Follow Me

by Ricky Dillon

In this inspiring and hilarious memoir, YouTube star Ricky Dillon gives you an exciting look into his personal life and reveals the ins and outs of being a young star online.

Have you ever picked up a new instrument and tried learning to play your favorite song? Or found out exactly how much sour candy you can possibly eat in one sitting? Or given yourself permission to be friendly to a total stranger who looked sad?

Ricky Dillon has, and in Follow Me, he invites you to join him on a series of challenges—from serious, contemplative tasks to hilarious, outrageous stunts—that are bound to stretch your mind (as well as your muscles) and change your life for the better.

Sure, trying something new or putting yourself out there—facing the unknown—can be scary, but Ricky himself understands what it’s like to face life’s great obstacles. He also knows that every day offers chances to try something new, to push yourself a little farther, and to get a little stronger both inside out.

Along with the challenges, Follow Me also ushers readers into Ricky’s real life, sharing exactly how he creates his videos, what it’s like collaborating with other YouTube stars, what his family and friends mean to him, and how he juggles all of his creative endeavors—from music to fitness to writing and beyond—while keeping a positive attitude and appreciating all of life’s adventures, big and small.

Inspiring, informative, and incredibly fun, Follow Me is not just a book but a full-on reading experience from one of our most beloved and hardworking social media stars.

Genres: Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Autobiography, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2016

About the author

Ricky Dillon is an American YouTube personality and singer-songwriter.

Reviews

[Gracie B · Rating 2 out of 5]

i didn’t like this book at all. i dislikes it, this wasn’t entertaining but it’s not the worse book i’ve read.

[Faith Limo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another youtuber book and I can already hear all the URGHs.

I can understand why all of them are releasing books. They have publicity which means it can sell and it's an effective way for them to send a message and tell their own story.

Ricky Dillon's book gets straight to the point and is sprinkled with fun challenges here and there. I have to say his story is very relatable. There wasn't any sort of significant trauma that led to his Youtube beginnings, it was mostly the desire to connect to more individuals. His characters really resonates throughout the book. He's the sort of person with a close bunch of friends but honestly loves to spend time with himself. I think we can all relate to that.

Throughout his book, he talks about his love for working out, the journey Youtube has brought him into, his friends and family and overall, how he managed to find himself. It's a very heartwarming story full of hope and optimism that definitely gives you all the happy feels!!!

It's a simple, short reads for anyone who's needs something to read or is in between an intense read and needs a break.

 

[isobelle ogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Ricky's for a while now. Okay, maybe not that long but it's been about a year maybe? I dunno.

This book seemed to tell so many stories of his that I'd never heard of. Like his fitness journey and why he works out, how he grew his self confidence, his relationships with his family and even about why he has a "lisp". He also talked about some matters in society, like female and male gender roles. Just because you like something that was intended for the opposite sex doesn't mean you're gay. He said some things about dealing with hate too. He also mentioned that he is not gay and doesn't really even think about wanting to be in a relationship with anyone as he's happy being single.

It was different from other YouTubers books. Their autobiographies were just that, autobiographies, which of course were interesting, but Ricky added a fun twist to his book: challenges after and before every chapter. Some were quite funny, like "#mirandascreamsforricky Tweet pictures of scary-looking bats to Miranda Sings! (Sorry in advance Miranda". You'd have to read the chapter to understand (page 216).

Overall, I really liked his book and I feel like it's more creative than the average YouTuber autobiography.

[Brit McCarthy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review to come in a couple of days when book is released. As you can tell it did not go that well...

[Nurfaeqah]

Damn. I cant remember sh*t. Bought this because i loved Ricky. Not rating it cause i probably flipped through all pages to get a look.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should probably start this review by pointing out a few things.

I don't really watch YouTube. I use it for K-Pop music videos and for learning how to fix a leaky taps without having to call a plumber.
The YouTube personalities I've seen on TV shows like The Amazing Race tend to irritate me. I'm always hoping they will get eliminated early so I don't have to see them anymore. And
I'm not twelve.
I say this so you know I'm well aware I'm not the target audience of this book. And I do think my limited exposure to YouTube stars and being a lot older than the target demographic coloured how I viewed it.

Follow Me is a fun little book where Ricky Dillon talks about himself and his life as a YouTube star. He breaks the book up into different sections with each part being further divided into little anecdotes about love, health, family and fun.

He talks about his childhood, friends, family and just how awesome it is to be a YouTube personality.
You also get to see many photos of him with balloons, tinsel and other props which I don't exactly get the relevance to...

It's well presented. There is definitely that cute, pre-teen kind of vibe to both the stories and the photos.

And then there are the dares. After every little anecdote Ricky presents two dares to his readers. These dares are another reason why I felt like I was not the target audience. They're cutesey little things like hugging random strangers, toilet papering houses or making music videos where you lipsync to popular songs. I just can't imagine anyone actually doing these things unless they were a tween.

This book is VERY upbeat. Ricky talks about the importance to being fit and healthy and how great it is to have friends who share your interests. There's plenty of YouTube personalities being name dropped all over the place so you know he's rubbing shoulders with famous people.

Look - he seems lovely in a hyperactive adult stuck in a twelve year olds body. And this book feels like it would be perfect for young fans of his videos. There's advice about being honest with one's family and how important is it is to follow your dreams (even when your dreams lead to you dropping out of college and moving across the country to achieve fame. It worked for him. And for JD Salinger... who am I to judge?).

But there's no real substance to this book. It's mostly about how lovely it is to be him. And how great the YouTube personality circle is to be a part of. Cause everyone involved is just so lovely and they're all friends. All of them. Everyone he mentions in his book is his best friend. Seriously... It's just too sunshine and rainbows for my liking. I liked how positively he came across in all his stories. I really did. But I also think that he glossed over the more difficult times in his life. Or he's just epic and lucky to have everything fall into his lap.

I think Follow Me would appeal to fans of his channel. He comes across full of energy and like he is probably a very nice person.

But as someone who has never seen his channel, reading Follow Me has left me still with no desire to watch his videos or listen to his music.

[Madigan Lautzenheiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow Me by Ricky Dillon is capturing the hearts of millions of teens out there. Ricky is a very successful YouTuber. He had a lot of problems growing up because he had a speech impediment. He was into YouTube as a child, and singing. This got him a lot of torment in school because he was very different than everyone else. One day he started getting followers and he was very inspiring to many people. He shows people that they should be who they are no matter what people think.
One of the most successful parts of the book is that he accepts everyone for who they are. When he was growing up, he learned that he had a speech impediment so people did not believe that he would be successful, no one thought he could ever be a singer. Now, much of his career is singing and so many people look up to him. He started to get into YouTube more and more, so against his parents wishes, he left college to leave for Los Angeles because he knew he could make it as a YouTuber.
Another successful part of this book is the structure. In this book he set it up so that there are chapters of uplifting, funny, happy thoughts and then he has very serious sections about school, depression and other very important topics. He also put sections in the book such as family, health, random and so on. He puts challenges in it to interact more with the readers which works very well. This is a great way of organizing but for some people this may be frustrating because he talks about only one thing for several pages.
Ricky Dillon is in the hearts of so many young people inspiring them to be whoever and whatever they want. He is touching the world one video at a time. This book will appeal to people who want to read about a real life story of success. The writing has a deep real, yet fun feel to read. Ricky leaves the readers wanting more.

[Emma Hakaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "Follow me" by Ricky Dillion is such a great book! its about a boy named Ricky Dillion and he talks about his life. Like an example he talks about how he became a youtuber. And also during the book as you are reading it, Ricky gives you some challenges in the book. Like stunts, tricks, and maybe even some complicated tasks. He also talks about challenges that Ricky has done too. An example is when he try's to make the soccer team but he didn't make it, or when he tried to play an instrument to his favorite song. My favorite part is when Ricky talks about how he discovered youtube. I recommend this book to readers who love Being fun.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like Connor's book very relatable, these people we look up to they are the same as us. They were kids at a time they had and have the same problems we do. Reading what they did to get through it can maybe help you. I epecially love this book bevause you can just read any chapter. The chapters aren't in any spacific order. Each chapter has about five sections in it.

[Sera · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just like every other YouTuber book. Nothing special

[Brenda Linden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to listen to the audiobook version for some good ✨nostalgia✨ but all I got was an excessive amount of fitness-talk about how you can change your life if you just work out and don’t eat carbs after breakfast.
At first I thought ‘oh he was just young when he wrote this, he didn’t know any better’ but then I realized he was about 23/24 when he wrote this so… 👁👄👁

Still kinda entertaining to read an ‘old’ youtuber book in 2022 though

[Leslie Osuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally, i really enjoyed this book. I love reading biographies about how people succeed in life. Its so interesting how people have so many opportunities in life and they either accept them or reject them. Sometimes the most simple opportunity can definitely change your life. As i said, i enjoyed this book so much because it shows how his life has changed over the years.

[Trinia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read/listen. Definitely aimed more towards the YouTube watching crowded, AKA Teenagers. Although, I have to admit this kid is pretty inspiring to do something you love and make a life/career out of it.

[Chris C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love loved it

[Hannah R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good book, I liked how he talked about his problems and how he fixed it, I definitely recommend the book if you like memoirs.

[Little Turtle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ricky Dillon was in those lucky first batches of youtubers to make it big. He had never intended for YouTube to be a career, he just wanted to make people, and himself, happy. Ricky’s career had grown even farther past comedy and challenges on YouTube - he's grown to be a successful musician who worked most notably on his album titled “Gold,” featuring musicians like Snoop Dogg. Now, Ricky has even become an author. He published his debut book “Follow Me.”
“Follow Me” reflects on Ricky’s life experiences so far, based around sadness, happiness, fear, and accomplishment. The basis of “Follow Me” definitely encourages young people to get out and enjoy some things. After each chapter, Ricky will add in one challenge based on the chapter for you to complete, and one totally random one. It could be anything from decorating the house with a loved one, to going up to a random stranger while blasting music and encouraging them to dance with you. Overall, the challenges make at least someone happy, and think that it's a great idea and basis for the book.
That's mostly why I liked this book. It had a great, motivational, and encouraging basis. And even when Ricky would share and experience where motivation was lost and he was discouraged, he would list all of the good things that could have happened, in order to encourage others. This book was very comedic, and there was multiple instances where I was reading in class and had to hold back laughter. The chapters didn't drag on for too long, either. They didn't get to the point where you were tired and wondering exactly when it was going end. They stayed entertaining, and constantly provided new topics with each chapter, rather than talking about one subject for multiple chapters.
But, since I rated it four stars, there are of course some minor things that bothered me. I feel like the challenges took up almost too much of the book. There would be about a four page chapter, then two pages of challenges. I feel like the two hundred and more pages could have had a lot more written, and that it could have had a bit more potential. And though I liked the short chapters, they almost felt too short. Like the ones that were only two pages - I felt like a great deal of things were missing.
I think that fans of Ricky and other youtubers would enjoy this book. It's very relatable, in the sense of some of his awkward experiences, and school experiences. Anyone who has no clue who Ricky was, or anyone who has heard of him, but never seen a video of his, would be confused by this book. You have to know him in order to know what he's talking about in many instances. Like, he would say, “of course, you all know (insert noun here)” with no explanation. That may confuse people in some cases. For his fans, though, it's a very enjoyable book that's very difficult to put down.

[Madi Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is a really Great book because, The author Ricky Dillon explains his challenges that he's been through.. With each challenge or hardship that he goes through it makes me have more sympathy for people that have it tougher than I do. He incorporates a lot of fun and laughter into the book and thats why i thought this book was great!

[Anna Flannagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was about how Ricky had hard times in his life but got through them by never giving up. He wrote about how he became successful as a You Tuber. He started his channel when he was younger and worried that no one would watch. However, people did start watching. His channel involves comedy, inspirational videos, and music. The book was inspirational to me. Ricky's advice is that in order to succeed in life you have to tackle your problems head-on and not avoid them. Without spoiling it for you, my favorite story was about how Ricky was very close with his aunt, how she got sick and told him before she died that he would do great things in his life and that she would be watching over him. In some of his videos, he hints that she is making sure that he is ok. I very much recommend this book to both teenagers and adults.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it is not like a regular memoir. It had fun challenges that related to the stories Ricky Dillon told. This is an awesome way for Ricky to connect with his readers on social media. Even the book itself looked like so much fun, filled with bright colors. He told a lot of stories that I think many people can relate to. When I read this book I felt very happy. It was nice learning all of his experiences and things that motivate him. Reading about all the things he has accomplished can help other people with motivating themselves to do things, such as working out. There were many parts in the story that were inspiring. One example of this is that Ricky had a speech impediment, so no one believed that he could be a successful singer. Hopefully it was able to help inspire some of his fans or any one else that is struggling in life and doesn't believe in themselves.

[Kenzie - PadfootPuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a huge fan of Ricky's videos, and have been for around 5 years now. So, when I heard he was coming out with a book I was so excited! I was able to give it about a week before the release date, which is amazing hahah and I had to read it right away! I loved the way this book was set up with all of the challenges in-between each section in the chapters. It made it feel like you were reading it a lot quicker! I feel like after reading this book I know much more about Ricky and the person he is and I am so glad I came away from the book with that knowledge. Congratulations on writing your first book Ricky! I am so proud of all that you have become and it feels so awesome to know that I've been able to experience it with you all these years! ❤️❤️

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book slowly, and while I did enjoy it, I had a lot of complaints.

1. Ricky really tried to be "inspirational" and not like himself in several parts.
2. It was really repetitive, and in each section, Ricky said basically the same thing (in his music, social, self empowerment, health, etc. sections)
3. Ricky talked A LOT about health and how important it is to be active which probably does not interest a lot of his readers including me
4. His challenges were not incorporated into his stories AT ALL, they just went on the side.
5. His stories were very simple, and kind of boring
6. We barely learned anything new about him

I did not give this a lower rating, because although I had complaints, I love Ricky and I had fun reading his book!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this book by Ricky Dillon, was amazing. This book told all about Ricky's childhood, path on becoming a youtuber and musician, and so much more. One reason I loved this book was the fact that he included different challenges at the beginning and end of each chapter that were similar to challenges Ricky has done throughout his life. If they had not been included, I feel as though there would not have been a way for the readers to truly connect with the book. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.

[Samantha Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow me is a book about adventures, challenges, and stories to tell about his life. He explains how he life is, and where he has been, what he has done. It made me laugh and screech over the most shocking parts that had me on the edge. I loved all of the amazing stories that he has told, it makes me scream with joy. This book is for all people it has humor, challenges, and life stories. This book really viewed how his life is and inspired many people, and get to know a lot more about the person.

[Gaby ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of challenges (as the title suggests) that are fun and that make the book a great adventure. This book helped me understand Ricky and know things about him that on videos wouldn't have been the same. The fact that he included a lot of challenges makes it unique and it's definitely a factor that makes me love this book so much. I enjoyed it a lot, it was a lot of fun to read. I'm so proud of Ricky!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ricky's videos and have been watching him for a couple years now, and his humor and personality definitely show in his book as much as in his videos. It was very insightful, and I love how the challenges make the book interactive :1

[Kayla Cipully · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ricky Dillon and his videos and this book was amazing I laughed and even teared up at the O2L acknowledgements. Great book I recommend this to everyone, no matter how old!!!

[Alexis douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing so far. I love Ricky dillon

[Chloe Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAAAAAASSSSSSSSS

[Adriana B · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! 5 Stars!!!

review to come.