Tired and Tested: The Wild Ride Into Parenthood

by Sophie McCartney

When it comes to adult life, and parenthood, you will never be ready. So what happens when you hit your mid-thirties and still feel like an out-of-depth teen trapped in the slightly sagging skin suit of a tired and tested mother of two?

Join comedian Sophie McCartney as she shares her journey from wild child to with child … a never ending exercise in expectation vs reality (and the cleaning up of bodily fluids) she voyages deep into difficult and unchartered territories of mating, birthing, feral offspring, mums overdoing it at the watering hole, and the perilous viper nest of the school WhatsApp group.

Overwhelmed by love, but exhausted by life, and with no idea if the ‘five-second rule’ applies to hummus, she, like most of us, has 100% NOT ‘got this’ — unless, of course, referring to parasitic organisms.

With laugh out loud humour and eye-watering honesty, Sophie shows how whether you’ve had a day full of whining or a night full of wine, there’s joy to be had in the perfectly imperfect wild ride into parenthood. Welcome to the jungle.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Parenting, Humor

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2022

About the author

Sophie McCartney, the force behind the internet phenomenon Tired & Tested, is a comedy writer and performer from Liverpool.

Propelled towards internet stardom in 2017 for a parody of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’, her stand-up, songs and sketches focus on the messier side of life and the truth about parenting.

Before turning to writing, Sophie worked in PR and considers promoting the world’s biggest fish finger as her career highlight. Winner of the Funny Women Best Web Series award in 2020, Sophie shares her frank and fearless takes on adult life with an army of fans online, onstage and on screen.

Sophie lives with her husband, two children and an extremely spirited beagle, and is currently writing her next book.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my kind of book. Really funny. I think if even if your not a parent like me you’ll still find this funny. On occasions I even laughed out loud whilst fiancé was watching football. I had to tell him what I was laughing at. The antics and the things her kid would say was shocking but funny.

I hope Sophie brings out more books as I love her writing.

Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in for an honest review. And also thank you to Sophie for writing it. Please write more.

[Tanja Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining take on the trials of parenthood. Some of it is quite hilarious - such as the accident of letting your kid know that the body of grandma is buried in the ground - and others more serious. The author describes two miscarriages and how much better life was the time she was open about it. I don’t have any children myself, and this book definitely supported on my life’s choices. Each to their own though and the author does a great job of showing both the ups and the downs of motherhood.

[Miss L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love Sophie and I’ve been a follower on Fb for a couple of years! She’s my type of friend- funny, witty and takes parenthood one day at a time. I feel like she is one of my gang 🤣 however I just can’t read anymore of this book 😢!

The main problem for me (it pains me to say) is that she writes exactly as she talks- fast paced and witty. I felt it was gag after gag which I found hard to read for sustained amounts of time. I’ve been reading this book since February and when my toddler took the bookmark out I decided to give up 🙈!

However it is the only book so far that I’ve thought I would love the audiobook. So thanks Sophie, I guess I’m going to have to now buy the audiobook or take out a ridiculously priced subscription 🤣🤣!

[Lucy Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've watched Sophie McCartney's daft skits and comedy shorts on Facebook and thought she was quite amusing so when I happened upon this on the library shelves I thought why not. It started off slow for me which is why I've dropped it down to 4 stars but by the end it had me LOLing (albeit in my own head - LIMOH? 😅) with some of the hilarious takes on parenthood and savage descriptions of parents at the school gates, school politics, holidays with children and general hilarity that goes with parenthood.

She writes that this is for everyone, parents and those expecting but I would warn anyone off who is thinking of having a child as reading this may just put you off! 😅 It's exaggerated and funny but every chapter does have elements of truth that every parent can relate to their own lives.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for new mothers. ❤️

[Ley-Anne Haigh-Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a mum, and you really don’t want to put this in that category.

Sophie highlights this isn’t a book to learn parenting tips from. What it is, is respectful of all womens choices, it’s incredibly intelligent in bringing up difficult or taboo topics so subtly because she is hilarious!

It’s funny and raw and brilliant.

“Gynaecological potholing” that is all you need to know.

[Sarah Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie McCartney's Tired and Tested is a whirlwind of hilarity and heartfelt moments, capturing the essence of modern parenthood with a comedic flair that leaves you roaring with laughter. Think of it as a beacon of laughter in the sometimes stormy sea of parenting. McCartney, known for her wit and relatable content, dives into the chaos of motherhood, transforming everyday tribulations into comedic gold.

Sophie's tales of her children's antics and shockingly funny comments are nothing short of comedic genius. Her vibrant and engaging writing style makes you feel like you're chatting with a witty friend. Whether she's recounting the surreal experience of being left alone in a hospital with a newborn or the evolution from being known by her first name to "Jack's mum," her blend of humour and emotion strikes a perfect chord.

And it's not just about the laughs. Tired and Tested also delves into the raw, emotional aspects of parenthood, touching the heartstrings while keeping the smile on your face. It's a testament to Sophie's skill as a writer and comedian that she can elicit such a range of emotions. I challenge you to pick up this book and not laugh out loud. Totally impossible!

[Gemma K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love tired and tested, have followed on Instagram for a while. And while this book did make me laugh out loud a few times I found it quite a difficult read. Only because it’s written as though it’s spoken. Sophie is hilarious on Instagram, but I really think I should’ve taken this book out as an audio book. I’ve rated it 3 stars, it’s too good to be any less, but too difficult to read to be any more.

[Irishbookmammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hugely funny take on life pre kids and parenting. Sophie's use of comedy has throughout this book caused me to laugh out loud. Even sat in garage during car MOT which elicited some strange looks. It's absolutely hilarious and completely relatable 😅 I would highly recommend this to anyone with or without kids. Sophie has a very obvious gift for comedy and this book is a testament to that.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love watching Sophie online, and really wanted to enjoy her book, but wasn't as great as I expected, had to force myself to sit down and read it. It was an okay read but not what I hoped for! Still Love Sophie though!

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some bits did make me laugh out loud, it's refreshingly honest.....but if you have followed her blog/FB posts/videos it was very similar to the point where I was thinking I've heard all this before. Still a good read I was just hoping for a bit more.

[Kerrie 💫 Rundle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After following Sophie for a number of years on social media, I really enjoyed this view into her life and the hilarious writings of this funny woman. This book delves into Sophie's journey through adulthood; in particularly her ride into parenthood with the trials and tribulations that come along with it. This book had me laugh out loud; nod along frequently and also tear up in some places. I agreed a lot with Sophie's revelations in this book; she literally says what other's think but are too nervous sometimes to reveal. For example; Babynesia. Who else completely forgot the pain and discomfort after having their first child; and was then tricked into believing the second one wouldn't hurt as much- me for one! It is definitely true... I suppose if we didn't then the world would be full of only child families! This book is a honest and hilarious view of parenthood, that I found myself agreeing with all the way through!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely wonderful

I have absolutely thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. I can imagine there are many many people who have read this book and can relate to it. There were so many parts that I was nodding saying “that’s me, that’s me.” A really true, and honest account of motherhood.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hoot! I loved it so much and I laughed my butt off. I would highly recommend this one to all! Everything from how Sophie found her husband to babies and pregnancies to fun mums to vacations and more!

[Cera Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little worried when i started that i wasn’t getting into it, but once i got involved i was there with her and felt as though she was reading me the book, I laughed, I cried - Sophie you are hilarious

[Lynnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious. Sophie McCartney is a hilarious, honest, relatable and gorgeous breath of fresh air!

[Kelly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and it's rollercoaster ride of emotion.

[Cellini Kamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO FUNNY I CANNOT 😂 and super related to mom & parents out there!

[Gemma Schaverien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardly any books make me laugh out loud. This did many times. So many relatable situations as a parent. Pure entertainment for anyone who is not. A really enjoyable read

[Sharon Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly sums up life as a mum (well my life!). This book resonated with me in more ways than I can count and I really enjoyed the comedy included.

[Tabitha Lamont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and honest! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmm not as funny as I thought it would be! Didn't LOL, until I was at 80%!!! Almost gave up by that point.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A laugh-out-loud kind of book! Hilarious and eye operating in equal measure. I’ll be checking out her other content, for sure.

[Hana (myjourneywithbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tired & Tested relates the author's journey into and through parenthood, starting from the acquisition of a husband to the unforseen complications that can arise when trying to expand your family to the complex world of school mums.

The first half of the book was brilliant, something I would definitely recommend to parents, parents to-be and those who are considering taking on parenthood. Through her own experiences, Sophie tells it like it is, what you can really expect when you're expecting and how no two pregnancies, births or post-birth experiences are the same.

In her honest heartfelt way, she narrates her account of trying to get pregnant, birth not going the way she planned and the devastation and heartbreak following her miscarriages. She speaks of her experiences quite openly and there was much I could relate to that had me going, "That happened to me too! That's exactly how I felt" and yet other parts that I hadn't personally experienced but have friends who went through something similar.

I also loved the chapters on life as a new mother, learning the ropes and adjusting to a changed body. There is much debate when it comes to babies, the best way to feed them, soothe them, put them to sleep. What's so great about this book is the non-judgemental way in which the author lays out the different options, talks of what worked for her (sometimes different things for each of her children) and leaves you with the reassuring message that you do what's best for you and your baby.

Now in contrast to this, the second half of the book, about growing older, handling toddlers and school-aged kids, the attempts to be the "fun mum", etc...these were chapters I found extremely boring. There were some wonderful nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout, but the latter half of the book was a chore to get through.

The book is also filled with humour; some parts had me laughing out loud but other parts felt like it was just trying too hard. You don't have to make a joke in every other sentence to be funny, sometimes it just gets a bit old.

I'd give the first half 4⭐️ and the second half 2⭐️.

[Carole Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny as

Bloody funny. Sophie has just summed up every parents life pre and post children with humour.
A must read for every parent who thinks that they are failing.

[Book-Social · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a big fan of Sophie McCartney ever since I watched her Ed Sheeran cover ‘Smell of You’ (if you haven’t watched it yet do). I’m also a fan of candid mum biographies, something I first came across via The Unmumsy Mum. However my eldest is now 13 and I’m several steps away from birth, breast feeding and baby led weaning. So would I like Sophie’s biography subtitled ‘the wild ride into parenthood?

Well yes I did, very much so. See Sophie is billed, in various search engines, as a comedian which makes a huge difference. I giggled along to Sophie’s recollections of sleep deprivation rather than found solidarity in it. That being said, the emotion is still there – when Sophie talks about being left alone shortly after her eldest was born, in hospital responsible for a baby whilst still high on drugs and struggling to comprehend what the hell just happened it invoked all the feels, as did losing her first name to be replaced with ‘Jack’s mum’. It was the humour though that leapt off the page with certain lines still making me giggle now. Sure if you’re 60 without grandkids then it might not be for you, unless you want to wallow in smug ‘so pleased that’s not me-ness’ but I loved it.

Humour (belly laughs), emotion (bucket loads) and bang on observations (I’m guilty of at least the first 4 school yard mum uniform traits) make Tired and Tested a top read – now hurry up McCartney children and become teens so Sophie can write all about it!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie McCartney for those of you that don't know is the very funny lady behind Tired 'N' Tested, a frankly hilarious social media phenomenon. She presents a frank and funny insight into the trials, tribulations and absolute joy of being a mom. This book is the story of how she went from 90s party girl to a social media comedy genius. Can you tell I like her? So it was actually with some worry that I began this. What if her videos don't translate to the page, or it was just a rehash of her online jokes? But fear not. This was a freaking fantastic read. Funny, touching and for this kind of book also very sensitively handled as despite it been a very funny book it does also touch on some difficult subjects. A fantastic and relatable read.

[April Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been following Sophie online for quite a few years and find her extremely funny. I’m not a parent myself yet, but still find her very witty with a great outlook on life and parenting.

An entertaining book that is told through difference stages of life with plenty of ups and downs. It is a gentle reminder that none of us really have our shit together, but that’s ok!

My main reason for scoring it 3.5/5 is that I found this book reads just how she talks, which may not be a bad thing for everyone, however I struggled in parts. I would have been better off listening to the audio book version.

If you don’t already, follow Sophie on Instagram!

[Amy Ansbro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! It’s so relatable and the way she words stuff is hilarious - my partner found me crying with laughter quite often whilst reading this book. The section about going abroad with children really tickled me the most. I’m a new mum of two and are literally about to embark on our first family holiday, only in the UK but still, and we have just purchased two Gruffalo trunkies for them both to take and then I read that chapter and I re-read it out loud to my partner who also laughed and said how relatable it sounded. I’ve followed her for a while on Facebook so buying this book was a no brainer for me anyway but I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was brilliant. I follow this lady on Facebook & Instagram and I didn't know she was bringing a book out. I actually saw this book in the library while I was going to register my 3rd child so it must have been a sign. It's a book that any mother/parent/woman can relate to, at least 90% relate to and if you say you can't relate you're lying. It was hilarious and laugh out loud funny in parts. This book made me realise while reading it at 3am feeding my own baby that I was seen, heard and not quite so alone. It's raw, honest and she has not censored any of the journey into parenthood or having older children. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars from me.