Gin and Phonics: My journey through middle-class motherhood

by Clara Batten

‘I was asked the other day what I thought the hardest part of parenting was. I’d have to say that it’s definitely the kids.’ TikTok sensation Clara Batten has dedicated the last few years to seeking the answer to one of life’s most crucial questions: Is it possible to raise and nurture two small humans without losing your bloody mind? The good news is, now she’s found (some of) the answers and is sharing her secrets with the rest of us! In this riotous book, Clara reveals: Most importantly, Clara shows us that no matter how much we adore our little treasures, life isn’t just about their A, B and bloody Cs.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book directly from the publisher in exchange for a review.
I had never heard of Clara Batten, but going by the blurb I had a feeling this book would be right up my street so I jumped at the chance.
I really enjoyed it from the very first page - very funny, and very real throughout and I could relate so pretty much all of it. I snorted out loud more than once to the point where my husband asked what on earth I was laughing at 🤷
If you are a fan of the 'Why Mummy Drinks' series, then I couldn't recommend this one enough - I think you will love it.

[Melissa Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!
Could not have been more relatable at times!!
Good work Clara, please write another…….

[Librow0rm Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper Collins (Harper Fiction,) asked me if I wanted to read Gin & Phonics by Clara Batten and I’ll be honest, the totally nerdy, fantasy, sci fi, dragon loving part of me was very much – Why? However, I’m multi-faceted, at least that’s what I tell myself and let’s be honest I was hoping it would be a bit of light relief or pallet cleanser from my usual reading genres! Well Done Harper Fiction – it totally was and I loved it!

There’s no question about it, Gin & Phonics is a fun, inciteful and delightful read. TBH it’s humour is so founded in reality of life with small people and Clara has a fantastic dry sense of humour that truly comes through as you read. I hadn’t really heard of Clara Batten before this but, I’m now a convert and follow her on social media – definitely brightens up the day. If you’re a parent, aunt, uncle or don’t have/don’t want small people, this book will have you in fits of laughter.

Irrespective of whether you are or aren’t a parent, there are some truly relatable moments in this book and you can easily pick it up and enjoy a chapter in between being harassed by your progeny! Plus we all know that smiling and laughing is good for you, so think of this book as a tonic, delivering your daily dose of fun and hysteria! 😊

Thank you so much Harper Collins/Harper Fiction for sharing Gin & Phonics by Clara Batten with me, I had a blast!

[Leanne Treadwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Clara on tiktok and found her content so honest and relatable. When I saw that she had released a book I immediately downloaded the audiobook version and completed it within a few days. I got hooked upon her incredible humour and relatable anecdotes of her as a Mother, as a Wife, as a Daughter and as friend. I found myself to be laughing out loud on multiple occasions during this book to the point I was getting odd looks from fellow road users when I would be pulled up alongside them at traffic lights and it looked as though I was just sat there crying with laughter on my own in the car!! It was however more than worth the odd looks from strangers as this is was one of the best books I have read in years, hence the rapid completion of it!! The only downside being that there are no other books written by this wonderful lady. I will be the first in line for a copy when and if there comes another book by Clara. I give it an all round 10 out of 5 stars!!! Amazing book Clara

[Peta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched Clara on Social Media, seen her journey and how hard she has worked to do something she loves, I appreciate how damn naturally funny and clever she is. So I picked up the book and despite forgetting to put waterproof mascara on, it didn't disappoint. Its such a fantastically, fun, clever, witty read. I am older with no kids but could relate to the stories, the snappy asides and the witty banter she has with pretty much anyone she encounters. She's so open and honest. I loved how a story would start somewhere and end up somewhere completely different in thought and humour. Just a book that makes you laugh, want to hang out with her and feel good. Highly highly recommend. The perfect funny read to relax with or gift to a girlfriend for her summer holiday chill (although also perfect by the fire in winter with a good glass of red now that I think of it).

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am normally not into comedy, but this book was just great and real and refreshing. I found the author because my sister keeps sending me her hilarious videos from TikTok and Instagram. The things people accidentally say when responding via siri - yupp - I get it. As in English teacher, I should be better at editing my own texts and responses to people, but sometimes it has been pretty bad.

So I watch the videos, laugh when I need to, rewatch the videos, and then I found a book on someone I knew nothing about until a week ago. :)

Thank you Clara for writing the book. Thanks for making it appealing to this English teacher, because anything related to reading and phonics sucked me in, even if only one chapter was about phonics lol. I love the chapter titles and the way the book was organized too. :)

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Harper Collins, for a gifted copy of this book.

I recently read this memoir, and I found it to be both amusing and relatable, as well as having a modern feel to it. It didn't take itself too seriously, which really helped to lift my spirits. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I believe it could be prescribed as a mood booster!

The book was an easy read, filled with humorous moments that had me laughing out loud. The author, Batten, writes in an entertaining style that remains honest throughout.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to others looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable read.

[Anne Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent an early review copy of this by @HarperCollinsPublishersUK but struggled initially with the writing style and kept putting the book down in favour of something else on my TBR pile. However, now that I’ve finished it, I can say that it did grow on me as I read, and it did raise a chuckle from time to time. Although I had never heard of the author previously (she might well be a TIkTok sensation, but I’m afraid that TikTok has passed me by) she drew me in to this snapshot of her life and entertained me with her rambling anecdotes and her amusing observations. I wish her well and will pass the book on via our local book exchange.

[Kili · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book very kindly by the publisher. Please bear in mind I am neither a mother, or middle-class...and I also had not heard of Clara batten before a quick google.
This being said, I did find this book entertaining, and if you are not looking for something too taxing to read I would definitly recommend it. At times it was very heavy on the stream of consciousness narrative, which did go on a tangent a lot of the time, not that that's necessarily a bad thing.

I may not myself pick this book up again, however I definitly have an idea of some other people I will recommend this to.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a bit of light relief from all the other books I have been reading recently and this was the perfect solution. You don't have to have kids to be able to enjoy this delightful and funny read. Some things reminded me of what my parents use to say to me. It was just such a amusing read and I couldn't stop laughing. I love Clara's dry wit and I am sure other parents will be able to relate to all the goings on in this book. It is a must read and I loved it. It really cheered me up. This book is going to be a major hit.

[Linn Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gin & Phonics is a hilarious book written by the fabulous Clara Batten, that I came across via her funny, crazy and creative videos on TikTok. Her book is about her ups and downs going through life. She writes about her ambitions to be an actor in her twenties, her life in London, meeting her husband, having two kids, and how she then had opportunities to fulfil her dreams as an actor, do comedy sketches and write a book. It will make you laugh out loud and impress you with her honesty. I highly recommend it!

[Bookwormbadger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and entertaining book about motherhood, getting older and life in general. I must admit, I thought this would be funnier. I hadn't heard of the author before I read this. I thought it was ok
I guess because I'm ten years older than the author and now have teenage children, and also don't drink alcohol, I didn't find it as relatable as some books on motherhood.
With thanks to HarperCollins for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlotte Grainger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. There was so many laugh out loud moments and my husband got a bit fed up of constantly jumping at me just bursting out laughing randomly.
The book felt like Clara was talking to me and i was listening and laughing at random times. It was such an easy, relatable book to read and i have already recommended it to a few of my gin loving parent friends for them to devour and enjoy as well.
I hope Clara plans on doing another book in the future.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this and what a lighthearted read and insight into motherhood it was! So much of it was relatable about homeschooling with children during lockdowns and the much needed G&T in the evening. Having never heard of Clara before selecting this based on the title, I’m now a follower on social media and love seeing the funny clips she posts

[Jayne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute side splitter. I first discovered Clara on instagram and decided to read her book! I I initially bought as an audible but also have a hard copy. It’s the most entertaining book I’ve read /listened to in a long long time. Her wit and narrative through motherhood has me laughing from beginning to end. A very funny book. Thank you Clara just what was needed 🥰

[Mekerei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listen to the audio book of Gin and Phonics read by Clara Batten. I follow Clara Batten on Instagram. I enjoyed the tales of her life. This audio book sounded like the Clara I know and is very in keeping with how I image her to be; wacky and self deprecating.

An enjoyable listen (had it on while I worked).

Three and a half stars.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara Batten is hilarious! I follow her on social media and was delighted to read her book. Clara’s brilliant energy, humor and kind heart is present throughout the pages. I listened on Audible and really enjoyed hearing her read her story. It’s a lovely, light, summer reading/listening. Highly recommended.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never heard of Clara Batten but the synopsis of the book sounded good… that is where it ended. I thought the book was a whole load of waffle and did not laugh at all. Perhaps she comes over better in a TikTok video than in a book???

[Joanna Cockayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I wanted it to last my whole holiday but just couldn’t put it down!
Clara really tells life & motherhood in a very down to earth , honest & humorous way……. So easy to read and be able to connect with x
Looking forward to her next book 💕💕💕💕

[Sam Whittaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, more aimed at the parents of young children and her many TikTok fans though.

[Miss H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endearingly sweet tribute to friendship and motherhood. Watch out for where you read it - you will be laughing out loud!

[Laura]

The title of this hooked me in, along with the synopsis. Was very unbothered when actually reading it though!

[Julie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous ! We can all identify with lots of the scenarios ! Especially the lost toy chapter ! Brilliant 🤩

[michelle Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely funny read. Clara’s adventures are epic and she writes exactly how she talks and you can hear her voice (if you know her from TikTok) if she writes another book (which will obviously be called a million recipes with Velveeta) you don’t have to thank me now for the title. I will be one of the first in line to read it. Thanks for the laughs.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun read and look into the author’s life. It was funny and entertaining.

[Sarah Leighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy light hearted read- funny anecdotes about being a mum and juggling life!

[Marty Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lot of fun, even to a “senior” who never had children. I especially loved hearing Clara read it.

[Clare Draycott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an enjoyable and uplifting read. I laughed out loud many times. Absolutely loved it!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Batten is well-known for her videos on Tik Tok and has amassed quite a following. Fans of her content will definitely recognise the style of her writing in this, her debut book, as she explores how it is possible to bring up children in this modern word while trying to achieve her own ambition of becoming an actress.

I admit that before reading this book (well listening to the audiobook), I had never heard of Clara Batten but being a fan of Gill Sims’ Why Mummy… series, this looked right up my street. This is one of those books where I feel the audiobook works really well due to it being read by the author herself. Clara comes across as very likeable and self-deprecating and, as a result, makes the book very readable (or listenable!).

The anecdotes are genuinely funny and are very relatable and I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions.

If you are looking for a mood booster, then this book could be the one for you!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Gin and Phonics" is a particularly funny entry into a series of books I call "Mummy memoirs" in which we learn about the less than perfect side of parenting.

This is no great work of literature but it doesn't take itself seriously at all. Batten became popular on TikTok during the pandemic and seems bewildered by the fact that anyone finds her more than vaguely entertaining.

I've read a few books by influencers now and this has to be the most self-deprecating of all of them. There's no promise to teach you something, just a little insight into another person and the highs and lows of their life. Like watching reality TV but at a less dramatic pace.