A Work In Progress – Connor Franta (Book Review)

Title : A Work in Progress

Author : Connor Franta

Standalone

Genre : Memoir, Non-fiction

Summary

Goodreads summary :

In this intimate memoir of life beyond the camera, Connor Franta shares the lessons he has learned on his journey from small-town boy to Internet sensation so far.

Here, Connor offers a look at his Midwestern upbringing as one of four children in the home and one of five in the classroom; his struggles with identity, body image, and sexuality in his teen years; and his decision to finally pursue his creative and artistic passions in his early twenties, setting up his thrilling career as a YouTube personality, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and tastemaker.

Exploring his past with insight and humor, his present with humility, and his future with hope, Connor reveals his private struggles while providing heartfelt words of wisdom for young adults. His words will resonate with anyone coming of age in the digital era, but at the core is a timeless message for people of all ages: don’t be afraid to be yourself and to go after what you truly want.

This full-color collection includes photography and childhood clippings provided by Connor and is a must-have for anyone inspired by his journey.

General Thoughts

Don’t go into this book thinking that it will be a good piece of ‘literature’ or even, a ‘good book’. That’s not what this is about. This book is like talking to someone about his life, and sharing experiences and giving inspiration. It’s about laughing at stupid childhood scenes and having big realizations about incidents which resonate with you. Mainly, if a normal small town kid can make it so big and become a sensational YouTuber, then you too have it in you to do anything you want :)

Pros

1. Artsy : The book itself is art. It is so fucking artsy. Connor keeps saying in his book that he loves art and creativity and that just shines throughout the book. He’s taken care of the aesthetics, and his book is beautiful, in the literal way. The pages and the designs and his photography. Damn. 

2. His life stories and experiences : I love reading stories, especially childhood ones, of others and some of the incidents in the book were so effing cute. And looking past the childhood cuteness, even the big things of his life, the big decisions – having such a personal knowledge about them was phenomenal.

3. The tone of the book : The tone of the book is conversationalist, and it’s super fun to read. It may not be a properly written book, but that wasn’t even what I was expecting. At some instances, you literally feel as if Connor is talking to you, and it’s an amazing book to fly through.

Cons

1. A little too high on the philosophy : I wanted this book to be fun, and interactive, and insightful about his childhood, and though it initially started out in that tone, it slowly turned into a philosphy lesson. It was just too heavy with the life lessons and life talk, and I’m not saying that Connor doesn’t have the right to talk about his life lessons, but by the end it got too much. I could have done with a little less of that. At times, his philosophies is beautiful but like I said, too much of anything is not fun to read.

Recommend to?

Everyone who wants an honest, open view on the struggles and achievements of a guy just like you or me, but who had the courage in himself to make it big. Also, if you are fans of Connor Franta, I’m suprised you haven’t already read this!

A ‘good book’ or a ‘good read’?

An interesting book. An enjoyable read.

My Rating

3/5 stars