Pubic Hair. Porn. Abortions. Sex. Periods. Lust. Fat. Botox. Boob jobs. It’s all in ‘How To Be A Woman’. Which totally surprised me, because although I was vaguely familiar with Caitlin Moran’s writing, the title of the book had me fooled. I expected witticisms on modern life in the style of ‘Grumpy Old Women’. I [...]
All posts by Emma Whittle
How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran – Review
Posted by Emma Whittle on December 8, 2011
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/how-to-be-a-woman-by-caitlin-moran-review/
Taking the Long View of Libya
I believe we are being lied to by our government regarding the military campaign in Libya, and that if you listen carefully to the Orwell-style double-speak employed by the BBC and other mainstream media, it is all too plain to see. Just yesterday on the Today programme James Naughtie (I think it was) said these [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on March 22, 2011
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/taking-the-long-view-of-libya/
Something a Little Bit Old Skool
I’m no authority on hip hop, but I know an authentic voice and a damn good sound when I hear one. This is a classic, and KRS-1 has something to say.
Posted by Emma Whittle on March 4, 2011
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/something-a-little-bit-old-skool/
Blue Valentine – a Real Romance
The name Valentine, derived from ‘Valens’ meaning ‘worthy, strong, powerful’ is a good analogy for Derek Cainfrance’s film (using ‘worthy’ in its original meaning, not pertaining to reading The Big Issue or growing your own vegetables). As a counter to all the stuffed toys, single roses in cellophane and dreadful set menus we all have [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on February 13, 2011
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2011/02/13/blue-valentine-a-real-romance/
Somewhere – Sophia Coppola
Where to start with the new Sophia Coppola movie, Somewhere. Sigh. OK, here’s what passes for the story: A famous, sexy movie star lives at ultra-hip celeb honey-pot hotel, the Chateau Marmont. His sensitive, bright, early-teen daughter spends some time hanging out with him in his life. Both of them have issues… and that’s it. [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on January 21, 2011
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/somewhere-sophia-coppola/
10 o’clock Dead or Alive?
Well, it was quite a valiant attempt wasn’t it? David Mitchell, Jimmy Carr, Lauren Laverne and Charlie Brooker’s new entertainment news show with a live studio audience launched on Channel 4 last night, at, er 10 o’clock. The show opened with a cheering audience, reminiscent of 90s cult show The Word, with the presenters sitting [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on January 21, 2011
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/10-oclock-dead-or-alive/
“I got the shotgun, you got the briefcase. It’s all the game.” (Review, The Wire)
One word to describe The Wire: Addictive. I finished watching the box-set a few weeks ago and I am still in mourning. This HBO drama takes root in your mind and lingers there long after the final roll of the end credits. The characters, the themes and the oft-discussed Baltimore dialect have become part of [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on January 19, 2011
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/i-got-the-shotgun-you-got-the-briefcase-its-all-the-game/
David Mitchell’s Bubble Bursts
Yesterday, I had to strike David Mitchell off The List. I ached to see him go, because I really did think he was the reliable sort, but as soon as the ad for BBC2’s new ‘news inspired quiz show’ The Bubble appeared, I knew it would take a miracle to save him. You see, I’m [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on February 21, 2010
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/david-mitchells-bubble-bursts/
The Gathering – Anne Enright
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be someone else? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an emotionally splintered 39 year old Irish woman with 9 siblings (well 8 now, but more of that later), a hate-inducing husband, two skilfully emotional daughters and a little bit of a drink problem? No? [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on February 12, 2010
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/the-gathering-anne-enright/
Salt – Jeremy Page
Jeremy Page’s debut novel Salt, tells a dream-like story full of symbolism and sensuousness. Its setting – the north Norfolk salt marshes from which narrator Pip and his ancestors evolve – is alive with signs of the future, echoes of the past and a disconcerting will of its own. Pip narrates his story with graceful [...]
Posted by Emma Whittle on February 12, 2010
http://emmamwhittle.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/salt-jeremy-page/
