I have often been amused by the social media output of Mammy Banter (I don’t do Tiktok – but it seems to be shared to ‘old person’ social media (Facebook!) too. So when I saw she’d written a book, I requested an ARC from NetGalley. Here’s the blurb:

“From the creator of viral Tiktok sensation, Mammy Banter, comes a hilarious warts-and-all novel about modern motherhood – and how having it all sometimes isn’t what you think it might be.
She used to want it all.
Now she just wants a nap.
Tara Gallagher is knackered. She used to dream of being Beyoncé but suddenly she’s thirty-six – with three kids, a loving husband, a very boring job – and instead of headlining Coachella, she’s in her pyjamas on a Friday night, watching Gogglebox.
It’s time for a mammy makeover. She’s going to show her teenage daughter she’s still cool. She’s going to show her husband she’s still an absolute ride. She’s going to show her colleagues she’s still a Boss Bish.
But most of all, she’s going to prove to herself that she can still be a mum, still work full time, and still be Beyoncé…
The debut novel from viral TikTok star, Mammy Banter“

I found this very amusing from the start. Some social media stars have written fabulous books – and others not so much (naming no names) – but this is very definitely in the former camp and was really entertaining.

I liked the main character Tara from the outset – and the fact that she has 3 kids – a teenager, a 5 year old and a toddler – meant lots of scope for child related anecdotes of all ages – and ages I’ve covered with my own tribe.

There were some bits – and some language – that was quite Northern Irish (but hey, I’ve watched Derry Girls, so was totally fine!!) – however I felt like I understood it all even though I’m a Brummie.

I liked the fact that the book covered Tara’s relationship with her husband and kids, her friends (old and new) and her colleagues – it really looked at all areas of her life and how everything intertwined.

Lots of it was so very true to life – the 13 year old daughter who is at one point mortified by her mother’s behaviour (mother AND father in our house!) but then also desperately still needs her parents. I loved the interaction with the smug mother at soft play (reminded me of a hellish experience at Kidzania with the mother of all hangovers one January 1st whilst on holiday!)

It was entertaining, funny, escapist, and very easy to empathise with Tara – a lovely, amusing read. It’s out next month, so not long to wait if it sounds like your bag.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.