How To Be a Woman

by Caitlin Moran
How To Be a Woman cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Essays / Essay Collections
Technical:
  • ID: 1889
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780091940744
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Caitlin Moran's 'How to be a Woman' is a bold and irreverent take on feminism in the modern era. Drawing on historical milestones like the suffragette movement and the 1969 feminist protests, Moran examines the progress made and the challenges still faced by women today. With her signature wit and candor, she tackles topics ranging from sexism and equality to motherhood and fashion, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a woman in the 21st century. Part manifesto, part memoir, and part polemic, Moran's book is a lively and thought-provoking read. She challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about gender roles and societal expectations, all while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone. Whether she's discussing the absurdities of modern life or the ongoing struggles of women's rights, Moran's voice is both personal and universal, making the book a compelling read for anyone interested in feminism, culture, and contemporary society.

Reviews
The Book Habit · 2013-12-02
thoughtful 4.00

The book is a poignant reflection on the challenges of growing up female, offering insightful and personal perspectives.

This reviewer finds the book to be a deeply personal and poignant exploration of the struggles women face as they grow up. The insights provided are both moving and enlightening, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to understand the female experience. The reviewer appreciates the raw honesty and the way Moran's personal stories resonate with broader societal issues. It's a book that combines humor with heartfelt reflections, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    How To Be a Woman is a truly poignant reflection on the personal difficulties associated with growing up female.

    And its insights make it a compelling read.

    The book combines humor with heartfelt reflections.

As the Bird Flies Blog · 2012-08-11
engaging 3.50

The book is funny, honest, and observant, with moments of true intelligence scattered throughout.

The reviewer enjoys the book's humorous and honest approach to feminism, finding it both entertaining and insightful. While the book is not consistently profound, it has moments of true intelligence that stand out. The reviewer appreciates Moran's ability to tackle serious issues with a light-hearted touch, making the book an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. It's a book that balances humor and depth, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    It's funny, it's honest, it's observant and there are a few precious but scattered enlightening and truly intelligent moments.

    The book balances humor and depth.

    Moran's ability to tackle serious issues with a light-hearted touch is appreciated.

The Guardian · 2012-03-06
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its common sense and excellent humor, with Moran's comic writing standing out. It offers a witty and astute manual for women, advocating for more fun and less self-flagellation.

The reviewer highlights that this book is a delightful read, filled with common sense and sharp humor. Moran's ability to make serious points with wit and comedic timing is particularly noted. The book is seen as a refreshing take on feminism, making complex issues accessible and entertaining. The reviewer appreciates Moran's bold and honest approach, which makes the book both relatable and thought-provoking. It's a manual that women can turn to for both laughter and insight.

Quick quotes

    A book that might as well have been subtitled "common sense, with some very good jokes".

    It is as a comic writer that Moran particularly excels.

    The award-winning columnist argues for less self-flagellation and more fun in her witty and astute manual for women.

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