How to Be a Woman

Usually I can't get through a book of comical columns. This is the rare exception. Caitlin touches on EVERYTHING a woman has ever grappled with, but rarely will bring up, even to her best friend. With every topic, with relentless British humor, she brings you to a place of seeing the most common of things totally differently. From Brazilian waxes to high heels to childbirth to one of the funniest, most astute pieces on relationships I've ever read, she irreverently tears the conventional, cultural norms to shreds and offers up a lucid, common sense look at things we too often inanely follow like lemmings.

While walking along the Pacific, listening to How To Be A Woman, a friend rode up on her bike. She's the same age as me, 59, has a successful business and who ran so much, prepping for a marathon to impress her kids, that she got plantar fasciitis. That was two months ago and she can still not walk far, never mind run. She breathlessly, sweating profusely, related how she goes to spin class three times a week, swims every day she can, and bikes umpteen miles to LOSE WEIGHT. This woman was, before she stated all this marathon training, MUCH THINNER THAN ME (and I'm a person whom no one considers fat, ok, except me,) and married to a guy who adores her no matter what she weighs. Having been quite happy race walking in the sunshine by the sea, I would have instantly switched to feeling like a clumsy elephant if it weren't for this book, to which I was listening. Caitlin is my heroine. She brings the insanity women just take for granted front and center and kept making me say to myself, "Well, of course!"

This book also provoked numerous discussions with friends and family; the most amazing conversations about subjects we'd never touched before. This is such a mind opening book, so informative, while causing one to constantly laugh out loud (which is no simple feat for a book.)

The first chapter is deceptive and Caitlin, stand up comedian she is, can be a bit loud. But stick with it, please, and then laugh your head off and, if you're a woman, be prepared to feel far more secure in your own sneakers than you did at the start. If you're a man, be prepared to actually start to understand those female enigmas around you. And no matter who you are, you will, without a doubt, look at everything around you in a whole new light.

Smart, confident, funny and well-crafted. Moran pulls no punches when discussing the hardest choices women make, everything from abortion to what to call one's private parts. The modern handbook for feminsim.

Listening to this audiobook (read by the author) is kinda like being holed up against the wall in the women's bathroom and ranted at, for hours, by an undeniably intelligent, funny (and half drunk) Caitlin Moran.

I mean that in the nicest possible way. The experience is a delight - I laughed out loud on numerous occasions - but there is also a vague discomfort. Of wishing like she'd stop talking for long enough to give me a chance to make a hasty exit and rejoin my friends at the bar.

Great fun. Not recommended for public transport. It was clear to me, from the looks I received from fellow commuters, that they could hear her repeatedly shouting 'VAGINA' through my headphones.

I really wanted to like this book as I heard several very funny interviews with Caitlin Moran before downloading the book. She is witty, a great writer and a fab narrator. (You can't say that about all authors!) I found the second half of the book to be better than the first. I enjoyed hearing about her family and upbringing, but got bored (and was not interested in) hearing about when she started her period, first had sex, etc. There are some predictable parts, that I wish were left out, as feminism lit. has beaten these topics to death. The second half of the book was better. Overall, it was ok, but not a home run.

Haven't read the print version

Just about any sentence was memorable. Caitlin is a absolutely hilarious and insightful woman.

Most definitely.

Yes. I listened to it in my car and there were times I would park at my destination and just sit there so I could listen to a little bit more.

If you don't get this book you are definitely missing out on a great piece of literature.

I dont know I didnt read the print version

the boldfaced HONESTY. And the quirky humor.

Her chapters about various feminine issues like underware, fashion and abortion. Laugh out loud moments like "I am Pro big panties" and her honest description of her abortion decision and experience.

Her honest description of her abortion decision and experience. So many women don't have the courage to talk about this issue from their own real experience.

You don't need to be a feminist to read this book...but it is HONEST with a capital H. I love the frank discussion on every topic from motherhood, weight and self image, masturbation and sexuality, etc. She leaves no stone unturned with her views on all things that challenge the modern woman.

Listening to Caitlin Moran read her own writing is superb. She is entertaining.

It's such a cliche, but this is a book that will make you laugh to tears and cry real tears. It's good.

I loved the book! Caitlin has a delightful voice! I felt her love for me ... as a feminist. A woman who loves people ... both men and women. WE ROCK!

Who can resist a memoir read by the the woman who remembers? I loved how she described the moment she realized she was in love ... and how her brother's body draped on the back of a couch, because there wasn't room elsewhere.

My favorite moment ... Caitlin's childhood discovery of lust ...

There was a chapter that seemed to be a rant about her world in pop-culture. I didn't relate. I don't focus a lot on Hollywood - except in weak moments checking out my groceries. I was disappointed that she didn't highlight some more strong women like Chelsea Clinton. There are more and more beautiful and strong women in our 'pop culture' to watch ... beyond music and fashion. Clearly, this one chapter inspired my desire to share what I just shared with you - with Caitlin. You will do. Don't usually have a STRONG desire to speak directly to the author, but I do with Caitlin. A compliment to her personal style. I connected...

Caitlin Moran will join your roster of Fantasy Brunch League - earning a seat at the table between Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maria Bamford, Tig Notarto et al. A smart, funny read, Moran's chapter about abortion sneaks in, Trojan Horse style, to deliver a powerful punch.

This is a must read for every woman out there. I think it would help many a girl to relax and not take them selves so seriously.

Caitlin lays it on the line just how crazy the world has become and what we woman do to try and fit in as normal.

I have already listened to this book twice since I got it in January and I am sure will pull it out every couple of years to listen again to help remind me that I don't have to fit into what the world calls norm to be a women. I am a woman 100% no matter how little or how much effort I put into my appearance and if others don't like it then who cares.