I've mentioned Carrie a few times on this blog, because she is a Youtuber who not only got me into watching Youtube, but also continues to inspire me to be me and to write. Along with the rest of her following, The 'Hopefuls', I've been looking forward to the publication of her first book since she announced it in May 2014. It is a non-fiction book which acts as an advice-bible, predominately for teenage girls but has something within it for everyone- no matter your gender or age. I pre-ordered a Hardback copy for half price (£6.49 I think) from Waterstones. My dad wasn't able to pick it up on the day of publication and I was ridiculously disappointed haha. But he picked it up the next day. It's taken me a week to read, but only because I've HAD to break away to study for exams. Otherwise, a night or two would have done it!
The book is spit up into sections and set out like a play or show, with acts etc. (because Carrie is also a West End actress!). Each section covers a different area of life- love, friendship/relationships, self-confidence, stress, mental health and many more sub-topics are all given their own place in its pages.
What I loved about 'All I know Now' is that Carrie does not claim to be a professional councillor or doctor or to know all the answers, she's fully aware that what she writes is only her advice. But after going through the ups and downs of being a teen, she's found herself at a very content point in her life and chosen to share her advice for reaching that place with an audience who already view her as their 'Honorary Big Sister'.
The style of her writing is very informal and lade back. She writes almost as though she was making another of her popular vlogs. 'All I know Now' actually began as a blog and her tone and structure remind me quite a bit of my own blogging style: writing for myself but also for others.
It is clear that Carrie made the decision to be very honest in this book, as she shares a handful of her own experiences in an attempt to remind us all that we are not the only ones who suffer anxiety, embarrassment, heartbreak etc. However, in no way is she too open, there is nothing shocking or deep in there!
I think its fair to say that some parts of the book are a little bit cliché, or the kind of advice we hear time and time again, but not a lot of it. And those parts that are work perfectly well alongside Carrie's fresh ideas and takes on different situations. It's like, you may have heard similar advice before, but when it's all there in front of you, in one place and backed up with real stories and examples, it forces you to think differently.
What I especially admired about Carrie's approach was her metaphors! She comes up with some hilarious ones, and others which you almost struggle to follow. But each and every one of them is very accurate, and its a gift to be able to relate real feelings to something else and effectively describe it.
A lot of what Carrie had to say struck a very real chord with me, because I have, at times, struggled with channelling the best person I can be as being the person I am. I don't know if that made sense? But basically being a good person with positive relationships, self-confidence and the motivation to chase my dreams (cheesy I know!) is something that I do find difficult at times, as I'm sure is the case for most people. I know that life isn't easy, especially when your still trying to work out what kind of a person you want to be and I think that's why I'm allowing Carrie, who I admire a lot, to give me the advice. I think it's almost easier to accept it from someone you don't know and hopefully reading 'All I know Now' will be the light switch I needed to make necessary changes to continue on the happy path. One day I hope to thank Carrie for that help.
Ok, enough with the deep! Haha. 'All I Know Now' is a great read for any age- there were elements I thought both my sister and mum could take from it too. If you're just looking for a wee push to find your feet or even just fancy a wee giggle at what life throws at us then pick up your beautiful copy (wow I didn't even fangirl over how gorgeous a design of book it is, with illustrations from Carrie herself!) today!
Catriona xx
