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Knee Deep in Life: Wife, Mother, Realist… and Why We’re Already Enough
‘I just howled. Bloomin’ love you’ Giovanna Fletcher
‘You’re hilarious. Thank you for making me laugh every day’ Mrs Hinch
When does Mary Effing Poppins arrive?
Laura Belbin survived hitting her thirties (oh, to be wrinkle-free again), anxiety (just), motherhood (two adorable little shits) and the new body that went with it (a left tit that sags slightly more than the right, anyone?). In Knee Deep in Life she gives a fearless and filthy account of her transformation from no-responsibilities woman to being in demand 24/7, the heartaches and humiliations, and most importantly, her (definitely-pushed-to-the-limits-but-totally-unbreakable) marriage to Steve, the man who helped her to hold it together when post-natal depression kicked in.
Full of heart and wit – not to mention swearing that would make a sailor blush – this is the beast of a book Laura intends on riding into the hands of those people who doubt themselves every single day: the ones who have struggled to accept the way they look; the mums-to-be about to find themselves taking their first step towards parenthood; and the women bossing it like badasses every single day but never getting the credit they deserve. You are more than enough.
‘You’re hilarious. Thank you for making me laugh every day’ Mrs Hinch
When does Mary Effing Poppins arrive?
Laura Belbin survived hitting her thirties (oh, to be wrinkle-free again), anxiety (just), motherhood (two adorable little shits) and the new body that went with it (a left tit that sags slightly more than the right, anyone?). In Knee Deep in Life she gives a fearless and filthy account of her transformation from no-responsibilities woman to being in demand 24/7, the heartaches and humiliations, and most importantly, her (definitely-pushed-to-the-limits-but-totally-unbreakable) marriage to Steve, the man who helped her to hold it together when post-natal depression kicked in.
Full of heart and wit – not to mention swearing that would make a sailor blush – this is the beast of a book Laura intends on riding into the hands of those people who doubt themselves every single day: the ones who have struggled to accept the way they look; the mums-to-be about to find themselves taking their first step towards parenthood; and the women bossing it like badasses every single day but never getting the credit they deserve. You are more than enough.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2020
110 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 21, 2020
You know them books that will just stick with you forever? The ones that you’ll open again just to read them lines that make you seem that little less alone? This is one of those books. @knee_deep_in_life you are amazing! I opened this book, read a few lines and began to cry. I read more, and laughed (the vag and the zip bit I had tears from laughter..just..ouch! 😂). Ladies, if you’re struggling.. pick this book up and have a read.. you’re not alone and never will be alone! I promise. Thank you Laura for letting us into your life and showing us women we are amazing no matter what our bodies and faces look like.. we are all equal and all beautiful ❤️😍 please please please give this a read everyone, and follow @knee_deep_in_life you will have a smile on your face daily from this amazing lady! 💕💓. #kneedeepinlife #bookstagram #books #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookshelf #books📚 #bookobsessed #thankyou #youreamazingjustthewayyouare #books #bookstagram #book #reading #booklover #bookworm #bookish #read #bookstagrammer #booknerd #bibliophile #bookaddict #instabook #booksofinstagram #love #bookshelf #bookaholic #justice #b #reader #instabooks #booklove #literature #library #bookreview
November 28, 2020
Got bored half way through, too self indulgent for me.
January 6, 2022
I hadn’t actually heard of the author or her blog before reading this, I just thought it sounded interesting!
I enjoyed the comical bits about parenting, the bits about the unrealistic ideals of and pressures placed on mums in the modern world, and found her chapters about her mental health issues enlightening, sad, and interesting. My only comment would be that I felt the book got a bit repetitive at the end.
I enjoyed the comical bits about parenting, the bits about the unrealistic ideals of and pressures placed on mums in the modern world, and found her chapters about her mental health issues enlightening, sad, and interesting. My only comment would be that I felt the book got a bit repetitive at the end.
May 16, 2024
Each mother’s journey and perception of motherhood is different and this was a raw and real account of hers. The world needs more such stories before idealising “perfection” in moms. The book was well structured with chapters that were inline with the chronology of events in her life. However, it did feel like the end was rather abrupt with the last one or two chapters lacking a plot line, making them feel like just a group of snippets that I had read in earlier parts of the book.
October 7, 2023
5 stars for honesty, humour and good intentions. The blog and book has clearly had a very positive impact on many women- as well as giving the author direction after becoming a mother. Laura's experience definitely resonates with my own as a new parent.
September 15, 2020
Enjoyed the first couple of chapters, but it became quite repetitive and the vernacular started to grate. Gave up around halfway through. I believe the author started as a blogger, and I can see that her writing style would be great for a blog - for a whole book, for me, not so much. To be fair, I'm probably not the demographic it's aimed at though.
February 11, 2021
Whilst I am not the target audience for this book (as I'm not a parent) I wholeheartedly adore how Laura opens up her soul and never once sugar coats a damn word in her story. I bloody love her Instagram account and even though I couldn't connect or relate to a lot of what the book was discussing, she deserves all the stars!
April 28, 2022
Ok so it's good, it's very real, I'm not a mum but it's nice to relate to a lot of her feelings and thoughts, my only drawback is that there is a lot of swearing. I'm by no means a prude at all, I just found it a bit distracting but that's entirely personal preference:)
January 14, 2021
Loved it!
July 20, 2022
Absolutely brilliant.
‘All of us are nailing it, even through the shitstorm. No one is getting out of here alive, yet in the process – as we’re all too busy smiling, disguising the truth – we forget that every single person has a story to tell and a heartache to share.’
I love Laura so much and if you haven’t listened to her podcast with Victoria Emes (No Holes Barred) then you’re missing a real bloody treat 🤣
‘You might have seen 400 birthing vaginas, my darling, but your bedside manner is as well put-together as a festering shit on the bottom of my shoe on a hot day in an elevator.’
***
‘One day I’m going to be skinny, rich and happy, with tits like a supermodel. But until then I just might work on loving myself the way I am because I’m kind of fucking awesome right now.’
***
‘On the days when you feel like you can’t cope, just don’t! Find kindness for yourself, and don’t let those 24 hours define the next one.’
Laura’s new book No Shame comes out tomorrow and I think that will be a whole new level up. I cannot wait to read it 😍
‘All of us are nailing it, even through the shitstorm. No one is getting out of here alive, yet in the process – as we’re all too busy smiling, disguising the truth – we forget that every single person has a story to tell and a heartache to share.’
I love Laura so much and if you haven’t listened to her podcast with Victoria Emes (No Holes Barred) then you’re missing a real bloody treat 🤣
‘You might have seen 400 birthing vaginas, my darling, but your bedside manner is as well put-together as a festering shit on the bottom of my shoe on a hot day in an elevator.’
***
‘One day I’m going to be skinny, rich and happy, with tits like a supermodel. But until then I just might work on loving myself the way I am because I’m kind of fucking awesome right now.’
***
‘On the days when you feel like you can’t cope, just don’t! Find kindness for yourself, and don’t let those 24 hours define the next one.’
Laura’s new book No Shame comes out tomorrow and I think that will be a whole new level up. I cannot wait to read it 😍
July 16, 2021
Absolutely bloomin brilliant!
I stumbled upon this book in our library when I was feeling abit down and it was just what I needed I have never laughed and seen so much truth in one book ever, Laura touched upon so many subjects that are close to my heart, I havnt used social media for 4 years now for the reasons that Laura talks about ‘people only use the platform to share the good bits and leave the bad unspoken!’ Nobody in my circle seems to get this and thinks I’m weird as everyone in their 20s has a Facebook, but seeing that someone else sees people pretending just like I do made me feel heard and this book reminded me to love myself abit more, the diet the weight worries and clothes sizes aren’t important, we should be too busy living! Been a mum can be a bitch but it’s the best gift we’ll ever receive! We should remember ourselves not just as a mother and student and all the other titles us mums take on! I will always be grateful for discovering knee deep in life and will use the blog to cheer me up when needed! You are amazing woman well done just for been you!
I stumbled upon this book in our library when I was feeling abit down and it was just what I needed I have never laughed and seen so much truth in one book ever, Laura touched upon so many subjects that are close to my heart, I havnt used social media for 4 years now for the reasons that Laura talks about ‘people only use the platform to share the good bits and leave the bad unspoken!’ Nobody in my circle seems to get this and thinks I’m weird as everyone in their 20s has a Facebook, but seeing that someone else sees people pretending just like I do made me feel heard and this book reminded me to love myself abit more, the diet the weight worries and clothes sizes aren’t important, we should be too busy living! Been a mum can be a bitch but it’s the best gift we’ll ever receive! We should remember ourselves not just as a mother and student and all the other titles us mums take on! I will always be grateful for discovering knee deep in life and will use the blog to cheer me up when needed! You are amazing woman well done just for been you!
January 1, 2021
I remember the first time i came across Laura aka Knee Deep In Life, it was on Facebook and she was trying on a pair of Spanx she had ordered online from China, and I cried laughing. I could not breathe for laughing and I instantly ran downstairs to the fella and showed him, and since that day I have watched and read pretty much everything this powerhouse of a woman has done.
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She is so unapologetically herself and I love that! She isn't part of the perfect brigade and shares her life warts and all, she is a loud voice for women supporting other women and being who they are.
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I've been meaning to get this book since it was published and I just never got round to it. I bought it on sale on audible uk and ive spent the day dechristmasing the house and listening to this absolute gem. I loved it.
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She is so unapologetically herself and I love that! She isn't part of the perfect brigade and shares her life warts and all, she is a loud voice for women supporting other women and being who they are.
.
I've been meaning to get this book since it was published and I just never got round to it. I bought it on sale on audible uk and ive spent the day dechristmasing the house and listening to this absolute gem. I loved it.
August 24, 2020
I don’t remember the first time I came across Knee deep in life. But I do know that I have cried with laughter over some of her blog posts, and also cried in solidarity about her struggles with mental health. Laura is unapologetic and true when it comes to life, motherhood and the unrealistic expectations placed on women (primarily) through the media.
I was so excited to learn that a book was being written, and I loved every minute of it. I cried a few times reading this, but I also agreed which pretty much every point made.
I will be recommending and lending this book to many of my family who I feel need to read about a woman who reminds you that everyone screws up and that everyone is winging it.
I was so excited to learn that a book was being written, and I loved every minute of it. I cried a few times reading this, but I also agreed which pretty much every point made.
I will be recommending and lending this book to many of my family who I feel need to read about a woman who reminds you that everyone screws up and that everyone is winging it.
September 18, 2021
Honest to god this woman earnt every bloody star and more if possible...
A woman within the pages of her book laying herself out bare and being as frank and honest as they come!!
A barrell of laughs, highs and lows and Laura being laura she takes you along for the ride.
She is truly amazing and inspirational for us women.
Showing its okay to not always have it together and not always be at your best but keep rocking up each day.
Her book is very much like her social media for anyone who doesnt follow her on insta and facebook boy you are missing out.
Shes a daily laugh but also so bloody real and relatable and that is exactly what the pages of this book show.
Hope to god at some point she writes another as i most definitely would be buying and reading!!
A woman within the pages of her book laying herself out bare and being as frank and honest as they come!!
A barrell of laughs, highs and lows and Laura being laura she takes you along for the ride.
She is truly amazing and inspirational for us women.
Showing its okay to not always have it together and not always be at your best but keep rocking up each day.
Her book is very much like her social media for anyone who doesnt follow her on insta and facebook boy you are missing out.
Shes a daily laugh but also so bloody real and relatable and that is exactly what the pages of this book show.
Hope to god at some point she writes another as i most definitely would be buying and reading!!
September 3, 2020
No words...
I have just finished this book after trying to drag it out as I loved every single page. I've followed Laura since the spanks video and every single post has made my day that little bit better. Knee deep in life is the first Insta story or Facebook page I search for every day. Reading this book has made me feel that I am not alone nor am I crazy, (well maybe slightly so but I feel normal lol) so thank you Laura for sharing your story. You are amazing and not just a queen but THE queen.
I have just finished this book after trying to drag it out as I loved every single page. I've followed Laura since the spanks video and every single post has made my day that little bit better. Knee deep in life is the first Insta story or Facebook page I search for every day. Reading this book has made me feel that I am not alone nor am I crazy, (well maybe slightly so but I feel normal lol) so thank you Laura for sharing your story. You are amazing and not just a queen but THE queen.
September 3, 2020
You must read this amazing book!
At last someone who I can truly relate to Laura tells it like it is which is just what people need right now.
The book is full of laughs but also had me in tears at certain points because it was like she was reading my thoughts. I suddenly don’t feel so alone because she gets it and she makes you feel that it’s ok not to be ok 100% of the time.
Thank you Laura for writing this fabulous book your a total star I don’t know you but I feel like I do and I’m so proud of you. Keep being your amazing self!
At last someone who I can truly relate to Laura tells it like it is which is just what people need right now.
The book is full of laughs but also had me in tears at certain points because it was like she was reading my thoughts. I suddenly don’t feel so alone because she gets it and she makes you feel that it’s ok not to be ok 100% of the time.
Thank you Laura for writing this fabulous book your a total star I don’t know you but I feel like I do and I’m so proud of you. Keep being your amazing self!
January 2, 2021
So many people post their 'so called' perfect lives on social media, me, I say it as it is, which is why I love seeing @knee_deep_in_life
blogs & posts because she is so down to earth, so fucking funny & says it as it is 😃
This book didn't disappoint in the slightest, packed full of the Laura we've all grown to love. Unapologetically frank & brutally honest, I laughed my way through this book & sympathise with the mental health side of things.
Never stop being you Laura & thank you for making me realise my life isn't as much of a car crash as I thought! 😘
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
blogs & posts because she is so down to earth, so fucking funny & says it as it is 😃
This book didn't disappoint in the slightest, packed full of the Laura we've all grown to love. Unapologetically frank & brutally honest, I laughed my way through this book & sympathise with the mental health side of things.
Never stop being you Laura & thank you for making me realise my life isn't as much of a car crash as I thought! 😘
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
April 12, 2022
Just purely awesome!
I love knee deep in life and Laura's down to earth ,give no f***s attitude. I loved how she combined her incredible sense of humour while being deeply honest about her life and mental health. I love how much she swears, it's very relatable!
This book made me feel better about my own mental health. I've not been able to read for years due to not being able to concentrate from depression but I read this in 3 sittings and I will definitely read it again. Laura is an awesome lady.
I love knee deep in life and Laura's down to earth ,give no f***s attitude. I loved how she combined her incredible sense of humour while being deeply honest about her life and mental health. I love how much she swears, it's very relatable!
This book made me feel better about my own mental health. I've not been able to read for years due to not being able to concentrate from depression but I read this in 3 sittings and I will definitely read it again. Laura is an awesome lady.
October 27, 2022
Oh I absolutely love Laura!! I follow her on the socials so when I saw she had a book I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! It took me a while to get around to reading it but turns out I read it at just the right time for it to have the most impact on me... At a time where I'm feeling like a let down to my child because of his tantrums and outbursts, so to be able to read through Laura's story and have it drilled in that it's not me and my parenting that is the issue, it's just that kids are pricks was just what I needed!
Thankyou for being you Laura ❤️
Thankyou for being you Laura ❤️
September 8, 2020
If you don’t know who Laura is, about Knee Deep in Life, or have not seen any of her videos - please start there. I don’t want to see this book get negative reviews for swearing, etc when you could have had a quick primer. This book was everything I was hoping for and more. What a delight to have almost 6 hours of Laura chatting with you like you’re her friend over for a drink. Love you, babe. So so proud of everything you’re accomplishing and all of the amazing things to come.
January 17, 2021
Knee Deep In Life is a book that will stick with me for as long as I live, I’m only seventeen but Laura Belbin’s words have had such a deep impact on me already. I felt all the emotions possible whilst reading this book and have come out the other side feeling completely overjoyed that such a wonderful woman & role model has achieved the things that Laura has. What a completely life changing piece of non fiction - it’s a book I will definitely return to when I need comfort most.
June 7, 2023
This book wasn’t what I was expecting, for some reason I didn’t realise it would be about motherhood even though it explicitly states this in the title 😂. I think the author writes in an engaging and fun way and I definitely felt the need to read on. I think this book has put me off having children. Very honest book detailing the authors experiences in being a mum and giving birth.
July 7, 2023
Wow. This book is a waste of paper (or electricity). She is an abusive hypocrite riddled with jealousy of the women who bothered to make an effort. She should be banned from social media and stopped from influencing any women who could think behaving like she does is ok. It’s no wonder she had a breakdown. She is repulsive and not funny.
May 28, 2024
I actually listened to this as an audiobook, which I don't usually like but I did enjoy this because I love Laura and I was able to imagine it as a podcast!
I first came across Laura like most people, she's crazy and it would have been some random video on Instagram where she's half naked and thinking wow, this woman is brave! I've followed her for years and she's absolutely hilarious, I love her social media! She's extremely funny!
This is the first book from Laura, I've read her second book before this one previously, and this book details all about her early life and how she met her husband, the struggles with her pregnancies and bonding with her children. This wasn't a funny read as is Laura's nature, but it wasn't meant to be.
I thought it was a great read and very interesting, very open and honest and I really enjoyed this.
I first came across Laura like most people, she's crazy and it would have been some random video on Instagram where she's half naked and thinking wow, this woman is brave! I've followed her for years and she's absolutely hilarious, I love her social media! She's extremely funny!
This is the first book from Laura, I've read her second book before this one previously, and this book details all about her early life and how she met her husband, the struggles with her pregnancies and bonding with her children. This wasn't a funny read as is Laura's nature, but it wasn't meant to be.
I thought it was a great read and very interesting, very open and honest and I really enjoyed this.
August 27, 2020
I giggled, I cried, I could relate so so much!!!
Talk about saying it exactly how it is!! Nobody is perfect and none of us are perfect
Parents but being there and doing it makes you 100% better then the ones that choose not to be there!!! Laura is an inspiring woman for sure! 💋
Talk about saying it exactly how it is!! Nobody is perfect and none of us are perfect
Parents but being there and doing it makes you 100% better then the ones that choose not to be there!!! Laura is an inspiring woman for sure! 💋
March 31, 2021
This is not a parenting book that will make you feel like you're doing everything wrong. By the end of the book Laura feels like a friend rather than just the author. It's written in a way you may talk to someone you know. Wouldn't recommend for anyone who is easily offended by swearing.
March 31, 2022
Wow, I’ve followed this lady for quite a while and fancied reading her book. This is a very no holds barred account and definitely not for those who are offended by foul language! Brutally honest and courageous. Go Laura!
July 2, 2022
So many tears. So much laughter. Literally every part resonated with me as a parent, as a daughter, friend, partner. Nobody sails through life with no anxiety, worry, sad being blissfully happy and stress free. Thank you for keeping it real!
January 12, 2023
This book what can I say made me laugh made me cry, I could agree with the majority of this book. What a amazing book and omg Laura I couldn't of put it better myself, You are beautiful inside and out Keep being you ❤️
January 4, 2024
I read this book while struggling with PND with my youngest daughter and so much of the book resonated with me. This book is full of raw emotions / honesty! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I appreciate that but Laura doesn’t sugar coat her personal experiences and I applaud her for that!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews