It’s 2015, almost 2016, and nobody could see this unexpectedly thrilling turn of the Youtube community. I am actually really ashamed to share that I have properly been on Youtube for only a year now, and I have known Marcus Butler as a Youtube sensation for only about 8-10 months (Despite that I know that he is a qualified, good human being).
If you don’t known Marcus Butler, he is a fellow Youtuber from Brighton who currently has more than 4 million (and counting!) subscribers on Youtube. 4 million is a lot of people! Therefore this July, he released his debut novel, Hello Life!, which has already been a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller. It’s insane to see how far he has come in his career. From shooting ridiculous, aimless videos in his mum’s kitchen to writing a book... that’s a whole lot of character/personality development. However, this journey has obviously not been easy. He has made it all the way to the top by his own effort and that’s what he shares in this very first book, Hello Life!.
The best part about this book is every part. I literally cannot discriminate between all the four main issues in this book: each and every issue is as important as the other. It’s like King Arthur’s round table; everyone holds the same importance. So the 4 main parts of the book are: Health, Relationships, Crisis and Future Planning. Now, what I find very interesting is that Marcus was very sure of what his audience would be interested in and what would make them want to read his book. He was also connecting to the readers in more than one way. The majority of his audience are kids aged up to 18+. He kept that aspect in mind throughout his book, specifically the last chapter.
Chapter 1, Health, is very motivating and inspiring for someone who wants to be happy with themselves. It just doesn’t give information we already know from the internet. Marcus shares his personal experiences with some really easy and great tips. And let’s be very clear – he is not body shaming anyone or telling people to be “thin”. He only wants them to be happy and healthy.
Chapter 2, Relationships, is very cute and fluffy in the beginning, and includes the story of his long-term girlfriend Naomi. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but he knew Naomi from school and look where they are now. From failed relationships to the most successful ones, Marcus got some great tips for everyone.
Chapter 3, Crisis, mainly focuses on family and friends, and disputes and problems you would possibly face while growing up. It’s really important for anyone to deal appropriately in a situation like that. I mean I get that it’s very difficult to remain stable and pretend things are alright, but Marcus’s story will help you carry yourself better. There are just tiny tips which can be really helpful.
Chapter 4, which his audience probably most looked up to, is Future Planning. See, its quite obvious Marcus Butler is a Youtube sensation. Youtube is his future. He has it safe. However, there are a gazillion people out there that don’t have the slightest of clue of how to go about this huge obstacle called ‘future’ in order to live a happy life. For someone who has Youtube as a job, you’d think they won’t understand you too/ Let me just say, not exactly. Maybe there are no tips on how to be a magician, but there are certainly tips on how to have a life along with being happy. This is ultimately what we all aim for.
Overall this book is really great. It’s colourful with so many pictures, and the whole manner in which it’s presented its completely enthralling and worth appreciation. I think with so many Youtuber books coming around, you should really grab a copy of Hello Life! You won’t regret it.
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Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop
