Dylan Mulvaney, the TikTok star known for documenting his gender transition in a series called "Days of Girlhood," released his memoir "Paper Doll: Notes From a Late Bloomer" this week. The book, which hit shelves on March 11, promised an inside look at his journey from obscurity to internet fame, complete with tales of beer ads and bomb threats, but it seems the public has been less than enthusiastic in their response.
Mulvaney’s rise to prominence came in 2023 when he partnered with Bud Light for a promotional campaign, sparking outrage among conservatives and a boycott that tanked the beer brand’s sales by nearly 30%.
His new book was supposed to capitalize on that notoriety, offering journal entries and essays about his life as a self-described "late bloomer."
Despite a media blitz featuring appearances on "The View" and coverage from outlets like CBS News, the book currently languishes at #539 on Amazon’s bestseller list, with estimates suggesting it sold fewer than 400 copies in its first two days.
“I thought people would want to hear about my healing process after Beergate,” Mulvaney told Newsweek, referring to the Bud Light fiasco. “I poured my heart into this, but I guess not everyone’s ready for a story this real.”
Bookstores across the country report stacks of "Paper Doll" gathering dust, while social media posts on X suggest the hype machine failed to translate into actual interest.
The memoir, marketed as a beacon of hope for the trans community, includes quirky anecdotes like Mulvaney’s ayahuasca-fueled revelation that his life’s purpose is to be a "mother," but readers appear unmoved by the pitch.
“Nine million TikTok followers, and he can’t sell 400 books? That’s the kind of math that keeps publishers up at night,” said literary analyst Greg Hammond of Hammond House Press. “Maybe the world’s just tired of hearing about his dress-up grift.”
Mulvaney’s team has been quick to point fingers at external factors, citing the timing of the release amidst a renewed debate over transgender rights under the Trump administration. His appearance on "CBS Mornings" this week featured a plea for trans people to "thrive," but the sentiment hasn’t boosted sales.
Posts on X from users like soon-to-be-fired Daily Wire host Matt Walsh highlight the disconnect, noting the book’s “humiliating flop” despite every major outlet pushing it.
“I just wanted to share my truth,” Mulvaney told The Washington Wick, brushing off the lackluster numbers. “This isn’t about sales—it’s about legacy.”
With a book tour still underway and a podcast in the works, he’s banking on future projects to keep the spotlight alive.
“I guess I’ll stick to TikTok,” Mulvaney quipped. “At least there, people watch me for free.”
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