Part autobiography, part feminist exhortation this comedic book by Caitlin Moran (pronounced Cat-lin) covers her youth and childhood growing up in a low-income family in the UK and her attempts and accomplishments navigating the world as a woman.
What is it similar to? This book was a bit like Female Chauvinist Pigs meets Bossy Pants. The biographical element is a thread that holds together a more general message for women. It also strongly reminded me of a favourite, but not well known, book I owned in my early teens called Real Gorgeous.
Am I in the mood? If you are looking for a humorous "issues" book that I would guess most Western women can relate to, I would say go for it. The book hits upon almost all subject areas that are difficult for many women to navigate, what to wear, having babies, body image, sexist language, harassment, relationships, you name it!
Find the book? Anywhere- Read it digitally from the public library. Also available on audio.
Listen to an NPR interview with the author
Read an interview with the Guardian
Watch Caitlin Moran at the Edinburgh International Author's festival
Can't get enough? The author has a book of short stories and a recent novel, "How to Build a Girl" which can be found on her website, http://www.caitlinmoran.co.uk/.
Would you recommend this book to a friend? I would recommend this book to all women and any man who wants an accessible glimpse into modern feminism and the female perspective. Be warned: pulls no punches and contains graphic language.
