How to be a Woman | Paperback

I must admit, I was a little put off this by the title, but when I found out it was written by Caitlin Moran, who I was familiar with due to her stint in the music press, I was brought around. Moran's book is an analysis of feminism and how far it has come in the last 30 or so years, partly based on her own life experiences. She discusses subjects such as burgeoning sexuality, chirdbirth, clothing and more taboo subjects such as abortion. Her writing is frank, honest and rife with razor sharp wit, and I honestly struggled to put this book down. I also think it has universal appeal, though readers not familiar with this subject should approach with an open mind (it will likely make you even more open minded!). An excellent read.

I bought this book on the strength of recommendations and other reviews and being a supporter of all things that celebrate the strength of women, I was looking forward to this read. However, I have to say I didn't enjoy it at all. I found the writing incredibly dull - pretentious "funny" anecdotes which did not offer anything new to the modern feminist. I also find Caitlin Moran's style of writing incredibly annoying and trying far too hard to be quirky.
A lot of her observations were unoriginal and littered with swear words and stories about sex just to make things a little more "gritty". Amazingly marketed... this book is just about everywhere with rave reviews but if you are truly interested in feminist observations, this reads more like a trashy magazine with some patronising asides than anything truly interesting or illuminating. A true disappointment.

I had no idea what to expect from this book as I hadn't heard of Caitlin Moran and was given it to read in my book club. This book is extremely direct about a lot of taboo subjects, talking on many topics candidly and very entertainingly. I found that as I read through the book my view on the world around my changed and I feel that it genuinely opened my eyes and made me think differently. So many times I was laughing out loud and muttering "so true" to myself. I'd recommend that everyone should read this book - not everyone will like it but everyone should try it.

Having spoken to others that have read this book it seems to be one that you either love or can't stand.. I did both in equal measure, I cringed at being told to repeat out loud that I AM A WOMAN but at other points was thouroughly entertained, however you find the book, it is one that makes you consider your own opinions about feminism and whatever the conclusion I think it's a good thing and well worth reading.