Review: The Cows by Dawn O’Porter
This month I was sent the third book in the Mumsnet Book Club, the debut adult novel from Dawn O’Porter – The Cows. Dawn O’Porter is a novelist, columnist and broadcaster who lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their sons. I have always admired her straight talking attitude, her refusal to confirm to the taboos within our society, and her openness on subjects that, as women, should be shared more freely. For that reason, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!
The Cows is a story of three woman ~ Tara, Camilla and Stella. All are very different, living very different lives, with different stories to tell, and yet they share one common bond – they are all striving to succeed in a society that sets the agenda, where the invisible ties of womanhood bond even the most unlikely of characters.
Camilla is a strong character; working as a successful blogger she outwardly appears to be oozing in confidence, striving to prove to the world that the stereotypical view of women is wrong. Away from the shield of her blog it seems she has forgotten how to interact with others, preferring her own company and the life she has paved for herself on-line.
‘It became my life; it became my addiction. The Internet is the love of my life, because it allows me to be who I want to be’
Childless and single, with no desire to change that, Cam is a character who I relate to on so many levels and yet still find so alien in others. As a married Mum of five I cannot relate to her choice not to have a family, although I completely respect that, and yet as a blogger I completely relate to how blogging has given her a voice.
Tara is a single mother of one; she is tough, determined, ambitious, and refuses to bow down to the stereotypical view of women working in the male dominated world of media. Tara is hugely likeable, completely endearing, and I admire her dedication to making the best life possible for herself and her young daughter, whilst still searching for a partner to share it with. And, as the plot unfolded, she had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion!
“Wait, you clean my dildo?’ I ask, slowly. “Every week, I clean it with the polish.’ ‘With furniture polish?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Jesus.’ Sophie got me the dldo for my birthday present three years ago. I have never used it. No matter how little sex I get, I’ve never been able to get turned on by a piece of rubber. And thank God; I’d probably have died of toxic poisoning by now with half a gallon of Mr Sheen being wedged up my vagina.’
Stella is a complex character; still reeling from the loss of her twin sister, and their Mum just a few years earlier, she is desperate to have a family of her own before the ticking time bomb inside her explodes. Through Stella we see the lengths some women will go to in order to achieve their dreams, the sad truth that in todays world we can fail to notice those who are literally crying out for help, and learn how grief can change a person beyond recognition, something that I can relate to on so many levels.
Through one extraordinary event, during a moment of frivolity and wine fuelled madness, Tara rockets to online infamy and their three worlds collide in ways they could never imagine.
‘The world flips and changes constantly; the best we can do is remain ourselves’
The plot had me cringing one minute and wiping away tears the next, both laughing out loud and nodding along, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. With every turn of a page the suspense heightened to a full crescendo which, although a little far fetched in places, really finished the book with a bang! Quite literally actually……
I love a book that makes me feel something, that gets me thinking, and leaves me feeling inspired, and The Cows did exactly that. Through a hilarious, frank and thought provoking narrative, I came away feeling proud to be a woman and completely understanding the tag line of the novel…..
Don’t follow the herd
You can buy The Cows here on Amazon for £4.00
I love Dawn O’Porter and I actually have this on my amazon wish list to read. It sounds like a book I would love and I love the tag line, that is definitely true in our world x
Oh you’ll love it Laura and I especially loved reading about Cam and her life as a blogger, there’s so much you would relate to! xx
I love hilarious books and especially books that stay with the readers long after finishing. I’m going to have to check this out. I’m getting low on books and I read daily.
It’s a great book Terri, I read it all in one day! xx
Never heard before about this writer but I’m very curious now! From your description I might tell that my fav one will be Tara but I should read it first!
Yes Taty! Tara was by far my favourite of the three, she is such a relatable character, even when her life goes a little crazy! xx
I’ve never heard of this author but the book sounds so funny! It’s nice to see books with portrayals of modern women with all different types of jobs and family units.
Yes I love that it really challenges modern stereotypes! xx
Oh gosh this sounds like an interesting read, with some real belly laughs included throughout! I may just have to try and pick it up!
It’s fab Sarah! Both funny and sentimental, and really quite inspirational! xx
That sounds like a great book. I’ve been on the hunt for a good page turner so will add this to my kindle to read next!
It’s definitely worth a read, I love Dawn O’Porter and it didn’t let me down! xx
I can’t say that I have heard of this Author but this book is going on my reading list. It sounds hilarious. Thank you for the review.
It’s a great book Laura, there are some real laugh out loud moments but also some really sad and quite sentimental ones too! xx
This sounds fantastic your review was so well written and it has me gripped already. I’m just about to go and buy it actually because it sounds right up my street and I need a new book!
I’ve never heard of this book or author but I’ intrigued. I love books when at the beach or on the road that are easy reads and make me laugh. This sounds like it fits the bill.
This definitely sounds like a book that I’d like. I don’t have much time to read these days, but when I do, I’m going to check this out!
Oh my goodness, that totally cracked me up! The dildo and the furniture polish… oh my goodness. Sounds like a great fun read, maybe perfect for the beach!
Yay for one of the main characters being a “working as a successful blogger”! Great in-depth book review and how strange that you connected with one character who was so different from you. Thanks for sharing.
Yes I loved that! It’s great to see blogging recognised in modern literature like that! xx
I need to download this, it sounds my sort of book!! I always think I should broaden my horizons but chick lit and crime are about my limit!! X
I love chick lit and crime, you can’t go wrong! xx
I love Dawn O’Porter’s straight talking ways so I’m intrigued to read her first novel – £4.00 is a bargain too!
It really is a bargain and I definitely recommend it! xx
I have never heard of this author before but I am a bit of a book worm and it sounds like something I’d defiantly ready
I think any woman would really enjoy it, it certainly left me thinking! xx
I’ve not come across this author or book, but I’m going to give it a read as your review sounds like I would love it
Oh fab! I hope you enjoy it! xx
Oh this is on my wishlist- you’ve convinced me to order it next!
Oh fab! I hope you enjoy it! xx
This sounds completely like my type of book. I love Dawn O porter too!
She’s fab isn’t she!! It didn’t disappoint! xx
I’m going to have to give this book a go it sounds entirely up my street! This line interested me – “Stella is a complex character; still reeling from the loss of her twin sister, and their Mum just a few years earlier” as my mum lost her own mum some years ago and then lost her twin sister, named Stella, years later. A sign I should give it a read perhaps xx
Oh gosh I’m sorry to hear that but how eerily close to home for you! I think it’s definitely a sign! xx
I need some books to read on my travels. Always looking for inspiration. Thanks.
Oh I hope you like this one! xx
Sounds like a pretty interesting book and one that definitely understands what a woman goes through. I love that it’s a story of three different women! I’m sure it’s engaging and fun to read!
I love that it follows three women, it really holds your attention more when there are such strong characters! xx
Sounds like a very interesting book. I’ve been on the lookout for a new book to read. I haven’t been able to read much, and I want to get back to reading again.
It’s such a great book, I think you’d really enjoy it! xx
I love reading books that make you think and ones that you can relate to as well. This book sounds awesome and I bet I won’t be able to put it down until I finish reading the entire thing.
Yes! I read it all in one go! xx
sounds like I can identify with elements of all three of those characters I will pop this on my summer reading list
Yes I love that, I think we can all see parts of ourselves in all three women. xx
I’ve not seen this book anywhere before but it sounds really great. The Mumsnet book club is bringing out some cracking book reviews!
Yes I’ve genuinely loved every one of them so far! xx
This sounds right up my street, although I already have 2 books I need to read atm, but still, will have to add this one to the list also!
I’m sure you will love it Lucie! xx
Wow! The quotes alone have got me hooked! Thanks for the review, can’t wait to check it out xx
Oh I’m sure you will love it! xx
I’ve never heard of this book but it seems like a fantastic read. Just the excerpts made me laugh hysterically!
It’s a great book and has received amazing reviews! xx
Oh this does sound like a fun read – I must make more time to relax with a good book!
Oh I love Dawn O Porter, she is so funny. I cannot wait to read this, I love she is writing now too! 🙂
me too! I can’t wait for her next book! xx
This book looks like something I would definitely like to read. I love to read about strong women characters.
Me too! And we can all relate to at least one of the women I think! xx
Oh! Wow! This is fascinating! I must have a read of this. Thanks for the recommendation Laura. x
I’m sure you’ll love it Su! xx
I absolutely love to read, but I have never heard of this series! It looks like a good one, and I love books that make me laugh out loud!
Yes me too! It was so funny in parts! xx
I like this book. This is my first time to hear about it but it seems worth of reading. Thank you for sharing this.
Its a great book, I recommend it! xx
I have never heard or seen this book. The Cows seems like a fun read this Easter weekend. I’ll look it up in our local bookstore.
It’s great, I really enjoyed it! xx
I really like Dawn O Porter, she is so refreshing and honest.Sounds like a great book
yes! And that’s exactly what the book was too! xx
Oh this book sounds right up my street, that’s definitely going on my amazon wish list. I love dawn as well x
It’s fab Rhian, she is amazing isn’t she?! xx
I had never heard of this author and book but i will check it out. I love it when a book takes you through so many emotions! and when you can put it down!
Yes! I read it all in one day! xx
Interesting! You seem to have so much fun with this book and I can sense it to your review. Great share – I would love to have a copy of this.
Thank you, it was a fab book! xx
Love the way you have reviewed this book sounds like such an interesting read x
Thanks Melanie! I loved it! xx
This seems like a good reading. I’ll advise my wife too! She loves reading as well and I believe this is the kind of books she enjoys.
I’m sure she would love it! xx
Ha! The excerpt about the dildo had me chuckling. Toxic poisoning, indeed! It soulds like the book does a good job of exploring the basic circumstances that connect us as women.
Yes! Its hilariously funny in parts! xx
Wow! This book is indeed different and yes, these subjects are taboos, especially in our country. But I dunno, I don’t think I am ready for them either haha I’m a prude!
Haha it’s quite shocking in places but the recurring themes are ones we can all relate to. xx
I love the sound of this book! I do like Dawn O Porter, she is so refreshing! Will definitely add this to my list! Sim x
Yes! And that’s exactly how I would describe the book too! xx
I haven’t heard of this book before but I will add it to my to-read list. All of the books I’ve read recently have been quite serious, so it would be nice to have a more humorous one.
It’s great Rachel, I loved that it took you through a whole range of emotions! xx
Hm,this book definitely sounds interesting and a little risque! Haha, I may have to check it out sometime…
Haha yes it is but in a really good way, not at all in a sexually exploitative way! xx
I’ve never heard of this author before, but I am trying to get into reading every day as a life change. I will have to add this book to my summer must-read list!
Oh yes you should try it, it’s a fun read! xx
OMG This sounds interesting. I definitely want to read it. Never heard of it before.
It’s a great read, I recommend it! xx
Oh I love Dawn! I have seen a picture of this book but had no idea what it was about. This definitely sounds like a book I would read.
It’s fab Amy, you’ll love it I’m sure! xx
I really love Dawn O’Porter so it’s great to read this review, this is being added to my holiday reading llist, thank you for the inspiration.
Ah fab! I hope you enjoy it! xx
I love unique books that have strong female storylines. Looks like I will definitely have to check this out! 🙂
Me too! And these three are all incredible women in their own way! xx
This sounds like such an interesting book. I haven’t heard of the author before x
oh she is fab Jenni and I didn’t expect anything less from her! xx
I love Dawn O’Porter – and this sounds like a great read. That Mr Sheen line cracked me up! 😀 #KCACOLS
Haha me too, I was howling! xx
I’m very much intrigued by its tagline and stories about 3 women. Adding it to my reading list!
Its a fab book Ana, the tagline rings so true! xx
Ive never heard of this but love Dawn so will definitely check it out!
She’s fab, this didn’t disappoint! xx
I have never read any of her books but your synopsis makes me want to go and find this one right now. Camilla sounds like many bloggers I know 🙂
Yes! I think as bloggers it’s great to see a character such as Cam! xx
Oh I loved this book too! One minute I was cringing and the next I was howling with laughter. It was such a brilliant read 🙂
It’s fab isn’t it! But yes, the cringing was definitely a common theme! xx
I was looking for a good book to read, possibly written by an author i don’t know. This one looks a good idea! Thank you!
That’s great! I hope you like it! xx
I’ll have to add this to my reading list as it sounds like a book I’ll enjoy.
Its a fab book! I hope you enjoy it! xx
Im so keen to check this book out, I’d love to get in to reading a bit more, this sounds like my kind of book
It’s a fab book Amelia, a real mix of characters too! xx
It really does sound like such an interesting story. I am not sure it’s my kind of story but I know a few women at the library who might be interested in this kind of a story. The characters do sound interesting and believable.
Yes I think it’s definitely one that women will relate to more given the themes! xx
I have never heard of this book but I am always up for a new read!
It’s a great read Komal! xx
It really odes sound like a fun read – I need to buy myself something like this for our holiday! Thanks for sharing.
Oh I think you’d really enjoy it Su! xx
I haven’t seen this one before, it sounds like a really interesting read. I will have to add it to my TBR list!
It’s fab! I think any woman would really enjoy it! xx
i actually read a review of this a few days ago and it sounded right up my street so I’ve already ordered it from Amazon. I can’t wait to try it out x
Oh that’s great! Hope you enjoy it! xx
I love how you have shared certain parts of the book in your review, now I feel like I need to get the book to find out more about these three ladies.
It was a great book, I recommend it! xx
Sounds like a great book. Have added it to my reading list 🙂
Oh fab! Hope you enjoy it! xx
You have definitely peaked my interest about this book. We are complex characters, and we should be more open about what makes us women. This book sounds like it explores these issues
It really does Zena. It’s so refreshing to read, I laughed and nodded my way through it! xx
I love a book that makes you laugh but also tugs at your heartstrings. It’s cool you could relate to her in some ways, I think I would too – with the blogger part! I’ll add this to my list of books to read. x
I loved that one of the main characters is a blogger, it was really interesting to read! xx
I love reading your book reviews – this sounds really good. I love a good book that you can’t put down. I will check this one out.
Thanks lovely! It’s a fab book! I’ve loved every one of them so far this year! xx
oh I absolutely love her! I did not know that she wrote such a book. Will have to check this out
Oh you will love it then!! xx
You are great at doing book reviews, you made me want to read it! I love dawn porters documentaries too
Ahh thank you Stephanie! I’m really enjoying the book club! xx
I really like Dawn O’Porter, but I had no idea she’d written a book! I’m so tempted to buy it now after reading your review, it sounds like a really good read! x #KCACOLS
It’s fab Madeline! It’s everything you would expect from Dawn! xx
This sounds really good, I’ve never heard of this author but think I’ll be checking this book out. I’m on a mission to read more this year so I’ll be adding this to my reading list xx
She is fab Wendy, I knew it would be a good read! xx
This looks like the perfect by the pool book for on holiday, we go away in a few weeks so I’ll have to pick it up!!
Yes it would be the perfect book for a holiday! xx
Oooo this sounds really interesting, I love that characters in books etc are now bloggers without it being seen as a strange or geeky thing to do. I’m going to put this book on my wishlist
Yes me too! It’s fab they have become part of mainstream literature! xx
Great review, interesting characters. I wish I could find time to read again, but the books are just keep on piling up on my nightstand 🙁
Ahh its so hard to find the time isn’t it?! xx
I’ve not heard of this book before, but it does sound brilliant. I’m actually looking for a new novel to read… so this could be it!
Oh I hope you enjoy it! xx
Sounds like a really interesting read! I also really love when books keep me thinking. Might have to check this one out!
It was great Kim, I really enjoyed it! xx
I hadn’t heard of this title or author before, but it definitely sounds like an interesting read. I’m gonna check it out. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a great read, I couldn’t wait to read more! xx
I have never heard of this book but it sounds amazing! I will be sure to add to my summer reads!
Its the perfect summer holiday read! xx
This sounds like a great read. I quite like Dawn so I’m looking forward to picking this one up.
Oh, I’m trudging through my current book (at page 50) and really not liking it. I may have to ditch it for this one! I’ve recently rekindled my love of reading actual books! #kcacols
This is fab Carol, such an easy read and a real rollercoaster of emotions! xx
Always order a book on my birthday so this one will be on a wish list. Thanks for giving such an honest review, I think I have to order it before my birthday!!!
Ahh what a lovely idea! It’s a fab book! xx
Sounds interesting! Not sure it would be one to pass on to my mum after I’d read it though…
Hahah I just lent it to my mum to read, I think she will secretly enjoy it! xx
Oh wow this sounds an amazing book. I think I can probably relate to elements of all the characters. Next time I am after a holiday read I think I will give this one ago. Im all about not following the herd so this could be right up my street xx
Yes! I think it’s such an important message and one we can all relate to! xx
Ooooh! I’m not much of a reader but you’ve totally sold me on this.
#KCACOLS
It’s fab Cassie! I think you’ll love it! xx
The book sounds good, I like that the charcters sound so different to each other.
#KCACOLS
It’s fab Ali! I really identified with all three on some level! xx
This book sounds right up my street! Off I go to Amazon to order it! x
Oh you’ll love it Siobhan! It’s fab! xx
I’ve seen this book all over my Instagram feed and really want to read it. Perhaps when the kids go back to school next week..Great review! #KCACOLS
Thanks Abi, I am sure you will enjoy it! xx
I always love reading books that narrate different storylines as this book did, plus each character has a complexity in their lives that makes them seem so interesting! Thank you for this review, I’m going to add this to my amazon book list to make sure I order it!
Oh you will love it! It’s fab! xx
I’m amazed you find the time to read these books, let alone write such in depth reviews! Hats off to you – I’ve been reading Jojo Moyes ‘Still Me’ for over a month & am still at the beginning! #KCACOLS
Thanks for submitting such an excellent review.