Because I don't know what you mean and what you don't

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Pub Date 25 May 2023 | Archive Date 25 May 2023

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Description

From a comic mastermind comes this brilliant collection of stories

Three teenagers believe they are witches.
A woman defaces a local billboard.
A bored landlord tries to influence his son's best friend.
A cul-de-sac WhatsApp group discusses eggs at length.
A heavily pregnant woman finds a way to time travel and a girl discovers joy on a stolen bicycle . . .

Each tale paints a life in miniature and offers an escape chute from the catastrophes of modern life.

From a comic mastermind comes this brilliant collection of stories

Three teenagers believe they are witches.
A woman defaces a local billboard.
A bored landlord tries to influence his son's best...


Advance Praise

‘Josie Long can really REALLY write. Read these stories NOW’
DAWN FRENCH

‘Her writing is miraculous. A dazzling debut’
JOANNA LUMLEY        

‘Josie's stories are like her comedy – beautifully observed, strange, good-hearted, unsettling and truly funny. Read them immediately’
A. L. KENNEDY        

‘I loved this short story collection. Funny, poignant, daft, and occasionally even hilariously cynical’
FRANKIE BOYLE        

‘Josie's writing is everything I love about her stand-up: sharp and smart, hilarious and incisive, infused with love for the world and the complicated people who live in it. A joy to read’
MONICA HEISEY        

‘Josie Long is my favourite comedian and when reading these stories, all the cynicism I’ve acquired gets replaced by the enthusiasm I felt the first time I saw her live’
JAMES ACASTER

‘Josie Long can really REALLY write. Read these stories NOW’
DAWN FRENCH

‘Her writing is miraculous. A dazzling debut’
JOANNA LUMLEY        

‘Josie's stories are like her comedy – beautifully observed...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781838856083
PRICE £16.99 (GBP)
PAGES 208

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 30 members


Featured Reviews

With absolutely no idea what to expect (except, perhaps, smarts and laughs). I fell headlong into this. Such an interesting collection full of huge ideas of family, parenthood, identity, child and teen hood, and inner and outer lives. Josie Long's brilliant observations that work so well in her comedy are all over this book. It's dark, it's sharp, it's energetic, and a lovely surprise.

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A beautiful, confounding collection of stories. I never knew where it was going to go next and that was a huge part of the joy. I could have stayed in each one for so much longer. Hopefully there will be some great full novels in Josie Long's future. But for now, this is a great place to start with her ability to spin a tale.

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An excellent collection of stories, because I don't know what you mean and what you don't packs a powerful punch in bitesize chunks.

The book can be read one story at a time or all at once. Many of these short stories left me wanting more and I would love to read a full-length version. Josie Long is a very talented writer and, despite one or two stories which disappointed slightly for me as they weren't as good as the rest, I'll be recommending this collection!

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Because I Don't Know What You Mean and What You Don't" is a book written by Josie Long, a British comedian, writer, and actress. The book is a collection of personal essays, reflections, and musings on a variety of topics, including mental health, politics, art, and the challenges of navigating modern life.

Long's writing is characterized by her trademark humour, wit, and vulnerability. She is unafraid to share her own struggles and insecurities, and her writing is infused with a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others.

In "Because I Don't Know What You Mean and What You Don't," Long takes on a range of topics, from the difficulties of maintaining friendships as an adult, to the joys and frustrations of being an artist in a rapidly changing world. She also addresses the impact of social media on our lives and the need for greater compassion and understanding in today's society.

Throughout the book, Long's writing is thoughtful, insightful, and deeply relatable. She writes with honesty and authenticity that is both refreshing and inspiring, and her book is a testament to the power of humour and storytelling to help us connect with ourselves and others.

Overall, "Because I Don't Know What You Mean and What You Don't" is a delightful and thought-provoking book that will appeal to anyone looking for a fresh perspective on life, love, and the challenges of being human.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

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