Jarad's Choice Monday Book Club: IN REAL LIFE

In Real Life by Joey Graceffa

Review by Jarad Johnson

Joey Graceffa is one of my favorite Youtubers. For those who are unsure of what that is, let me start by saying that the term, “Youtuber,” refers to someone who uploads videos on the social networking site called Youtube. Joey Graceffa makes vlogs, or video blogs, about his daily life (This appears to be an explanation for all of us old people- young people carry on…Julie). It’s sort of like an online diary, in video form. The vlogs are not only entertaining and showcase his bubbly disposition. He is one of the fastest growing personalities on Youtube, with over 6 million subscribers (myself included) on his channel.

So you can imagine that I was thrilled to discover that he had written a book. A memoir, specifically.  The first thing I wondered was  wondered was where he found the time! Over short period of time, he had done the Amazing Race, done a music video, and produced vlogs every day. It turns out the book is like one of his vlogs in written form. It’s written in his characteristic animated style, and his personality definitely shines through just as well in written form.
                 
The book begins with memories of his childhood, covering significant and life altering events, such as how he had accidentally eaten lead paint chips at a young age and was later diagnosed with a learning disability. He speaks very candidly and honestly about his struggles with feeling separated and different from the rest of the kids in his school. This, he said, made him very insecure (this shocked me, because he always seems so sure of himself in his vlogs). He also speaks frankly about his mother’s struggles with alcoholism, his unhappiness and seclusion at college, and his risky and ambitious decision to move to Los Angeles with his best friend. At the time, they were both producing content on a channel called WinterSpringPro, which they later left for other venues. His experiences in LA opened a lot of doors for him, especially as far as YouTube was concerned.
              
Overall, the memoir tracks Joey’s journey and growth, both on Youtube and in real life. Told with his typical flair, this inspiring and uplifting memoir showcases his ups and downs, struggles and triumphs so far in his life. As on his channel, his lively persona and positive outlook on life are enough to brighten anyone’s day. Through his book, I feel as if I gotten to know him a bit better. I highly recommend it to not only his fans, but anyone who likes memoirs.

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Jarad attends Fayetteville High School, loves tea, and tries to spend every spare second reading.  Jarad wants to be an English major.  Bless his heart!  Let's all light a candle for him and send him happy thoughts!

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