
Blurb: No official blurb so a quote from Waterstones.com will have to do!
“A spot-on, wildly funny and sometimes heart-breaking book about growing up, growing older and navigating all kinds of love along the way.”
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Title: Everything I Know About Love
Author: Dolly Alderton
Publisher: Penguin Books, owned by Penguin Random House
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography
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Review:
Typically, I’m not really one for non-fiction, especially biographies, but I picked this one up after a break up and was most definitely not disappointed. Dolly takes us through her life, listing all of the heartbreaks, trials and tribulations that she’s encountered on the way, giving advice as she goes. There’s everything from love and personal growth to grief and friendship and all aspects offered me a lot of comfort for various reasons.
First off, Dolly’s is the voice of the older sister that I always wanted. So honest about her experiences and candid about her advice to those in similar situations. Both during a break up and then later, after losing my dad, I felt comforted by reading about her experiences and how she dealt with them, offering the understanding of having been there already and the hope that it gets better with time. The tone of this book was informal and conversational, making you feel as though you were long time friends swapping stories which I particularly enjoyed. I felt as if, by the end, I knew the people she mentioned and that I was priviledge to their wonderfully tight-knit group which gave off such a comforting vibe – simply like being wrapped up in a warm hug. I loved the lists of everything she knew about love at different ages. Whether I related to them personally or have yet to truly understand some of the points, it was wonderful to see the change we go through as people as we experience more of life and also gave me a few hints of what’s to come – and that it’s totally normal! In this book, Dolly gives a voice to all of those thoughts in the back of your mind and shows you that there’s a way to get past them and flourish, but also to learn from the mistakes. The inclusion of recipes was a perfect touch as I feel like sometimes all we want in a low moment is that homey classic, a perfectly scrambled egg. For me, this only added to Dolly’s relatability. Alderton writes so smoothly and with such humour that this book was a joy to read and I’m currently anxiously awaiting her first novel due out next year.
My favourite thing about this book is the lasting impact it’s had on me. I feel like I’ve gone from being unsure about myself and how I’m perceived (particularly by men that I’m potentially interested in) and whether I’m moving too slowly through life, to just doing what I feel is best for me, concentrating on myself and feeling more in touch with who I am. Additionally, the ending of this book really had me thinking about all of the wonderful people in my life and how grateful I am for their advice and influence, leading me to reach out to them and let them know. An overall very positive take from a book, more so than I had expected!
As for what I disliked about this book, I find it difficult to think of anything. More recipes would have been a nice touch but they were an added extra to begin with (a brilliant one at that!) and while interesting, wouldn’t make this book more enjoyable on a large scale anyway.
Overall, I would genuinely recommend this book to anyone who is feeling a little unsure of their place in the world, is going through some sort of loss (relationship or otherwise) or just wants some proof that they’re not struggling alone.
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Rating: 5/5
Recommend?: Yes! 100%!!
Have you read this book? What did you think? Is there something similar that you’ve read? Iโd love to know!
You can always find me over on Instagram and Twitter if youโd like to discuss this book (or any others that Iโve featured) in more detail ๐

Great review! This has been on my TBR list for a long time so, after reading your review, Iโm very tempted to pick it up.
Glad to be reading your reviews again, too ๐
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Thank you Jen! Can’t recommend this book enough if you’re after something to give you some sound life advice but also the warm and fuzzies ๐ Thank you, I’m glad to be back x
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I have heard SO MANY amazing reviews on this book online and in my personal life that I must read it. I have been loving non fiction books so much and this one seems like a great one to add to the list. It comes to show how valuable life experiences are as they can offer support and advice to others who are yet to learn the life lessons Dolly has. Iโm glad that it resonated with you because thatโs the sign of an amazing book. I loved reading this review and the style in which you write reviews Hannah. Great post!
Alex xx
http://allthingsalexx.wordpress.com
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Omg Alex you really need to pick this one up! I’m not usually a fan of non-fiction but this one is a must read – it has some really lovely messages and is something that I’ll definitely go back to. Thank you so much for all of the kind words xx
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Would really like to read this!
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It’s definitely worth the read – one of the best books that I’ve read this year!
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I just heard about this book from your Twitter giveaway. I didn’t know it existed before, but it definitely looks like a gem, and a book that every girl/woman should have in her library. I am adding it to the TBR without even thinking twice! x
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It’s a book that I put off reading initially but am so so glad that I gave it a go! One of the best books that I’ve read this year and is packed with wonderful advice and comfort – I’m sure you’ll love it! x
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