Gin and Phonics

My journey through middle-class motherhood (via the occasional pub)

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:

• when it’s acceptable to buy your kids lunch from a kebab shop.
• why a jar of pickled herrings from Waitrose is the ultimate guilty pleasure, nay necessity, for a sleep-deprived parent.
• how to finally pursue your acting ambitions in your forties (despite a toddler sh*tting on the stairs during a self-tape audition).

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.

Critic reviews

‘Brilliant, bonkers and laugh-out-loud funny. Clara’s dry, sarcastic wit is fantastic. She is self-deprecating, relatable, and absolutely hilarious’ – Amanda Holden

‘Reading Gin & Phonics is like giving the room to your funniest friend. Sharply observed, laugh-out-loud funny and gloriously compelling.’ – Simon Pegg

'Hilarious and sassy reportage from the front line of the Waitrose (sorry, I mean Sainsbury’s) wine and spirits aisle.' – Phill Jupitus

Hilarious listen! A must read.

The author did a fantastic job of writing a relatable story and providing great life lessons.

Mommy must read!

This is not normally a type of book I would read, I’m more of a fiction reader. But I highly recommend!

Batten Mixes Up The Perfect Tonic

Batten’s take on a life well lived on her terms is a hilarious walk through all of our lives. She brings us for a ride through her life in a way we can also see ourselves as she tries to balance family, studies, work, parenting, friendships, the local pub, a social life and often with a good G & T in hand.

Buy this book in any firm and read it and laugh and wonder why you don’t have more Clara Batten’s in your life!

Clara's sense of humor shines through!

I enjoy listening to a person who has that unique ability to not only be humorous in person but can capture that same humor in written word. Clara is one of those people. Thank you, Clara, for such an amusing few hours!

funny look behind the scenes

love watching Clara on IG. found her by accident, a happy accident. thanks for more laughs with your book.