Moranthology

Moranthology gathers the newspaper columns Caitlin Moran wrote for The Times of London, and it works as a sequel to How to Be a Woman. Her first book was almost entirely about being a woman, so readers may be surprised by how far this one wanders. Moran writes about politics, culture and social questions that are more often handled by academics and policy experts, yet she keeps her own voice and sense of humor throughout.

The pieces range widely. She considers caffeine, Keith Richards, Ghostbusters, Twitter, the welfare state, the royal wedding, Lady Gaga and her own mortality, among other things. Some columns are opinion, and others are interviews in which she talks with well-known figures in person.

The collection has three recurring strands. Its pop culture writing argues for the importance of films and television shows that are often dismissed. Its celebrity interviews include a backstage encounter with Lady Gaga in Berlin and a relaxed conversation with Keith Richards. Its feminist writing extends the ideas of Moran's first book to subjects such as online trolling and the case for employment quotas for women.

The book suits readers who enjoy personal, opinionated essays and want a lighter view of current affairs. Its British setting and self-deprecating tone are part of its character, and readers who know Moran's earlier work will recognise her style here.