Book review: HOW TO BE A WOMAN by Caitlin Moran

Book review: HOW TO BE A WOMAN by Caitlin Moran

I have to be honest and say that I'd never heard of Caitlin Moran before reading this book. I am now a big fan, and I hope she keeps writing! If you were hoping for more juicy bits from Tina Fey, Moran is your gal. She describes, in hilarious detail, growing up from age thirteen on. In between the anecdotes about changes in her body and lifestyle, she gives advice on being a feminist, and why this is a good thing. There are diatribes about the fear of body hair, pornography (not what you think), fashion, weight obsession, and plenty more to keep you laughing as you nod in agreement.

Every teenage girl should read this book, and take Moran's advice. The world would be a much saner place.

There is a chapter titled "Why you should have children," immediately followed by one titled "Why you shouldn't have children." She laments the state of role models in the media, then tells a great story about going out with Lady Gaga.

She even gets into the sticky subject of abortion, and tells her story with intelligence and thoughtfulness, as well as humor.

If only more people were as level-headed as Moran (and as funny), there would be a lot less conflict (and a lot more fun) in the world. Highly recommended.

Book review: I SUCK AT GIRLS by Justin Halpern

I SUCK AT GIRLS by Justin Halpern

You're probably aware of the Twitter feed "Sh*t My Dad Says," along with the bestselling book and the TV show starring William Shatner. Yes, The Shat. If you're not, you're in for a treat. Basically, the author writes down stuff his dad says, which is always hilarious, and tweets it. This evolved into a bestselling book and then a TV show.

In his new book, Halpern chronicles the evolution of his relationships with girls (and then women) until he meets and falls in love with the woman he wants to marry. Interspersed throughout is wisdom from his dad, including the advice to take a day off and think about everything he's learned about women and love, and from those musings comes this book.

Halpern is a funny writer and a good storyteller; his reminiscences from his early childhood through his 'teens & twenties are full of poignant, awkward, and funny bits that make you smile with recognition. They don't teach this stuff in school, and it's refreshing to see that others blunder through just as blindly. You laugh because that's all you can do; it's funny because we've all been there. If you're looking for a quick, light read that will leave you smiling, this is the book for you.

Book review: JACKIE AFTER O by Tina Cassidy

JACKIE AFTER O: One Remarkable Year When Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Defied Expectations & Rediscovered Her Dreams

by Tina Cassidy

I have to admit that before I read this book, I didn't know a whole lot about Jackie. I knew who she was, of course, and could remember a few salacious "JACKIE O!" headlines in the tabloids from the time this book is set (1975), but to me she was just a famous person in big sunglasses whose life I couldn't really imagine. The few items I'd read from her White House years made me think she was a typical 50's housewife, content to raise the kids and go shopping while her husband saved the free world from Soviet bombs (and carried on affairs with multiple women). I didn't think she was all that bright. I never really gave a thought to what her life must have been like, except to be sad for her that her husband was killed in such a public and awful manner.

What I didn't know was that she was very well educated, well-read, and interested in history to the extent that she helped save Lafayette Square in Washington D.C. while in the White House. She restored that house into a museum of American craftsmanship and art after decades of neglect. There was a lot more to her than just a fashion plate.

Cassidy gives plenty of background, and meticulously cites sources for events and dialogue. She brings together a narrative that gives a clear picture of what was going on in Jackie's life the year her second husband, Aristotle Onassis, died, and how she put her life back together in New York, going into the publishing industry. You learn how and why Jackie chose such a seemingly odd occupation for herself, and how she flourished there. In the midst of the second wave of feminism, she broke out of the mold of women who acted dumber than they were to get a man, and chose a career not for the money, but for fulfillment.

This book fills in the gap between the double widow and the professional editor and conservationist that made up the public image of one of the most famous women of the 20th century, touching on her relationships with her kids, her sister, and her step family and famous in-laws. If you are fascinated with Jackie, as so many people still are, this book is for you. I certainly have a new appreciation for and admiration of her.

Book review: THE TINY BOOK OF TINY STORIES volume 1 by Joseph Gordon-Levitt

If you enjoy storytelling and collaborative artforms, THE TINY BOOK OF TINY STORIES volume 1 is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (yes, the actor) is the director of hitRECord, an "open-collaborative production company," which encourages anyone to contribute "records" (creative content) that others can use in collaborative projects, some of which get produced and sold. They split profits 50/50 with contributors, and use their cut to finance more projects.

Their latest production is this book, which is a delightful collection of tiny stories (natch) paired with whimsical illustrations. The stories will make you smile, laugh, groan, and think.

The book really is tiny, too; smaller than your average paperback, yet with a hardcover: perfect for slipping in your bag and taking out to share a story and a smile. I got no further than the third story before I was sharing with co-workers passing by, and giggling throughout.

The best part is the subtitle: volume 1. That means there will be more! Perhaps you will be inspired to contribute to the next volume.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Twitter

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