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Quite
‘A delight’ Stylist ‘Funny, real and caring’ YOU Magazine ‘Funny, irreverent and moving… everything you would expect from the thick-fringed presenter who’s won a place in the nation’s hearts’ The Sun ‘Full of hilarious insights’ Vanity Fair A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Funny, moving and truthful… Quite
Claudia Winkleman’s warmth, humour, no-holds-barred attitude and smoky eye have made her the favourite broadcaster of millions and a much-loved household name.
In this, her first ever book, Claudia invites us all into her world. She shares her observations on topics such as the importance of melted cheese, why black coats are vital, how it’s never okay to have sex with someone who has an opinion on your date outfit, how nurses are our most precious national treasure, and why colourful clothing is only for the under 10s (if you’re reading this sporting a bright red jumper and you’re 9, great! If you’re older, sorry).
This is a love letter to life – the real, sometimes messy kind. Quite celebrates friendship, the power of art, the highs and lows of parenting, and of course, how a good eyeliner can really save your life.
Heartfelt, wry and unmistakably Claudia, this book gets to the heart of what really matters. Claudia Winkleman’s Quite was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 27th December 2020.
Claudia Winkleman’s warmth, humour, no-holds-barred attitude and smoky eye have made her the favourite broadcaster of millions and a much-loved household name.
In this, her first ever book, Claudia invites us all into her world. She shares her observations on topics such as the importance of melted cheese, why black coats are vital, how it’s never okay to have sex with someone who has an opinion on your date outfit, how nurses are our most precious national treasure, and why colourful clothing is only for the under 10s (if you’re reading this sporting a bright red jumper and you’re 9, great! If you’re older, sorry).
This is a love letter to life – the real, sometimes messy kind. Quite celebrates friendship, the power of art, the highs and lows of parenting, and of course, how a good eyeliner can really save your life.
Heartfelt, wry and unmistakably Claudia, this book gets to the heart of what really matters. Claudia Winkleman’s Quite was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 27th December 2020.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
715 people are currently reading
2974 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 821 reviews
January 6, 2025
Bare with me here, but I think Claudia Winkleman is my soulmate
January 6, 2024
4-5 stars.
If you don’t know who the wonderful Claud is, then you’ve probably not got access to Strictly Come Dancing (institution in our house) or her latest The Traitors(new obsession). She is quite simply hilarious, so witty and possibly a national treasure. That last one is not up for discussion 😂. Anyway, the long fringed, double dip (for that extra tan), boot loving, black jean, winter obsessed has penned her thoughts. Quite. Check out SCD especially when Vito is giving one of his explanations. Anyway, here goes.
I wish I could take your advice on napping Claud and am fully appreciative of your advanced napping skills but it is beyond me. Never mastered the art. However, as to your advice re boots, 💯 with you and I’ll carry on swaggering in mine. I do have a confession though, I have bought some sock boots (sorry, apparently they don’t pass the Claud test) but in my defence I have the skinniest legs since Olive Oil and these don’t waft in the breeze. I don’t agree on winter as it has no redeeming features (I rest my case with 23/24) other than a great pair of boots and my favourite faux fur, black of course. As to the fringe, mine is short, is that ok or too Larry Hagman? In my defence I’m vertically challenged (just ask my granddaughter who just sighs) and if mine was as long as yours I’d probably be permanently on the deck. As to packing, I’d give you a run for your money although you are probably worse than me. Two particular disasters spring to mind. End of term. I was a zombie and for inexplicable reasons we went straight off on holiday to the West Country. Overnight stay in posh hotel in Wells where I discovered I had packed EIGHT pairs of white trousers (I mean who on earth needs that many and I didn’t even know I did), no tops, no shorts, no dresses. I had plenty of underwear tg and loads of shoes. Emergency trip to Exeter with long suffering husband. This summer. Holiday beginning of September. Don’t be ridiculous we won’t get a heatwave so I’ll pack plenty of jumpers cos it’ll get chilly at night. Yes. Heatwave. Nothing suitable. The only holidays I get right are Scotland and the Lakes. I’ll stick to those. I’m with you on skiing ( vertically challenged, so no surprise there), I love art so I’ll definitely go and see the Titian next time I’m in Venice( she says grandly) and the Caravaggio next time I’m in fantastic London. I’ll even ride The Tube. I’m totally with you on them leaving home 🥲 and a whole lot else. However, if I went with your eye make up advice I would look like a giant panda. You get away with it. Probably cos of the fringe.
Anyway - enough waffling. I chortled my way through this. It’s a darn good read.
Thanks to Kindle Unlimited for sending it as a suggestion. One of your best.
If you don’t know who the wonderful Claud is, then you’ve probably not got access to Strictly Come Dancing (institution in our house) or her latest The Traitors(new obsession). She is quite simply hilarious, so witty and possibly a national treasure. That last one is not up for discussion 😂. Anyway, the long fringed, double dip (for that extra tan), boot loving, black jean, winter obsessed has penned her thoughts. Quite. Check out SCD especially when Vito is giving one of his explanations. Anyway, here goes.
I wish I could take your advice on napping Claud and am fully appreciative of your advanced napping skills but it is beyond me. Never mastered the art. However, as to your advice re boots, 💯 with you and I’ll carry on swaggering in mine. I do have a confession though, I have bought some sock boots (sorry, apparently they don’t pass the Claud test) but in my defence I have the skinniest legs since Olive Oil and these don’t waft in the breeze. I don’t agree on winter as it has no redeeming features (I rest my case with 23/24) other than a great pair of boots and my favourite faux fur, black of course. As to the fringe, mine is short, is that ok or too Larry Hagman? In my defence I’m vertically challenged (just ask my granddaughter who just sighs) and if mine was as long as yours I’d probably be permanently on the deck. As to packing, I’d give you a run for your money although you are probably worse than me. Two particular disasters spring to mind. End of term. I was a zombie and for inexplicable reasons we went straight off on holiday to the West Country. Overnight stay in posh hotel in Wells where I discovered I had packed EIGHT pairs of white trousers (I mean who on earth needs that many and I didn’t even know I did), no tops, no shorts, no dresses. I had plenty of underwear tg and loads of shoes. Emergency trip to Exeter with long suffering husband. This summer. Holiday beginning of September. Don’t be ridiculous we won’t get a heatwave so I’ll pack plenty of jumpers cos it’ll get chilly at night. Yes. Heatwave. Nothing suitable. The only holidays I get right are Scotland and the Lakes. I’ll stick to those. I’m with you on skiing ( vertically challenged, so no surprise there), I love art so I’ll definitely go and see the Titian next time I’m in Venice( she says grandly) and the Caravaggio next time I’m in fantastic London. I’ll even ride The Tube. I’m totally with you on them leaving home 🥲 and a whole lot else. However, if I went with your eye make up advice I would look like a giant panda. You get away with it. Probably cos of the fringe.
Anyway - enough waffling. I chortled my way through this. It’s a darn good read.
Thanks to Kindle Unlimited for sending it as a suggestion. One of your best.
November 13, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
In presenter Claudia Winkleman’s first book she talks about life. From children to husbands, clothes to footwear, celebrities to Strictly, (sorry I’m not a fan), she covers all aspects that she has an opinion on.
The book is split into six sections, each beginning with the word ‘Quite’ and followed by:-
– Important (to me)
– Big
– True
– Inconvenient
– Bossy
– Opinionated (I know).
Within these six sections are different topics that Claudia felt passionate enough to write about (plus a section on squirrels her son made her add 🙂 ). You might not agree with everything Claudia has to say about life, you might think that some of the things that she talks about are definitely not the way you see things or run your life and that is okay. She is not preaching at you, telling you to change your life, she is merely telling you her thoughts on the subjects.
There were sections where I totally agreed with her. Especially the topics of ankle books (I’ve lost count of the number of pairs that I own and have since being a teen), to her take on famous people, I don’t buy into all this celebrity stuff I just see people doing their jobs, whether that be a musician, actor, or presenter (sorry). But I do feel for those that have no control over their lives once they become famous.
Claudia has a way with words, she makes you smile with her honest opinions and her openness. she even made me laugh on occasions. The book left me with a feel-good feeling and I sat and read it in one go, though it will be a book I will return to and go over again.
For anyone thinking that this might be an autobiography, it isn’t. Yes, she talks a lot about her life, family, friends within the pages but this is her take on the way to live your best life.
If you love brightly coloured clothes, wearing kitten heels, and green eyeshadow then you might not like what Claudia has to say. This is a beautiful book that isn’t preachy, nor is it a serious book. It is a book that will make you smile. It is relatable, clever, and had me strangely wanting to hear more about topics Claudia has feelings on.
In presenter Claudia Winkleman’s first book she talks about life. From children to husbands, clothes to footwear, celebrities to Strictly, (sorry I’m not a fan), she covers all aspects that she has an opinion on.
The book is split into six sections, each beginning with the word ‘Quite’ and followed by:-
– Important (to me)
– Big
– True
– Inconvenient
– Bossy
– Opinionated (I know).
Within these six sections are different topics that Claudia felt passionate enough to write about (plus a section on squirrels her son made her add 🙂 ). You might not agree with everything Claudia has to say about life, you might think that some of the things that she talks about are definitely not the way you see things or run your life and that is okay. She is not preaching at you, telling you to change your life, she is merely telling you her thoughts on the subjects.
There were sections where I totally agreed with her. Especially the topics of ankle books (I’ve lost count of the number of pairs that I own and have since being a teen), to her take on famous people, I don’t buy into all this celebrity stuff I just see people doing their jobs, whether that be a musician, actor, or presenter (sorry). But I do feel for those that have no control over their lives once they become famous.
Claudia has a way with words, she makes you smile with her honest opinions and her openness. she even made me laugh on occasions. The book left me with a feel-good feeling and I sat and read it in one go, though it will be a book I will return to and go over again.
For anyone thinking that this might be an autobiography, it isn’t. Yes, she talks a lot about her life, family, friends within the pages but this is her take on the way to live your best life.
If you love brightly coloured clothes, wearing kitten heels, and green eyeshadow then you might not like what Claudia has to say. This is a beautiful book that isn’t preachy, nor is it a serious book. It is a book that will make you smile. It is relatable, clever, and had me strangely wanting to hear more about topics Claudia has feelings on.
November 26, 2020
Absolutely hilarious, light hearted and easy going. Exactly the kind of book needed this year. It’s not pretentious, it’s down to Earth and totally relatable. However I’m not quite prepared to agree with Claudia on only needing to own one blazer.
Don’t expect an autobiography because it was never marketed as such. It’s a book of all of the “quite x” things in life, with anecdotes and hypotheticals. Definitely not my usual kind of book at all but I love Claudia!
Don’t expect an autobiography because it was never marketed as such. It’s a book of all of the “quite x” things in life, with anecdotes and hypotheticals. Definitely not my usual kind of book at all but I love Claudia!
Want to read
February 20, 2021Birthday present from my son 😊
November 12, 2020
Listened to this on audible and it was such a treat. Claudia is funny, heart warming and brilliant.
December 17, 2020
I enjoyed this immensely, felt pure joy when reading it and even held it afterwards.
April 20, 2021
A fun, lighthearted book on Claudia’s take on life. Witty in places and I agreed with her on more than one occasion!
January 17, 2021
Flew through this . Not the kind of book I would read but enjoyed it . Very witty and she makes a lot of sense albeit put in a humour some way . I think this is the type of book you would pop in and out of more than read in a couple sittings . Was pleasantly Surprised there was a few references to art and how much it can affect us . I think so too . ☺️
April 9, 2024
I can’t believe how much I loved this!! Totally bonkers, no order or structure and the audio book is a MUST for this!! Only 5 hours but properly laughed out loud and loved that she went for her opinions with conviction. Honest and persuasive. I also feel like she’d be happy for anyone to have a different opinion and that’s also great. To be unashamedly yourself! And yes to naps.
I didn’t think I liked her much before this, but listening has made me connect to her a lot more and definitely raised my respect of her. Very funny.
Read on a recommendation, thanks Beth.
I didn’t think I liked her much before this, but listening has made me connect to her a lot more and definitely raised my respect of her. Very funny.
Read on a recommendation, thanks Beth.
February 22, 2025
Like a really hilarious chat with your best mate over drinks. I bloody love Claudia Winkleman and this book was exactly how I thought it would be, funny, completely random and just brilliant.
December 21, 2020
Quite isn’t a memoir, or autobiography but Claudia’s take on aspects of life in general – from dating and husbands, children, T-shirts, shoulders, egg and chips being the best meal on earth- she also talks about her love of black clothes (I’m with her on this) and bridge, and how an art teacher at school on a school visit to Venice introduced her to the power of art.
Written in a chatty, humorous way – there are 6 main headings – all preceded by ‘Quite’ – Important (to me); Big; True; Inconvenient; Bossy; and Opinionated (I Know). Included are subheadings of all manner of various subjects and her musings and observations.
It’s not a book that you have to read straight through from cover to cover (although I did) but you can dip in, as the layout makes for an easy read. There were so many sections where I was nodding furiously in agreement and just one or two where I skim read, (usually the children focussed ones – only because I don’t have any and didn’t really relate to it).
There is a chapter about Strictly in which she talks about the glitzy dresses – that need to be bought and worn instead of her beloved black. Being nosey, I would have loved a little bit of gossip but she was very discreet and restricts any narrative to generalities about the show. Nevertheless it’s still an interesting look behind the scenes.
I’ve always loved Claudia’s quirkiness, her sense of humour and the ‘genuineness’ that comes over onscreen. I very much enjoyed this – it’s fun, but written from the heart. Her self depreciating comment about the author photo at the back made for an amusing finish to a joy of a book.
Written in a chatty, humorous way – there are 6 main headings – all preceded by ‘Quite’ – Important (to me); Big; True; Inconvenient; Bossy; and Opinionated (I Know). Included are subheadings of all manner of various subjects and her musings and observations.
It’s not a book that you have to read straight through from cover to cover (although I did) but you can dip in, as the layout makes for an easy read. There were so many sections where I was nodding furiously in agreement and just one or two where I skim read, (usually the children focussed ones – only because I don’t have any and didn’t really relate to it).
There is a chapter about Strictly in which she talks about the glitzy dresses – that need to be bought and worn instead of her beloved black. Being nosey, I would have loved a little bit of gossip but she was very discreet and restricts any narrative to generalities about the show. Nevertheless it’s still an interesting look behind the scenes.
I’ve always loved Claudia’s quirkiness, her sense of humour and the ‘genuineness’ that comes over onscreen. I very much enjoyed this – it’s fun, but written from the heart. Her self depreciating comment about the author photo at the back made for an amusing finish to a joy of a book.
September 3, 2021
Hmmm I think this is more 3.5 stars!
I was expecting more of a memoir type book but it's actually a more 'how to Claud' manual and that's okay and I enjoyed the how to but I personally think Claudia is fascinating and would love to know more about her and how she ended up where she ended up. Alas, Quite is just observations and advice.
I totally agreed with about 90% of her wisdom. Naps, art, black being the best colour to wear and her opinion on skiing!
I vehemently disagree with her opinions on skincare and makeup though! :)
February 26, 2021
Didn't think I could love Claudia Winkleman more, then I read this book.
Easiest five star I've given in a while.
She seems very down to earth, I love how she talks about her husband and children and life in general.
I imagine she would be a lovely friend to have around.
I will read anything else she chooses to write in future 👍
Easiest five star I've given in a while.
She seems very down to earth, I love how she talks about her husband and children and life in general.
I imagine she would be a lovely friend to have around.
I will read anything else she chooses to write in future 👍
February 15, 2025
Claudia and I would be friends and this book confirmed that
October 28, 2021
Really enjoyed this. It’s an easy read, written in a chatty style as if Claudia had pulled up a chair and was having a natter with you. I agreed with lots, disagreed with some - I don’t wear black but the main thing I took from it was about being yourself and forging the path that you want not the one everyone else is on. Oh and that it’s okay to nap on a regular basis - who can argue with that!?!?
December 18, 2025
Of course I gave it five starts… it’s Claudia Winkleman
January 28, 2025
As if I'd rate Claud anything other than 5 stars. I just have a Claudia Winkleman obsession
March 9, 2024
3.5 stars 🌟
Claudia Winkleman is just really funny and so anything she said was making me laugh a bit. I’d recommend the audiobook because I think the way she phrases things really adds to the whole experience.
Claudia Winkleman is just really funny and so anything she said was making me laugh a bit. I’d recommend the audiobook because I think the way she phrases things really adds to the whole experience.
January 6, 2022
I picked this up for a fun read into the life of a popular British figure, which in parts it was, but there were two main issues for me. I wondered whether they are too critical, but Claudia herself writes that "it is absolutely brilliant being wrong", so here goes.
Firstly, the book has no apparent structure - each 'chapter' is only a few pages long, providing a superficial look into a particular subject, before whizzing on to something entirely unrelated, and then something completely different again. I would've given it a higher rating if it had had some coherence or had more of a story running through it, and felt there was missed opportunity here.
Secondly, this book consists of a lot of opinions. This is not per se a problem, but it reads more like a collection of blogposts - or in places Buzzfeed listicles - than a traditional book. Some chapters give interesting insight into Claudia's character and interests - her passion for the history of art really comes through and is great to read about - while others are opinions on fairly superficial things, told in an exaggerated way for comic effect. There are some glimmers into Claudia's life, but she keeps some cards closely guarded - e.g. a chapter on the health service alludes to various illnesses in her family but never gives any details.
With so many opinions, it would be difficult to agree with them all, and it would be unreasonable to expect to. Most are innocuous but some are simply offensive - e.g. "an over-enthusiastic user of [the exclamation mark] is physically repellent. You don't want to go out with someone who uses emojis either." Sure, this is likely exaggerated for comic effect, but it is pretty extreme (and out-of-touch with common linguistic practice). Another part says that liking spicy food is an indication of "bad taste" - she goes on to say you shouldn't care, but it is an example of where this book is relatable mainly to the white middle class.
Other topics covered included raising children and dealing with marriage, so this book will likely be most relatable to someone with those experiences, as well as anyone interested in fashion, living in London, and embracing life changes between youth and middle age.
Firstly, the book has no apparent structure - each 'chapter' is only a few pages long, providing a superficial look into a particular subject, before whizzing on to something entirely unrelated, and then something completely different again. I would've given it a higher rating if it had had some coherence or had more of a story running through it, and felt there was missed opportunity here.
Secondly, this book consists of a lot of opinions. This is not per se a problem, but it reads more like a collection of blogposts - or in places Buzzfeed listicles - than a traditional book. Some chapters give interesting insight into Claudia's character and interests - her passion for the history of art really comes through and is great to read about - while others are opinions on fairly superficial things, told in an exaggerated way for comic effect. There are some glimmers into Claudia's life, but she keeps some cards closely guarded - e.g. a chapter on the health service alludes to various illnesses in her family but never gives any details.
With so many opinions, it would be difficult to agree with them all, and it would be unreasonable to expect to. Most are innocuous but some are simply offensive - e.g. "an over-enthusiastic user of [the exclamation mark] is physically repellent. You don't want to go out with someone who uses emojis either." Sure, this is likely exaggerated for comic effect, but it is pretty extreme (and out-of-touch with common linguistic practice). Another part says that liking spicy food is an indication of "bad taste" - she goes on to say you shouldn't care, but it is an example of where this book is relatable mainly to the white middle class.
Other topics covered included raising children and dealing with marriage, so this book will likely be most relatable to someone with those experiences, as well as anyone interested in fashion, living in London, and embracing life changes between youth and middle age.
August 26, 2022
I'm not sure how to put into words how much I adored this book. Claudia Winkleman is hilarious and never takes herself too seriously. I actually had very little of an opinion about Claudia Winkleman before reading this book, apart from that she has a fringe and I thought she wore a lot of eyeliner. After reading, I've learnt that there's a lot of logic behind the fringe and the eyeliner and I can respect that.
There's a huge amount of wisdom and life advise in this book, as well as equal parts silliness - I particularly enjoyed the chapter on squirrel etiquette. My only regret is buying this on kindle, if I'd bought a physical copy I would have been furiously highlighting and folding down the corners of pages for future reference.
There's a huge amount of wisdom and life advise in this book, as well as equal parts silliness - I particularly enjoyed the chapter on squirrel etiquette. My only regret is buying this on kindle, if I'd bought a physical copy I would have been furiously highlighting and folding down the corners of pages for future reference.
October 9, 2020
**listened via audible**
So, to begin with I was slightly confused by this book. I didn't 'quite' understand the point. But the more it went on, the more I really enjoyed it.
I have been a fan of Claudia's for a long time, and her humour really comes through with this book. I love the fact the audiobook is narrated by Winkleman herself too.
Just a bit of fun, no real substance to it, but light-hearted and funny.
Really enjoyed it
So, to begin with I was slightly confused by this book. I didn't 'quite' understand the point. But the more it went on, the more I really enjoyed it.
I have been a fan of Claudia's for a long time, and her humour really comes through with this book. I love the fact the audiobook is narrated by Winkleman herself too.
Just a bit of fun, no real substance to it, but light-hearted and funny.
Really enjoyed it
February 27, 2023
Skim read through this book after reading the first “chapter”.
The blurb doesn’t give much away about the content of the book, although like most people I assumed it would be a sort of memoir/autobiography on Claudia Winkleman’s life and her career etc.
However, this book doesn’t seem to have a true purpose; it seems like a compilation of various random opinions on different topics. There isn’t much structure or insightful take-away from this book.
The blurb doesn’t give much away about the content of the book, although like most people I assumed it would be a sort of memoir/autobiography on Claudia Winkleman’s life and her career etc.
However, this book doesn’t seem to have a true purpose; it seems like a compilation of various random opinions on different topics. There isn’t much structure or insightful take-away from this book.
February 13, 2021
Really nicely written, a book that actually makes you laugh out loud. Some funny and relatable things. Probably aimed for slightly older women as quite a lot of references about having children. Can’t imagine someone would be a fan of this book if they didn’t like Claudia Winkleman (might be an obvious thing to say)!
March 13, 2023
I like Claudia Winkleman, and was hoping for some depth… for I’m sure she has some. And while the chapter on art was passionate, and the chapter on Strictly was heartfelt, the rest (what I managed to read) felt shallow and lazy, and with disappointingly little insight.
I really must break my habit of hoping for the best with celebrity autobiographies and the like.
I really must break my habit of hoping for the best with celebrity autobiographies and the like.
October 27, 2025
3️⃣: endearing, wacky, light-hearted
I love this woman ! So funny and so wierd, this book is a welcome break from anything heavy or deeply self-reflective. Claudia Winkleman doesn't take herself too seriously, and neither should you. Easy
I love this woman ! So funny and so wierd, this book is a welcome break from anything heavy or deeply self-reflective. Claudia Winkleman doesn't take herself too seriously, and neither should you. Easy
February 13, 2021
3.5 stars if this would be possible here
all in all a nice one but boy are we different on so many levels 😂😂😂😂
all in all a nice one but boy are we different on so many levels 😂😂😂😂
May 4, 2021
Easy to read and very light hearted. Great choice if you're looking for a break from the serious and want a laugh.
December 11, 2021
Not a strictly fan nor know that much about Claudia but really quite enjoyed this. It’s not completely relatable to me - there is a lot in this about parenting and life as you hit middle age - but it was really witty and entertaining. It’s written in a very conversational tone, and feels like Claudia is in the room having a chat with you. In this book Claudia comes across as incredibly genuine, humble and self aware. I’m not sure I agreed on absolutely everything, but in amongst a lot of Claudia’s (sometimes over dramatic) witticisms there was definitely some important life advice for every reader to take onboard and live by.
July 21, 2021
Honestly, I didn't think my love for Claudia Winkleman could be any greater and then this book came along. So engaging and relatable, Claudia tackles lots of different topics venturing from eyeliner to parenting and each one is done with such warmth and...Claudia-ness. The whole book is so relatable and actually pretty affirming that we're all doing just fine and many of the expectations we place on ourselves come from within. If you enjoy Claudia's personality, this is a definite must-read.
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