Though I wanted to punch Gemma at times, the way she treated her mom went beyond teen stuff at times. I mean, I remember being pretty ugh at times, but I wasn’t that bad. Plus… well there were other factors as well at play in my case. Later in the book she got way better and even was sweet towards her mom. Which made me smile. Just a shame some bad/unhappy things had to happen first before she started to treat her mom with respect.

The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum | Serena Terry - NetGalley The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum | Serena Terry - NetGalley

Life changed, you know. That’s part of the deal when we become parents. You put your own needs to one side and focus on what’s important,which is putting those wains of yours front and centre” Jax and Nathan’s antics had me laughing so hard, though I also felt for Tara and Paul. So much poo. So much threats to tell stuff to their teacher (who I found really annoying). I loved seeing these two boys team up, I can already smell there is going to be even more trouble when Jax is really able to walk and run and do everything.

More in Books

I liked Tara, she was a good person, I thought Gemma needed to be put in her place and told off. The absolute gem was Paul. He was patient, understanding and present. The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum by Serena Terry, better known as viral sensation @MammyBanter. This hilarious debut novel tells the story of Tara Gallagher, an exhausted mum who wants it all. Keenan, Shaun (2022-03-02). "Mammy Banter's Serena Terry talks new book, mental health and the future". BelfastLive . Retrieved 2022-11-20.

The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum by Serena Terry | Goodreads The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum by Serena Terry | Goodreads

I did a podcast with Amy Huberman (known for her role as Daisy in the RTÉ drama series The Clinic) and she said to me, 'Can I play Tara?'."

Keen to maintain a work-life balance, Serena has even taken advice from her fictional creation Tara, in taking time out for herself and building new friendships.

The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum - Goodreads Mammy Banter: The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum - Goodreads

Nobody in this world goes about laughing and joking all day every day. I suffer from anxiety and I'm on medication for it, but I'm not ashamed," she says.

Creative Play

I will say that this book had one huge trigger warning that I wish I would have known about, and that was ageism. And when I say ageism, I mean it goes both ways. The young are down on anyone over 25, and the over 35 crowd isn't looking with a lot of love at the under 25 crowd. Funny- it took my generation a lot more years in between ages to be so snarky about each other. Having seen family and friends go through some tough stuff with their kids I can relate to Tara from and outsider perspective. The thing of you never know what someone is going through so be nice to everyone should be thought by everyone. Maybe it's because I've read so many of this type of book before and I'm just a little jaded at this point, but this book did almost nothing for me. It's the same story as usual... sad mom wants to make life changes, does things she hates to make these life changes, realizes she had it within her the whole time. Also, could not stand the kids endlessly whining and repeatedly saying mammmmyyyyyy. Goodness gracious this one was a skim for me at best.