We read the musings of Claudia Winkleman, the woman who thought instead of a picture of her on the inside cover there instead should be a picture of a baby goat instead. Quite.
Quite – the blurb
Claudia Winkleman’s warmth, humour, no-holds-barred attitude and smoky eye have made her the favorite 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.
Bring on the eye-liner
A while back I read a piece in a magazine Claudia had written in which she claimed that if she ever divorced her husband and remarried it would probably be to a piece of cheese. From that point on she immediately became my hero. So when I opened a box at work to find Claudia’s eye-lined face staring back at me it didn’t even make the shop floor before I had purchased it to read immediately. A signed copy none the less! I actually glanced at the tanned moisturiser before I settled down to read Quite. Such pale skin felt like an insult. I settled instead for a smidge of eyeliner, (not nearly enough in Claudia’s mind) and a black T-Shirt. Although not modal, important apparently as I was about to find out.
Strictly, Fringes and….Bridge?
The expected is covered – her tan, fringe and Strictly (referred to at all times in italics). Along with the unexpected – Bridge, a game I now want to play, and a whole chapter devoted to squirrel etiquette. This isn’t an autobiography. We don’t meet Claudia in childhood and follow her as she first utters the words ‘keep dancing’. Nor is it the inside scoop on Strictly. Instead there is a collection of musings/ramblings on things that are quite important, quite inconvenient and quite true. All delivered in the unique style that is so very Claudia. You do get the feeling that she has really written it. What you see on screen is what you very much get in the book. With a bit of swearing and sex thrown in.
Quite moving
When settling down to read I really didn’t expect to be moved to tears but I was twice – the ode to nurses, and the brutal truth about children leaving home. Yet I laughed and nodded my head in fierce approval “any drink that relies on cucumber to perk it up should be ashamed of itself.” I would love to meet her for a drink, to be as comfortable in my own skin as she is and to have the nerve to wear as much eyeliner as she does. And if lockdown allows I will totally be in Venice at 2pm on the first Saturday in February to have my socks blown off by some art. You provide the commentary Claudia and I will bring the cheese.