You're Grand The Irish Woman's Secret Guide to Life

by Tara Flynn

Irish Women have been around for ages - some would say almost as long as Irish Men. We've learned a lot in that time but, until now, we haven't shared it. Perhaps being shushed by priests/foreign invaders/the wind for too long has taken its toll - but our time has finally come to speak out.
Here comedian Tara Flynn shares the wisdom of the Irishwoman, and why she holds the keys to success in life and how to live it - especially the rough bits. Armed with her all-purpose 'You're grand' philosophy, there is nothing the Irishwoman can't weather (even the weather).
Need dating advice?
Ask an Irishwoman.
Need a recipe for brown bread?
We're your gals.
Worried about death?
Don't be!
Put the fun back in funeral!

Genres: Nonfiction, Ireland, Humor

315 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Robert Cubitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a parody on the "self help" book genre which is dangerously close to actually being helpful. My darling wife is Irish and after reading this I feel that I actually understand her a little better!

Grand, as Tara Flynn explains, is what Irish women say when you ask them how they are. Roughly translated it means I'm fine, could be better, mustn't grumble and even if I did it wouldn't do me any good, so I'm just Grand. The rest of the book then explains how to get that Grand feeling without others thinking that you think that you're great (as in you fancy yourself a bit) which isn't Grand. The book covers everything Grand tea making to Grand sex.

The book is very amusing in places but in some other places it rather over does the analogies.My suggestions for the cast (later in the book under the Irotica heading) is Mrs Brown as Sheela and Rowan Atkinson as Captain Legend.

I would have given this review 5*s but Tara is a bit mean about the English. After 800 years this may be justified but I thought I might as well conform to the stereotype.

A good read for the commute to work.

[Trena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a must for all Irish Women and those who wish to gain a better understanding of them . For years I thought I was just a bit eccentric, but it turns out I am genetically predisposed to just being Grand. I am not alone in my scarring and fear of PEIG. I laughed out loud reading this. It brought back happy memories of my childhood. I understood exactly what the secret guide to life is . So very Glad I got this book for Christmas . It will read many times as I am sure I have missed many hidden gems in what could be described as the Irish Woman's bible !!!

[Maria Kring · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’re Grand by Tara Flynn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

This is a satirical masterpiece that had me cackling more than once. Tara Flynn perfectly captures the wit, wisdom, and dry humour of the Irishwoman’s “you’re grand” philosophy - a way of handling absolutely anything life throws at you (even the weather).

It was so funny I had to read passages aloud to my Irish partner, who laughed just as much as I did. Having lived in Ireland for over 6 years and been part of an Irish family for nearly 8, I can safely say most of these hit the nail on the head! Pure gold!

If you’ve ever spent time in Ireland, or just have a love for Irish culture, you’ll have a brilliant time with this one. Equal parts funny, sharp, and oddly comforting - sure, you’ll be grand.

[Ally Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good laugh! As an Irish woman I found parts of this book hilariously relatable. Just remember as you are reading.... she is being sarcastic, it's grand... ^^

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, fun read. If you are Irish or of Irish heritage this explains so many things. You just want to go back to Ireland

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm choosing 3 stars for this book because it was admittedly funny. There was a lot of relatable humour for Irish women and non-Irish women alike. I'm an American 20-something who's been living in Ireland for a while now and I found a lot of the jokes relatable and enjoyed the sense of humour.

But oh my god the phrase "you're grand" was overused. I'd say if you took those words out of the book, it would be half the size. It just got overused way too quickly. I felt very much like "okay, we get it, reference the title/phrase every now and then, not in every sentence". I got maybe halfway through I was so annoyed.

[Gillian Jennings · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had great potential, but a disappointing read

[Kate Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny, very true.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very funny, hit the nail on the head more than a few times, a good read.