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Cómo ser mujer
Por Caitlin Moran
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No hubo nunca mejor época que ésta para ser mujer: tenemos el voto y la píldora, y desde 1727 ya no nos envían a la hoguera por brujas. Pero, ¿cómo ser mujer? Esa es precisamente la gran, eterna pregunta a la que Caitlin Moran se propone responder en una obra que aborda a calzón quitado ?a veces literalmente?, con inteligencia, desvergüenza e ironía y también una salvaje franqueza, los principales aspectos de la condición femenina. Mezcla de libro de memorias y de divertida vociferación, apoyándose siempre en sus experiencias como mujer, feminista e hija de una familia numerosa y proletaria, Caitlin Moran se describe con una sinceridad y una audacia militantes, y habla con absoluta sinceridad de su relación con su cuerpo. Y con la comida, con los hombres, con el trabajo, la sexualidad, la maternidad, el aborto. Pero también escribe sobre la importancia de Lady Gaga, y los errores y horrores de la depilación más íntima, o el botox. Y sobre mucho más. Así, alternando provocativas observaciones sobre la vida de las mujeres con historias ferozmente divertidas sobre sí misma, desnuda, deconstruye y arroja al fuego la imagen políticamente correcta de la mujer del siglo XXI. Y nos descubre página tras página esos secretos que se cuentan en voz baja las amigas verdaderas, y no esas equívocas colegas que jamás se quitan la máscara de la feminidad perfecta. «El feminismo, sostiene Caitlin Moran, es demasiado importante para que se lo dejemos a los académicos. Y su libro, tan brillante y tan necesario, tan implacablemente cómico y tan serio, es precisamente lo que el feminismo estaba esperando» (Frances Wilson, Times Literary Supplement). «Digámoslo de entrada: este libro es un bombazo. Hay frases que os harán reír a carcajadas, situaciones reales como la vida misma, y en las que os reconoceréis, asombradas. Y es muy, muy divertido... El gran mérito de Cómo ser mujer es que contribuye a la confianza en sí misma de las mujeres. Y nos recuerda que el sexismo, y todo lo que va unido a él, no sólo es represivo, sino aburrido y estúpido» (Miranda Sawyer, The Observer).
Acciones del libro
Comenzar a leerInformación sobre el libro
Cómo ser mujer
Por Caitlin Moran
Descripción
No hubo nunca mejor época que ésta para ser mujer: tenemos el voto y la píldora, y desde 1727 ya no nos envían a la hoguera por brujas. Pero, ¿cómo ser mujer? Esa es precisamente la gran, eterna pregunta a la que Caitlin Moran se propone responder en una obra que aborda a calzón quitado ?a veces literalmente?, con inteligencia, desvergüenza e ironía y también una salvaje franqueza, los principales aspectos de la condición femenina. Mezcla de libro de memorias y de divertida vociferación, apoyándose siempre en sus experiencias como mujer, feminista e hija de una familia numerosa y proletaria, Caitlin Moran se describe con una sinceridad y una audacia militantes, y habla con absoluta sinceridad de su relación con su cuerpo. Y con la comida, con los hombres, con el trabajo, la sexualidad, la maternidad, el aborto. Pero también escribe sobre la importancia de Lady Gaga, y los errores y horrores de la depilación más íntima, o el botox. Y sobre mucho más. Así, alternando provocativas observaciones sobre la vida de las mujeres con historias ferozmente divertidas sobre sí misma, desnuda, deconstruye y arroja al fuego la imagen políticamente correcta de la mujer del siglo XXI. Y nos descubre página tras página esos secretos que se cuentan en voz baja las amigas verdaderas, y no esas equívocas colegas que jamás se quitan la máscara de la feminidad perfecta. «El feminismo, sostiene Caitlin Moran, es demasiado importante para que se lo dejemos a los académicos. Y su libro, tan brillante y tan necesario, tan implacablemente cómico y tan serio, es precisamente lo que el feminismo estaba esperando» (Frances Wilson, Times Literary Supplement). «Digámoslo de entrada: este libro es un bombazo. Hay frases que os harán reír a carcajadas, situaciones reales como la vida misma, y en las que os reconoceréis, asombradas. Y es muy, muy divertido... El gran mérito de Cómo ser mujer es que contribuye a la confianza en sí misma de las mujeres. Y nos recuerda que el sexismo, y todo lo que va unido a él, no sólo es represivo, sino aburrido y estúpido» (Miranda Sawyer, The Observer).
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Have you ever read a book that made you blush? Well this one did!! So, I quickly decided that I was only listening to this audio in the car, ALONE, and as I loosened up a bit I found myself completely laughing out loud. (You HAVE to get the audio!) Let's be real. The Brits, for all their prim and properness, take everyday life and sex to new levels of honesty. I mean I doubled my anatomical slang vocabulary!! But Moran has a serious side, too, and time and again, she makes very insightful comments. (Which is an argument for print, so you can make note of these passages, something I was unable to do while driving.) Topics include but are not limited to: feminism, childbirth, waxing, abortion, periods, dating, marriage, etc. And men--don't shy away from this one--it could be exactly what you need to understand the other sex! I highly recommend this book.
Moran is funny, smart, and has a way with words. We actually have a lot in common in terms of interests and social groups and I think she would be a hoot to hang out with, on occasion. Many of us know someone like her, someone who with their presence fills the room with energy and mirth but who thinks she knows everything by dint of being her (not through study.) That person is very quick to judge those who don't live by her rules. That person is fun as all get out, until you get exhausted and just can't muster the energy to stay with the tone she sets and/or you realize she is talking out of her ass, and is utterly wrong about many many things which she states as fact, not opinion. The thing is, she is right about those things AS THEY APPLY TO HER but she is blustery and fully confident that she is right about how everyone in the worlds should live-- full stop. It gets really old. In Moran world you are a ridiculous anti-feminist ruled by men if you wear heels -- unless you are a drag queen in which case it is the best thing that has ever happened in the world. Strip clubs are dens of iniquity and women within them all are victims who clearly should not be allowed to make their own decisions about sex work. (In what was for me the oddest passage in the book she bolsters this argument by saying you know strip clubs are bad because gay men don't do things that are harmful to women and gay men would never go to clubs to objectify the young and pretty. What?! Does she know any gay men? I have been in a whole lot of clubs that featured boys in cages, boys swinging their anally inserted pony tails, boys on poles, etc. Also, I have had gay bosses who were super happy with the patriarchy and delighted to perpetuate it to the lasting harm of women. What world does she live in?) If you don't actually think about anything Moran says she is enjoyable. I wish she would spend more time thinking things though and coming to a logical conclusion instead of finding a permutation that endorses her world view and blinding herself to any flaws in the argument. She would be pretty awesome if she did that.
Not bad but very uneven. I found the early biographic part interesting but a bit slow. The bit about motherhood in the middle came off as sanctimonious in the first part and a sample of unaddressed cognitive dissonance in the second. The last 40% of the book was the best for me. While still following her life, the writing became much more analytical. She finally has something to share that is with seeking out. And then it's over.
The most important thing to know about this book is that it probably won’t be what you expect. I was surprised by things including: Caitlin Moran’s frank discussions of all aspects of being a woman; how she defined feminism; and how completely and totally hilarious some of this book was. All of her philosophical musings on feminism and being a woman are tied together very nicely by stories she shares of her life. These are both the funniest bits and the thing that imposes chronological order on what would otherwise be a series of distinct essays. For a good idea of the topics and the tone of the book, I’d recommend the goodreads summary.I don’t have a ton to say about this one except that I loved it. There was at least one chapter that I spent completely breathless I was laughing so hard. Nearly every page there was something so funny or paragraph that expressed something I’d felt so perfectly, that I wanted to run and share the book with someone immediately. I definitely wouldn’t share it with just anyone though, as the language often well beyond what most people would be comfortable using in front of their grandmother.I should also mention for those of you scared off by a book about feminism, that the author’s brand of feminism certainly didn’t conform to my stereotypes. To me, feminism mostly sounds out-dated, largely because I’ve been fortunate enough to never encounter discrimination in the work place. However, I think she makes some very sound arguments that feminism is still both good and necessary. Obviously you can decide how you feel about it yourself, but I don’t think anyone would deny her arguments are compellingly written and thought provoking. I don’t know if a male reader would find it as enjoyable or interesting as I did though, so if you know of a good review by a male reader or are a male reader who’s read the book, please share!
A book that made me laugh out loud many times, it is part autobiography part manifesto, and it's the autobiography parts that had me hooting. All the stories have the feel of having been artfully honed, but who cares when they are so good. I was rather scared by the part where she describes women as leading strange double lives in their heads, through which they might, for example, weave elaborate stories around a man in the office, and when annoyed with their virtual version of you might easily take it out on you - she's joking, I expect.My daughter, aged eight, was bemused to find me reading a book called 'How to be a Woman' - I told her I'd save it for her to read when she is older.
A touch disappointing, this. So many breathless reviews and so much hype...but I think the problem for me is that Moran gets painted as some sort of Everywoman, and I don't relate to much of her life experience. A pleasant-enough diversion, but hardly life-changing stuff.
Personally, I loved this book. Fun to read at time and infuriating at others, I appreciated her voice and that she laid it all out there. I don't agree with her on everything, but I find it hard to believe that any two women agree completely on all facets of feminism, so I don't hold it against her either. It's a good read as an existing feminist, but probably too much for someone newly looking into it and a misrepresentation of all of feminism for anyone only looking for a reason to discount feminism as a whole.
I certainly hope no one looks to this or any other memoir to see what feminism is as a whole, it will always be incomplete. However, it is a great example of one woman's perspective on what it means to be a woman in this day and age in the developed world. I enjoyed reading about it.
I certainly hope no one looks to this or any other memoir to see what feminism is as a whole, it will always be incomplete. However, it is a great example of one woman's perspective on what it means to be a woman in this day and age in the developed world. I enjoyed reading about it.
This was really funny and enjoyable read. A much more digestible book on women and feminism for the 21 st century.
I found this both entertaining and thought-provoking, which is a pretty great combination. I knock off a star only because a few of the Britishisms were over my head, so I think a little more effort could have been undertaken to translate or explain certain things for the American market.
But on the whole, Caitlin Moran is fierce, funny, unafraid to make fun of herself, but also eager to pass along actual life lessons by doing so. The best part is, those life lessons don't sound preachy or cliche or dull; they ring with common sense and reasonableness.
But on the whole, Caitlin Moran is fierce, funny, unafraid to make fun of herself, but also eager to pass along actual life lessons by doing so. The best part is, those life lessons don't sound preachy or cliche or dull; they ring with common sense and reasonableness.
Funny memoir that made me snort out loud. (Not for those who don't want to see cuss words or read about bodily functions though.) Feminism boiled down to equality, respect, dignity. "Are the men doing it? Are the men worrying about this as well? Is this taking up the men’s time? Are the men told not to do this, as it’s “letting our side down”? Are the men having to write bloody books about this...? Is this making Jon Stewart feel insecure?”"
I think it's pretty safe to say that this book wasn't written for me.
Caitlin Moran's columns have always been a bit hit or miss for me but when she's on, she's a witty storyteller with some interesting points to make. She's no groundbreaking pantheon of feminist wisdom, but she's definitely a valuable, and often hilarious, ally. Her book was something I approached with hesitation since several published extracts had left me scratching my head, but with her upcoming scheduled appearance at the Edinburgh Book Festival and my hopes of getting press tickets to said event, I decided to do my research and see what was happening in her ambitiously titled book, already creating big buzz in the press as a new 'fun' type of feminism.
Let's start with the positives. Moran's storytelling, while verging closely into column territory with its style, is witty, often heartwarming and very funny, especially when discussing her quirky family and upbringing. As a child, Moran couldn't stand the idea of being pitied, even in her own diary, so would be ridiculously happy when discussing the most mundane of things. Each chapter opens with an account from Moran's life, how it moulded her feminist opinions, then moves into a rambling, colloquial chat about issues Moran considers pressing for the feminist movement, although your mileage may vary on this front. Some parts, such as her discussion on abortion which includes her own experiences, are powerful and get to the true heart of the matter. I truly appreciated this chapter and Moran for spelling out what should be obvious to all - there is nothing wrong with choosing to have an abortion and sometimes it's the easiest decision a woman can make.
However, most of the book just doesn't pack the same punch as this segment. I'm 21 and I've only really been seriously discussing my feminism for about 3 or 4 years. It's something I pride myself on in many ways and I love to read feminist literature, partake in debates and educate myself as much as I can on issues that are most pressing to the world's women. I've yet to meet a woman who thinks that coming up with a name for one's vagina is a pressing feminist issue. I understand that the tone of the book is chatty, jokey and often the opposite of serious, but such a topic felt out of place. Other topics that Moran discusses - pole dancing, weight, clothes, stilettos, casual misogyny - reveal no new observations or anything of true substance. The book tries to be both a memoir of sorts and a tome for the 21st century feminist but feels too general and rushed to truly be either.
Moran frequently makes sweeping generalisations about men and women in order to make a point, which makes said points feel rather disingenuous. The colloquial style will definitely divide readers and I personally felt that the overuse of capslock, exclamation points and netspeak such as ENDOV and roflment were more of a distraction than anything else, something that's better suited to columns and tweets. Some points also left me asking questions - why is Lady Gaga a feminist symbol who controls her sexuality whilst doing near naked photo-shoots but the myriad of women who did it before her aren't? (It's worth noting, as Moran takes pride in doing, that Moran interviewed Gaga and said interview brought her much attention and acclaim.) Why do you think burlesque dancing is okay but pole dancing isn't? - and other parts coming close to fuming with anger - history has not proven men to be stronger with more achievements than women. Countless women were wiped from history because history is written by the victors! Nobody, female or otherwise, should be able to flirt their way to the top, that's disingenuous and further objectification/casual misogyny! Also, La Roux is a band, not a singer, and said singer, Elly Jackson, is not a lesbian like you said she was. A quick google would show that to you.
Lastly, there was one thing that really bugged me, and it was these lines:
(On her childhood cheery disposition: "I have all the joyful ebullience of a retard." [Page 5.]
(On burlesque dancing): "... it has a campy, tranny, fetish element to it." [Page 175.]
These aren't the only casually distasteful and problematic jokes Moran makes but these two stood out in my mind as particularly offensive. Since Moran takes a lot of time to discuss the harmful nature of the word 'fat', one would think she'd understand the damaging power of the R word and such ableist/transphobic language.
Overall, I'm sure there are many women who will love this book and I'm glad for them. While I vehemently disagree with Moran's assertion that feminism has ground to a halt (grassroots feminism has continued to make leaps and bounds behind the scenes), it is true that many modern women are cautious to label themselves as feminist when in reality it should be worn with a badge of pride. There's a lot to enjoy in Moran's book and some very funny moments but overall, it felt like a failed experiment to me, one that failed to scratch beyond the surface of modern day feminism in a way that would truly bring about the discussions we need. I'd heartily recommend Kat Banyard's "The Equality Illusion" for the starter feminist in need of guidance. Feminism doesn't need to be rock and roll, it's much better than that.
EDIT: Downgraded to one star because the more I think about it, the more I realise how much this book, its blatant hypocrisies, the obvious yet un-addressed bias of the author, the lack of fact-checking and the entire "Vichy France with tits" joke piss me off. Yes, Moran, a glamour model is just like the government of France which collaborated with Axis powers during World War 2. It's also hysterically accurate to compare a boy's childish reaction to a piece of underwear to "like that Vietnamese kid covered in napalm.". Keep in mind that all this, on top of the use of the word "retard", is present in a book where Moran writes an otherwise accurate piece on the harmful and emotional power of words such as "fat". I don't care if my criticisms of this get labelled as being too PC or some crap like that. Frankly, I'd rather be PC than crack stupid false equivalences regarding a child screaming in agonising pain.
I asked Moran about her use of the word "retard" in her book on more than one occasion on twitter. The result? She blocked me. Nice one.
Caitlin Moran's columns have always been a bit hit or miss for me but when she's on, she's a witty storyteller with some interesting points to make. She's no groundbreaking pantheon of feminist wisdom, but she's definitely a valuable, and often hilarious, ally. Her book was something I approached with hesitation since several published extracts had left me scratching my head, but with her upcoming scheduled appearance at the Edinburgh Book Festival and my hopes of getting press tickets to said event, I decided to do my research and see what was happening in her ambitiously titled book, already creating big buzz in the press as a new 'fun' type of feminism.
Let's start with the positives. Moran's storytelling, while verging closely into column territory with its style, is witty, often heartwarming and very funny, especially when discussing her quirky family and upbringing. As a child, Moran couldn't stand the idea of being pitied, even in her own diary, so would be ridiculously happy when discussing the most mundane of things. Each chapter opens with an account from Moran's life, how it moulded her feminist opinions, then moves into a rambling, colloquial chat about issues Moran considers pressing for the feminist movement, although your mileage may vary on this front. Some parts, such as her discussion on abortion which includes her own experiences, are powerful and get to the true heart of the matter. I truly appreciated this chapter and Moran for spelling out what should be obvious to all - there is nothing wrong with choosing to have an abortion and sometimes it's the easiest decision a woman can make.
However, most of the book just doesn't pack the same punch as this segment. I'm 21 and I've only really been seriously discussing my feminism for about 3 or 4 years. It's something I pride myself on in many ways and I love to read feminist literature, partake in debates and educate myself as much as I can on issues that are most pressing to the world's women. I've yet to meet a woman who thinks that coming up with a name for one's vagina is a pressing feminist issue. I understand that the tone of the book is chatty, jokey and often the opposite of serious, but such a topic felt out of place. Other topics that Moran discusses - pole dancing, weight, clothes, stilettos, casual misogyny - reveal no new observations or anything of true substance. The book tries to be both a memoir of sorts and a tome for the 21st century feminist but feels too general and rushed to truly be either.
Moran frequently makes sweeping generalisations about men and women in order to make a point, which makes said points feel rather disingenuous. The colloquial style will definitely divide readers and I personally felt that the overuse of capslock, exclamation points and netspeak such as ENDOV and roflment were more of a distraction than anything else, something that's better suited to columns and tweets. Some points also left me asking questions - why is Lady Gaga a feminist symbol who controls her sexuality whilst doing near naked photo-shoots but the myriad of women who did it before her aren't? (It's worth noting, as Moran takes pride in doing, that Moran interviewed Gaga and said interview brought her much attention and acclaim.) Why do you think burlesque dancing is okay but pole dancing isn't? - and other parts coming close to fuming with anger - history has not proven men to be stronger with more achievements than women. Countless women were wiped from history because history is written by the victors! Nobody, female or otherwise, should be able to flirt their way to the top, that's disingenuous and further objectification/casual misogyny! Also, La Roux is a band, not a singer, and said singer, Elly Jackson, is not a lesbian like you said she was. A quick google would show that to you.
Lastly, there was one thing that really bugged me, and it was these lines:
(On her childhood cheery disposition: "I have all the joyful ebullience of a retard." [Page 5.]
(On burlesque dancing): "... it has a campy, tranny, fetish element to it." [Page 175.]
These aren't the only casually distasteful and problematic jokes Moran makes but these two stood out in my mind as particularly offensive. Since Moran takes a lot of time to discuss the harmful nature of the word 'fat', one would think she'd understand the damaging power of the R word and such ableist/transphobic language.
Overall, I'm sure there are many women who will love this book and I'm glad for them. While I vehemently disagree with Moran's assertion that feminism has ground to a halt (grassroots feminism has continued to make leaps and bounds behind the scenes), it is true that many modern women are cautious to label themselves as feminist when in reality it should be worn with a badge of pride. There's a lot to enjoy in Moran's book and some very funny moments but overall, it felt like a failed experiment to me, one that failed to scratch beyond the surface of modern day feminism in a way that would truly bring about the discussions we need. I'd heartily recommend Kat Banyard's "The Equality Illusion" for the starter feminist in need of guidance. Feminism doesn't need to be rock and roll, it's much better than that.
EDIT: Downgraded to one star because the more I think about it, the more I realise how much this book, its blatant hypocrisies, the obvious yet un-addressed bias of the author, the lack of fact-checking and the entire "Vichy France with tits" joke piss me off. Yes, Moran, a glamour model is just like the government of France which collaborated with Axis powers during World War 2. It's also hysterically accurate to compare a boy's childish reaction to a piece of underwear to "like that Vietnamese kid covered in napalm.". Keep in mind that all this, on top of the use of the word "retard", is present in a book where Moran writes an otherwise accurate piece on the harmful and emotional power of words such as "fat". I don't care if my criticisms of this get labelled as being too PC or some crap like that. Frankly, I'd rather be PC than crack stupid false equivalences regarding a child screaming in agonising pain.
I asked Moran about her use of the word "retard" in her book on more than one occasion on twitter. The result? She blocked me. Nice one.
Entertainingly funny. How can one not enjoy reading about feminism and womanhood while laughing?
Moran's breezy delivery can strike one as dismissive of other points of view, but I think that's just the delivery. I found the memoir-ish parts of this book much more interesting than the philosophizing about feminism. Worth a read, no question.
Wow! Down-to-earth stuff that leaves preachy feminism (Nell McCafferty anyone?) in the dark ages. Here be women, real women. Brains and boobs and, ahem, "meat-pie" (read it, you'll be surprised too). Whatever next? Despite the black humour, earthy style and packed emotional content it relentlessly reminds one (or in my case, instructs) on the ingrained, cultural obstacles that make being a woman hard work in 2012. She doesn't depend on the academic rationales of a Greer or Klein to make huge philosophical arguments but emphasises the relative (and I mean this in a nice way) ordinariness of her life. It's kinda like being left-handed. The world doesn't mean to work against you, it bears you no ill will - well, nowadays anyway= that's just the way it is. Sorry about that. As Moran says, 10,000 years of patriarchy won't be overcome in a blink but I, for one, would welcome the job sharing proposals suggested at the end of her book; I've never been paint-balling and I think I deserve a break from the stresses of the brotherhood. Running the world is emotionally draining you know.
I really appreciated her down to earth view of life and how, as women, we should lead our lives. To me, her views resonated commonsense. She tackles some of the harder feminist topics and still kept me with her all the way. Can't wait for her to write about menopause! Oh, and she's pretty funny too. She manages to sustain her tone far better than Bill Bryson (not that that's saying much) and still have serious points to make and make them well. I completely loved her debunking the wedding day as the best day of your life.I want daughters (and sons) everywhere to read this book.
There are things I really liked about this book and I things that I really didn't like about it.For starters, I loved the mashup of memoir with feminist lessons. It made the text easy to read while still getting across messages and making the reader think. At times the book was hilarious and I really liked much of Moran's humor. Moran's book is referred to as "The British version of Tina Fey's Bossypants," which I find very fitting, especially given how much both of these women rely on sarcasm, which can be a little hard to recognize in text format, but can also be very entertaining. I love how Moran puts herself out there, sharing very personal details about her life (Chapter 15) and is unapologetic about her decisions. While I did not agree with all of Moran's points (burqas are bad), the text is relatable for many women (first period, what to call private parts, first love). The main thing I did not like about this book was Moran's choice of language. There were a few problems with it. First off, she uses offensive words such as "retard" and "tranny" and overall is not very inclusive in her ideas of feminism (making generalizations about gay people, stereotyping transgender people, omitting pretty much any people of color). She also uses shameful language regarding strippers and stereotypes them. Many people come out as the butt of Moran's joke. And while Moran also makes fun of herself, it's one thing to make jokes at one's own expense and a completely different thing to use a person's "other" status to stereotype and overgeneralize them. I agree with Moran's updated feminism focusing on equality for all and why it's important, but again, her language seemed to get in the way. This is summed up in her statement, "I realized that what I really want to be... is a human... One of "the Guys" (301). Here "The Guys" is synonymous with "human", but shouldn't the norm be human, rather than a word that refers to males?Moran's book shows a representation of white feminism and ignores sexuality, race, socioeconomic status, and other intersections for the most part. I think a lot of Moran's messages are still valid and important, but would have liked to see more intersectionality and acceptance in her work. A funny book with important lessons, but still greatly lacking.
How to Be a Woman is hilarious! Caitlin describes various aspects of womanhood using her experiences and humorous insight. I don't know much about her career as a journalist, but I have read her novel and enjoyed it. She has a way of writing about women's issues in a witty, sarcastic and funny way. She makes a lot of great points, but going in you have keep in mind these are her opinions and it's okay to disagree, she even acknowledges this is how she feels wtf does she know kind of thing. I agreed with a lot, but I thought she was a bit insensitive to other cultures. How is someone not familiar with a groups customs going to suggest something is sexist without understanding it? You just can't. I enjoyed the parts of her sharing her own experiences and liked her insights and how she was able to add humor to it.
Moran is hilarious and right about so many things. She gets so many things right about feminism and why it's a word people are scared to use. The chapter "Why you shouldn't have children" is particularly near and dear to my heart:"And if a woman should say she doesn't want to have children at all, the world is apt to go decidedly peculiar:"Ooooh, don't speak too soon," it will say--as if knowing whether or not you're the kind of person who desires to make a whole other human being in your guts, out of sex and food, then base the rest of your life around its welfare, is a breezy, "Hey--whatever" decision. Like electing to have a picnic on an unexpectedly sunny day, or changing the background picture on your desktop.Women, it is presumed, will always end up having babies. They might go through silly, adolescent phases of pretending that it's something they have no interest in--but, when push comes to shove, womanhood is a cul-de-sac that ends in Babies "R" Us, and that's the end of that. All women love babies--just like all women love Manolo Blahnik shoes and George Clooney. Even the ones who wear nothing but sneakers, or are lesbians, and really hate shoes, and George Clooney.So, really, you're kind of *helping* them when you ask them when they're going to finally get on with it and have a baby. You're just reminding them to keep their eyes open--in case they see any sperm, when they're out and about. They might need it, later."
Part memoir, Moran discusses life and difficulties as a modern woman. The memories of growing up as one of eight children in a poor Northern family are hilarious, and the basis for the tv show Raised by Wolves, written by Moran and her sister.Moran became a tv presenter and newspaper columnist who hangs out with pop stars and celebrities, but she compares the difference between being female in the last generations to now. She discusses what is expected from women, the difference money makes, aging, motherhood and choosing not to be a mother. Wound through these topics are stories of her own life involving siblings, un-reciprocated love, break-ups and her workplace reputation.
It takes a fair bit of nerve to write a book called how to be a woman. Especially when said woman can really only represent (to a slight degree at that) how to be a white woman.
I read the book before become aware of Ms. Moran's views on intersectionality (apparently she doesn't think it's necessary, and dismisses suggestions to include a broader viewpoint in writing - see her comments on her interview with Lena Dunham). She also uses trans* phobic language. Not a good role model.
That said, there were parts of the book I found to be entertaining. It was a fast read. I just wish I hadn't spent money supporting someone with her views on feminism.
I read the book before become aware of Ms. Moran's views on intersectionality (apparently she doesn't think it's necessary, and dismisses suggestions to include a broader viewpoint in writing - see her comments on her interview with Lena Dunham). She also uses trans* phobic language. Not a good role model.
That said, there were parts of the book I found to be entertaining. It was a fast read. I just wish I hadn't spent money supporting someone with her views on feminism.
Laugh out loud funny with serious truths about feminism.
The memoirs are brilliant, absolutely hilarious, but the critique I found often laborious - I couldn't wait to get on to the next memoir.
Yes, I agree that this was a great read and it's not often I laugh out loud while reading - am I choosing the wrong books?But I agree with all the other people who have pointed out the discrepancies or disappointments after reading the entire book. Possibly better to read her columns or articles on a one off basis. someone said the chapters were well honed - well some of them went on a bit too long! I did love most of it especially the reasons why one shouldn't bother with an expensive wedding.
Oh, piss off. This book just makes me truly angry.
If that is how you want to be a woman, then by all means, go right ahead. Just please get out of my face.
There were moments in this book that were fun, (like maybe two?) but mostly it just felt like misogyny from a woman. Kind of like the ultimate betrayal. I cannot believe that I have fought for our rights for decades, and THIS is what we've got to work with now.
Remark: this author is a brilliant writer. I just cannot stand what she is saying, while she is giggling hysterically. Well, all by herself, because she did not pull one laugh from me. Ra ra ra.
Calling people retards? *sigh*
The parts where Ms Moran talks about feminism just plain hurt. Disappointment and great shame.
But the worst part? It was downright fucking boring.
At $10.99 this was a huge disappointment.
***
I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone, I paid for it with my own money, as I do for all the books I read, all the music I listen to and the movies I watch.
If that is how you want to be a woman, then by all means, go right ahead. Just please get out of my face.
There were moments in this book that were fun, (like maybe two?) but mostly it just felt like misogyny from a woman. Kind of like the ultimate betrayal. I cannot believe that I have fought for our rights for decades, and THIS is what we've got to work with now.
Remark: this author is a brilliant writer. I just cannot stand what she is saying, while she is giggling hysterically. Well, all by herself, because she did not pull one laugh from me. Ra ra ra.
Calling people retards? *sigh*
The parts where Ms Moran talks about feminism just plain hurt. Disappointment and great shame.
But the worst part? It was downright fucking boring.
At $10.99 this was a huge disappointment.
***
I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone, I paid for it with my own money, as I do for all the books I read, all the music I listen to and the movies I watch.
Overrated. Simplistic, white-woman feminism that doesn't take into account issues of race or class. Self-indulgent.
Modern feminist Moran takes on modern feminism with wit, grace, vast amounts of booze, and a whole lot of sweariness, interweaving the earlier chapters with memories of her own overweight, friendless, impoverished childhood. (I am now incapable of imagining Daddy Moran as anything but the dad in 'Shameless', and in the wholly improbable event that I should ever meet him, I shall have to apologise.)Most of what Moran has to say is really just simple commonsense, and I was nodding along with her quite happily for a good two-thirds of the book. Then she got started on the joys of Motherhood, and I lost interest. And then after that there was a nasty little outburst of ageism, which nearly lost me altogether. However, nobody’s perfect, and by the time Moran is 58 (which, she says, she reckons is ‘old’) she will probably have reconsidered her position.For the most part: funny, convincing, clever, and very easy to read – perfect for hospital waiting rooms and long bus journeys. That may not be what the author wanted to hear, but it’s what she’s getting from me.
Laugh out loud funny in places, horrifying in others. Sometimes loses its way switching between memoir and criticism but a fantastic read.
Tip: Do not read this book in bed at night while your spouse is sleeping. Apparently laughing hysterically will shake the bed and wake said spouse...The section on child rearing was my favorite. I laughed A LOT! This is the quote that woke my husband up in the middle of the night."Nothing is impossible anymore. One thing's for sure: by the time your child is two years old, you will look back at what you were like before you had a child and regard yourself as a weak, spineless, dandified, pampered, ineffectual, shallow time-wasting dilettante.Every parent has their particular moment where they realize that, since they've had a child, nothing really fazes them anymore. For me, it was the day that potty-training Lizzie went wrong, and I had to kick a poo across a falconry display in a marquee at Regent's Park Zoo. I had the left foot of Beckham, the icy composure of Audrey Hepburn on a catwalk, and the quick-thinking disposal nous of whoever it was that first thought of entombing radioactive material in concrete."
Powerful! I highly recommend this to anyone with feelings about feminism. The cheeky style kept me laughing.
This book surprised me - for some reason I was not expecting a semi-serious feminist treatise (I knew nothing about the author before picking up this book). But having said that I found this book to be witty, engaging and thought provoking. I loved that Germaine Greer is one of her heroes as she has always been one of mine. I loved that Moran is basically arguing for people to treat each other with politeness which, if it happened, would instantly advance the cause of women everywhere. 'Feminism' seems to have become a dirty word in some quarters and I think this book could do a lot to change that - the author's modern, humorous views may be just what is needed to get women to acknowledge that yes, they are feminists, and proud of it!