Born Lippy

by Jo Brand

Once upon a (very very) long time ago Jo Brand was what you might describe as 'a nice little girl'. Of course, that was before the values of cynicism, misogyny and the societal expectation that Jo would be thin, feminine and demure sent her off down Arsey Avenue.

The plot thickened, when due to a complicated fusion of hormones, horrible family dynamics and a no-good boyfriend they hated, Jo ended up leaving home at 16. Now she's considerably further along life's inevitable bloody 'journey' - and she's fucked up enough times to feel confident she has no wisdom to offer anyone. But who cares? She's going to do it anyway...

Born Lippy is a gathering of all the things Jo Brand wishes she'd known, all the things she's learnt, and all the things she hopes for the future. A century after women got the vote (albeit married women over the age of 28) it's time to take stock of exactly what it means to be female today. And if there's one thing women are entitled to, it's having a bloody good moan about things big and small - so here goes . . .

HOW TO MANAGE A BULLY * YOUR FAMILY AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT * WHAT NO-ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT THE FEMALE BODY * BEING DIFFERENT * SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT SOCIABLE * HOW NOT TO FALL IN LOVE * FEMINISM: A RE-BRANDING * ADVENTURES IN YOUR HEAD * HAVING FUN * NOT HAVING FUN: WHAT TO DO WHEN IT ALL GOES WRONG * STAYING SANE * YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU WEAR * MODERN MANNERS* HOW TO DO WHAT YOU WANT: OR NOT DO WHAT OTHERS WANT * BEING HEALTHY * GETTING ON A BIT * THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES: MORE DEADLY THAN THE MALE?

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Feminism, Memoir, Humor, Comedy, Autobiography

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2018

About the author

Josephine "Jo" Grace Brand is a BAFTA winning English stand-up comedienne, writer and actress.
Commencing her entertainment career with a move from psychiatric nursing to the alternative comedy stand up scene and early performances on Saturday Live, she went on to appearances on The Brain Drain, Channel 4's Jo Brand Through the Cakehole, Getting On and various television appearances including as a regular guest on QI. In 2003, she was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy.

Reviews

[Imi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This abridged audiobook on BBC Radio 4 was an entertaining way to spend an hour or so, but I'm not going to be rushing out to read the book in full. This satisfied me enough. I like Jo Brand a lot and I enjoyed learning more about her life. This is more of memoir on "what my life has taught me" than a real "self-help" book. Nothing here, especially in terms of practical advice, is particularly original, but I enjoyed her mantra of "lower your expectations"; Jo is all about giving it go, living your life your way, and just seeing where it takes you.

[Wendy Greenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being a woman...all the trials and tribulations. Entertaining, especially read in the mindset of being read to by Jo Brand. There are some witty observations and biographical information but, that aside, she doesn't say anything new. Some of the chapters seem added for padding and are rather generic life lessons.
Disappointed

[Rohase Piercy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like Jo Brand, who is my contemporary, and whom I like to imagine I might have come across when she was working as a psychiatric nurse at the Maudsley Hospital in the 1970s while I was an outpatient there … but at first this rather random collection of anecdotes and witty one-liners interspersed with words of wisdom about how to cope with life as a female did strike me as a bit tame and sloppy. As I persevered with the book however, it did start to come together, I guess not least because a lot of her experience/advice struck a chord with me - wearing comfortable clothing, not worrying so much about one's appearance, teaching your children basic good manners by example, enjoying a little of what you fancy in moderation, and not falling for a load of male bullshit are all things I, as a fellow middle-aged woman, heartily approve. By the end I was encased in a nice comfortable glow, with the feeling I'd just put the world to rights with a like-minded friend. On a serious side, there is some good advice here for younger women about having the courage of your convictions, staying safe, maintaining friendships and not falling for the body-image mafia's agenda; plus a list of useful helplines, organisations etc at the end. So it was a nice read, if hardly challenging or earth-shattering - which I suspect is exactly what it's intended to be!

[Flapper72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I think that, with Jo Brand, what you see is what you get. She seems genuine, honest and a woman of integrity. This book just potters through things in her life and, what she would advice others or maybe do different if she were to do (or not do) some things again. It's not at all preachy; it's just stories of how her experiences in life have made her the woman she is but, also, how she might have done things differently or not have worried about some things that we (probably due to the influence and expectations of society) are expected to be bothered by - being 'ladylike', being slim, being attractive, being successful, doing as we're told. Don't really know how to explain the book really but it was fun, touching and told some life lessons that, if only we would listen to as younger women rather than get to middle aged and realise that we have wasted unnecessary energy on. I guess that's as it is though; when we're young we always think we know best and Jo doesn't preach and tell people not to but tells us how to live our lives more safely and enjoyably. (If you are going to get pissed, make sure someone reliable is with you to get you home for example - that sort of good advice!)

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit confused by what this book was attempting to do, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

Nevertheless, I found this gem within it:

From "Five Tips on How to Make Friends" on p.67:

Don't go to evening classes: I've always thought that advice was bollocks. I don't know anyone who met a new friend/partner at evening classes.

YES!

No bigger truth has ever been said when it comes to making friends.

Take an evening class because you want to learn whatever it is that they're teaching but never take one in the misguided notion that it'll be a good place to make friends or find romance.

People are too busy learning - whilst they're there - and then just want to leave as quickly as possible - once the class is over - not allowing any time to actually chat and make friends.

This has been a Public Service Announcement :o)

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emphasis should be on the words 'how to'. Yes, there are a number of comedians writing from a feminist perspective, but this book is neither theory nor a guide to being political, rather a set of practical steps to take, and pitfalls to avoid, to doing ones best within a system of inherent bias. Worthy and convincing.

[Charlotte Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure who this book is aimed at. In one paragraph she is giving out some fairly good advice that would be suitable for my ten-year-old on how to deal with bullies. Then in the next page, she is discussing how we should lower our standards and settle for a man with a small cock. Fairly funny nonetheless and I found the chapter on feminism interesting.

[anita sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is is a Public Health guide to life with the freedom of jo brand’s refreshing fluency about life and death and all the bits in between. Taking it seriously enough but not so that you are patronised or irritated...in fact it was definitely feel good, it made me laugh and my me feel much better about all my own foibles and mistakes along the way.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Brand (British comedian, writer, actress, wife, mother, feminist) tells anecdotes from her colourful life and attempts to give life advice (even though she hasn't always followed it herself).

I love Jo Brand and find her very funny. She may not be for everyone so I think it would be best to know her humour before you read this as it is fundamental to the enjoyment of this book.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4 - Book of the week:
Jo Brand turns advice giver in a typically irreverent guide to life. She says she's messed up enough times to feel confident she has no wisdom to offer anyone. But who cares? She's going to do it anyway.

Once upon a (very, very) long time ago Jo Brand was what you might describe as "a nice little girl". Of course, that was before the values of cynicism, misogyny and the societal expectation that Jo would be thin, feminine and demure sent her off down Arsey Avenue.

The plot thickened when, due to a complicated fusion of hormones, horrible family dynamics and a no-good boyfriend they hated, Jo ended up leaving home at 16.

Now she's considerably further along life's inevitable journey and, in this memoir, she reveals a side of herself that we don’t normally hear - the things she wishes she'd known and the things she hopes for the future. As you’d expect, she pulls no punches.

Today, Jo turns unflinchingly to love and friendship. This includes the story of an unsuitable teenage boyfriend and the appalling poetry he inspired, as well as Jo’s five golden rules for keeping friends (even if they do say you look like Brian Blessed in drag).

Written and read by Jo Brand
Abridged and produced by Pippa Vaughan
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...

[Annabelle Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! 😻 I’ve read a few of Jo Brand’s books before and thoroughly enjoyed them. Her writing is both hilarious and insightful. I loved reading her thoughts on modern life and feminism. The book is quite autobiographical, with a lot of wee anecdotes and her own experiences peppered in throughout. Had me laughing all the way through and really got me thinking as well. Absolutely love Brand’s attitude to life.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jo Brand's stand up, and her general nonchalant attitude, and now I love her feminism. She spoke honestly, openly and humorously about the way the world has changed for women - both for better and for worse - during her lifetime through her own personal experience. Her advise was clear and open, and her experience as a mental health nurse shone through. Loved it.

[Laura Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Jo Brand but I found that the themes explored were expressed a little simplistically and didn’t really offer anything new. Maybe it would have been best to listen to the audio book on this occasion . Mildly diverting .

[Amie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually have given this 2.5 stars.

I love Jo Brand's stand up, but for me, this book fell short. Not very well structured or written and loaded with contradictions.

OK for a bit of light reading, but I struggled to want to pick it up.

[Claret Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to contact Jo Brand and say, "Can we be friends? I'm just like you. I think like you and I agree with you. The only difference is that you're a national treasure and I'm just, you know, not quite there yet." I think that it would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Brand is seriously smart and wonderfully funny, and this book of advice from her is fantastically fun. Keeping it on the shelf to re-read.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like sitting down for a wine or a cuppa with your acidic old aunt who’s seen a bit of life and wants to share her top tips. Much of it is common sense, delivered with Jo’s trademark weary cynicism - take it or leave it advice, but underpinned by a genuine desire to help other women find their way.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

[Shirley Tee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started a year ago and tried to get to the end but just couldn’t go any further than 60%. A big mish mash book of nothing much. I still love Jo but this was a miss for me.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part memoir, part advice on how to live your life, this was an entertaining read.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off funny but got a bit preachy at times, she seemed to be writing for a young audience as the cool mum. As a teen I would probably have found it a tad insulting, as a 50 something it just got boring. Such a shame as I do admire her.

[Julie Vellacott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not quite finished reading this book but absolutely loving it. Jo Brand doesn't pretend to be an expert on the things she writes about but tells it how it is from her personal, well-observed experience. I pretty much agree with everything she says although my experiences are not so far ranging! She has always been able to make me laugh and this book is no exception. She flavours the very serious issues with a good splash of humour.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good read. It's very much a 'this is what life has taught me' memoir rather than a laugh-a-minute comedy book, and obviously I don't agree with her on everything, but it's very honest and thought-provoking. The delivery is strangely flat on the audiobook, though.

[Lee Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born Lippy - How to do Female - Jo Brand

My better half bought me this book and I didn't want it to end, so I’ve tried as long as possible reading little snippets and now it's finished. ☹️

Love Jo Brand! Love her wit, her honesty and her low tolerance for bullshit! Kinda reminds me of my Mum in a good way. 💕
Jo is an amazing comedian and she makes me laugh so much.

Favourite quotes from the book...

•Apparently MILF means “mother i’d like to fuck”
-Whereas MILFO means “man i’d like to fuck off”🖕🏻

•I went swimming in the sea recently, I plaited my bikini line so it wouldn’t catch any rocks.👙 🪨

•How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb? - only one but the light bulbs really got to want to change. 💡

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and down to earth, if you like Jo Brand, you'll like this.

[Marmalade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically funny book by a fantastically funny comedian

[Sebastian Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘I’m optimistic about the future and I do look forward to women dominating in all areas.’

Is Jo Brand really so fem-centric she doesn’t recognise this’d probably be just as bad as any allegedly male-dominated scenario? Some of the work I do takes place in a very strongly female-dominated area, primary education. And such places are no closer to nirvana as a result – for the women or the men that work in them – than some still male dominated areas like, I dunno, let’s say the road-building industry.

As well as writing about, as her subtitle says, ‘How to Do Female’, she touches on issues that can have a huge impact on the lives of both men and women, albeit from a deliberate and more or less completely female perspective. And some of the areas she covers are foreign territory not only to me as a male, but to women like my wife, as we have no children of our own.

Well, I suppose it’s pretty obvious I’m not the target audience for this book, being male*. But when offered it, via Amazon’s Vine programme, after glancing at the list of topics covered, e.g. ‘how to manage a bully, being different, your family and how to survive it,’ I thought, ok, I’ll have a read. For one thing much of what these phrases cover suggest Brand’s insights might just as well apply to men as well as women. And for another, as a man I want to better understand women, for a variety of reasons.

Putting my own gender to one side momentarily – and I’m not referring to dressing to the left for a change – whilst both candid and reasonably entertaining, Born Lippy is disappointing for being almost entirely anecdotal, i.e. just an extended monologue presenting Brand’s opinions. There’s also something a bit contradictory in how she’s frequently quite self-effacing, and yet ultimately this is a book that’s by and large, like certain friends she suggests one might want to jettison, one person continually talking about themselves.

As a male reader, it disappoints by being practically as sexist, only from the other side of the fence, as much of what she attacks. Leaving aside the purely personal aspects, and that would be most of the book, in favour of the bigger social picture; surely society would be better if it valued more what both sexes want/need, rather than hoping the pendulum swings the ‘other way’, as is suggested by the quote at the top of my review.

But, as she admits in numerous places, ‘I have not been scientific, this has been totally my own subjective view’. Other similar provisos include: ‘I should add that this theory is not research-based but having Googled it a few times…’ Or ‘As you may have gathered this is not a formal reference book.’ Ultimately this makes Born Lippy** the printed equivalent of a long soliloquy from Jo, perhaps down the pub.

The following extract even sounds like exactly the sort of thing to start a booze-fuelled battle of the sexes down the local: ‘just, to be annoying, research shows that being married is better for the man and worse for the woman…’

Funny that, I’ve more often heard/read the exact opposite: marriage suits the needs and desires of the woman, providing a stable ‘nest’ where children can be reared, whilst discouraging the male from being a roaming predatory breeder, instead constraining him to the role of domesticated provider. But, like Jo, I will offer no evidence here, merely anecdotal hearsay.

Indeed, whilst there are plenty of moments where she says things I can relate to, such as people becoming far less polite and tolerant than they might normally be once they get behind the wheel of a vehicle, there are quite a number of moments where she says things that completely contradict my experience. As for example where she says that as soon as you start pushing a pram around you become invisible. I’ve often noticed how a lot of mothers – and it’s noticeably the mothers, not fathers or grandparents or helpful siblings. – use their prams, baby and all, as either battering rams or territorial markers.

Brand’s adult perspectives do seem dominated by a legacy of negative experiences, mostly around the nexus of issues around women’s bodies, beauty, and weight. Her professional success has enabled her to salvage some positives from it all, and that’s really at the core of the best of what this book has to offer.

Overall, though I know Brand a bit better now, I’m not sure I know woman-kind much better. Like her I come from a less than affluent left-leaning background. But unlike her I’m neither a fan of Morrisey nor an advocate of legalising marijuana.

In the chapter ‘Adventures In Your Head’ Brand sings the praises of books, reading, and literacy. Feelings I share completely. She also addresses whether one should slog through a book one isn’t really enjoying. Well, I did enjoy this just enough to ignore her own advice to ‘give up and find something more interesting.’

All things considered, Born Lippy is ok. I certainly wouldn’t rave about it. It seems to me too simplistic and obvious. Lacking in any great perception, depth, or insight. Sure, we all rage against the machine from time time, for a whole raft of reasons. But this doesn’t give any deep understanding of either the self, female or otherwise, nor the machine.

I suspect, as one might expect, female readers are likely to get more from this. And perhaps those struggling with self-image issues (but then again who, male or female, doesn’t have such struggles at times?) most of all? If Jo Brand reaches folks like them, I guess she’ll have achieved her goal.

* When Brand addresses her reader, it’s pretty much always assumed they’re female. Indeed, the only allusion to a male encountering the contents is a disparaging reference to a female reader reading a part out loud to her partner, as he watches Top Gear, for him to chortle at the use of the word ‘crack’.

** A terrible name for the book, which doesn’t chime at all with her own account of youthful transformation from ‘nice little girl … to reformed ‘Man Hater’ turned National Disgrace.’ But, rather ironically, given Brand’s sensitivity over language and her berating of societal hypocrisy, this misleading but catchy phrase does chime with a popular image of Brand. It works for the marketing department, so fine … great title!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, I haven't read any others by Jo Brand but thought this was excellent. I know Jo Brand is not everyone's cup of tea but I thought this was really good. It is not an autobiography, more simply, Jo talking about life and what to do about it. Jo mentions her early life and start in comedy but doesn't waffle on about herself too much and she is refreshingly honest about life including topics on love, drugs, family and dealing with depression. If you want a laugh by an author who does not take herself seriously but is serious about the welfare of others read this book.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Jo Brand's humour so I was pleased to received this as a birthday present on its publication. I did enjoy it and laughed out loud in several places. I didn't give it a higher rating as it seemed a bit shallow and underdeveloped in places and also didn't seem to be quite consistent in terms of its intended audience (all women or late-teenage girls) or purpose (memoir or self-help). Nevrtheless, an easy, enjoyable read.

[Cuti-CLUE-les · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few lines were really entertaining but overall I felt I was just reading the book just so I could finish it. It didn't keep my attention and at times I felt my mind drifting off and I had to refocus and reread the paragraph I had skipped over.