488 Rules for Life: The Thankless Art of Being Correct

by Kitty Flanagan

Despite what Jordan Peterson says, there are more than twelve rules for life . . . a lot more. Thankfully, you now have this witty guide to remedy every annoying little thing society throws at you.

488 Rules for Life is not a self-help book, because it’s not you who needs help—it’s other people. Whether they’re walking and texting, asphyxiating you on public transport with their noxious perfume cloud, or leaving one useless square of toilet paper on the roll, people just don’t know the rules.
 
But now, thanks to Australian comedian Kitty Flanagan’s comprehensive guide to modern behavior, our world will soon be a much better place. A place where people don’t ruin the fruit salad by putting banana in it . . . where your co-workers respect your olfactory system and refrain from reheating their fish curry in the office microwave . . . where middle-aged men don’t have ponytails.
 
What started as a joke on Kitty Flanagan’s popular segment on ABC TV’s The Weekly , is now a quintessential reference book with the power to change society. (Or, at least, make it a bit less irritating.)

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Audiobook, Comedy, Self Help, Australia, Contemporary

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2019

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty Flanagan's 488 Rules for Life (actually 447 but there's room to add your own at the end) are actually surprisingly sensible for a comedian. Some seem obvious to me and I found myself nodding my head. Others reflected Kitty's personal gripes (food served on slabs of wood, banana in fruit salad and pony tails on men) but if you disagree with some you can always apply Rule 1 (If you don't agree with a Rule, forget it and move on). This makes for a light read which can be dipped into in and out of in short bursts. Perhaps I expected to find the Rules a little more humorous, although there are some little gems and laugh out loud moments, especially in Kitty's own personal reflections on events in her life.

Kitty's list of Rules for Life reads like a modern etiquette for the 21st century as she covers a wide range of topics including:

Dining Out - Rule. 147 'All you can eat" is not an order at a buffet

First Dates - Rule 178 Don't mention your ex and Rule 179 Don't show pictures of your kids

Parenting - Rule. 207 Don't name your child after an inanimate object (eg Blanket, Banjo)

Relationships - Rule 188. Never propose to someone in public and Rule 189 If someone proposes to you in public say Yes (and then explain kindly in private if the answer is No)

Health and Lifestyle - Rule 26 Cushions are not spiritual advisors (no trite advice on soft furnishings)

Public transport - Rule 126. The train is not your office (no one else on the train wants to listen to you doing business on your phone)

Sport - Rule 255 Never tell a fan 'It's just a game, nobody died'

Fashion - Rule 250 (my personal favourite) Once you hit 60 all bets are off (see off your senior years in a riot of colour and craft!)

With thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for a digital arc to read

[Meags · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I love lists and I love rules, and I love lists of rules, so this was certainly right up my alley!

Laugh-out-loud funny and so very relatable to practically every aspect of (my) life, legendary Australian comic Kitty Flanagan has compiled a truly memorable, honest and humorous collection of basic rules for life – rules you’ll chuckle over, nod along with, and feel a compelling need to share with those around you at an irritating rate.

I honestly now just feel compelled to gift this book to all the people in my life – not only those who will find joy in relating to these rules, but also to those who so desperately need to learn from it. LOL

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

We went on one of those very long car trips again and listened to this audiobook to while away the time. It was both authored and narrated by the very successful and funny Australian comic Kitty Flanagan, who has many many rules for life, some of them really hilarious! Because it’s literally a list of 488 rules, it probably works better in print than as an audiobook.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
A light read with lots of laugh out loud moments from one of Australia’s most popular comedians. This is Kitty Flanagan’s second book.

488 Rules for Life is your comprehensive rule guide to behaviour, protocol and etiquette the Kitty Flanagan way! You may even learn a thing or two as I did!

What started out as a joke on a five minute segment of a TV show and inspired by the best selling book 12 Rules for Life led to 488 Rules For Life.

You aren’t going to like all the rules but you will get a kick out of reading those that resonate with you and at the same time have a giggle!

A recommended fun read!

[Tamar...playing hooky for a few hours today · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 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+

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kitty Flanagan is a popular Australian comedienne, performer and writer who regularly appears on stage and screen. 488 Rules for Life is her tongue in cheek guide to modern etiquette, a list of rules that guarantees the world would be a better place, if only everyone would follow them.

Rule #19 - Flush. Pause. Check
Rule #26 - Cushions are not spiritual advisers
Rule #164 - Don’t serve food on planks, tiles, slabs of granite or any other building materials
Rule #222 - Gender-reveal parties are not a thing
Rule #447 - Lower your expectations, that way you will never be disappointed

And if there are any rules you don’t agree with, refer to Rule #1 - If you don’t agree with the rule, forget about it and move on.

Truthfully there are only 447 rules, so Kitty thoughtfully leaves room for you to list your own like...

#448 - Applaud performers if you’ve watched them perform, even when they are mediocre at best
#449 - Return your damn shopping trolley to the corral
#450 - Stand to one side while waiting for the lift/elevator to open, not directly in front of the doors

An amusing, easy read, sure to elicit at least the occasional nod of agreement, and likely more than one outburst of laughter, I enjoyed Kitty Flanagan’s 488 Rules for Life.

[Ryan Buckby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice light read and I really enjoy hearing anything from Kitty Flanagan is a hilarious women and it shines through during this book.

I don't think anyone should take this book seriously because Kitty does this book in a way that makes you laugh. I listened to the audiobook to this and had a great time during this book and having Kitty read it made it 10x better for me in my opinion.

Some of these rules however really did click for me and i really do think i have those rules in my life as well.

I loved this book, it's not a self help book it's just a light hearted book that shouldn't be taken seriously.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those outside Australia, Kitty Flanagan is a popular Australian comedian. I like her style of comedy - she's sharp, witty and sarcastic.

This book came about due to her appearance on a comedy show where she had a segment with "rules" on different topics. It's also a take on Peterson's 12 Rules for Life.

Flanagan's rules are on a multitude of topics: fashion, dating, eating out, shopping, sports, travelling, tattoos, TV reality shows, dinner parties, the Internet and social media etc.

Her brand of humour is on display in its full glory. I guffawed on several occasions.

488 Rules for Life was an enjoyable and amusing read that was made even better by having Flanagan herself narrate it.

[Jay Dwight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is literally a laugh out loud read. And I agree with about 75% of the rules !

You will want to read this one with someone you know nearby, so you can read them the rules that tickle your fancy, and read them the ones you know they break.

Like "Bridge Burning", Kitty throws in a surprise twist in the book - and I just broke Rule 429 telling you that !

Enjoy.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review

Quick and funny read just as I expected when I requested this book.
However, it should be consumed in smaller doses because when read all at once is not that funny.
Some rules I agree with, some not, and some I wish I thought about too.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely agreed with almost every single one of these rules! The audio was fantastic and gave me a laugh on my day back at work today.

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

As only Australian humour can depict - the lighter (and a few more serious) ideas regarding the way we should all conduct ourselves.

To use one of Kitty’s rules ...I ‘literally’ laughed-out-loud at times. It is funny and probably more enjoyable if you read in sections rather than powering through in one go (which is quite possible).

Don’t take it too seriously, enjoy the rules that make you laugh and brush past those you may disagree with but do read this book. True funny moments are difficult to achieve but this one will not disappoint.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 29/06/2023 I enjoyed this just as much, if not more than the first time around. Still manages to make me laugh out loud all these years on.

Reread 09/06/2021 Nothing like a Kitty fix to pass the time during a road trip. I am still hoping for volume 2, COVID edition.

Reread 02/02/2020: Kitty's narration of her rules bought this up to a whole new level. I'm obsessed.

Original read 27/10/19: This book made me laugh from beginning to end. Most of the 'rules' were ridiculous, but surprisingly (and unfortunately) I have been guilty of some of them. I kind of wish I had my own copy so I could whip this out at any time to chastise people. There were rules in here I didn't know I needed. Highly recommend for a light read and a pick me up.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Kitty Flanagan and I enjoy her sense of humour. This book is a good light read about basic stuff that we probably should all know already (you know , like replace the empty toilet roll!). Some are universal, others are pet peeves. And there aren’t 488, part of the joke really. There is room to add your own though.
There were some laugh out loud moments, lots of smiles but overall I was a bit disappointed. I wasn’t expecting anything deep and meaningful but more outright silly funny stuff would’ve been good. Maybe why I don’t usually read books by comedians!

[Al Bità · Rating 4 out of 5]

The range of emotions created by this book extends from fist thrown high and yelling “Yes!” out loud, right down to squirming with embarrassment as one recognises oneself as being a culprit; but essentially this is a more or less gentle reminder that most of us are pretty clueless about what the rules are… What a funny bunch we all are!

At the same time, I believe there is a serious element in all of this. We in the rich, developed countries have managed to grasp the idea of individual freedom with both hands, and consequently we are more or less sensitised to ensuring our own personal happiness in life is all important. None of us want to be judged or told what to do by anybody: that’s what “freedom” means. Ironically the personal perception that no rules made up by others are necessarily meant for us personally has lead to the phenomenon of many articles, books, podcasts, etc. on self-help designed to facilitate our new-found freedoms — they help us choose how to be different and yet be happy and content with our lives. But “being different” has its own rules, albeit often simplified ones, which are developed and issued as suggestions intended to influence our decisions and our outlook on life.

Flanagan’s big insight was that these simplified rules were simply not enough, certainly as far as she was concerned; and absolutely just not good enough to satisfy true happiness for all. She managed to find that there were literally hundreds of rules, most of which are broken daily by just about everybody. The insight was that the freedoms taken up by others, and promoted by the various media, in fact actually impinge on one’s sense of personal freedom. We need lots of extra rules just to keep these unwanted incursions on our individual freedom in check. Hence this book.

If there is a fault with Flanagan’s work it is that her extensive list is not nearly as extensive as it could be. If anything, readers should take up the cudgels in defence of our individual personal freedom and come up with many, many more rules, and that all of these should eventually be published and made readily available to all and sundry — after all, how else can other people be made aware of the outrageous liberties they claim for themselves? and how deviously and subversively they counter true freedom for everybody else, when they claim their freedom, but not mine, as absolute! The very idea is unconscionable! They need to be controlled. And the best way to do that is to have more and more rules.

All of this, of course, will take quite some time to compile, first of all, and then to upgrade and refine over decades, centuries and many lifetimes, but Flanagan’s book is a much appreciated first step. Who knows? in the end we may all become fully recognisant of the fact that all true freedoms are those which are completely circumscribed by stringent rules. In the meantime we should be humbled, but amused by anything less.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided several giggles, was easy to read and even though some didn't resonate with me, I had great fun reading it all.

For those of you who might be concerned, I wouldn't consider a thing in here to be offensive or particularly controversial with regards to religion or politics. So a safe humorous read that anyone can enjoy.

For an easy, low effort, self indulgent read; I definitely recommend this book.

[*Lee* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if you read these reviews Kitty, but I love your rules and agreed with nearly every one of them.
Thank you from the bottom of my rule-loving heart!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Australian viewers of the ABC television show The Weekly with Charlie Pickering will be familiar with comedienne Kitty Flanagan's regular segment (of the same name as this book), in which she dispensed advice to viewers on how to conduct oneself and generally not be a dick.
This book is a complilation of the subject-matter of those segments, together with a few hundred other "rules" designed to allow one to live a worthwhile life. The rules are organised into sections, including "At the Office", "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", "Relationships and Dating", "Parenting" and "Technology".
As a woman-approaching-a-certain-age, I found that I share many minor irritations and frustrations with the author. Why are so many people in today's world so self-absorbed and inconsiderate of others? It is this phenomenon that prompts many of Flanagan's rules. Like her, I have absolutely no doubt that my own view on the correct behaviour is the right one!
488 Rules for Life wasn't quite as laugh-out-loud funny as I had perhaps been expecting, but contained many astute observations and interpretations of modern behavioural norms with which we are all familiar. Many of her observations are only a single step removed from classic etiquette of the type espoused by the late, great June Dally-Watkins. Interspersed throughout, however, are gems where Flanagan diverts into examples from her own experience, or where her past mishaps lie barely concealed in the background.
A good read from a funny lady.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kitty Flanagan and like her humour. As well as that this books also taught me a great well about the social scene of the 30s and 40s of today and their use of social media as well as some of the 'in' terms. It is a real contemporary sociological primer. Kitty writes like an advertiser copy writer with short staccato sentences. There is no great build up to her gags and witticisms, which although they aren't bellow laugh material are very amusing and come thick and fast. Well worth a read.

[Jaclyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this on walks with Milo for a giggle but thinking it would have slightly more substance than it does. Kitty reads it and it has some funny moments but it is very light on. I possibly should have assumed this given the concept of the book...

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not good at finding ‘humorous books’ actually funny, but this held many laugh-out-loud (and read-out-aloud-to-anyone-that-might-listen) moments. Very few rules I objected to, and ever so many that should be enshrined in law.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5★s
488 Rules for Life: The Thankless Art of Being Correct is a non-fiction book by Australian comedian, Kitty Flanagan. This is a book born of a throwaway comment on TV program, The Weekly, about Jordan Peterson’s book, 12 Rules for Life. Flanagan says even she was surprised at how many rules she has. And here they are, organised into sections for easy perusal.

This is laugh-out-loud funny and readers should be especially warned against listening on public transport where uncontrollable giggles and guffaws might disturb other travellers. Also eating/drinking whilst reading parts of this may result in mishap, and readers with continence issues may want to take extra precautions.

Many of Flanagan’s rules will resonate with readers, although some might be a little contentious or at least thought-provoking. The narration by the author is, of course, excellent and she provides some extra content or amends/edits some rules, but anyone who has seen Flanagan on TV will have her voice running through their head when reading the print version. And the print version has the added bonus of clever illustrations by Tohby Riddle.

Personal favourites for this reviewer are:
GENERAL HUSE RULES: #2 Football jerseys are not art. Don’t frame them. And definitely don’t hang them on the wall.
THE BATHROOM: #14 Do not leave one square of toilet paper on the roll #20 No phone calls in the toilet.
THE KITCHEN: #23 Flog the dishwasher until it does the job properly.

EXERCISE GEAR: #37 Men must wear shorts over leggings. The gym is no place for people to discover whether or not you are circumcised. That’s a private discussion for another place and time.
KIDS TODAY: #87 Curb your use of the word “like”
DINING OUT: #150 Be polite to waitstaff. #154 Respect the non-drinker at the table. #155 Don’t punish the vegetarian.

ONLINE DATING RULES – FOR MEN: #196 Don’t list loving your kids as an attribute.
GENERAL PARENTING RULES: #216 Reserve the phrase “good job” for something worthwhile.
TATTOOS: #259 No butterfly or dolphin tattoos. This is because as your body sags and spreads you’ll soon find yourself sporting a dirty old moth in place of the butterfly, and where you once had a majestic dolphin leaping across your deltoid now there’s a sad, lumpy creature that looks more like a dugong.

ATTENTION, SUPERMARKET SHOPPERS: #300 Don’t be sucked in by this week’s “special buy” at Aldi. #301 Don’t collect plastic rubbish at the checkout. Supermarkets can call these things “collectables” but what they really mean is “useless bits of shit”. I can guarantee your limited edition set of miniature groceries will never appear on a future episode of Antiques Roadshow.

SOCIAL MEDIA: #329 Nobody wants to sign your change.org petition.
SPECIAL RULES FOR FOOTBALLERS: #361 Never assume a woman wants to have sex with you.
THE ZOO: #425 Birds plus a farm animal does not maketh a zoo.
THE FINAL RULE #447 Lower your expectations, that way you can never be disappointed.

Hugely entertaining.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishers.

[Meribeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks @NetGalley for an advance copy of this e-book.
#488RulesforLife The Thankless Art of Being Correct #NetGalley
This is a light and fun read by Australian comedian Kitty Flanagan of ABC TV's The Weekly. Because Kitty is a comedian, I think I expected more laugh out loud rules so on that mark, this fell a bit short for me. This is a book of lists outlining things that would make the world a better place in the format of self-help for OTHER PEOPLE. This is a short quick read and one that can be skimmed by topic of interest or picked up and put down without having to remember where you left off since each entry stands alone. For this reason, I found it more interesting to read in small doses, otherwise, I would have skimmed entire sections. At the end of the book you are invited to write your own rules. I gave this a strong 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I did agree with many of her rules and found some of them funny. Most notable for me:
At the Movies/Theater: Avoid eating noisy snacks and crinkly wrappers. No talking once previews start. Turn your phone off (not silent with the bright screen lighting up).
Shopping: Do not call anyone older than you are darling.
Do not tell someone a book or movie has a twist because they spend the whole time thinking, “I wonder if this is the twist?”

[Gretchen Bernet-Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is laugh out loud hilarious! Kitty Flanagan speaks the truth, a profound analysis of the world and those unendearing and annoying characteristics most of us have encountered at some time in our lives. Unavoidably I have experienced many of the rules-for-life Kitty has documented. As the Rules continue under categories and sealed sections, readers will see themselves, their family and their friends in most of the experiences. There are very few subjects Kitty hasn’t taken a swipe at with her lightly extended claws.

I downloaded both the ebook and audio and I much prefer the audio book because I envisaged stand-up comedian Kitty Flanagan in her TV role as smart yet ungainly Helen Tudor-Fisk. This book is particularly useful for middle-aged people so they have something to grumble about while they sit at the bus stop, nodding sagely about the decline in social standards – just kidding! It may be best if you don’t listen to the audio book on the bus as it could cause disruption to other passengers; a Rule covered under Public Transport.

My thoughts are if a person doesn’t get a laugh or at least a chuckle out of this book, they are missing the underlying message. Kitty is saying we are all in this together so please show awareness and courtesy to those around you. For example no talking in the movies. But do you think those around you will listen? Probably not, so this book comes into its own, you can have a good rant then laugh it off. Also, the illustrations are from Tohby Riddle and, unlike a car maintenance manual, Kitty's Rules are short.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hubby and I listened to this as we made our way back home from our 3 month holiday. Hubby loves Kitty’s humour and as he’s not a reader he loved the audio version read by Kitty herself. We both chuckled and nodded in agreement to most of Kitty’s ‘rules’ as many of them are just common sense however when a rule was a bit ridiculous hubby and I looked at each other rolled our eyes, and said, nope, don’t agree with that one,’ then laughed and laughed.

I have Kitty’s next rule book ready to listen to hubby and I are just finishing off listening to Richard Glover’s book.

[W.R. Gingell · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was SUCH a good choice for a palate cleanser--or for any reason, actually

read--or better still, listen to the author-read audiobook of--this and then go and watch all the three seasons of Fisk and then do yourself a favour and get Kitty's other books

i'm off to get a hardcopy of this bc i'm definitely going to want to leaf through it again

(for those who don't want bad language, there's only a smattering here, easily tiptoed past!)

[Ruby Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gold and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Highly recommended the Audible experience, as Kitty adds bonus content and puts on accents. Overall, it’s just more hilarious when she is the one reading it to you.

[Tracey Allen at Carpe Librum · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 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.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute rules to live by! The world would be a better place if everyone just listened to you Kitty. No open-plan bathrooms, no banging on about your food regime and always cutting grapes into single-person consumable bunches. Thank you! I listened to the audiobook so had the full experience of Kitty reading her excellent rules to me and I was laughing and furiously nodding in agreement with every single one of them.

Kitty if you’re reading this - we need another chapter on pandemic rules please. At least another twenty right there.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty's sense of humour is down right brilliant.
It is therefore no surprise that I absolutely loved her new book and devoured the whole thing within the first day of receiving it.
The book was filled with some brilliant rules, my favourite being 'Rule 149 Lift your chair' as that is one of my biggest pet peeves in society.
Overall, I would highly recommend giving this book a read, it's great for a laugh and makes you feel less guilty for your own rule making!