The Internet isn’t all cat videos. There’s also Felicia Day—violinist, filmmaker, Internet entrepreneur, compulsive gamer, hoagie specialist, and former lonely homeschooled girl who overcame her isolated childhood to become the ruler of a new world…or at least semi-influential in the world of Internet Geeks and Goodreads book clubs.
After growing up in the south where she was "homeschooled for hippie reasons", Felicia moved to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and was immediately typecast as a crazy cat-lady secretary. But Felicia’s misadventures in Hollywood led her to produce her own web series, own her own production company, and become an Internet star.
Felicia’s short-ish life and her rags-to-riches rise to Internet fame launched her career as one of the most influential creators in new media. Now, Felicia’s strange world is filled with thoughts on creativity, video games, and a dash of mild feminist activism—just like her memoir.
Hilarious and inspirational, You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) is proof that everyone should embrace what makes them different and be brave enough to share it with the world, because anything is possible now—even for a digital misfit.
Where to Buy
I've been a fan of Felicia Day's for several years now, primarily because of The Guild, though also because of some of her other work like the Flog, and her monthly book review group Vaginal Fantasy. So it was a given that I wanted to get this book as soon as she announced it, and while I may not have immediately pre-ordered for various reasons, I did pre-order so I would have it right away once it released. I of course didn't get to read/listen to it right away (I pre-ordered the audiobook version from Audible), but a slow and dreary Monday at work had me turning it on to help make the day less dreary and boy did it. I was able to listen to the whole book during the day, finishing up the last bit of it on the drive home. I actually got a fair bit done at work while getting caught up in her life story, and I count it as a day well spent overall.
For those not familiar with gaming or geek culture, Felicia may not be as recognizable, nor her story quite as relateable. I personally don't claim to be as well versed or as immersed in said culture as some, but I could relate entirely too well to a great many of her experiences. She tells them all with her signature witty and often self-deprecating humor in a way that makes you feel like you're just sitting down with her listening to her chat about stuff (an effect that is certainly enhanced by listening to it in audio.) There is a lot of good advice interspersed amongst her stories both for those who aspire to be creators of some sort or simply have a dream they want to pursue, and for those suffering from depression or other mental illnesses. She imparts a message of hope and encouragement in a manner that isn't at all preachy but instead feels like a good friend giving you heartfelt advice because they care about you.
There's likely a lot more I could say about the book, but it would mostly just be repetitions of and variations on "I thoroughly enjoyed this book" so I'll just leave it at that. It kept me entertained the entire time I was listening to it, and I sort of wish it had been longer as I would happily have kept on listening if it had been. Even if you aren't into gaming, or aren't familiar with geek culture, I think many will find something to relate to in her tale. And if nothing else, she is an immensely entertaining personality and her wit and humor will keep you entertained. I wholeheartedly recommend this to most anyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment