one book here which is currently 52% off! Bargain!
This book has also been made into a tv series here if you don’t want to commit to the book. I’ve heard great reports about the series too and can’t wait to watch it now. Although, I may be disappointed when the cast doesn’t match my exact perception of the characters I created in my head whilst reading the book.
If you do decide to read this book, let me know what you think. Equally, if you have any recommendations along the same line as ‘Everything I Know About Love’, please send them my way.
If you want another book review, you can head over to ‘‘Surrounded by Idiots’: Personality Type Book Review‘ and see if that book is also up your street. Chat to you in about four years if I keep up with the inconsistency!
Everything I Know About Absolutely F**k all,
Eilís xoxo