The I'm Grand Mamual

by PJ Kirby, Kevin Twomey

PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey are two mammy’s boys from Cork who are always up for a skit.

The I’m Grand Mamual is Kevin and PJ’s hilarious and heart-warming ode to their mammies, Phil and Nuala. Taking a different well-worn saying, such as ‘We haven’t died a winter yet’ and ‘Sure, who’d be looking at you anyway?’, Kevin and PJ recount wild experiences from their lives - from coming out, holidays and money management to dating, hustling and sustainability - where the phrase has rung true, proving that ‘Mam always knows best.’

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Self Help

208 pages, Hardcover

Published March 31, 2024

Reviews

[Emma Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely start to 2025, I'm absolutely WEAK for Kevin and PJ. If you're a fan of the podcast you'll love this <3

[patricia hourihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, very easy read and was exactly like listening to the podcast.

[Maeve]

FUCKING LOVE
edit: fucking screaming at the normal people fan fiction with the real paul mescal

[Gemma Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

been reading it slowly when I’ve been homesick and miss the vibrant wit of the cork lgbt scene

[Laura Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t expect it to be so emotional. Loved it and think it’s great for any gays who are struggling! Also loved it as a straight female teacher to understand better the struggle some of my children may be going through.

[Kevin Molyneaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely light hearted and funny read!!

[Hayley O’ Connell Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a scream! This book was my first read of 2024 and what a great one it was. I never knew I needed the podcast in book format until I picked up this book. Kevin & PJ’s writing style is witty, wholesome, down to earth and incredibly emotional. Anyone who had the pleasure of watching PJ’s one man show in 2023 will understand when I say the book followed the same recipes luring you in with the hilarious and relatable stories while making you cry at the same time.

Growing up queer in Ireland has been made that bit easier with people like you leading the way and for that I say - thanks girlies x

[Michelle Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book that will have you laughing one minute and tearing up the next.
Kevin and PJ give a great insight into their lives without giving a 'poor me' feeling to the book.
As enjoyable as it was, it also seems to me to be a very important book to read. Their values remain true throughout, and their ability to give an insight into struggles and otherness is brilliant.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Podcast and the boys, as a straight guy I bought this book partly because I've grown so fond of Kevin and PJ from afar but also because I wanted to learn how to be as supportive as possible to the LGBTQ+ Community, and I feel like this book has provided some great insight into that. And not only that, some great general life stories and advice too. I've rated 4 stars instead of 5 because the book is a little bitty and all over the place but enjoyable none the less.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin and PJ cover some of the key themes in a young queer persons life with both gentleness and wit. Their personalities really shined through in their writing and the chapters flow really well. Devoured it over a weekend!

[Keely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the podcast and loooooved the book! Was worried I would know everything that would be spoken about already as I rinse the podcast every week but to my surprise there’s still stuff I didn’t know! It made me smile, laugh and cry which are my characteristics of a good book 🩷

[Siobhan Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instant favorite absolute proud of my fave iconic podcasters PJ and Kevin.

[Kate McGreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Really laughed out loud at some parts, something which I never do when reading. Eye-opening bits about sexuality, gender conforming, son-father relationships. Up Cork!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book had me laughing in public. Seamless translation of the podcast into a book. Love loved loved.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a gorge little book about two stunning people ✨

[Joyfulls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this! The podcast always makes me feel at home while I am living abroad, and this book did the same thing.

[Ellen Twomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authors are from Cork so obviously it’s perfect

[Rebecca Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was always gonna be a good review because I love these two. What a fun and lovely wee book.

[Fon E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a manual on how to navigate life with gems of advice from their beloved Mams, PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey have created a heartwarming, truly emotive, funny and entertaining book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

For those unfamiliar with PJ and Kevin, they are two gay friends from Cork who started a podcast called "I'm Grand Mam" when they lived together in London and frequently featured advice from their Mams as well as being hilarious, high camp and full of energy.

I'm sure I'm completely not the demographic they aim to entice into being a fan but nevertheless, here I am and I will hopefully be laughing at their antics for a long time yet.