Alderton isn’t afraid to share unflattering moments or to laugh at herself, and readers may find solace in realizing they aren’t alone at the party.

... particularly entertaining as a kind of middle-class Bildungsroman, with tales of drunken romps through London, drug dealers called Fergus and pricey late-night cab rides up the M1.

Rather than get into the sordid details, Alderton’s portrayal of this time is assuredly self-aware and reflective. She deftly balances more humorous anecdotes with an exploration of difficult experiences, including her struggle with disordered eating and the death of her best friend’s sister.

[Alderton] draws her coming-of-age story with tender flair.

... wryly humorous.