Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran

I had to read Moranifesto by Caitlin Moran because I had enjoyed her How to be a Woman.  I wasn't disappointed.  This book is truly funny.  Some warnings though:

·         There is a lot of politics in the book – not shoved down your throat but still

·         There is quite a bit of bad language – but I didn't find it gratuitous.

·         The book is developed from a series of newspaper columns but in fact hangs together very well with little introductions and things.

The great thing about Moran is her unfailing optimism and joy – she is the very opposite of the curmudgeonly Bill Bryson but is very funny.  She is also very self deprecating which is a trait which is important to any New Zealander culturally.

The rant about printers (found starting at page 42) is absolutely on the money.  Printers and their ink are pet hates of mine.

Her essay on the Queen's Jubilee was just fabulous (starts at page 99).  I remember watching the flotilla in the rain – you know the one that ended up with Prince Philip being sick and Moran captured my thoughts very well.

Finally, I can't help quoting some of her genius comments on what she calls 'A Woman's Monthly Faultiness'.  Not many writers could deal with this topic with such success.  Here is a section for you edification and delight:

        'When Paul McCartney's Magic Fairy Potion first waltzes into your life – almost invariably at some drearily disadvantageous time, such as 'while on a rollercoaster', or 'in a bridesmaid's dress, surrounded by sharks' – as a woman, you know one thing, instantly:  this is the biggest secret ever.  Like some kind of CIA operative, you have now been summoned to the toughest mission of your life: to spend the next three decades hiding every aspect of 'The bit in The Wizard of Oz where it goes from black and white into colour'.  Go!  Go, scared thirteen year old girl …

          Because you really do have to keep it utterly mysterious and hidden.  Despite the astonishing amount of effort 52 percent of the world puts into this repetitive – yet, excitingly, also painful, mortifying and expensive – chore, popular culture will make no comforting, relaxing casual references to it.  You will never put on EastEnders and see Roxy in the caff with Dot sighing, 'I'm not opening the Vic tonight – I'm on Mother Nature's Enforced Kit-Kat Break.'…'

I hope I haven't put you off the book.  Give it a go.  If only all politics was as optimistic and funny