Blurb: It is Mummy’s 39th birthday. She is staring down the barrel of a future of people asking if she wants to come to their advanced yoga classes, and polite book clubs where everyone claims to be tiddly after a glass of Pinot Grigio and says things like ‘Oooh gosh, are you having another glass?’
But Mummy does not want to go quietly into that good night of women with sensible haircuts who ‘live for their children’ and stand in the playground trying to trump each other with their offspring’s extracurricular activities and achievements, and boasting about their latest holidays.
Instead, she clutches a large glass of wine, muttering ‘FML’ over and over again. Until she remembers the gem of an idea she’s had…
This book both was and wasn’t what I expected.
As a follower of Gill Sims’ Peter and Jane page on Facebook, and having a read a few other ‘Mummy blogger’ books, I thought this would be more of the same, but in fact there is an actual fictional (or loosely fictional!) plot here, involving making new friends and a touch of romantic intrigue whilst navigating the numerous pitfalls of parenting that fellow chaotic-mummy fans and followers will hail familiarly.
What was definitely recognisable was Sims’ distinctive voice, bringing her anecdotes to life with wry humour and plenty of snark. think Bridget Jones’ Diary but with cigarettes and calorie counting replaced with school runs and doling out crisps.
Personally this book feels like it could have been written for, and about me! My parenting style could best be described as ‘chaotic’ and Why Mummy Drinks captures that feeling perfectly, whilst easily answering the titular question. You will likely find yourself quoting chunks of this to your other half / mummy friends, either as self-justification, or just for a laugh.
You will enjoy this book if you are a parent (especially one covered in child secretions and bellowing ‘SHOES!’ on a daily basis); if you like quick, light, fun reads; and if you like Sims’ blog or similar (a couple of obvious ones spring to mind!).
8.35 a.m. Start bellowing at the children to put on their shoes and coats and get their school bags now, now, now, NOW! Try not to actually foam at the mouth with rage when met with blank stares and complete denial of any knowledge of the existence of shoes, coats or schoolbags. Child informs me of very important permission slip that must be returned today. Search futilely through many piles of paper, eventually find the letter, try to dredge up the £5 the letter is also demanding from down the back of the sofa, as I only have a £20 note.
– Gill Sims, Why Mummy Drinks
You can find Gill Sims’ blog here, or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.
Why Mummy Drinks is available on Amazon now.
Bookshine And Readbows 
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