Survival of the Ginnest

The Survival Series #1

by Aimee Horton

A modern-day diary loaded with parenting humor
Meet Dottie Harris. She was living the self-indulgent lifestyle of every childless couple... and then she had kids.

Struggling through pregnancy and motherhood, Dottie turns to social networking. She quickly becomes reliant on it, using it as a way to reach out to others and come to terms with the funny side of motherhood, whilst realising she’s not the only person to consider anything after 7 a.m. a lie in.

Follow Dottie on her journey—made up entirely of Facebook-style updates—spanning four years of her sleep-deprived life. She bluntly shares her worries, insecurities, tears and tantrums, along with the things nobody ever tells you about motherhood!

Full of humor and honesty, Dottie's modern-day diary gives a glimpse into motherhood as she trades in her social life for the sofa and a bottle of gin, watching her children grow older while she grows less enthusiastic.

If you're looking for a funny chick lit read packed with parenting humor, or simply want to know you're not the only one having trouble parenting newborns and toddlers, this book about the ups and downs of mothering is for you!

Interview with the Author
Q. What was your inspiration to write the Survival series?
A. Mainly my friends and family! I'd bump into people and they'd comment on how my Facebook updates made them smile after a bad day with the kids. One day, while I was working on another book, I needed a bit of light relief and decided that a book in the style of social networking might be a good way of getting to know a character, both for me and people who don't have as much time to read as they'd like. Dottie turned into somebody people wanted to read more of, and the ideas of the predicaments she could get into kept coming thick and fast—especially with my own two monkeys providing material!

Q. It seems these books could fit into several genres. How would you categorize them?
A. While Dottie is a fictional character, her struggles are real. So I'd say anyone who enjoys parenting humor or parenting books in general will enjoy the Survival series. And anyone looking for parenting support to get through the baby blues and could use a laugh will enjoy these books! Also, those who enjoy funny chick lit, general humor, or women's fiction.

Q. What sets Dottie apart, and how is her story different from all the other funny chick lit books out there?
A. I think, in fact, part of what attracts people to this series is that Dottie's struggles AREN'T different from everyone else's. However, the way she tells them IS different. Survival of the Ginnest is comprised entirely of fictional social media updates that are about as honest as you can get. Dottie shares everything, even some of her not-so-fine parenting moments. The other books in the series, Survival of the Christmas Spirit and Mothers Ruined, are traditional novels but contain Dottie's unique brand of humour.

Q. What order should I read the books in?
A. Each book in the Survival series can stand alone, but like gin and tonic, they go great together! I would recommend the following order:

- Survival of the Ginnest
- Lush in Translation
- Survival of the Christmas Spirit
- Mothers Ruined

If you enjoy fun, light reads with a humorous look at parenting (and drinking gin!), you'll enjoy the Survival series. Thanks for reading!

Categories for Survival of the Ginnest
- General Humor
- Chick Lit & Women's Fiction
- Parenting & Family Humor
- Motherhood & Pregnancy Humor
- Parenting Newborns, Babies & Toddlers
- Parenting Support

For readers interested in: parenting humor, pregnancy humor, mothering humor, funny chick lit, parenting support, baby blues, parenting newborns, and parenting toddlers.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2013

About the author

Aimee is from Lincoln, England, where she enjoys drinking gin and spending time with her family (and she won't tell you which of those she prefers doing). As a child, one of her favourite parts of the summer holidays was to devour all the books in a little book shop in Devon. She continued reading at lightning speed right up until having children. She now reads with eyes propped open by match sticks.

Reviews

[Emmi]

Dnf at 21%

Really didn't like that the whole book was just Dottie's facebook status'

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really funny original way to write a story in a social media update way. I can relate so much to dottie. I have enjoyed the other books a bit more I guess because there is more dialogue to them but this was a fun read x

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...

What impressed me the most about Survival of the Ginnest was how fresh and original it felt. When Dottie Harris finds herself expecting her first baby, she begins to watch her social life wither away. Not one to accept that, Dottie finds a new way to keep everybody up-to-date with her life, she joins Facebook. The whole of this book is told via Dottie’s Facebook statuses and I loved this idea. Social media is the new way of keeping a diary – who wants to write things down in secret when you can broadcast them all over your blog, Facebook and Twitter? I wasn’t sure how well brief Facebook posts would transpire into a book but the author did a great job at developing Dottie’s character and I could really get a good picture of how her feelings were changing – when she was the most stressed she more often turned to the sanctuary of wine and gin and when she was enjoying being a mother the most, we’d see more of the funny experiences the chaos of having a child brings.

Dottie is the typical modern day mother and I thought her character was well-written and brought an accurate representation of some of the highlights and struggles many parents have. I think a lot of readers would be able to identify with Dottie and a lot of the things she experiences as a mother, from their kids’ cutest moments to the times when they’re being tested more than they even thought possible. Dottie was not afraid to share any of those moments and I loved her character – she made me laugh so many times with one-liners and the way she told her statuses. I’d much rather read Dottie’s Facebook feed than some of the drivel most people post because she’s full of character and humour and really easy to connect with. She relentlessly found herself in situations of complete chaos and what was tiresome for her, was perfect relaxing escapism for me.

There’s so much charm to this book and whether you’re a parent or not, you can really get to see how bringing up a child is such a wonderful experience day-to-day, even when they’re driving you up the wall. Being a social media diary, there are occasions when maybe a more emotional response from Dottie is lacking because people only share what they want to share on Facebook but I think that was to be expected from such a unique format. Also, Dottie turning to gin was kind of a signal for how she was feeling and I had to admit, I didn’t blame her! I found Survival of the Ginnest really quick to read, just one more status was never enough and the ending left me eager to read more from Dottie and see where motherhood would take her next. I love it when an author tries something different and through Facebook, Aimee Horton has introduced us to a character in Dottie that I can’t wait to read more from.


*Book received in exchange for an honest review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing for an honest review

I have never heard of this author before, but was anxious to read her book. As I opened it up I was quite surprised that It was all written in a span of four years on the character's Facebook page. I began to place a grin on my face. I was in for a treat . How genius to write a book this way. In the age of technology, everyone it seems has a Facebook page, so why not write a book looking at someone's life thru their Facebook page.

We begin with the lovely Dottie who is married and posting little tidbits about her life. Her life is going well till one dreadful day she discovers something about herself. She is PREGNANT ! Then the brilliant writing of the author takes us on a journey with Dottie via Facebook. Dottie describes her utter disgust of morning sickness and gaining weight. As I began to read the book, I noticed just like on Facebook how many likes she had for each post she made. Sometimes I was tempted to click on there to see who liked her post. That made me laugh as I remembered I was reading a book.

After giving birth, Dottie seems bliss for a few days, buy alas her posts begin to change. Having a baby is hard work as she soon discovers. The author takes us on a journey thru motherhood in a delightful, funny and quirky way. On many posts, Dottie refers to her child as monster as she clearly is not adjusting well to spit up, teething , temper tantrums and sleepless nights.

I was impressed that the author was able to write a book and keep readers interested by reading posts from someone's Facebook . She gives her character funny, frustrating , happy and challenging days that mons go thru . I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book that has a unique style that keeps you intrigued till till the end.

[Samantha Tonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horton really gets into the head of what it's like to be a parent of small children - the longing for a good night's sleep and a tidy house (or at least not poo everywhere!) But, more importantly, it's clear that Dottie loves her children and this is what makes her an appealing character and mother. An original format and an easy book to dip in and out of. A light read - for once the children are in bed!

[Lizzie Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast read and takes you into that baby-fog that many mothers can relate to. I would have loved to see some fictitious comments and banter added to the fictitious status updates to give it an extra edge but it's a fun light read for parents trying to get through until bedtime each day. The sneak peek into her novel, Mothers Ruined, looked like a fab story.

[Emma Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survival of the Ginnest is a fast, fun read that is ideal for tired stressed out mums who look forward to their nightly glass of wine! Written in social networking style status updates it is both refreshing and honest yet I found sometimes I was left wanting more emotion. A worthwhile weekend read.

[Sarah Brigstock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great light-hearted read... very funny, with status updates I could definitely relate to!

[Shilpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘What an unusual way to write a book’, was my first thought as I started reading it. It took me a few moments to get accustomed to read a book written entirely in the form of social media updates but as I read a few lines I got involved in Dottie’s life and was eager to read further.

Aimee Horton takes us through the life of Dottie Harris, her pregnancy and motherhood. Dottie is like any other modern day woman handling home and work. Life was going on well till she finds herself expecting her first baby. Dottie shares some cute moments as well as chaotic ones. There are moments of exasperation and moments of humor in her status updates.
The struggles of parenting and the tantrums make Dottie resort to a glass of wine or gin. She eagerly waits for her kids’ bedtime so that she can escape to her bar and relax.
Dottie’s social media diary is interesting to read and makes you want to know what happens next. Oh, I loved the Monster and the Chubster and all their antics that made Dottie run up against the wall. Most women would love and relate to Dottie and her life the way I did.

As a debut author, Aimee Horton’s unique style of writing is commendable.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is funny and light-hearted. Survival of the Ginnest is a quick read and a perfect way to relax with a glass of gin.

Full review on http://femmetime.wordpress.com/2015/0...

**** I received a free copy (eBook) from LibraryThing for an honest review.

[Vicki Lesage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious and real look at motherhood, in the style of Facebook posts -- genius! What a fun concept.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review here: https://itsjennythewren.wordpress.com...

Funny and lovely read :)

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aimee Horton is hilarious. She is a woman possessing a comedic gift. No doubt any of her books will leave you chuckling out loud on more than one occasion.

Dottie is lovable, you will be taken with her instantly. If you’re a new mom, a mom from years ago, or are curious about motherhood you will appreciate Dottie and her adventures and misadventures.

In this light read, Dottie’s social updates are both hilarious and touching. Those readers that are mothers will be able to relate to Dottie’s highs, lows as she loving navigates motherhood with full-out enthusiastic gusto.

Sleep deprived, poo riddled diapered invaded, hungry Dottie will keep you smiling and laughing with her entertaining social media updates. Horton creates an imaginative read, wish social media was available on my many late night feedings with my son, don’t know if my update could compare with Dottie’s. Fun, comedic relief sentimental read.

This book is part of a series, however, it is absolutely fine as a stand alone read.

[Aurelia Rowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I struggled a little to get into this one, with the status style updates forming the body of the story. I could definitely relate, however, and would love to see an extended version with more 'story' in-between the statuses.

For a debut author, it takes courage to try something so different and I commend Ms Horton for her originality, not to mention her dry sense of humour. Definitely one to watch out for.

Overall, a fast, fun read with moments of genius, and a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

[Zo McCulloch · Rating 2 out of 5]

took me a while to read this, in fact I nearly gave up a few times! I couldn't get to grips with the style as the entire book is told via Facebook updates. I want a story I can really get involved in and characters that I know more than can be revealed by social media. having said that, I can imagine others would love it. it really is a marmite kind of book!

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is all Facebook posts from the one character; it's a cute idea and a pretty fun story, but after awhile it get's a little annoying. Both the format and just the character's constant complaining.
(Although that last part might be because I'm always around people complaining about their kid.)