From page one all the way to the end, Tyler Oakley’s book “Binge” will put you into a state of pure joy. For those unfamiliar with Oakley, he is a YouTube and podcast phenomenon, satirist, author and activist, besides being a young gay man. In the beginning of the book, Oakley reveals that his actual first name was Matthew, but since there was another Matthew in his class, he decided he’d go by Tyler. He wanted to be “one of a kind” at school. “One of a kind” is what he is.

His book is unique because he doesn’t filter out any of the embarrassing segments or hard times in his life. He opens up about how he struggled with an eating disorder and examines the way his father felt about his sexuality. “Binge” is a book that will both make you cry and have you rolling on the floor laughing. Oakley’s story is one of the most inspiring because he highlights the key parts of his life that shaped him into the amazing person he is: just a regular guy who followed his dreams and made it to somewhere he never thought he’d be.

One of the most visible parts of Oakley’s life, his presence on YouTube, was started as a way to keep in touch with friends. He started on YouTube in 2007 and ever since making a video about One Direction, his internet and social media career has taken off. At the end of his college career, he had no job lined up and had one last interview with Google, but he didn’t get the job. A few years later, at an event to meet fans, Oakley met a man who told him that he was “too creative” for Google. Failing to get his dream job led Oakley to the career he never thought was possible.

Oakley has used his platform to make an impact on his world, including being a prominent and outgoing LGBTQ+ voice and social rights advocate. If there is just one thing that this book will give to the reader, it would be inspiration. It teaches you not to be afraid and “binge” on the things you love doing. If you need a laugh or some inspiration, this is a must read.