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She is an erudite, personable writer and her narrative voice was strong.
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The passages on the harassment female comics face, the issues all women have to contend with regarding fertility and work were beautifully drafted and fiercely honest. I found this at times hilarious, like a bloody good night out with friends, at other points inspiring (how cliche).
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Here is a woman who is unabashedly audacious, who writes with wit and assurance on the industry she loves. Her chapters on being a single mother, of staying in a frankly horrifying relationship because of the perceptions society has were utterly persuasive and compelling. I would like to bottle this message and send it to every teen who has ever been scared of being themselves. It is a feminist manifesto of sorts, urging women not to be a people pleaser, not to accept the status quo or uncomfortable situations because of fear or shame. I was truly shocked at how much I loved this book, I read it in two sittings today. This is where the book transforms into an eye opening, thought provoking exposition on how society deals with confident, head strong women, with a fascinating insight into the comedy sector. With a few laugh out loud moments there wasn’t much to report until we get to the teenage years. This autobiography/memoir begins in Canada, with short punchy chapters that have funny How To titles. I thought maybe this will make me laugh, or be a light easy read. I truly didn’t know what to expect when I opened The Audacity from publishers Katherine Ryan is known globally for her confident comedy, starring in all manner of tv comedy, stand up panel shows and The Duchess on Netflix.
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