Bloom by Estée Lalonde- BOOK REVIEW

Hey guys, happy Monday!

Last week was just one of those never ending weeks (I know, I had a weekend to decompress and I’m STILL not over it!), so here’s hoping this one flies by!

Anyway, today on BIP I am mixing things up and starting a new series on my site. I have always been an avid reader and all throughout college longed for the days where I could just read whatever I wanted for pleasure. Let’s just say 18th C. British Lit second semester senior year was not an ideal situation. It feels so good to finally have the time to read again; it’s one of those things that I forget how much I love but once I pick up a good book, I won’t put it down! I’m trying to make reading more apart of my daily routine again and I’d love to share with you guys what books I’m into lately; if there are any fellow bookworms out there, this series is for you!

This was a book that my mom had gotten for me. In fact, I brought it to Miami with the full intention of reading it by the pool; I ended up reading it in its entirety on the plane ride back to Chicago. It ended up being the perfect thing to keep me busy on the flight; the pages don’t have a ton of text on them and there are lots of pictures! So it’s super easy to read in a short sitting. If you’re so inclined that is ha.

To be fully honest, I had never heard of the author, Youtuber and blogger Estée Lalonde, and my mom found her book in a Canadian bookstore (Estée is Canadian but now lives in London), and thought that I would totally resonate with her and love her book.

It’s funny, I am without a doubt obsessed with the world of fashion blogging and love reading other influencer’s blogs and keeping up with their cute looks on Instagram; however, I really am not too plugged into the world of Youtubers. I know a ton of the stars have cult-like followings and offer a really personal insight into their lives. And they can more easily do reviews, demos, just talk to their viewers. It’s a totally different way of blogging; I think it’s so so cool! So yeah, I hadn’t seen her channel or checked out her Insta before!

Bloom is broken down into several sections; you get an insight into Estée’s childhood, growing up in Canada, having a strained relationship with her father but really close ones with her brother and mom. She opens up about not fitting in as a kid, a teenager, and even as a young adult. She talks about going through depression, not laughing for over a year, having crippling anxiety that rendered her unable to hold down a steady job. She moves to England to be with a man she met on Tumblr, who she went on a summer long road trip with upon meeting in person for the first time. He’s scheduled to leave and as soon as he does, she applies for a visa and books a one way ticket to London.

Through detailing these really critical developmental chapters in her life, you see her struggle to be outgoing and make friends, feeling alone and lost in a foreign city with no family. You see her at her most vulnerable; it’s super raw writing and instantly pulls you in.

So yes, definitely some heavy tones in the book, but I think a lot of them are struggles that everyone faces to some degree. Honestly, there was SO much that she talked about that reminded me of myself. I a true ambivert and love small groups of people that I know very well; when I’m at a party full of new people, I feel terrified. She talks about never having a tooon of friends, just a handful of good quality ones, which has totally always been my style. It’s kinda a nice feeling when you hear of someone else going through the same shit as you, it makes it seem not as big for some reason.

This book is also filled with a lot of uplifting stories and touching moments. After all, Youtube and blogging was the way she found her tribe in London; she talks about how much courage it took to hop on a train by herself and go from Cambridge to London to meet a bunch of bloggers she had never met. And now, it’s become a family that she truly cherishes. The book it called Bloom for a reason; she talks about it being her journey of growing into herself, figuring it out what makes her happy, and taking control of your path.

In Estée’s book, you can also find a ton of stunning pictures, the book almost reads like a diary it’s so personal, some bomb dot comb sounding recipes, and touches on fashion, beauty, travel, food, and interiors. She recommends a bunch of brands and products, walks us through her impressive Sunday nighttime skincare/spa night regiment, and even talks about how her house is decorated.

Basically, this book is super adorable and Estée is really personal in her writing, and as a result it’s just a fun and light read. I think there is a little something for everyone in this book; whether you’re a blogger looking for some inspiration or encouragement, a reader looking to spice up their wardrobe and seek out some style advice, or just someone who could use a little pick me up, a reminder that as hard as things may be at the moment… Everything will be okay 🙂

Definitely a feel good book and really made me feel positive about a bunch of things going on in my own life. The power of books! Sometimes it’s fun to not read Charles Dickens for fun ya feel?!