By Remy Raitt
As the title of the book suggests, both the columns and the responses they have provoked from readers often deal with naughty or taboo subjects. From relationships and a myriad of sexual subjects to human emotion and wacky experiences, Nick’s columns, which she has written for Sunday Times Life & Style since 2010, are known for probing and poking fun.
Each week the writer receives responses to her saucy stories, and now fans are given a chance to peep into her mailbox. From confessional letters, to revelations and advice, Nick has received some side-splitting and sometimes horrifying responses to her work. Expect ballsy and sometimes cringe-worthy correspondence; from quick comments to long life stories, Nick really does have an armory of off-beat readers.
A terrific book for snippets of reading. Pens Behaving Badly will have you laughing and marvelling at the bizarre human condition. Nick’s punchy writing and ability to find stories in unlikely places has had readers giggling for years, and now that the spotlight has been shared with them expect more snorts and guffaws.
As a big fan of Nick’s for many years, rereading some of her columns for a second time, induced as much laughter and entertainment as they did the first. The chance to read some of the responses the author has been sent was the real kicker for me, as it just shows how varied her audience really is. This is a great book to read snatches from when you need a little pick-me-up. A real South African comedic gem.
Pens Behaving Badly is published at Kwela Books and is available for purchase online.
For more information, visit www.amillionmilesfromnormal.com. Alternatively connect with Nick on Facebook or on Twitter.