Jo Brand Knihy

Ospalé anglické přímořské letovisko Hastings v sedmdesátých letech dvacátého století – pro úžasný život, ve kterém se pořád něco děje, spíš nic moc. Žijí tam ovšem Rachel a Susan, začínají dospívat a pomalu si uvědomují, že pro boj s nepřítelem je důležité být v přesile, takže drží pevně spolu. Právě díky kamarádství zvládají nejrůznější prekérní situace i to, že je rodiče občas zaboha nechtějí nechat na pokoji, šikanu ve škole, gumové brambůrky a teplé pivo na mejdanu, úžasné a slibné kytarové talenty, sjeté hipíky, pánskou společnost, mizerné místní kapely, první polibky, pochybnosti o vlastním vzhledu a nešikovné pokusy o to, jak se co nejlépe obléct, i první milostná zklamání. Pak se v jejich životě objeví Dave, hvězda a kluk, o kterého by správně neměly ani zavadit, tak má špatnou pověst, jenže se na něj holky přímo lepí. Susan i Rachel pak zčista jasna zjistí, že sex, drogy a rokenrol nejsou pokaždé přesně to, co si vysnily, protože Anglií právě otřásá nová punková muzika a všechno je najednou jinak. Ke komu se která z nich přikloní – k pankáčům nebo ke skinheadům? A jak si s jejich vzdorem dokážou poradit zoufalí rodiče?

Why do good things cut the mustard? Who was the real Real McCoy? And why are false sentiments called crocodile tears? In this engaging exploration of language, Susie Dent draws from her popular television segment to address these intriguing questions and more. With her characteristic charm and erudition, Dent delves into 101 captivating inquiries about the English language, covering word origins, spelling, grammar, and usage. She examines the ancient roots of "tragedy," which originally meant "goat song" in Greek, alongside modern terms like "donk" from the Blackout Crew's song. The book is filled with captivating stories, such as the origin of "bankrupt," derived from the Italian "banca rotta," meaning "broken bench." This term traces back to the sixteenth century when money lenders operated outdoors on benches, leading to the modern concept of a "bank." Additionally, Dent recounts the origin of "white elephant," referring to a burdensome possession, which dates back to ancient Siam. There, rare white elephants were given to kings but could not be used for labor or riding, often becoming unwanted gifts to disfavored courtiers. Sparkling with linguistic insight, this delightful compendium is a must-read for anyone captivated by the quirks of language.

Billy is a lad. He's a laugh, he's loud, he behaves badly and Sarah is besotted with him. But after another `accident` involving Billy's temper, Sarah's face and a night in the A&E, Sarah's friends Martha and Flower decide that it's time to take action. What should they do? Reason with him? Send him to anger management classes? Hire a hit man? Martha and Flower have problems of their own: Martha is seven months pregnant by one of three possible blokes (she did this mainly to wind up her sanctimonious vicar father); and hippie Flower's career as a stand-up comic is more sit-down after some nasty encounters with south London's finest hecklers. Will Martha survive single-motherhood on a council estate in need of a peace-keeping force? Will Flower find the perfect put-down? And will they sort out Billy before he gets to them first...? Jo Brand tells it like it is in her darkly comic and sharply observed debut novel.

The new hilarious, poignant and darkly comic novel by the Queen of Comedy