Out of the Box: Raw and hilarious tales of heartache, triumph and truth

by Isabelle Silbery

Three women, three voices, three the Silbery family share their most personal memories and lessons learned. You know them as Isabelle, Kerry and Emmie Silbery from Foxtel and Channel 10 series Gogglebox, in which they give their thoughts on the week's TV highlights and show what a supportive and loving family they are. In Out Of The Box, these strong, independent women open up like never before, sharing intensely personal stories and considered opinions on the female experience — and how that has changed during their lifetimes. Infidelity, grief, motherhood, money, feminism, body hair... no topic is off limits. The book will inspire mothers and daughters to start talking and sharing — to have the conversations that will bring them closer together. Delving deep beneath the surface we see on our screens, this memoir is equal parts moving, hilarious and devastating as Isabelle, Kerry and Emmie talk about moments in their lives that their legion of fans would have never expected. Personal struggles, family heartache and plenty of sex, there is much more to the Silberys than meets the eye. Through it all, we get an even greater sense of how close and connected these mothers and daughters are. Like any other family, they don't see eye to eye on everything, but no matter what, their love for each other always triumphs.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Stephen Rout · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was surprised about this book , I thought that it would be more about what they found during filming of the series. But too my surprise it’s more about their moral’s.

[Eden Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this ☺️ 3 fab ladies from one on my fave TV shows. Love the relationships across 3 generations.

[Despina O’Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goggleboxers unite! 🫶

I am a huge fan of @goggleboxau 🙊 I live for the banter, i’m intrigued by the people on screen and I love finding new shows to watch as a result. There’s many episodes that I’ve cried, purely because the Goggleboxers have shed a tear or two.

Three of my faves (now two) to watch are @thesilberys. Their dynamic, commentary and all round vibe is so hilarious and wholesome. They’re honest and fun and I love watching Izzy and Kerry on my TV.

Their book is no different. And when you add in the audiobook, narrated by all three, you’re in for a good time!

I’m such a noisy person at times; I loved listening to each of their stories and unique perspectives of life.

My heart broke listening to Emmy talk about her childhood, being split from her siblings when her parents passed away and talk about the twins she never met. But through that, she has become an incredibly resilient woman.

Kerry is such a good time. She’s honest and her zero-f***s attitude is the best! She’s fiercely protective and loyal to her family and I love how open minded she is.

Izzy and her honesty and rawness was something I didn’t expect to get from this book. I love that she didn’t hold anything back and absolutely owned everything in the book.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one. The perspectives of 3 generations of women on the same subject matters made for a great read.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the vulnerability and honesty that was apparent while reading this book. It was enlightening reading to see the comparisons of three generations of amazing women and their different and often similar takes on different parts of life.
This was very well presented and I would highly recommend it.

[Ally Marov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three women, three voices, three generations; the Silbery family share their most personal memories and the lessons they’ve learnt.

✨3.75 stars✨
⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK/REVIEW: death of parent, suicide, miscarriage/stillbirth, sexual assault⚠️

As an avid Gogglebox Australia watcher, the Silberys were always one of my favourite families to watch. They remind me of myself, my mum, and my grandmother in many ways!

When I found out they came out with a book, I was intrigued to get to know the family, out of the box, if you will! 😂

As well as reading the physical copy, I also listened along to the audiobook through my free Spotify reading hours (plus a 10 hour top up because I used up my hours for the previous month 😭).

I enjoyed reading and listening to the difference of perspective in between the three generations. The way the world has grown and changed in between was fascinating to read, and it was also fun to read their opinions on certain topics.
I loved the real and raw accounts of how these women went through some of the toughest things a woman can ever go through and still come out at the end being successful! They should really be proud of themselves 🤗

Due to some of the subject material, I normally wouldn’t give a book a rating, but I gave the book this rating because I felt like there were some things that I didn’t really relate to or connect to (which I think is a “me problem” for now but I might understand their perspectives more as I get older).

Overall, again, it was quite a quick read for me. I enjoyed it while it lasted. Hopefully, this book will inspire some other daughters/mothers/grandmothers to publish their own perspectives of the world!

(P.S: If anybody can get into contact with Matty/Sarah-Marie/Jad, Keith/Lee, Anastasia/Faye, or any of the other Goggleboxers to write their own book, please do! I would love to read all about their lives too!!! ☺️)

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first biography/non-fiction for the year, and what a read. I borrowed it from the library after finding out Emmie had passed very recently. I absolutely fell in love and related to Kerry, Isabelle, and Emmie seeing them on Gogglebox Australia some years ago. Their realness, humor and their love for one another always showed on screen. I related to them because I lived with my grandmother, and mother and we were also very close with one another. While I hadn’t watched the series in at least 2 years, the moment I found out Emmie had passed, I was so saddened. I had just lost my own grandmother in the last year as well, so instantly felt that connection. Reading an article written by Isabelle about the grief, the article had quoted part of this book. So I immediately went to tind it! And I’m so glad I did. Cried so much while reading and just felt so attached to all three women - reading their life experiences and views on certain topics. Some lines from Emmie got to me, as she contributed to this book before she had passed obviously, and those lines were “I’m greedy for more life” - grappling with the idea her time may be coming (as its inevitable) but her not being ready at that time as she felt so content and grateful for her life. The other line was about her calls with Isabelle at the end of the day - “I end all my calls with “love you” because I never know the last time I’ll get to say it”.

Rest in peace Emmie. You lived such a full life, and will be missed by many.

[Black Flamed Candle Books 🕯️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how it’s narrated by all three women describing their own experiences in each chapter. I loved the funny little anecdotes at the end of the book after the acknowledgments. I loved hearing about their varied life experiences; how they were raised, where they grew up, their traumas and how they coped or dealt with it later on in life, their loves and heartbreaks and the heartaches that come with it, loss of life, new beginnings. All of it was beautifully constructed and read by smart, insightful and strong generations of women. I learnt a lot throughout this book and there were moments that gave me a good giggle, like on Gogglebox. I’m proud to say is my first five star ⭐️ read of 2023. (I listened to the audiobook).

[Cassie Breen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love watching these women on Gogglebox. I expected the read to feel like we were sitting around the table, having a chat but instead it felt like an interview, with very strategic responses. In particular anything to do with money felt like any privilege or luck was ignored.
I also found time frames hard to grasp. Often, an incident would be discussed, with another following that I assumed to be a few years later but turned out to be many years later or even earlier.
However, it is always amazing to see empowered women empowering women.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting perspectives on some thought-provoking and challenging topics, combined with enthralling similarities and contrasts across the lives of 3 generations of women. The marketing (blurb etc) implies the target audience for this book is women; particularly mothers and daughters. While I've no doubt they'd enjoy it and get something out of it, this was recommended to me as something really helpful for men to read to get more insight into gender inequality, women's perspectives and societal dynamics. After reading the book, I agree!

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy watching this trio on GoggleBox, they demonstrate that women of all ages have opinions that are worth listening to.
I expected this book to be much more about GoggleBox and much less about sex and periods. Perhaps I'm more of a prude than I'd realised but I think some experiences don't need to be shared with the entire world. At times it felt like they were trying a bit too hard to be "raw" and "liberated".

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved these beautiful women from the first time I saw them on Gogglebox. It is such a beautifully written book. Emmie, Kerry and Isabelle remind me so much of the relationship I have with my Nan and Mum =) highly recommend=)

[Beck Barns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, honest & open. The things I have learned about these three incredible women, particularly Emmie, have been so eye opening & wonderful to see. It has given so many different things to think about, as well as have a google giggle. Thank you to the Silbery's- such a great read!

[Brooke Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Gogglebox, and one of my favourite families is the Silbery women - grandmother Emmie, mother Kerry, and daughter Isabelle. This frank memoir of their intertwining lives is funny, poignant, and a great insight into that most complex of relationships - mother and daughter.

[Emily De Giorgio · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE. REAL. HONEST. VULNERABLE. WHAT A BOOK. 5 out of 5 stars, definitely will read over and over again. Absolutely recommend!!!!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and moving.

[Kerry Cashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 Generations of women's stories told with love and candour. Just devoured each and every story from everyone of these 3 incredibly smart, witty, loving women.

[Sally McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly did not want this book to end! From the highs to the lows this book was real women talking real life. Genuine and heart warming. Beautiful read.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read and just wow, everything they have individually been through, it was amazing to read

[Marina Herriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read all year. Wish it had been longer.

[Beti Kyriacou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and genuine read.

These smart, loving, strong, awesome and witty women share their highs and lows of life.
Highly enjoyable

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book,very honest! These ladies are exactly what you think they are

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book. Funny, sad and insightful. Just a fabulous read

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, honest and interesting book from the Silberrys of Gogglebox Australia fame. Well worth the read!

[Michelle Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the box was a fascinating insight into 3 generations of women in some family sharing their life story in sometimes funny and heartfelt ways. A real page turner .

[Angela Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book from the perspective of 3 generations. Frank & honest recount warts an all. Must read.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book to read

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed getting to know these beautiful ladies better as I love watching them on Gogglebox. I loved the honesty and the three different perspectives in each of the chapters. But in saying all that, after one of the chapters, I thought - TMI ladies, TMI ladies.