Idiots: Marriage, Motherhood, Milk & Mistakes

by Laura Clery

A fresh, hilarious, and relatable collection of essays about everything from motherhood and marriage to sobriety and work-life balance (or imbalance) from the nationally bestselling author of the “honest, complicated” (SheKnows) Idiot.

TRIGGER TORN EVERYTHING!

In her first book, Idiot, bestselling author Laura Clery gave us mind-blowingly personal life stories about addiction, toxic relationships, and recovery—establishing herself as the preeminent voice of infinite conviction meets zero impulse control. Here she is two kids later asking, “How did we get here?” Sex. Sex is how we got here.

Laura’s life has changed a great deal since she wrote Idiot, but her hilarious candor has only increased with motherhood—plus she tells some of the stories she was too scared to tell in her first book (which is really saying something). “Full of wit” (Publishers Weekly) and charm, Laura shares more than anyone wanted

-Placenta pills, mom brain, and vibrator manifestation
-Nipple-twisting orgies and flinging a butt burrito in your doctor’s face
-ADHD, autism, postpartum depression, and the wisdom of a ninety-eight-year-old sage named Anne
-Unsolicited dick, sexual assault, and sister-drugging
-Cheating, fights, and forgiveness
-Choosing love over fear and healing the world

Laura does not hold back when it comes to sharing stories of screw-ups, triumphs, and learning from her mistakes. Whether she’s crying into a diaper in a Whole Foods parking lot or desperately soliciting advice from a random elderly stranger (who has most certainly considered a restraining order), Laura is able to laugh at herself even during her worst moments—more importantly, she makes us laugh, cry, and feel less alone in the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Humor, Biography, Parenting, Autobiography

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2022

About the author

Laura Clery is an actress and comedian best known for posting daily comedy sketches to Facebook and YouTube, where she has a combined seven million followers and upwards of two billion views. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and motley crew of rescue animals.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review I started off quite enjoying the book, even though it was total hyperbole over childbirth. I found the stories quite patchy, some, particularly about the number of times she was sexually assaulted and raped, really interesting in that she was prepared to bare her soul and her bad choices to public scrutiny.

But it got wearing and if I hadn't been so determined not to give up 2 chapters from the end, I would have dnf'd it. To me it read like one endless me me me and look how many millions of people relate to me, so here's another story. She and her husband were asked to stop filming in the corrider of the hospital outside the birthing suite she had just had her baby in because it was making others feel uncomfortable.

With all this oversharing because she loves the public adulation (and the money) I would think she and Meghan Markle would get on really well. I can't say her husband would hit it off with Harry quite so well, despite having the same attention-seeking loud and dominant wives because she's just announced her separation from Stephen.

I have to say that I skimmed the last-but-one chapter and never quite finished the last one. Tedium set in. So the book is a mixed bag, some stories are 5 star, some 2 star. The writing veers from the hysterically over the top with lots of capitals, swear words and alternate words for vagina and breasts to the preciously positive chapters full of gratitude for all she has.

This is definitely one of those books where I'm probably an outlier. I don't like celebrity memoirs, I had never heard of Laura Clery, I don't like stand up comedians and their books and after two of Chelsea Handler's boasting of her drunkness and promiscuity I never thought I would read one again. If you enjoy these books, then this might well be a 5 star one for you. 2.75 stars.
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Reading notes I don't normally read books by stand-up comedians or chat-show humourists as I can't stand the forced humour in every line - Laura likes to think up different words for vagina and breasts at every opportunity - and the pseudo-confessional style, which has less to do with real experience than it does writing for an audience and how they would react to such words, a sort of performance in words. Also I find stand-comedians to be among the most attention-seeking of individuals. Or perhaps I just overdosed on Chelsea Handler?

Be that as it may, and I think every word I wrote does apply to Laura Clery's book - I'm really enjoying it :-) So onwards...

[Whitney Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real, raw, and honest! Let me start off by saying if you are easy offended, this book is not for you. Laura does not hold back and does not have a filter. That is why I personally love Laura, she is authentic and real. I’ve been following Laura on social media for several years. I read her first book, Idiot, and I loved it. I learned so much about her and her life and gained more respect for her. When I saw she was releasing this second book, Idiots, focusing around the new chapter of her life, motherhood, I knew I had to read it too. Laura talks about her experience with birth, postpartum, and motherhood open and honestly. Laura talks openly about mistakes she’s made and how she’s moved on and improved. Some parts will make you laugh out loud and others will hit you right in the feels. Laura is able to talk about the hard topics while adding some laughter and lightness into them. Obviously, I highly recommend this book for all Laura Clery fans!!

Thank you Net Galley and Gallery books for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 🌟
Narration by Laura: friggin awesome:)

This is just a wonderful book. There are some funny, and also heavy stories. Laura's willingness to put all this out there is a beautiful thing.

I've been struggling with my own mental health issues and a few sections in here hit home for me. Definitely getting a physical copy as well so I can mark certain passages so I can refer to them when I'm low.

This book 📖 was on my mind even when I wasn't reading it and I caught every spare moment I could to get in some time with it.

I'm not getting my thoughts across very well but I would highly recommend this. Laura and Stephen are brave and good people.

laura clery and stephen hilton have become a safe place for me when I need my spirits lifted. I won Laura's first book off goodreads around the same time my soul sister posted some of her videos (watched the videos after I read the book). I didn't expect to become a fan at first, she just sounded like an interesting person but she wormed her way in there ;-) and the rest is history, so to speak. :)<3

[Melissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idiots is a follow up to Laura Clery's first book Idiot (which I haven't read). I should start off by saying that if you are easily offended you might not be the target audience but if you're a fan of Laura's you will love it! I LOVED it but it could be a bit much for other people.

Laura made me laugh and cry, but mostly cry. She talked about the births of both of her children but more in depth about her daughter Poppy. Why has no one else talked about the fourth trimester? I truly felt like she was talking to me as a friend.

Laura also talked about being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 34. I recently was diagnosed at the age of 31 and it's changed my life immensely. Her words were so raw and I shed so many tears reading that chapter. She was able to talk about it in a way I most likely never could.

Idiots was crude, hilarious and emotional. Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning off my love for romance for awhile here.

I do love that one part where she talked about needed and wanted. I can't agree more.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an unflinching, no-holds barred memoir of marriage, motherhood and addictions. I really didn't know Laura Clery but there's no question she's a hard-working mom who has made her share of mistakes and she isn't afraid to own up to them in this book - even sharing stories she was too afraid to talk about in her first book. I really enjoyed how open and vulnerable she is while still being able to make the reader laugh. My favorite parts of the book though were how she talks about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, having her husband being diagnosed on the spectrum as well and then having a son who was eventually assessed as on the autism spectrum. I truly felt for her as a mother watching her son not meeting milestones and worrying about what she could do to help. The neurodiversity rep in this book was by far the best part for me. Great on audio narrated by the author herself too.

CW: drug use/abuse, addiction

[Andrea Pole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idiots by Laura Clery is the follow-up to her wildly popular Idiot, in which she unabashedly shares some of her struggles with addiction and some very toxic relationships, which have all led to where she is today. In Idiots, Clery's focus has clearly shifted to becoming a wife and mother, and the struggle to balance the daily chaos of her indisputably unconventional life with providing a nurturing environment for her young family. What really endears Laura to us, however, is her ability to shock us with graphic and unfiltered descriptions of sex and childbirth, among other things, while at the same time exposing a vulnerability that is relatable to so many.

At the outset of this book, I have to admit that I was wondering what I had let myself in for, but as Laura's insecurities about her decisions both past and present began to emerge, I found myself becoming increasingly engaged in her story. Her personal and very heartfelt thoughts on her son's unexpected autism diagnosis are particularly touching, as are the concerns that she shares about the future for her children.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC.

[Muhammed Hebala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, honest, hilarious, truthful and totally relatable.

I read the first book and I liked it, but I loved this one.

I started this as an easy, funny read to ease my mind after reading Babel, and was amazed by the honesty and wit of it.

I liked how she talked about her struggle with child birth, about her difficult times after birth, about how she exposed the difficulty of having a normal life with a new baby joining the family.

I liked her talking about what she needs and what she wants and also the part she talked about her experience with her autistic child.

Her narration to the audiobook added to the beauty of the book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and emotional and so relatable!

[Katie Gendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a hilarious and relatable memoir that celebrates the imperfect journey of marriage and motherhood. Laura Clery's knack for storytelling, comedic timing, and unapologetic authenticity make this book a must-read for anyone who appreciates a good laugh and a heartfelt connection. While the book primarily focuses on Clery's experiences, it also touches on deeper themes, such as self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of embracing imperfections.

However, it's worth noting that some readers may find Clery's humor to be irreverent or even a bit crass at times. If you prefer a more subtle and refined style of humor, this book might not be for you. But for those who appreciate unabashed honesty and a good laugh, this book is an absolute treat.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery books for the ARC of this!

I’m only familiar with Laura Clery in passing from social media - I’ve seen some of her videos as herself and some as Pamela Pumpkin for example, so I knew she was funny but not a ton about her life. I thought this was really interesting, and I was really moved by how she described certain parenting struggles and how she was trying to be for her kids. I would recommend to people who like humorous looks at mental health - Jenny Lawson fans, especially, though there was no taxidermy here

[Britt Fitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've never heard of Laura Clery, you are in for a magnificent treat. I've been following her since the beginning, watching compilations of Helen Horbath hollering "Steeeeeepheeeeen!" In this book, Laura talks about, not her beginning this time, but the middle, where she is now, how she's handling it, and some of the things that probably keep her up at night. (I mean, I assume they do. They'd keep me up at night.)
She talks about the times she lost her shit, Stephen lost his shit, and their son lost his shit. It's real and honest, and Laura, we all appreciate it. In one way or another, we can all relate. Life isn't perfect because people aren't perfect, but we can live best by trying each day with words of affirmations and these beautiful different minds.
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★★★★★
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"Seriously, it's really difficult to be pissed off and grateful at the same time. Try it-I dare you."
-Laura Clery, Idiots

[Denise Lauron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I enjoyed the first book. I wasn't so thrilled with this one. A lot that was left out of the first book should have continued to be left out of the second book. It felt like the author was getting paid by the word and threw random stories in to make her page count.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Become pregnant didn’t kill my creativity though. It made me tired and forgetful and sometimes slow to process complex philosophical questions like, ‘how are you this morning?’”

[Michelle S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very entertaining and enlightening. I laughed and teared up. Hearing how she lives and what she went through is hard. But it helps to hear tough subjects to know that we, as everyday people, are not alone. The audio was amazing.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been following Laura Clery ever since she was Helen-and-kin on Facebook. Followed her through her two pregnancies and breastfeeding, through diagnoses of ADHD and autism. It was a delight to read Idiots and get more of the background story on Boibs, postpartum, and earlier history.

Trigger warning: don’t read if cuss words and other words for private parts will offend you.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to learn more about Laura and family.

[Renelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely better listened to than read as the whole family came on to narrate at some point.

Laura Clery's writing is simple, comedic, and requires little to no brain cells to appreciate. I can read this book half-awake and still find it really funny and life changing. She was really brave to open up about her relationship with Steven most especially, being that their image online is really of a solid, put-together couple. I love how she was able to put into words the possibility of peace and positive change, along with its struggles, after having gone through a whole load of shit in her earlier years.

[Dana Tessier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Laura's first book "Idiot". It was funny and entertaining and relatable (in the sense of being a young, wild, impulsive teenager... I can't say I abused drugs, and alcohol or moved away from home). I was looking forward to Idiots... Because I knew it was relatable. I am a mom (two teenagers, two younger kids), I have a husband, and I am working... I am suffering normal adult, mom struggles. I felt disconnected from Laura most of this book, maybe it was her writing style, or maybe I just felt like it was all over the place? I can't quite put my finger on it. I had similar experiences with childbirth, pregnancy, PPD, etc. I just struggled to get into this book as I did with the last. I felt like it pulled me down/didn't make me feel better about any of these "mom struggles", It was chaotic and if anything gave me more anxiety than relating and feeling at ease.

Still enjoyed the book, still enjoy Laura, but certainly preferred book #1!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the chapter where she talks about recognizing her son's autism and getting help for him to be the most touching.

[Chelsea (2_girls_bookin_it) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know who Laura Clery was until I read her first book, Idiot. I loved that book and found her so funny, so I was super excited when I saw she had a second book out! I love how she reads her stories so I wanted to make sure I "read" this book as an audiobook.

Although I love Laura's stories from the first book, I was worried about finding this book as interesting when I saw the cover. I'm a mom to only #furbabies so I wasn't sure if this would be as funny. I was wrong and I'm so glad I was.

Laura has the great ability to make everyday stories hilarious. Yet she still has a way of telling the stories without over dramatizing them. I was cracking up so much during this book and I really needed those laughs.

Although many of the stories are hilarious, there are also many that are heartfelt. Laura shares stories about her life, sexual assault, and her children, including the process of having her son diagnosed with autism.

Overall, I give Idiots 4 stars. Laura can not only make you forget your worries with hilarious stories but can also tug at your heartstrings.

[Isla Wigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Laura! I loved her first book and I enjoyed this one just as much if not more! IDIOT (first book) focuses hugely on overcoming her addiction, and though Laura talks about her past in this book, she delves in to other subjects, especially motherhood and all that it brings, from birth to PND to toddlers etc. I was really able to relate to IDIOTS, especially when she writes about her post-natal experience, having experienced PND myself. When you’re not surrounded by people who understand how difficult the fourth trimester can be it’s so uplifting to read other’s experiences and know that you’re not alone. Laura writes in such a raw expressive way and she does not hold back!

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished her first book in 2020 so it's fitting that in 2022 I should finish her second. I absolutely adore this family. Laura and Stephen remind me of my fiance and myself, her two beautiful children remind me of my daughter. I love getting a chance to find a deeper connection with someone famous. While people may say her life is easy. You can see that while it hasn't always been rainbows it has been their life. I loved this book, finding connections and simply along for the ride. I would definitely recommend both her books !

[Courtney Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, maybe it's because I'm a mother, but I thought I couldn't love Laura Clery any more than I already did, but I was wrong. Her story is so relatable and I will always cheer for women who are being their unapologetic selves despite struggles. I don't read many "Life stories" because they're typically filled with things that just make me feel like a terrible human being who is totally uninspiring in comparison, but this one just makes me feel very seen in a time it was so needed. Thanks, Laura. You're a true gem!!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was honest and raw about life, marriage,motherhood, and addiction. I honestly did not follow Laura before this and was gifted the book. I’ll be honest that I prejudged her and wasn’t expecting to enjoy it. But, I did. I cringed, laughed, cried, and connected on many levels. It’s a quick read and worth your time in my opinion.

[Nikki | graciouslybooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Laura and her family since her Helen days. I loved her first book and this one was just as good! She knows how to tell a story in a BOLD way! She’s always totally honest whether she’s telling a humorous story or serious story. This book is fantastic!

Thank you to the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to thank Laura for living her shit out loud. In her book she writes about her own life, marriage, affairs, birth, addictions, kids, tragedies, autism with such openess and honesty that makes a reader feel more normal in there own lives, to know other people have struggled too helps us relate and feel less "crazy" in our own lives. I loved this book and her first one as well. This may be a crazy life we live but it is our life, it is our story and our struggles, our nerodivergencies along with our strengths, assets, talents ect. that make us who we are! As she says in the book " It takes all types of brains to make the world go round".

[Jenna Langel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed a lot and cried a little. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon this book, but I’m happy I did. Laura is real and raw, and I think a lot of mommas or soon-to-be moms would appreciate the authenticity and pure humor.

[erin.reads.the.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like in her first book, I felt like a bff was telling me stories. You definitely get an inside look at her life, her marriage & the way she parents. If you're into raunchy humor, and unsolicited dick stories...definitely this book a shot. I did the audio book & legit just felt like I was on a road trip with my bestie while she was telling stories. This just solidified my love for Laura Clery

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura's motherhood stories are just as brash and hilarious as her first book, with an undercurrent of positive psychology and self-help interwoven.

[Gael Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll say it again: I love Laura Clery!
I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by the author; it made me laugh, cry, and think. I hope she keeps on writing!