Did I Say That Out Loud?: Notes on the Chuff of Life

by Fi Glover, Jane Garvey

Award-winning broadcasters Fi Glover and Jane Garvey don't claim to have all the answers (what was the question?), but in these hilarious and perceptive essays, they take modern life by its elasticated waist and give it a brisk going over with a stiff brush.

They riff together on the chuff of life, from pet deaths to broadcasting hierarchies, via the importance of hair dye, the perils and pleasures of judging other women and the perplexing overconfidence of chino-wearing middle-aged white men named Roger.

Did I Say That Out Loud? covers essential life skills (never buy an acrylic jumper, always decline the offer of a limoncello), ponders the prudence of orgasm merchandise and suggests the disconcerting possibility that Christmas is a hereditary disease, passed down the maternal line.

At a time of constant uncertainty, what we all need is the wisdom of two women who haven't got a clue what's going on either.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Audiobook, Essays, Feminism, British Literature

Audible Audio

Published September 30, 2021

Reviews

[Pgchuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed with this. I'm a big fan of the Fortunately podcast, and had assumed this book would be just like it. Instead I found it a little dull, although there were entertaining moments throughout, such as Jane's comment that she would tell listeners the time as a bridge to pivot from the sublime to the ridiculous on 'Women's Hour'.

The format of the book is that Fi or Jane writes a chapter and then the other comments on it, which I imagine was intended to convey a little of their usual repartee, but I really missed the spontaneity of the podcast, the way they play off each other in the moment, the unpredictability of where their conversation will take them, and the sound of their actual voices.

[Bridget Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Fi Glover and Jane Garvey's podcast called 'Fortunately' but I wasn't sure that this rather different format would work; I was convinced by the end of 'Did I Say That Out Loud?' that it does BUT I listened to the audible version which has lots of extras in it. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed the book because I can hear their voices in my head, but I just love the additional exchanges and banter of the audio version. I laughed out loud a lot!

Highly recommended as is their excellent podcast too.

[Dylan Kakoulli · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Don’t say a word against my Nancy!”

I frickin’ love these ladies -an entertaining (and enlightening) listen as ever!

3.5 stars

[Gerdien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Fortunately podcast by Fi Glover and Jane Garvey and was happy to learn that they wrote a book. Their clever, irreverent, witty and insightful thoughts about life are a joy.

[Wendy Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite podcasters. Could hear their voices in my head as I read this.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved Fortunately the podcast - helped me through the pandemic, but difficult to achieve the same vibe in a book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well. I've been a Fortunately podcast listener from the start, and the podcast (a) reflects many of my own life experiences (b) introduces me to people and ideas I would otherwise never have considered and (c) makes me laugh out loud. This book takes some of the almost throwaway comments from the podcast, and expands them into essays.

It sort of works, and I can hear their voices in the words. I even laughed a couple of times. But it's just not as good. There is also a lot of reference to parenting, to the extent that I'm not sure my non-parent friends would relate to the book in the way they relate to the podcast.

Still giving it 4 stars, because "not as good as the podcast" is still chuffing excellent. But I doubt I'll pick it up again. It's not a reference book.

All of which leaves me in a bit of a bind, because I've got a signed copy I'm confident I won't read again, and I can't work out who to pass it on to.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

This was a rather random choice for an audio book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Apparently these two ladies have a very popular podcast (which of course I had never heard of), which I believe is called Fortunately…

Well, fortunately indeed that I saw this audio book recommended somewhere (Ha, I won’t have been the only one making that crappy joke). It is basically two middle aged women having a chinwag about a variety of topics from divorce to Covid, technology and all sorts of every day subjects. I have to admit I kind of loved it.

It was just a very enjoyable listen. These women are radio personalities, so their voices are perfect for an audio book, and I loved the way they interact bookending the chapters. They just chatter about what the chapter is/was about and simply adds a little sass and fun.

I can’t really add much more. It’s two funny middle aged women chatting about life and it was a joy to listen to. I don’t own the physical book, but I would highly recommend the audio book.

Will I now listen to their podcast? Maybe I would if I actually listened to podcasts, but unfortunately I don’t.

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rare non-fiction review from me today, and what a joy this one is! Fans of the Fortunately…with Fi and Jane podcast will no doubt love the warm, honest and hilarious wisdom/madness in this book 🤣

Whilst I’m obviously at a different life stage to Fi and Jane, I still found so many elements of this relatable - especially the fear that one day my daughter is going to be talking to me about some kind of tech that I haven’t the foggiest about, and I’m going to have to ask her for help working out how to turn the TV on!

Each “chapter” is a topic of conversation which the two take turns discussing, and it reads almost like a stream of consciousness or a lively chat with an old friend. They’re completely honest, whether that’s about divorce later in life or vaginal steaming - and as you can imagine, there are so many laugh out loud moments.

I’d definitely put this on the comfort read list - when you need some sage advice, some laughter or just some companionship. This book feels like a great conversation with friends over many glasses of wine 👍

[Kats · Rating 4 out of 5]

About ten years ago at a ladies' dinner party, my friend asked everyone around the table who they'd want to be when they grow up (we were in our 30s), and I very quickly said: Jane Garvey.
She is my heroine, my role model, my voice, and the best thing is that she is almost exactly 10 years older than me, so I can keep aspiring to be her.... obviously, I will never have that quick witted intellect, but I would love to be as comfortable in my own skin and mind as she is. Ditto Fi Glover.
Gawd, I love these women.
Their podcast is a true delight and has had me laugh out loud on many a solo walk much to the surprise of passers-by. So, this book isn't quite as much fun as the podcast because it isn't as spontaneous, it is obviously more scripted, but 4 stars from little harsh me is like 5 stars from most other readers/listeners. 5 stars for each and every episode of the podcast.
Please never stop, Jane and Fi! xx

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic collection of essays and observations about life from Jane Garvey and Fi Glover. Loosely feminist based, this is a thoroughly entertaining consideration of some of the big and small issues of the everyday.

I’m a huge fan of, Fortunately, Fi and Jane’s BBC podcast. This book is an opportunity to hear their thoughts on a range of topics. It’s beautifully told throughout.

I pre-ordered the hard copy but cancelled it, having heard that they recorded the audiobook together and it therefore has interactions similar to the podcast. I wasn’t disappointed. The essays are told in monologue with some chatter in between.

Thoroughly recommended.

[Tracy Excell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a “Fortunately” podcast fan , I just had to have this as an audiobook and it has accompanied me on car journeys, walks and chores for past fortnight . There have been many moments when I’ve laughed very loudly or nodded along in agreement with some pearl of wisdom . Brilliantly perceptive, witty and often poignant observations of life - reminded me of Nora Ephron’s wonderful book “ I feel bad about my neck “. Highly recommended .

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I identified with a few of the items and I enjoyed the humour. I had not heard of their podcast so it was somewhat embarrassing that my husband immediately asked was it about their podcast? One of the ladies would start the chapter and the other would respond or go off at a tangent but very cleverly bring it back to what had been said when the reader was least expecting it. This has now made me look for their podcast to listen to.

[loucumailbeo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened on audio and recommend that if you like the podcast. They add extra chat at the start of each chapter which quickly became my favourite bits.
Overall it was ok but as they admit themselves it was written over lockdown and has that vibe of ‘we may as well write a book now’ I listened, it was enjoyable but I couldn’t now tell you anything about it. Just wasn’t memorable at all

[Rachel Rouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed by this book. I love the podcast and their idle chat. This book didn’t come close. It also felt really tame. The title suggests that they will be saying slightly controversial stuff with no sh*ts given but they covered very mundane stuff and didn’t express any opinions that would make you think ‘did they say that outloud?’. Recommend the podcast but not this book.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. There’s a lot of waffling on here which is better suited (I feel) to their podcast format. However, this book does contain some genuine pearls of wisdom and there were certain points where I was nodding along in hearty agreement. I will check out the podcast now, and I enjoyed their discussion on the Sky Arts Bookclub Christmas special.

[Louise Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this was my favourite podcast in written form. I loved the format where one leads the chapter and one answers. Sometimes when listening I don��t agree with their opinions at all, but this book had lots of agreeable nodding. I just wish I hadn’t had it stuck on my to read pile for quite so long.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Fi and Jane and I enjoy their podcast Off Air very much. They make me laugh and make me think. They have obvious chemistry. This didn’t really translate to this book, although I found it both amusing and thoughtful too.

[Sam Downer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like spending time curled up with an old friend, just wonderful.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, loved it, loved it! Didn’t want it to end. Would highly recommend!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Fi & Jane, but a tad underwhelmed by the book unfortunately (no pun intended). A relaxing read nonetheless & Fi’s list made me laugh out loud.

[Stephanie McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the Fortunately podcast, you will love this book. It is an easy read, funny and enjoyable.

[helenbrophy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read especially if you are a middle-aged woman who loved mature sliced cheddar

[Wendy Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a hook, line and sinker fan of the Fortunately podcast. As a result, of course I loved this, more chewing the cud of life, serious and ridiculous.
I laughed out loud. Happy to be judged on that!

[Peter Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaing.... and very, very ranty

[Lisa San Martín · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was bought for me and i don’t think I’m the target demographic. If anything, I’m slightly offended they thought I was 😆

[Ariel Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! If you love their podcast, you’ll love this. I just wish it was longer :-)

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, informative and brilliant.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort re-read

[Non · Rating 3 out of 5]

*audiobook