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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
*I received a free ARC of this novel, with thanks to the author, Harper Collins UK and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Fans of Gill Sims’ Why Mummy… series, or her highly successful Peter and Jane blog, will be familiar with the format by now, as this is Ellen’s fourth and final adventure in the world of adulting (and parenting).
Peter and Jane are now hulking teenagers, obsessed with online gaming and driving lessons, and Ellen finally has a bit of time and space to assess her life and think about her future identity once the children finally fly the nest. Uh oh!
Yes, now that the #parentingfail days are more of a memory, Ellen is looking at her personal and professional life and worrying about all of it indiscriminately. Almost ex-husband, Simon, suddenly seems to want to be involved more, there are ominous rumours of a coming merger at work, and a hot neighbour has moved in next door… but could he be a serial killer? Or missing a willy? Because some things never change, and Ellen is still prone to wild forays into her very vivid imagination at inopportune moments!
Gill Sims captured the highs and lows of parenting small children in a light, funny and eminently relatable way, and now she does the same for parenting nearly-adults and considering becoming an adult yourself. The result is a lovely, feelgood romcom that will have you alternately aawwwww-ing and giggling.
I didn’t think I could bear for this series to ever end, but Sims has achieved the impossible in bringing Ellen’s adventures to a satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader feeling replete with warm fuzzy feelings. Until one’s own Moppets notice and ruin it, of course!
I nibbled my bun and sipped my tea as the hour slowly passed. Seventeen years ago, it didn’t seem possible that I’d be sitting and waiting to hear if Jane had passed her driving test. What was I doing seventeen years ago? Apart from feeling old and thinking I was already a dried-up husk because I was the ancient and decrepit age of thirty-one, which now, with hindsight, seems utterly ridiculous. I’m forty-eight and look upon women of thirty-one as mere babies! They are but ingénues, so hopeful and young, with not the slightest idea of how much cronedom lies ahead of them, or just how much they have yet to dry up. They’re all hash-tagging madly on Instagram about things I don’t understand like ‘bulletproof coffee’ and kimchi and starting podcasts. Anyway. Seventeen years ago. Baby Music. I used to go to Baby Music on Friday mornings. Every Friday morning, sitting in a circle on a hard, cold church-hall floor, attempting to pin a furious and writhing Jane on my lap while clapping along with the other smiley-happy mummies to an irritating song about an old brass wagon.
– Gill Sims, Why Mummy’s Sloshed
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/09/why-mummys-sloshed-gill-sims/
Fans of Gill Sims’ Why Mummy… series, or her highly successful Peter and Jane blog, will be familiar with the format by now, as this is Ellen’s fourth and final adventure in the world of adulting (and parenting).
Peter and Jane are now hulking teenagers, obsessed with online gaming and driving lessons, and Ellen finally has a bit of time and space to assess her life and think about her future identity once the children finally fly the nest. Uh oh!
Yes, now that the #parentingfail days are more of a memory, Ellen is looking at her personal and professional life and worrying about all of it indiscriminately. Almost ex-husband, Simon, suddenly seems to want to be involved more, there are ominous rumours of a coming merger at work, and a hot neighbour has moved in next door… but could he be a serial killer? Or missing a willy? Because some things never change, and Ellen is still prone to wild forays into her very vivid imagination at inopportune moments!
Gill Sims captured the highs and lows of parenting small children in a light, funny and eminently relatable way, and now she does the same for parenting nearly-adults and considering becoming an adult yourself. The result is a lovely, feelgood romcom that will have you alternately aawwwww-ing and giggling.
I didn’t think I could bear for this series to ever end, but Sims has achieved the impossible in bringing Ellen’s adventures to a satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader feeling replete with warm fuzzy feelings. Until one’s own Moppets notice and ruin it, of course!
I nibbled my bun and sipped my tea as the hour slowly passed. Seventeen years ago, it didn’t seem possible that I’d be sitting and waiting to hear if Jane had passed her driving test. What was I doing seventeen years ago? Apart from feeling old and thinking I was already a dried-up husk because I was the ancient and decrepit age of thirty-one, which now, with hindsight, seems utterly ridiculous. I’m forty-eight and look upon women of thirty-one as mere babies! They are but ingénues, so hopeful and young, with not the slightest idea of how much cronedom lies ahead of them, or just how much they have yet to dry up. They’re all hash-tagging madly on Instagram about things I don’t understand like ‘bulletproof coffee’ and kimchi and starting podcasts. Anyway. Seventeen years ago. Baby Music. I used to go to Baby Music on Friday mornings. Every Friday morning, sitting in a circle on a hard, cold church-hall floor, attempting to pin a furious and writhing Jane on my lap while clapping along with the other smiley-happy mummies to an irritating song about an old brass wagon.
– Gill Sims, Why Mummy’s Sloshed
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/09/why-mummys-sloshed-gill-sims/
The is the fourth book in the Why Mummy series and whilst you could read it as a standalone I would recommend starting with the first as there are so many loveable and funny characters that are regular features. I’d like to thank NetGalley, Harper Collins and Hattie Evans for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
From reading the synopsis I knew there was going to be an element of sadness to this book as Ellen sends her eldest off to university and I wasn’t wrong. The scenes in Jane’s bedroom when all the furniture is packed brought a small lump to my throat and made me want to cherish these precious years I have with my two boys. Then the youngest woke me up at 4:30am today so that joy was very much short lived!
I am at the opposite end of the parenting scale to Ellen. My two moppets are under 5 so I actually related more to Hannah in this story. My youngest is in fact called Edward and I’m not sure if it’s in the name but my Edward definitely has the naughty, mischievous streak running through him. It was like reading a chapter from my own diary when Hannah detailed her day to day with the little monkey, except mine isn’t quite to the same extremes as book Edward.
All of the characters have developed throughout the series but Simon has had the biggest change. I found him more mature, less irritating and generally a nicer character in this book. There were plenty of sweet moments and laughter between both parents and children that gave this book a heart warming feeling.
Yet again I sat there shaking with tears of laughter and my husband had to ask if I was okay, I’d only read 4 pages at this point! Gill Sim’s writes in a way that is not only hilarious but also true and relatable which is why I have come to love her books so much. She takes every parents deepest, darkest thoughts and isn’t afraid to say them out loud! I couldn’t even reread the supermarket trolley scene to my husband without laughing and by the end I was left with a huge smile on my face.
My only request to Gill Sims is please do not stop! I want Ellen all the way through her remaining adult life until she is sat in a care home getting up to crazy antics with the other residents. For me a world without Ellen and her whole entourage is one less bit of joy in the world.
Why Mummy’s Sloshed is available now so don’t forget to buy your own copy and join in with the rest of us laughing our way through!
From reading the synopsis I knew there was going to be an element of sadness to this book as Ellen sends her eldest off to university and I wasn’t wrong. The scenes in Jane’s bedroom when all the furniture is packed brought a small lump to my throat and made me want to cherish these precious years I have with my two boys. Then the youngest woke me up at 4:30am today so that joy was very much short lived!
I am at the opposite end of the parenting scale to Ellen. My two moppets are under 5 so I actually related more to Hannah in this story. My youngest is in fact called Edward and I’m not sure if it’s in the name but my Edward definitely has the naughty, mischievous streak running through him. It was like reading a chapter from my own diary when Hannah detailed her day to day with the little monkey, except mine isn’t quite to the same extremes as book Edward.
All of the characters have developed throughout the series but Simon has had the biggest change. I found him more mature, less irritating and generally a nicer character in this book. There were plenty of sweet moments and laughter between both parents and children that gave this book a heart warming feeling.
Yet again I sat there shaking with tears of laughter and my husband had to ask if I was okay, I’d only read 4 pages at this point! Gill Sim’s writes in a way that is not only hilarious but also true and relatable which is why I have come to love her books so much. She takes every parents deepest, darkest thoughts and isn’t afraid to say them out loud! I couldn’t even reread the supermarket trolley scene to my husband without laughing and by the end I was left with a huge smile on my face.
My only request to Gill Sims is please do not stop! I want Ellen all the way through her remaining adult life until she is sat in a care home getting up to crazy antics with the other residents. For me a world without Ellen and her whole entourage is one less bit of joy in the world.
Why Mummy’s Sloshed is available now so don’t forget to buy your own copy and join in with the rest of us laughing our way through!
as someone who has read the other 3 books in this set I enjoyed how the story of Ellen and her busy family developed over new experiences and how she finds humour in the everyday disasters and keeps going as I find myself doing in my family. Well done Gill Sims I look forward to another book from you in the future.
I kind of expected a Bridget Jones style book and I was not disappointed! I could not stop laughing out loud from Ellen and her series of hilarious but unfortunate events. I was in fits of laughter with her rants about the patriarchy and her friends, the scene of Ellen looking after her best friend's kid for the day was an accurate portrayal of a two year old (I certainly don't miss growing up in a house full of kids of all ages). It was just great, this scene was my favourite part of the book. There were very few parts that I didn't like or found awkward to read, (adult toys anyone?). I do wish that there were less stereotyping for some of the characters, like the Ellen's gay friends. The rants that Ellen has to herself more than make up for it! I was fully behind her rants on the patriarchy and the societal values of a woman. Simply put, this book is a great laugh and I would highly recommend it as a gift for your mum (if she has a sense of humour and likes a laugh!)
This was an amazing end to the series and it was a huge joy to read due to the hilarious comedy and I’m only 13!
I’ve read and absolutely adored the first three books in this series and was so excited for this one. Although they are all part of the “why mummy” series they definitely work well as stand alones too so don’t let that put you off. I would say though that if you plan on reading the whole series they are better read in order to avoid potential spoilers.
This one felt wonderfully familiar and like sinking back into the crazy family antics and all the goings on you come to anticipate. As always it was laugh out loud funny, engaging and indulgent. All the books are totally believable and have elements that are relatable, familiar and I’d happily recommend them to anyone who likes a good read peppered with laughter and real life. I think this could possibly be my favourite of the four books, I genuinely laughed so much - and who doesn’t need a laugh.
I’ve read and absolutely adored the first three books in this series and was so excited for this one. Although they are all part of the “why mummy” series they definitely work well as stand alones too so don’t let that put you off. I would say though that if you plan on reading the whole series they are better read in order to avoid potential spoilers.
This one felt wonderfully familiar and like sinking back into the crazy family antics and all the goings on you come to anticipate. As always it was laugh out loud funny, engaging and indulgent. All the books are totally believable and have elements that are relatable, familiar and I’d happily recommend them to anyone who likes a good read peppered with laughter and real life. I think this could possibly be my favourite of the four books, I genuinely laughed so much - and who doesn’t need a laugh.
This one felt wonderfully familiar and like sinking back into the crazy family antics and all the goings on you come to anticipate. As always it was laugh out loud funny, engaging and indulgent. All the books are totally believable and have elements that are relatable, familiar and I’d happily recommend them to anyone who likes a good read peppered with laughter and real life. I think this could possibly be my favourite of the four books, I genuinely laughed so much - and who doesn’t need a laugh.
I’ve read and absolutely adored the first three books in this series and was so excited for this one. Although they are all part of the “why mummy” series they definitely work well as stand alones too so don’t let that put you off. I would say though that if you plan on reading the whole series they are better read in order to avoid potential spoilers.
This one felt wonderfully familiar and like sinking back into the crazy family antics and all the goings on you come to anticipate. As always it was laugh out loud funny, engaging and indulgent. All the books are totally believable and have elements that are relatable, familiar and I’d happily recommend them to anyone who likes a good read peppered with laughter and real life. I think this could possibly be my favourite of the four books, I genuinely laughed so much - and who doesn’t need a laugh.
The fourth book in the why mummy series and the usual humour was here again. Peter is taking his GCSEs and Jane is doing her a levels so they are pretty grown up now and their maturity shows through. Simon has a new younger girlfriend and Ellen is single again. At times this book felt a little unrealistic in how characters reacted to Ellen based on previous books, I know it was an attempt to show growth and in each individual character it was believable but when you take it all together it seemed unlikely. I loved the ending though and it was still very funny
"Rapunzel would have saved herself a whole lot of grief if she'd tied one end of her plait to the bed and abseiled out of that window down her own sodding hair, then given herself an adorable pixie cut at the bottom, punched the witch in the tits, told her parents to get to fuck for selling her for a cabbage, and gone off and kicked some arse in the world.'
Yet another great book in the Why Mummy series. In this book, the kids are all grown up and Jane is off to college. Peter is still Peter, consuming an incredible amount of food, producing horrific smells and constantly glued to his computer. Ellen is finding herself looking at a future where her children have moved out and certainly isn't looking forward to being left alone with the chickens who hate her, the world's ugliest dog and of course, Judgy dog. Is this really the life she wants?
If you loved the first three books, you'll love this one too. A fun read, filled with lots of laughs.
Yet another great book in the Why Mummy series. In this book, the kids are all grown up and Jane is off to college. Peter is still Peter, consuming an incredible amount of food, producing horrific smells and constantly glued to his computer. Ellen is finding herself looking at a future where her children have moved out and certainly isn't looking forward to being left alone with the chickens who hate her, the world's ugliest dog and of course, Judgy dog. Is this really the life she wants?
If you loved the first three books, you'll love this one too. A fun read, filled with lots of laughs.
I was very excited to read this book as I loved the first impression, but as I read more I just felt like this wasn't for me. I haven't read any books by Gill Sims before or any of the 'Why Mummy' series, so maybe this may be a factor as to why I didn't connect to the book.
I do think that I am not the target audience, so lots references and experiences I did not relate to. I'm sure if you are part of the target audience then these parts will be really good and relatable. Personally I thought the jokes were not funny and I could tell they were trying to be.
There were points when I had to force myself to complete the book. I didn't like how the main character moans about her children a lot. I understand all parents moan about their kids, but for me it just felt too much. Again, maybe this is because of my age and the fact I don't have children.
I understand that Gill has a huge fan base, so I am sure many of her readers will enjoy the book.
Thank you to the publishers for sending me the book. I will be sure to either give the book to a friend/family member or donate to charity.
I do think that I am not the target audience, so lots references and experiences I did not relate to. I'm sure if you are part of the target audience then these parts will be really good and relatable. Personally I thought the jokes were not funny and I could tell they were trying to be.
There were points when I had to force myself to complete the book. I didn't like how the main character moans about her children a lot. I understand all parents moan about their kids, but for me it just felt too much. Again, maybe this is because of my age and the fact I don't have children.
I understand that Gill has a huge fan base, so I am sure many of her readers will enjoy the book.
Thank you to the publishers for sending me the book. I will be sure to either give the book to a friend/family member or donate to charity.