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Caitlin Moran’s novel "How To Build A Girl" is a coming-of-age story that centers around the life of Johanna Morrigan, a working-class teenager living in Wolverhampton, England during the early 1990s. Johanna is a budding writer and a self-proclaimed intellectual who dreams of escaping her mundane life and making it big as a rock journalist in London. The novel explores themes such as class, identity, sexuality, and self-discovery, and does so with Moran’s characteristic humor and wit.At the start of the novel, Johanna is a socially awkward and insecure teenager who is desperate for validation and recognition. She is unhappy with her appearance, her family’s financial situation, and her lack of prospects. Johanna believes that the key to her success lies in her ability to reinvent herself, and she sets out to do so by adopting a new persona - Dolly Wilde, a hard-drinking, sex-obsessed, and irreverent music critic.As Dolly, Johanna begins to make a name for herself in the music industry, rubbing shoulders with rock stars and attending wild parties. However, she soon realizes that the persona she has created is unsustainable, and that she is losing touch with her true self. She also struggles with her sexuality and her relationships, including a toxic affair with a musician who ultimately betrays her.Throughout the novel, Moran skillfully depicts the complexities of Johanna’s character and the challenges she faces. Johanna is a relatable protagonist who is both endearing and frustrating. Her wit and intelligence are offset by her naivety and impulsiveness, and she often makes poor decisions that have serious consequences. However, despite her flaws, Johanna is a character that readers root for, and her journey of self-discovery is both poignant and entertaining.One of the novel’s strengths is its depiction of class and the impact it has on Johanna’s life. Johanna’s working-class background is a source of shame for her, and she is desperate to escape it. However, her attempts to do so are met with challenges and setbacks, and she is forced to confront the reality that social mobility is not as straightforward as she initially believed. The novel also explores the intersection of class and gender, particularly in the way that working-class women are often denied access to opportunities and resources that are available to their middle-class counterparts.Another notable aspect of the novel is its portrayal of sexuality and desire. Johanna’s exploration of her sexuality is a central part of her journey, and Moran does not shy away from depicting the messy, complicated, and often painful aspects of sexual awakening. Johanna’s relationships with men are complicated by power imbalances and societal expectations, and her relationship with her own body is fraught with insecurity and shame. However, the novel also celebrates female desire and agency, and Johanna’s sexual experiences are presented as a source of empowerment and liberation.Moran’s prose is lively, irreverent, and full of humor. Her writing is reminiscent of a young adult novel, but with a decidedly adult edge. She captures the voice and energy of a teenage girl without romanticizing or condescending to her. The novel is peppered with pop culture references, music trivia, and witty observations that make for an enjoyable and engaging read.In conclusion, "How To Build A Girl" is a well-crafted and entertaining coming-of-age story that tackles complex themes with humor, sensitivity, and nuance. Moran’s portrayal of Johanna as a flawed and relatable protagonist is a strength of the novel, as is her depiction of class, sexuality, and gender. The novel is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of staying true to oneself.