Kitty Flanagan

My sister recommended this popular Australian comedienne's book and I did a lot of giggling and made a fool of myself on my evening walks but, although I enjoyed, stand-up comedy is not really my thing and I have heard a lot of similar snark before. I think my favorites were the bathroom and kitchen rules (definitely the rule on training your dishwasher), and the special sealed section on department store fitting rooms. The 'scene' in which she describes her efforts at wrangling a bathing show more suit over her hips, while the sales representative flings back the curtain for all to see, is priceless and nearly made me #@% my pants! But the humor got a little thin and dragged for me at the 50% mark....

Never-the-less, my Aussie sister convinced me that Kitty Flanagan is the real McCoy (she is) and so I dashed over to YouTube and had a blast watching her do her 'thing' in dozens of assorted videos, and now I am searching for a link to Season One of Fisk (could not find yet, but like a dog with a bone, I am relentless in my mission).

If you are not familiar with Kitty Flanagan, I recommend you give this a try...hard to find a library copy but Hoopla has the ebook always available, if your library subscribes. Of course, if get your hands on an audio copy you will hear the author's pitch perfect delivery. Enjoy! 3.5+ show less

More Rules for Life is the cheeky follow-up to comedian Kitty Flanagan's popular book 488 Rules for Life. Full disclosure, I haven't gotten around to the first one yet, but after hearing Kitty chat about it on telly, I couldn't resist grabbing this sequel off the library shelf. First impressions – I love the cover. It's like a perfect snapshot of Kitty's vibe: easy-going, irreverent, and the kind of auntie you'd want to have a beer with.

The book itself is a riot. I had moments where I was show more chuckling out loud. But don't be fooled, because tucked between the laughs is a treasure trove of real-life wisdom. It's like Kitty Flanagan took all the nonsense of modern life and put it through a filter of sharp wit and sharpie-like satire. It's your cool auntie's guide to navigating the madness, far more entertaining and enjoyable than that other famous etiquette book (you know the one, but it's slipped my mind). And the reviews I’ve read say the first book is even better!

My only criticism is that the book is a tad on the short side, but others might see that as a selling point. More Rules for Life is short enough to consume in one sitting (perfect if you’re busy or just a casual reader) or you can stretch out the fun by reading it one conveniently compiled section at a time. Best of all, Kitty's voice shines through loud and clear. After reading this, you can bet I'm on the hunt for the first instalment. show less

“Had I told my mother I was writing an autobiography, she’d quite rightly have asked, ‘Why?’ Instead, this is a book of true stories and ill-informed opinions. And I believe it was Paul Simon who once said, ‘Your opinion is not important, it is merely of interest.’ So, while this book is not important, I do hope you will find it of interest. Most of all, I hope you will find it funny because that really is my favourite thing”

I did find it mildly interesting, Kitty, but mostly I show more found it funny. I smiled a lot, laughed out loud a few times, and spat out my drink at least once.

Kitty and I are of the same generation, so we share similar childhood experiences and attitudes. I enjoy her self deprecating humour, and her witty observations.

The only thing I thought the book lacked was a handful of photos from Kitty’s childhood. show less

Kitty Flanagan is an Australian comedian and I've enjoyed watching her in the ABC comedy drama Fisk where she plays the lead role of a lawyer at a small suburban law firm.

In her book 488 Rules for Life - The Thankless Art of Being Correct, the author lists rules for life, that if followed, would make all of our lives easier. You'll nod in agreement as you read some of these relatable rules - don't answer your phone in the toilet - and you'll cringe in recognition as you recall those who show more regularly break these rules in your own circle.

I listened to this audiobook in the car over the course of 2 months, listening for 15 minutes at a time and it was a great short form of entertainment for a long road trip. Coming in at under 6 hours in duration, it's best enjoyed in shorter grabs so that the novelty doesn't wear off.

The genesis of the book was a segment on The Weekly, a TV show on the ABC and the author has grouped the rules into themes / chapters such as:
Around the home
At the office
Food
Relationships & Dating
At the Movies

As I'm typing this, I'm hearing the author's distinct voice in my head along with her no-nonsense attitude and I could easily relate to - and agree with - most of her rules. Here's one chosen at random:

"Rule 76: 'Feed' is not a noun and should never be used as such, as in: "hey do you want to go for a feed?" No, no I don't." Chapter 4: Language

Published in 2019, I'm a little late to the party, but 488 Rules for Life - The Thankless Art of Being Correct by Kitty Flanagan is an amusing and lightly entertaining look at social etiquette and life's little irritations. show less