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Dawn O'Porter
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The Cows: The bold, brilliant and hilarious Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller for summer 2024 from the author of Cat Lady Kindle Edition

by Dawn O’Porter (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 19,955 ratings

*Dawn O’Porter’s brand new novel, HONEYBEE, is available to pre-order now!*

______________________________________________

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, shortlisted for best audiobook in the Specsavers National Book Awards 2018

Fearlessly frank and funny, the debut adult novel from Dawn O’Porter is the book that everybody needs to read right now.

COW [n.]

/kaʊ/

A piece of meat; born to breed; past its sell-by-date; one of the herd.

Three women. A whole world of judgement.

Tara, Cam and Stella are very different women. Yet in a society that sets the agenda, there’s something about being a woman that ties invisible bonds between us.

When one extraordinary event rockets Tara to online infamy, their three worlds collide in ways they could never imagine – and they discover that one woman’s catastrophe might just be another’s inspiration.

Through friendship and conflict, difference and likeness, they’ll learn to find their own voices.

Because sometimes it’s OK not to follow the herd.

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  1. Print length
    449 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 6, 2017
  6. File size
    1.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. I think when you’ve truly mastered the skill of enjoying your own company, happiness just comes.
    Highlighted by 551 Kindle readers
  2. The world flips and changes constantly; the best we can do is remain ourselves.
    Highlighted by 331 Kindle readers
  3. As an individual, you can change the world; why wait for someone else to try to change it for you?
    Highlighted by 310 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

‘A funny, smart, kind, incredibly truthful book about women . . . all the shame, judgement, envy and love that being alive and female entails’ Polly Vernon

‘Fierce and funny’ Bryony Gordon, DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘Smart and insightful’ RED

‘Dawn's writing is addictive – fearless, beyond feisty and seriously funny’ Mel Giedroyc

‘O’Porter’s wise and witty narrative has many thought-provoking situations and concepts. Different, poignant and smart – I loved it’ Sara Lawrence, DAILY MAIL

‘Compulsive… I can't wait for the next one’ Shappi Khorsandi

‘Feisty characters and fearless prose, THE COWS is totally addictive’ HEAT

‘Sometimes hilarious and sometimes poignant, but always rollicking and fast-paced . . . A feel-good read which will resonate with any woman’ DAILY EXPRESS

‘Entertaining and thought-provoking’ IRISH TIMES

‘A zippy and hilarious book… tackles some of the most serious issues that affect modern women today’ THE POOL

‘Fearless, frank and excruciatingly funny’ OK

‘A whirlwind of a story about three women finding their voice amid societal pressures . . . Excellent, funny, and decidedly unpatronising – as candid as Dawn’ METRO

‘An amazing book about choices and being yourself’ PRIMA

‘Funny and excruciating. You'll think about it for weeks!’ Kristen Wiig

‘I loved it. Funny, moving, twisty . . . Wow! I couldn’t stop reading it’ Jill Mansell

‘A terrifically fun read’ YOU magazine

‘Fast, fun and fearless… a warning bell about social media and the damage it can cause’ S Magazine

‘The Cows looks at motherhood and female friendship through a frank and funny prism that reminds me of the TV show Catastrophe. Smart, fresh and really readable – I loved it’ Tasmina Perry

‘Fast and funny’ WOMAN & HOME

‘We’ve had Bridget Jones now THE COWS is setting the agenda for a new generation of readers’ No 1 Magazine

About the Author

Dawn O'Porter is a broadcaster, novelist and print journalist who lives in Los Angeles with her husband Chris, cat Lilu and dog Potato. Dawn is the critically acclaimed author of Paper Aeroplanes and Goose. She is also a highly prolific Tweeter (@hotpatooties) and manages her own website www.dawnoporter.co.uk. Dawn is obsessed with vintage clothing and recently set up her own clothing label, BOB (she also has a bob…)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MFG3OFL
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 6, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 449 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008126049
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 19,955 ratings

About the author

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Dawn O'Porter

Dawn O'Porter

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DAWN O’PORTER is the Sunday Times, million-copy-bestselling author of books including; Paper Aeroplanes, Goose, The Cows, So Lucky, Life in Pieces, Cat Lady and Honeybee. A full-time writer, Dawn is also well known for her TV work, journalism, podcasting, designs for Joanie Clothing, and as the co-founder of Choose Love. After years living in LA, Dawn recently resettled in the UK with her husband Chris, her two boys Art and Valentine, and a whole menagerie of animals.

Instagram @hotpatooties

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
19,955 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an excellent holiday read that is super funny and makes them laugh out loud. Moreover, the plot features interesting twists, and customers love the characters. Additionally, they appreciate the book's encouragement, with one customer noting it provides gems about navigating adult life.

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ReadabilityHumorPlot twistsCharacter developmentEncouragement
32 customers mention "Readability"27 positive5 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as brilliant and a wonderful holiday read. One customer mentions it's particularly helpful for those with self-doubt.

"...it really is kickass...." Read more

"...I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary novel that sees women learning to take the reins of their own lives in a world of..." Read more

"...mostly from the images constructed in my mind so yeah it was a pretty good read all in all." Read more

"...you just have to pick up the book and take my word for it it's a great read" Read more

23 customers mention "Humor"22 positive1 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as super funny and entertaining, with several mentioning they laugh out loud while reading it.

"...it really is kickass. also it was super funny and had some yell out loud moments where i was laughing and shocked, it was great and i highly..." Read more

"I enjoyed the authenticity of the three main characters. The writing is realistic, the situations range from mildly uncomfortable to downright sticky..." Read more

"A few good laughs mostly from the images constructed in my mind so yeah it was a pretty good read all in all." Read more

"...in a long time I have to say it's really the first this ever made me laugh so hard and yet have great compassion for the characters in the book..." Read more

15 customers mention "Plot twists"12 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the plot twists in the book, describing them as interesting and great, with one customer noting that the ending is particularly worth it.

"...Push yourself through the annoying parts because the ending is so worth it...." Read more

"Liked meeting interesting and forward thinking women. I’m from the older generation and didn’t fit the mold. Wat to go girls." Read more

"...Chapters are short and the reading is smooth. Such good stories with great characters who I wish could be my friends. Please, Dawn, write more!" Read more

"...The plot twists were unexpected and I wanted to know how these women would resolve their lives...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"9 positive3 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one mentioning they easily identify with them.

"I enjoyed the authenticity of the three main characters...." Read more

"...the first this ever made me laugh so hard and yet have great compassion for the characters in the book first time reading Dawn but I will definitely..." Read more

"...It's true. I got annoyed with the characters too...." Read more

"...Such good stories with great characters who I wish could be my friends. Please, Dawn, write more!" Read more

6 customers mention "Encouragement"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book encouraging, with one mentioning it provides gems about navigating adult life, while another appreciates its forward-thinking approach.

"...it’s thoughtfully written and has a lot of gems about navigating adult life and encourages supporting yourself. it really is kickass...." Read more

"Inspiring, brilliantly written. How woman can empower each other rather than judge each other and make the world a better place" Read more

"...I think it’s beautifully written and very encouraging...." Read more

"Liked meeting interesting and forward thinking women. I’m from the older generation and didn’t fit the mold. Wat to go girls." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising, clever, and comforting!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I wasn’t sure what to expect when i randomly purchased this book but i’m so happy i did! it’s thoughtfully written and has a lot of gems about navigating adult life and encourages supporting yourself. it really is kickass. also it was super funny and had some yell out loud moments where i was laughing and shocked, it was great and i highly recommend it.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Joni J Mielke
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quirky, original and addictive
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed the authenticity of the three main characters. The writing is realistic, the situations range from mildly uncomfortable to downright sticky, and the human responses in an age dominated by social media. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary novel that sees women learning to take the reins of their own lives in a world of unceasing judgement and intolerance of those who deviate from the norm - the non-cows at it were.
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Playful title
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A few good laughs mostly from the images constructed in my mind so yeah it was a pretty good read all in all.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars This was such a good book I never laughed so hard and felt like crying and feeling sad at times too
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I haven't really enjoyed a book like this in a long time I have to say it's really the first this ever made me laugh so hard and yet have great compassion for the characters in the book first time reading Dawn but I will definitely read her again I don't like to say too much about the story because you just have to pick up the book and take my word for it it's a great read
    2 people found this helpful
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  • susan crane
    4.0 out of 5 stars Worth Reading
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A pleasure to read, as is anything by Dawn O’Porter. I wouldn’t call it great literature and can proselytize a bit, but still a pleasure and good fun.
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  • Erica H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I don't often leave reviews but the one star reviews on this book are annoying me so here I am. It's true. I got annoyed with the characters too. But when I asked myself why I was annoyed I realized it was because they were three flawed women - realistic. At one point or another I find each of them insufferable, but then I love them all again. Then I worry that the author will pit them against each other, but it’s actually very girl power. Push yourself through the annoying parts because the ending is so worth it. (Also, I read a lot of trashy romance novels so I wasn't put off by the sexier stuff in this book. Some people might be uncomfortable. But again, it's worth it to push through the discomfort.)
    26 people found this helpful
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  • kathia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Funny, bold and really easy to read. It does make you wonder about your preconceptions and about how judgy we are as a society.
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  • Nardi
    2.0 out of 5 stars Strong start, weak finish
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book has an interesting format - three women in the first person voice taking turns telling their intertwined stories. However, the last third of the book was very disappointing. It went from a provocative plot line to a very predictable romance novel ending. So it is either a slightly better than average romance novel with a modern feminist twist or a mediocre novel that doesn’t live up to its early promise. The male characters are pretty flat. If you like romance novels (which I don’t) you may enjoy reading this. Otherwise, there are better books out there if your reading time is limited. The writing itself is pretty good.
    12 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Lee Osborne
    5.0 out of 5 stars nor did I love the characters
    Reviewed in Australia on May 30, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have rated this book a five star because it probably deserves it. It was very well written and her character portrayal was very well done. Having said that I found the content extremely confronting - perhaps that is the desired effect. I certainly did not laugh hilariously, nor did I love the characters. I guess confronting the fact that women now feel that their feminism also requires them to behave as though they have absolutely no sexual constraints doesn't sit well with me. I have quite a large circle of friends and I can honestly say that through frank discussion, none of us feel like walking up to a guy in a bar purely with the intent for sexual gratification. Sorry ladies, but if this is feminism - count me out! I found Dawn's characters to be singularly selfish and self-absorbed without care for consequences or who they hurt by their actions - parents, children. Okay ladies, be free, accept no limits to your capabilities, but sleeping around as the desire arises - no I can't see how that helps women be treated as equal, intelligent, worthwhile human beings who can be respected and indeed be potential leaders in our world.
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  • Lovedreadingthis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Following the lives of 3 women, living their lives…as women. Shining a light on the everyday sexism women experience, the comments and opinions about private matters that become public fodder because they concern women. The book really successfully highlights these issues – often small, often unnoticed, so much so that at times I stopped and thought, ‘yeah, that happened to me.’ And all that before the extraordinary event that happens to Tara and drives the book, linking the characters and telling their stories.
    The event is shocking, but I was so impressed in how the author detailed the aftermath and the character of Tara, finding strength from Cam in understanding that what had happened wasn’t that bad and certainly did not justify the reaction it evoked, although I am in doubt the event was depicted as an accurate reflection of what would happen in such a situation. Intrigued – I hope so!
    This isn’t a book necessarily about women being united and ideals associated with that perspective, but rather about all women living their lives and trying to find their own paths. And in doing so not always treating other women well. It is about the experience of being a woman and the expectation placed on this role by society at large. As the blurb indicates – the pressure to reproduce and the opinions and judgement attached to that – if, how and when women choose to have children. But also the pressure on women to only reveal their best self, hiding other parts for the comfort of others.
    Written from the perspectives of 3 different women, all in the first person this serves to cover a ‘spectrum of femaleness’ in terms of experiences and emotions, relationships with men, family, friends and others. They have unique stories, very different from each other, although their paths do cross. This was an engaging read, a page turner that I struggled to put down.
    I knew I wanted to read this but was surprised how much I loved it as an entertaining piece of fiction about being a woman.
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  • Wendy Carriere
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on September 9, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was an entertaining read!
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  • Midgebear
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's all about the ISM
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    To be entirely honest there are things about this book that I really dislike intently. However, they are not things that the author has written or dreamt up they are the realities of the world around us. Mainly the monster that is Social Media and the way it shapes our daily interactions without us really realising it, the way it isolates and vilifies, the encouragement it gives bullies by virtue of the anonymity of it all. The other thing I cannot abide is Feminism and, ultimately, much of the book is a treatise on feminism - so divisive, we are all human and it doesn't matter if we have an inny or an outty we are all deserving of the same basic levels of respect and care as each other. The feminism displayed in this book is of the oft-peddled 1960's and 1970's kind that appears to speak to women being somehow superior and it drives me batty.

    So why the 4-Stars?

    Quite simply I really enjoyed the book.

    I don't get the laugh out loud humour touted in the blurb though; I struggled to raise a wry smile most of the time. What I did like was the individual voices of the three main characters and their struggles were well told and felt eminently believable for a modern world; even if I did not entirely agree with their actions many times. It is very much a cautionary tale though, or that could be my inherent cynicism poking through.

    The plot is secondary to character development and this works very well here. In fact, you can almost feel the script for a 3 part Saturday Night Drama or a butchered 90 minute chick flick. The characters are disparate and somehow the author has given each an individual voice - something that is to be applauded as often the author takes over and it is their voice that colours everything.

    Cam is a darling of Social Media, in at the start she makes her living from blogging and does so very well. She is the link to the other characters as they both visit her blog and through it interact with her. To be honest her blog is something I would avoid, I have to agree with Stella that it is all a little bit "look how happy I am. Look how perfect my life is"; in other words all a little bit fake with something controversial thrown in to boost the ratings. Stella has simply never recovered from the loss of her mother and her twin sister and is in a downward spiral of grief and anguish that leads her to behave in quite unexpected ways (the rationalisation for her actions is actually well thought through and her descent to an emotional hell is well plotted and described). Tara is in the wrong place, at the wrong time and doing the wrong thing and this throws her life, and the lives of her family, in to complete disorder as she is tried in the Court Of Public Opinion and found Guilty (admittedly what she did is rather unbelievable but it could have been so much worse).

    It was a surprisingly intelligent book about modern society and the assumptions we make about others but hate them making about us. I was expecting this to be far more trite and formulaic and was quite pleasantly surprised - so much so I may even be eagerly awaiting a new novel from Ms O'Porter.
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  • Rocky
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good writing on humiliation, desperation and hope
    Reviewed in Australia on September 4, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading all the girls' stories and how each has their own view and takes on the world and the different motivation they have to continue the things they do and what they want to do. Forgive also shines on the story that no matter how horrible a person's motives are, if we keep an open mind we can always fin there are rooms for forgiveness to give and to take.
    Report

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