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Quite
Funny, moving and truthful… Quite
Claudia Winkleman’s warmth, humour, no-holds-barred attitude and smoky eye have made her the favourite 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.
Heartfelt, wry and unmistakably Claudia, this book gets to the heart of what really matters.
Claudia Winkleman’s warmth, humour, no-holds-barred attitude and smoky eye have made her the favourite 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.
Heartfelt, wry and unmistakably Claudia, this book gets to the heart of what really matters.
Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews
December 7, 2020
Bare with me here, but I think Claudia Winkleman is my soulmate
November 13, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
In presenter Claudia Winkleman’s first book she talks about life. From children to husbands, clothes to footwear, celebrities to Strictly, (sorry I’m not a fan), she covers all aspects that she has an opinion on.
The book is split into six sections, each beginning with the word ‘Quite’ and followed by:-
– Important (to me)
– Big
– True
– Inconvenient
– Bossy
– Opinionated (I know).
Within these six sections are different topics that Claudia felt passionate enough to write about (plus a section on squirrels her son made her add 🙂 ). You might not agree with everything Claudia has to say about life, you might think that some of the things that she talks about are definitely not the way you see things or run your life and that is okay. She is not preaching at you, telling you to change your life, she is merely telling you her thoughts on the subjects.
There were sections where I totally agreed with her. Especially the topics of ankle books (I’ve lost count of the number of pairs that I own and have since being a teen), to her take on famous people, I don’t buy into all this celebrity stuff I just see people doing their jobs, whether that be a musician, actor, or presenter (sorry). But I do feel for those that have no control over their lives once they become famous.
Claudia has a way with words, she makes you smile with her honest opinions and her openness. she even made me laugh on occasions. The book left me with a feel-good feeling and I sat and read it in one go, though it will be a book I will return to and go over again.
For anyone thinking that this might be an autobiography, it isn’t. Yes, she talks a lot about her life, family, friends within the pages but this is her take on the way to live your best life.
If you love brightly coloured clothes, wearing kitten heels, and green eyeshadow then you might not like what Claudia has to say. This is a beautiful book that isn’t preachy, nor is it a serious book. It is a book that will make you smile. It is relatable, clever, and had me strangely wanting to hear more about topics Claudia has feelings on.
In presenter Claudia Winkleman’s first book she talks about life. From children to husbands, clothes to footwear, celebrities to Strictly, (sorry I’m not a fan), she covers all aspects that she has an opinion on.
The book is split into six sections, each beginning with the word ‘Quite’ and followed by:-
– Important (to me)
– Big
– True
– Inconvenient
– Bossy
– Opinionated (I know).
Within these six sections are different topics that Claudia felt passionate enough to write about (plus a section on squirrels her son made her add 🙂 ). You might not agree with everything Claudia has to say about life, you might think that some of the things that she talks about are definitely not the way you see things or run your life and that is okay. She is not preaching at you, telling you to change your life, she is merely telling you her thoughts on the subjects.
There were sections where I totally agreed with her. Especially the topics of ankle books (I’ve lost count of the number of pairs that I own and have since being a teen), to her take on famous people, I don’t buy into all this celebrity stuff I just see people doing their jobs, whether that be a musician, actor, or presenter (sorry). But I do feel for those that have no control over their lives once they become famous.
Claudia has a way with words, she makes you smile with her honest opinions and her openness. she even made me laugh on occasions. The book left me with a feel-good feeling and I sat and read it in one go, though it will be a book I will return to and go over again.
For anyone thinking that this might be an autobiography, it isn’t. Yes, she talks a lot about her life, family, friends within the pages but this is her take on the way to live your best life.
If you love brightly coloured clothes, wearing kitten heels, and green eyeshadow then you might not like what Claudia has to say. This is a beautiful book that isn’t preachy, nor is it a serious book. It is a book that will make you smile. It is relatable, clever, and had me strangely wanting to hear more about topics Claudia has feelings on.
November 26, 2020
Absolutely hilarious, light hearted and easy going. Exactly the kind of book needed this year. It’s not pretentious, it’s down to Earth and totally relatable. However I’m not quite prepared to agree with Claudia on only needing to own one blazer.
Don’t expect an autobiography because it was never marketed as such. It’s a book of all of the “quite x” things in life, with anecdotes and hypotheticals. Definitely not my usual kind of book at all but I love Claudia!
Don’t expect an autobiography because it was never marketed as such. It’s a book of all of the “quite x” things in life, with anecdotes and hypotheticals. Definitely not my usual kind of book at all but I love Claudia!
Want to read
February 20, 2021Birthday present from my son 😊
December 17, 2020
I enjoyed this immensely, felt pure joy when reading it and even held it afterwards.
April 20, 2021
A fun, lighthearted book on Claudia’s take on life. Witty in places and I agreed with her on more than one occasion!
January 17, 2021
Flew through this . Not the kind of book I would read but enjoyed it . Very witty and she makes a lot of sense albeit put in a humour some way . I think this is the type of book you would pop in and out of more than read in a couple sittings . Was pleasantly Surprised there was a few references to art and how much it can affect us . I think so too . ☺️
February 26, 2021
Didn't think I could love Claudia Winkleman more, then I read this book.
Easiest five star I've given in a while.
She seems very down to earth, I love how she talks about her husband and children and life in general.
I imagine she would be a lovely friend to have around.
I will read anything else she chooses to write in future 👍
Easiest five star I've given in a while.
She seems very down to earth, I love how she talks about her husband and children and life in general.
I imagine she would be a lovely friend to have around.
I will read anything else she chooses to write in future 👍
November 12, 2020
Listened to this on audible and it was such a treat. Claudia is funny, heart warming and brilliant.
September 3, 2021
Hmmm I think this is more 3.5 stars!
I was expecting more of a memoir type book but it's actually a more 'how to Claud' manual and that's okay and I enjoyed the how to but I personally think Claudia is fascinating and would love to know more about her and how she ended up where she ended up. Alas, Quite is just observations and advice.
I totally agreed with about 90% of her wisdom. Naps, art, black being the best colour to wear and her opinion on skiing!
I vehemently disagree with her opinions on skincare and makeup though! :)
October 28, 2021
Really enjoyed this. It’s an easy read, written in a chatty style as if Claudia had pulled up a chair and was having a natter with you. I agreed with lots, disagreed with some - I don’t wear black but the main thing I took from it was about being yourself and forging the path that you want not the one everyone else is on. Oh and that it’s okay to nap on a regular basis - who can argue with that!?!?
January 6, 2022
I picked this up for a fun read into the life of a popular British figure, which in parts it was, but there were two main issues for me. I wondered whether they are too critical, but Claudia herself writes that "it is absolutely brilliant being wrong", so here goes.
Firstly, the book has no apparent structure - each 'chapter' is only a few pages long, providing a superficial look into a particular subject, before whizzing on to something entirely unrelated, and then something completely different again. I would've given it a higher rating if it had had some coherence or had more of a story running through it, and felt there was missed opportunity here.
Secondly, this book consists of a lot of opinions. This is not per se a problem, but it reads more like a collection of blogposts - or in places Buzzfeed listicles - than a traditional book. Some chapters give interesting insight into Claudia's character and interests - her passion for the history of art really comes through and is great to read about - while others are opinions on fairly superficial things, told in an exaggerated way for comic effect. There are some glimmers into Claudia's life, but she keeps some cards closely guarded - e.g. a chapter on the health service alludes to various illnesses in her family but never gives any details.
With so many opinions, it would be difficult to agree with them all, and it would be unreasonable to expect to. Most are innocuous but some are simply offensive - e.g. "an over-enthusiastic user of [the exclamation mark] is physically repellent. You don't want to go out with someone who uses emojis either." Sure, this is likely exaggerated for comic effect, but it is pretty extreme (and out-of-touch with common linguistic practice). Another part says that liking spicy food is an indication of "bad taste" - she goes on to say you shouldn't care, but it is an example of where this book is relatable mainly to the white middle class.
Other topics covered included raising children and dealing with marriage, so this book will likely be most relatable to someone with those experiences, as well as anyone interested in fashion, living in London, and embracing life changes between youth and middle age.
Firstly, the book has no apparent structure - each 'chapter' is only a few pages long, providing a superficial look into a particular subject, before whizzing on to something entirely unrelated, and then something completely different again. I would've given it a higher rating if it had had some coherence or had more of a story running through it, and felt there was missed opportunity here.
Secondly, this book consists of a lot of opinions. This is not per se a problem, but it reads more like a collection of blogposts - or in places Buzzfeed listicles - than a traditional book. Some chapters give interesting insight into Claudia's character and interests - her passion for the history of art really comes through and is great to read about - while others are opinions on fairly superficial things, told in an exaggerated way for comic effect. There are some glimmers into Claudia's life, but she keeps some cards closely guarded - e.g. a chapter on the health service alludes to various illnesses in her family but never gives any details.
With so many opinions, it would be difficult to agree with them all, and it would be unreasonable to expect to. Most are innocuous but some are simply offensive - e.g. "an over-enthusiastic user of [the exclamation mark] is physically repellent. You don't want to go out with someone who uses emojis either." Sure, this is likely exaggerated for comic effect, but it is pretty extreme (and out-of-touch with common linguistic practice). Another part says that liking spicy food is an indication of "bad taste" - she goes on to say you shouldn't care, but it is an example of where this book is relatable mainly to the white middle class.
Other topics covered included raising children and dealing with marriage, so this book will likely be most relatable to someone with those experiences, as well as anyone interested in fashion, living in London, and embracing life changes between youth and middle age.
August 26, 2022
I'm not sure how to put into words how much I adored this book. Claudia Winkleman is hilarious and never takes herself too seriously. I actually had very little of an opinion about Claudia Winkleman before reading this book, apart from that she has a fringe and I thought she wore a lot of eyeliner. After reading, I've learnt that there's a lot of logic behind the fringe and the eyeliner and I can respect that.
There's a huge amount of wisdom and life advise in this book, as well as equal parts silliness - I particularly enjoyed the chapter on squirrel etiquette. My only regret is buying this on kindle, if I'd bought a physical copy I would have been furiously highlighting and folding down the corners of pages for future reference.
There's a huge amount of wisdom and life advise in this book, as well as equal parts silliness - I particularly enjoyed the chapter on squirrel etiquette. My only regret is buying this on kindle, if I'd bought a physical copy I would have been furiously highlighting and folding down the corners of pages for future reference.
February 13, 2021
Really nicely written, a book that actually makes you laugh out loud. Some funny and relatable things. Probably aimed for slightly older women as quite a lot of references about having children. Can’t imagine someone would be a fan of this book if they didn’t like Claudia Winkleman (might be an obvious thing to say)!
February 13, 2021
3.5 stars if this would be possible here
all in all a nice one but boy are we different on so many levels 😂😂😂😂
all in all a nice one but boy are we different on so many levels 😂😂😂😂
December 11, 2021
Not a strictly fan nor know that much about Claudia but really quite enjoyed this. It’s not completely relatable to me - there is a lot in this about parenting and life as you hit middle age - but it was really witty and entertaining. It’s written in a very conversational tone, and feels like Claudia is in the room having a chat with you. In this book Claudia comes across as incredibly genuine, humble and self aware. I’m not sure I agreed on absolutely everything, but in amongst a lot of Claudia’s (sometimes over dramatic) witticisms there was definitely some important life advice for every reader to take onboard and live by.
July 21, 2021
Honestly, I didn't think my love for Claudia Winkleman could be any greater and then this book came along. So engaging and relatable, Claudia tackles lots of different topics venturing from eyeliner to parenting and each one is done with such warmth and...Claudia-ness. The whole book is so relatable and actually pretty affirming that we're all doing just fine and many of the expectations we place on ourselves come from within. If you enjoy Claudia's personality, this is a definite must-read.
October 14, 2021
It feels redundant to say Claudia Winkleman is a force, as by now I’m sure we’re all aware. This book’s a hilarious guide to adulthood and to being as good as you can be; someone everyone who loves you can be proud of. Easily gulped in one sitting. The audiobook, read my Claude herself, is even better. Highly recommend
May 4, 2021
Easy to read and very light hearted. Great choice if you're looking for a break from the serious and want a laugh.
February 9, 2022
I love Claudia, her eyeliner and her fringe and now I love her book too. Full of wisdom and had me in tears both crying and laughing. 100% recommend.
March 25, 2022
Quite good.
January 10, 2023
I enjoyed reading this - it was a pleasant read. I do like Claudia Winkleman and think it would have been even better on audio with her reading it herself.
January 12, 2021
I like Claudia on TV so I liked her book. Learned loads about her including her passion for art which was one of the many things I could relate to. I think she and I should be friends. A light-hearted, quick read. A good interlude between more thought-provoking books.
March 12, 2021
A really easy read that i needed right now. It made me laugh, smile and switch off! I do think you need to have a love of Claudia Winkleman to get the most from this book, as it really is just her mind wandering on completely random subjects (not a chronology of life events). You can't help but read it in her voice which for me shows great, personal writing!
July 31, 2021
Did not think I'd have much in common with Claudia Winkleman. Strangely, think quite alike. Is this narcissism? "I love this because she sounds like me" 😂 Don't care. Sassy and funny. Very relatable. Highly recommend
December 17, 2022
If you like Claudia Winkleman (and I do) you will love this!
January 2, 2023
Loved it! Claudia is so much funnier than I realised and loved how light hearted the whole book is.
April 25, 2023
5* for the slay that is Claudia Winkleman actually writing a book, and having a history of art degree
May 26, 2023
I really wanted to read this book but then I saw that Claudia was narrating it on Audible and I was sold! She had me laughing out loud and contemplating my life choices! 😂 loved the book and learning more about Claud! 4.8/5
January 16, 2021
Very relatable as a woman in her 40's with kids. Claudia's book was refreshingly honest, clever and funny. A great quick easy enjoyable read that will leave you feeling positive and better about yourself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews