How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran

Everyone ought to do themselves a large favor and pick up How To Build A Girl by Caitlin Moran. I found this novel sitting on my ARC pile at work and immediately had to grab it, I finally got around to reading it in the beginning of October and it was such a great birthday gift to myself. This book took you on the roller coaster that is adolescence and reminded you of what a fuck up you were. However, it also held your hand and told you it was okay, your failures launched into being the magnificent shit you are today (there’s also a lot of swearing and as I am already prone to extreme expletives, I have really gone to a ridiculous place).

I think “How to be a Lady Sex Adventurer” should be a course available to young women so they can learn the do's and don'ts plus safety tips that takes some trial and error to figure out. It could teach tips to avoid awkward patting and peculiar arm placement, give blow-job legend tips and teach girls sex is not about pleasing a second party. Sex is not just for one person (unless done solo in which case disregard) but about two people making each other happy, if just for an hour. Self worth is easily lost by younger girls in these kinds of romps and this Caitlin really helped drive home that worth isn’t deemed with an erection or a good "review". You get to determine your own worth.

This book made me feel exponentially better about myself and helped me forgive the gangly little disaster that was 14 year old me. Your main character Johanna makes you experience her embarrassment, heartache and joy while bringing to light all the nights you’ve tried to forget. Riddled with relatable characters, this book has a little bit of something for everyone, embarrassing parents, loving little brother, loathing older brother and fair weather friends - this book will surely be popular for some time to come.