Reviews: Moranthology (7)

having loved Caitlin Moran's first book 'How to be a Woman' (I read that in a day) I was eager to get my hands on a copy of her next book. I was delighted to find that this book is written with exactly the same voice as her previous novel, a voice which completely permeates everything around you. So, as before, it felt like she was reading her own words to me and only me. I think that it is one of the reasons I can get through her work so quickly, it feels like listening to someone over a glass of wine or two and discussing what is going on in the world and what to do about it.

Because this book is a collection of columns rather than chapters as such, it had a slightly different feel from the last book, but meant that this is the perfect book to read on a commute or when you don't have much time to read a great big chunk of book at a time. It also means that the reader can pick and choose what they want to read about that day. I admit that there were some things that she wrote about in this book which don't interest me at all. I am guilty of skipping through the sections about Dr Who as I am simply not a fan of that show, but if you are-you will love her witty take on the hit BBC series!

This book had a great balance of her own personal stories, some hilarious laugh-out-loud moments with her husband and her chatting in bed, with her opinions on current issues, as well as some of her interviews and encounters with other celebrities or writers. Because of this beautiful balance, there really is something in there for everyone, male or female. Whilst I think that her first book had a very specifically female target audience, this collection of columns could be picked up and enjoyed by anyone. It really was a welcome break from fiction for a bit, and has all the comedy, thought provoking moments, and heart warming tales as any novel I have read recently. I thoroughly recommend you let this woman's voice into your heads the same way that I did!

In this collection of Times journalist Caitlin Moran's work, she tackles a wide range of subjects: one minute you could be reading an impassioned defence of the benefits system, the next about her obsession with Benedict Cumberbatch. One of my personal favourite chapters was entitled 'David Cameron: Gammon Robot.' What all the articles have in common in Moran's trademark wit: even if you don't necessarily agree with the point she is making, she will definitely make you laugh whilst reading it. And it is this which may make her one of my favourite writers EVER.

A pacey, insightful, warm and often hilarious collection of Caitlin Moran's journalism. Her smart, offbeat-yet-sensible take on a wide variety of subjects, combined with her great skill as an interviewer - sometimes turning her organisational ineptitude into prose gold; and ability to 'connect' with and charm celebrities through her wit and honesty - makes this a wonderfully balanced anthology that's a huge pleasure to read. Moran is genuinely funny, writes elegantly and always finds something interesting to say. I Hoovered up this book (not literally with a vacuum, you understand) and recommend it unreservedly.

I’ll say it now – I am prone to the odd girl-crush. In my eyes Victoria Coren-Mitchell and Claudia Winkleman can do no wrong and I am now adding Caitlin Moran to my list. (This is all fine with my other half, by the way. He is a big Brian Cox fan-boy…).

I think the first thing to say is that pretty much all of human life is in here. Again there is the funny (particularly the late night conversations with her husband, who I feel I should be renaming the ‘almost saintly’ Pete Paphides), the political (poverty, protest movements and Prime Ministers who look like ham are all covered) and the downright odd (I’m never going to be able to look a squirrel in the eye again). Also there is an awful lot about some of my favourite things on tv (Sherlock, Doctor Who, how amazing Benedict Cumberbatch is – all the important stuff) and just the best ever interview with Keith Richards. There is, once again, rather a lot of swearing but I, personally, have no problem with that.

Caitlin Moran may not have all the answers to the problems of modern life but I think she is getting there. The powers that be may not agree with her solutions but I reckon she is often right. She is also funny, honest and sharper than a drawer full of knives – if we were friends in real life (rather than just in my head) I’m sure we would spend many a happy evening drooling tipsily over the delectable Mr Cumberbatch.

Caitlin's signature style and a broader subject matter (than How To Be A Woman) combine to make Moranthology carry appeal for almost anyone.
A witty and often evocative collection of articles, perfect for your travels to work and back.

Caitlin Moran is crazy. Actually bonkers. And I am a little bit in love with her. Moranthology is her collections of ramblings, reviews and reflections that are somehow printed in The Times. She has a way with words, as you’d expect from a columnist but she has put together words that have never made a sentence before. Her metaphors are outlandish and true, once said, you can’t not see David Cameron as a robot made of ham. Her writing will make you laugh out loud and blush, but she also had a lot to say.

Moran draws from her own experiences, standing up for the under dogs, the working class and the benefit system. When she is passionate about a cause, she is eloquent. When she is passionate about an actor (Benedict Cumberbatch) or a television series (Sherlock which stars Benedict Cumberbatch) she turns into an excitable puppy. Her voice is unique to say the least, every word is a pleasure to read.

I love Caitlin Moran. I thoroughly enjoyed both ‘How to Build a Girl’ and ‘How to be a Woman’. I rarely review anything. This book, however, frustrated me SO much that I felt compelled to write this review... A tedious, mostly dull and uninspiring book. Don’t get me wrong, there was the odd chapter that I enjoyed and found somewhat meaningful (A Week of Death, and All Its Faces). But, - on the whole - if you wish to read about innumerable television programmes and re-read about a night out with Lady Gaga (see ‘How to be a Woman’), then this is the book for you.