“I Know Every Word To Clueless”: Louise O’Neill Shares Her Pop Culture Faves

Author Louise is this year’s Irish ambassador for the Always #LikeAGirl campaign. Her books Asking For It and Only Ever Yours are out now

What’s the last book you read that made an impression on you?
Why I’m no longer talking about race to White People by Reni Eddo-Lodge. The title might seem provocative but it’s becoming increasingly obvious that it needs to be. This book is incendiary, important, and should be mandatory reading for everyone, white people in particular.

And what’s the one you could read over and over again?
I rarely re-read books because my to-be-read pile is so horrifyingly large that tackling it is my first priority. I do re-read poetry though, particularly Ariel by Sylvia Plath.

Best gig you’ve ever attended?
I went to Open’er festival in Poland for my friend’s 21^st and it was one of the messiest, most ridiculous, and hilarious experiences of my life. I still can’t believe we all managed to escape relatively unscathed.

First gig you ever attended?
I think it could have been The Corrs playing in Bantry in 1996. So many of my teenage problems were related to the fact that I didn’t resemble a Corr sister.

What was the first tape or CD you ever bought?
Either Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill or No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom. Excellent choices for the burgeoning feminist, wouldn’t you agree?

What’s your favourite type of food?
Eggs. Particularly poached on brown bread with smashed avocados. I do love the avocados which is why I’m going to die penniless, apparently. But sure, I’ll die happy!

…and your death row meal?
Christmas dinner with my family. Wonderful conversation and so much love and my mother’s broccoli and cauliflower in cheese sauce. My idea of heaven.

What’s your most treasured possession?
I’m very attached to my laptop. I should probably buy a new one but I have written four novels on it and I am superstitious about it now.

Last series you binge watched?
Glow, on Netflix. Angela Scanlon made me watch it and I LOVED it. Funny, inspiring, a wonderful, diverse cast of women. More of this, please.

What show could you watch repeatedly?
I adore Crazy Ex Girlfriend. It is smart, weird, and feminist, which is how I would like my friends to describe me.

Is there a movie you know off by heart?
I know every word to Clueless, start to finish.

What is your karaoke song?
One Hand in my Pocket by Alanis or Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps by Doris Day.  I have an extremely limited vocal range and these songs suit me.

Do you have a favourite musical?
The Sound of Music. It deserves a re-watch in 2017. Tl;dr Nazis are BAD

What’s your most used app?
It used to be Twitter but I prefer Instagram these days. It’s less toxic and takes up less time.

…and most visited website?
LaineyGossip. She gives such an intelligent analysis of celebrity gossip, always filtering it through a feminist lens.

What piece of technology would you be lost without?
My phone. I am addicted to it.

When it comes to your work, what are you most proud of?
I’m currently the Irish ambassador for the Always #LikeAGirl campaign which looks to educate, inspire and build confidence in young women and encouraging them to embrace failure as part of learning. I’m also proud of my work ethic. I work seven days a week and I haven’t taken a proper holiday in over two and a half years. The harder you work, the luckier you become.

This article first appeared in the November issue of STELLAR Magazine. Our December issue is on shelves now.