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Gin O'Clock
IN 2012, THE DIAMOND JUBILEE YEAR, HER MAJESTY'S DIARIES ARE OPENED AT LAST...
'Had a quick run-through of the opening ceremony. One wanted to call it "The Empire Strikes Back" but it was generally felt that might intimidate the smaller nations.'
Queen of sixteen sovereign nations, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. She's one of the world's most well-known and powerful leaders and has reigned for 60 years. But what does she really think?
'One does enjoy the Eurovision Song Contest. Lovely to be reminded how much more civilized the British are than our European neighbours. Royal Eurovision Fancy Dress Party to celebrate. Unfortunately Camilla misread the invitation as 'Euro-tunnel Fancy Dress Party' and came as a train.'
Taking in the momentous events of 2012, including the Jubilee celebrations and preparations for the London Olympics, these diaries reveal the seldom-seen workings of state and reveal how an octogenarian is quietly ruling the world and still has time for a gin.
'Had a quick run-through of the opening ceremony. One wanted to call it "The Empire Strikes Back" but it was generally felt that might intimidate the smaller nations.'
Queen of sixteen sovereign nations, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. She's one of the world's most well-known and powerful leaders and has reigned for 60 years. But what does she really think?
'One does enjoy the Eurovision Song Contest. Lovely to be reminded how much more civilized the British are than our European neighbours. Royal Eurovision Fancy Dress Party to celebrate. Unfortunately Camilla misread the invitation as 'Euro-tunnel Fancy Dress Party' and came as a train.'
Taking in the momentous events of 2012, including the Jubilee celebrations and preparations for the London Olympics, these diaries reveal the seldom-seen workings of state and reveal how an octogenarian is quietly ruling the world and still has time for a gin.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 12, 2012
After all of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, I found myself completely enamoured with the Royal Family and really wanted to read a book about them! I did, like a lot of others, love the Queen [of Twitter]'s running commentary of the celebrations and when I found out she had released a 'Jubilee Celebration' edition of her book Gin O'Clock, I desperately had to get my hands on it!
The Queen [of Twitter] is also known as @Queen_UK on the popular social networking site and has hundreds of thousands of followers on twitter. If you're not one of them, I'd highly recommend following her right now! I have followed her for quite a while and she is never incapable of making me laugh out loud. The figure is a parody of the Queen and often comments (in her own, unique manner) on current events. If you like @Queen_UK's tweets, you will love this book.
Gin O'Clock is a collection of diary entries written by 'The Queen' dating from 2011 all the way up to her Diamond Jubilee. Just like the Twitter account, the book features plenty of British (and overseas, for that matter) events - everything you can imagine seemed to be mentioned, without the book feeling over crammed - even the famous Coronation Street tram crash was included in there! I believe that, at the start of each entry, was a tweet that was actually posted that day. I was really impressed with everything that was included and for anyone who followed popular events of the past couple of years, this will definitely bring up some fun memories. Being the Queen's diary, we always get her very frank opinion on whatever's happening in the world and the political satire, in particular, was absolutely brilliant.
I loved reading about all of the Royals and important worldwide figures, as described by Her Majesty. It's so difficult to choose a favourite moment or person, but favourite portrayals included the DoE, Camilla, Edward and the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg. Of course, the corgis weren't forgotten as we got to hear about their thoughts (well, see their behaviour) on the PM, David Cameron! I don't think I could give them justice by simply describing them, as nobody can do that better than The Queen, but I honestly thought that the portrayals were excellent.
I did fear, after reading so many tweets, that the humour would become repetitive and a little tiresome, but thankfully that wasn't the case. I did read this book continuously and very quickly indeed - the format of the book certainly makes it a quick read, which maybe wasn't the best idea, but I didn't want to stop! There are a lot of 'Post-it' notes scattered throughout the book, with little lists that the Queen has made and I found that they separated the book up quite well. I wouldn't recommend to read this in one sitting, as it probably does take a bit of a shine of the effect of the book (some phrases are repeated), but as a quick read now and then for a bit of a laugh, this is ideal.
The Queen [of Twitter] is one of, if not the funniest parodies around and I couldn't recommend it strongly enough. I know that this is a book that I'll return to now and again as I think it will always be able to cheer me up. I challenge anyone who picks up this book not to have a big smile on their face by the end of it.
The Queen [of Twitter] is also known as @Queen_UK on the popular social networking site and has hundreds of thousands of followers on twitter. If you're not one of them, I'd highly recommend following her right now! I have followed her for quite a while and she is never incapable of making me laugh out loud. The figure is a parody of the Queen and often comments (in her own, unique manner) on current events. If you like @Queen_UK's tweets, you will love this book.
Gin O'Clock is a collection of diary entries written by 'The Queen' dating from 2011 all the way up to her Diamond Jubilee. Just like the Twitter account, the book features plenty of British (and overseas, for that matter) events - everything you can imagine seemed to be mentioned, without the book feeling over crammed - even the famous Coronation Street tram crash was included in there! I believe that, at the start of each entry, was a tweet that was actually posted that day. I was really impressed with everything that was included and for anyone who followed popular events of the past couple of years, this will definitely bring up some fun memories. Being the Queen's diary, we always get her very frank opinion on whatever's happening in the world and the political satire, in particular, was absolutely brilliant.
I loved reading about all of the Royals and important worldwide figures, as described by Her Majesty. It's so difficult to choose a favourite moment or person, but favourite portrayals included the DoE, Camilla, Edward and the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg. Of course, the corgis weren't forgotten as we got to hear about their thoughts (well, see their behaviour) on the PM, David Cameron! I don't think I could give them justice by simply describing them, as nobody can do that better than The Queen, but I honestly thought that the portrayals were excellent.
I did fear, after reading so many tweets, that the humour would become repetitive and a little tiresome, but thankfully that wasn't the case. I did read this book continuously and very quickly indeed - the format of the book certainly makes it a quick read, which maybe wasn't the best idea, but I didn't want to stop! There are a lot of 'Post-it' notes scattered throughout the book, with little lists that the Queen has made and I found that they separated the book up quite well. I wouldn't recommend to read this in one sitting, as it probably does take a bit of a shine of the effect of the book (some phrases are repeated), but as a quick read now and then for a bit of a laugh, this is ideal.
The Queen [of Twitter] is one of, if not the funniest parodies around and I couldn't recommend it strongly enough. I know that this is a book that I'll return to now and again as I think it will always be able to cheer me up. I challenge anyone who picks up this book not to have a big smile on their face by the end of it.
August 28, 2012
I found this book via twitter account of author i.e. @Queen_UK her parody self. So I expected some highly parodic royally funny stuff. In fact it was even better. ;). "Excerpt from Ones diary" are much more than some "collected tweets" hastily put together and published piece one may suspect such book may turn out to be. No, this is nice and witty little book. Of course some jokes tend to be repetitive, but on the other hand its because storyline and characters have an air of sitcom cast about them. And that, in this case, is not all too bad. And anyway politicians, French and so on are all good and well deserved targets for some satirical fire. By royal decree. And drink to that...because there always Gin O'Clock somewhere in Empi..err Commonwealth of course.
March 27, 2013
I had high expectations for this book, and unfortunately they were not quite met. I love the "Queen's" tweets, but I never realized that I skim over so many of them because I am an ignorant American (or something), and therefore have (at best) rudimentary knowledge of British and European politics and pop culture. I had to look up who Clegg was, and frankly I still don't understand why they spend so much time making fun of him? Is it because he is young? Because Cameron is the same age. Maybe Clegg has the same reputation that Americans bestowed upon most of our Vice Presidents and candidates in recent years... Cheney, Palin, and even Biden. Unfortunately I read most of the book on the bus without a smartphone, so I couldn't look up every single reference as I came across it.
I did very much enjoy entries about the royal family's shennanigans and world politics or culture. For some reason, references to Camilla smoking- always funny. References to Prince Edward being gay- funny a couple of times but overplayed. References to Prince Charles and plastic crowns-- always funny. References to Kate knitting- confusing but funny. References to Harry and Pippa- funny. References to dumb Americans/American independence under review- mostly funny.
I would be interested to see if the Queen publishes more diaries. I would probably try to check a second edition out of the library. I personally would like to see more coverage of the queen's family and less of politics, but I am probably in the minority, and as a proud citizen of "the colonies", I doubt I get a vote anyway.
I did very much enjoy entries about the royal family's shennanigans and world politics or culture. For some reason, references to Camilla smoking- always funny. References to Prince Edward being gay- funny a couple of times but overplayed. References to Prince Charles and plastic crowns-- always funny. References to Kate knitting- confusing but funny. References to Harry and Pippa- funny. References to dumb Americans/American independence under review- mostly funny.
I would be interested to see if the Queen publishes more diaries. I would probably try to check a second edition out of the library. I personally would like to see more coverage of the queen's family and less of politics, but I am probably in the minority, and as a proud citizen of "the colonies", I doubt I get a vote anyway.
July 27, 2013
2013 Holiday Read #2
A(n apparently) successful and (possibly mildly) amusing Twitter account gets ideas above its station and tries to expand its six jokes into 313 pages of hyoooge typeface. Awkward.
This most massively overused adjective in social media becomes scarcely less annoying when repeated in a book, ad infinitum. And the six jokes?:
1) The Queen likes gin.
2) Camilla smokes. A lot.
3) Prince Edward likes sequins, i.e. is gay.
4) Nick Clegg is a frustrated toddler.
5) David Cameron is a waxwork.
6) The Queen of Spain fancies Philip Schofield (this last one was particularly inexplicable to me. I must have missed something).
I am not a Royalist by any stretch of the imagination. (Nor am I anti-Royal, although this baby thing is wearing a little thin already...) Nonetheless, I was surprised to find myself offended by the frequent use of the word "arse", which was bizarre, as I use it myself. It just seemed disrespectful somehow.
What I did love was the portrayal of the Queen's relationship with her husband. It was very sweet and anything but disrespectful. "The DoE" came across as quite a lovely chap, kind of the Mr Bennet of the piece, Austen fans.
So, worth a couple of hours of your time, but not a lot else.
A(n apparently) successful and (possibly mildly) amusing Twitter account gets ideas above its station and tries to expand its six jokes into 313 pages of hyoooge typeface. Awkward.
This most massively overused adjective in social media becomes scarcely less annoying when repeated in a book, ad infinitum. And the six jokes?:
1) The Queen likes gin.
2) Camilla smokes. A lot.
3) Prince Edward likes sequins, i.e. is gay.
4) Nick Clegg is a frustrated toddler.
5) David Cameron is a waxwork.
6) The Queen of Spain fancies Philip Schofield (this last one was particularly inexplicable to me. I must have missed something).
I am not a Royalist by any stretch of the imagination. (Nor am I anti-Royal, although this baby thing is wearing a little thin already...) Nonetheless, I was surprised to find myself offended by the frequent use of the word "arse", which was bizarre, as I use it myself. It just seemed disrespectful somehow.
What I did love was the portrayal of the Queen's relationship with her husband. It was very sweet and anything but disrespectful. "The DoE" came across as quite a lovely chap, kind of the Mr Bennet of the piece, Austen fans.
So, worth a couple of hours of your time, but not a lot else.
April 22, 2013
I came across this one when browsing for ebooks. OK, it's not literary fiction, it won't change your life, and - I am hoping - it is not a true depiction of the Royal family, but it did make me laugh out loud nearly all the way through.
February 15, 2017
A fun book that is worth reading. Full review over here: https://rickusbookshelf.wordpress.com...
February 2, 2016
From the Queen of Song to the Queen of Twitter, Isn't that Tweet! It is Gin O' Clock...Rolex Time...and long may SHE rain and reign.
October 11, 2016
Quite unusual and sometimes funny account of a year and a half in the Quwen's (of Twitter) life. Witty and in a tone that sometimes made you wonder if it really wasn't the real Queen writing.
June 21, 2024
i doubt that i understood even half of what i just read (bonus points for the cheryl cole & spice girls mention, as well as assuming that the queen understands what “camp” means)
August 29, 2013
Spawned from the Twitter feed of @Queen_UK, Gin O’Clock is an imagining of Her Majesty The Queen’s diaries for December 2010—November 2011 and covers off many of the real-life events through her eyes.
The book draws on many of the existing caricatures of the Royal Family and prominent politicians in the UK and abroad. Nothing very original, but at least it’s easy for the reader to recognise the relevant figures and the characteristics. There’s a number of running gags that become quite funny in their own right, deployed just frequently enough without becoming tiresome.
The mood and spirit of Britain in 2011 is captured well, and there is a great mix of coverage. Notable events including the Arab Spring, the Royal Wedding, the ongoing recession and the phone hacking scandal are effortlessly placed alongside minor political wrangling, the Coronation Street tram crash and Richard Madeley’s stint on Radio 2. It captures incidentals that would otherwise have been forgotten. Some of the funniest material comes from Cheryl Cole’s X Factor US stint and Prince Harry’s fixation with Pippa Middleton’s bottom.
The writing is sharp and witty, though towards the latter part there are huge chunks of months with no entries and my biggest criticism is that the author (tweeter?) seems to have run out of steam. He or she rushes the end by giving oneself the rest of the month off and generally putting in less effort which is a shame. A little more time and care could have ended the book as strongly as it began.
Gin O’Clock is an amusing romp through the year that maintains a smile throughout with more than a few laugh-out-loud moments that take you by surprise. Although many famous figures are lampooned, the humour is never cruel or nasty, but rather an affectionate celebration of British eccentricity. In all, it’s a great giggle and tribute to the Queen with enough laughter and respect befitting of a Diamond Jubilee celebration.
The book draws on many of the existing caricatures of the Royal Family and prominent politicians in the UK and abroad. Nothing very original, but at least it’s easy for the reader to recognise the relevant figures and the characteristics. There’s a number of running gags that become quite funny in their own right, deployed just frequently enough without becoming tiresome.
The mood and spirit of Britain in 2011 is captured well, and there is a great mix of coverage. Notable events including the Arab Spring, the Royal Wedding, the ongoing recession and the phone hacking scandal are effortlessly placed alongside minor political wrangling, the Coronation Street tram crash and Richard Madeley’s stint on Radio 2. It captures incidentals that would otherwise have been forgotten. Some of the funniest material comes from Cheryl Cole’s X Factor US stint and Prince Harry’s fixation with Pippa Middleton’s bottom.
The writing is sharp and witty, though towards the latter part there are huge chunks of months with no entries and my biggest criticism is that the author (tweeter?) seems to have run out of steam. He or she rushes the end by giving oneself the rest of the month off and generally putting in less effort which is a shame. A little more time and care could have ended the book as strongly as it began.
Gin O’Clock is an amusing romp through the year that maintains a smile throughout with more than a few laugh-out-loud moments that take you by surprise. Although many famous figures are lampooned, the humour is never cruel or nasty, but rather an affectionate celebration of British eccentricity. In all, it’s a great giggle and tribute to the Queen with enough laughter and respect befitting of a Diamond Jubilee celebration.
June 29, 2012
Review Taken From The Pewter Wolf
While sipping her drink of gin and tonic (minus the tonic), The Queen [of Twitter] decided to reveal her diaries and shows us how, quietly, she is ruling the world while trying to keep her family in check. All with a gin and bacon sandwich in hand…
Oh, @Queen_UK! I knew I was going to like this because of your twitter but, when I read a teaser where you called Catherine's (Duchess of Cambridge's) mother Mrs "Please call me Carole" Middleton, I knew I was going to howl at this book. And I did! There was always something that made me smile or snort unexpectantly with laughter. It was just fun to see One calling her weekly meeting with the Prime Minister his "ego-realignment", her throwing fancy dress parties for the Corrie Tram Crash, Eurovision and other events (only to lose Camellia who was last seen going outside for a quick smoke…), and her coping with her landmark trip to Ireland, her handling of the Obama's' visit and having to deal with the Middletons…
I do hope Hodder talk her Majesty into writing a sequel after the events that happen in 2012 (her Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics) as it would be very interesting (and probably rolling on the floor-worthy) to have her take on the world. Also, the PIW (it's been ages since I used that term - Person I'm With) think I should read the audiobook as my "posh voice" will add to the humour. If they can't, I'm sure Hodder could give the @Queen_UK some gin that will help change her mind…
While sipping her drink of gin and tonic (minus the tonic), The Queen [of Twitter] decided to reveal her diaries and shows us how, quietly, she is ruling the world while trying to keep her family in check. All with a gin and bacon sandwich in hand…
Oh, @Queen_UK! I knew I was going to like this because of your twitter but, when I read a teaser where you called Catherine's (Duchess of Cambridge's) mother Mrs "Please call me Carole" Middleton, I knew I was going to howl at this book. And I did! There was always something that made me smile or snort unexpectantly with laughter. It was just fun to see One calling her weekly meeting with the Prime Minister his "ego-realignment", her throwing fancy dress parties for the Corrie Tram Crash, Eurovision and other events (only to lose Camellia who was last seen going outside for a quick smoke…), and her coping with her landmark trip to Ireland, her handling of the Obama's' visit and having to deal with the Middletons…
I do hope Hodder talk her Majesty into writing a sequel after the events that happen in 2012 (her Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics) as it would be very interesting (and probably rolling on the floor-worthy) to have her take on the world. Also, the PIW (it's been ages since I used that term - Person I'm With) think I should read the audiobook as my "posh voice" will add to the humour. If they can't, I'm sure Hodder could give the @Queen_UK some gin that will help change her mind…
December 27, 2011
I think much of the charm of @Queen_UK's Twitter feed is the amount of humour they manage to pack into 140 characters, and how cleverly they manage to compose the updates to stay within that limited. That said, the book is very enjoyable, continuing the same topical, irreverent & Anglo-centric theme seen on Twitter.
Each diary entry begins with a tweet that was sent on that actual day, then the entry expands on the supposed events of the day.
It was a great Christmas present to receive & a throughly enjoyable read.
Each diary entry begins with a tweet that was sent on that actual day, then the entry expands on the supposed events of the day.
It was a great Christmas present to receive & a throughly enjoyable read.
December 23, 2012
An amusing read full of contemporary and relatable gags. A good companion to the antics of the Twitter account and a much more detailed exploration of our favourite Twitter Queen. Unfortunately, the book fell short at sections, appearing slightly repetitive, missing key events, or skipping long periods together, making the author seem like they were getting a little bored towards the end. However, still worth a read and I hope the account continues to write more diaries about events in 2012 and beyond.
October 1, 2012
If you have found in any way that the twitter account is funny, this is well worth a read. Such a British thing to do: both love the Queen and make fun at the Royal family at the same time. I also love how this book takes little nuances from the public images of members of the Royal family and completely turns their character into them, with Camilla being the best and most hilarious example. Great read :)
May 30, 2015
To misquote another reviewer:
I had NO high expectations for this book, BUT fortunately they were SURPASSED BEYOND HIGH HOPES. I love the "Queen's" tweets, AND I WOULD NEVER DREAM OF skimMING over any of them because I am NOT AN ignorant American WHO HAS TO LOOK UP CLEGG.
This is the ideal bathroom reader with loads of laugh-out-loud comments. Only an absolute rudimentary knowledge of UK politics is required.
Most highly recommended.
I had NO high expectations for this book, BUT fortunately they were SURPASSED BEYOND HIGH HOPES. I love the "Queen's" tweets, AND I WOULD NEVER DREAM OF skimMING over any of them because I am NOT AN ignorant American WHO HAS TO LOOK UP CLEGG.
This is the ideal bathroom reader with loads of laugh-out-loud comments. Only an absolute rudimentary knowledge of UK politics is required.
Most highly recommended.
November 7, 2014
I bought this as a follower on twitter and daily chuckler. It's a lovely, entertaining and very easy read. One of those wonderful books that you can read a little as and when you like, if you feel like a chuckle. Buy it. If you have a sense of humour and even a rudimentary knowledge of the British royal family and politics, you'll love it.
September 24, 2012
This was just what I needed for a little light relief during my Man Booker 2012 shortlist reading. Certainly plenty of LOL moments and I ended up reading in a single sitting today taking a much needed break from Will Self's 'Umbrella'.
I am fairly confident of the identity of The Queen[of Twitter] given the degree of product placement and a few other clues. Still all in good fun.
I am fairly confident of the identity of The Queen[of Twitter] given the degree of product placement and a few other clues. Still all in good fun.
October 29, 2012
This is an extended version of a fake Queen Elisabeth's twitter account.
In the Netherlands we have something similar with Queen Beatrix.
I think both are excellent and very funny.
This book has got small chapters on specific subjects and it gives a little bit more background information than a tweet.
All and all wonderful read.
In the Netherlands we have something similar with Queen Beatrix.
I think both are excellent and very funny.
This book has got small chapters on specific subjects and it gives a little bit more background information than a tweet.
All and all wonderful read.
November 5, 2012
Utterly hilarious. When I heard about it I thought it was just a collection of tweets from @Queen_UK but when you get the book it is so much more. Brilliant anecdotes and the voice of the narrator is so clear. I genuinely hope the actual Queen has read and enjoyed this book by who has to be her most loyal subject.
March 6, 2012
Should've been able to finish this in a few hours but nevertheless I finally finished. Loved the "queen's" insight to all her sovereign nations. Still love her twitter and found this just as amusing. Gin o'clock people. Your Queen loves you.
August 3, 2012
Love the humour, but the same jokes are used throughout, so as you read through the book, you get tired of them. It works much better in small doses, a form much better delivered via twitter than in book form.
September 18, 2012
Fantastic! A (parody) Queen who pokes fun at her own government and shows affection for her family. I love the tone and comedy in this book and once I started to read I couldn't put it down!
Brilliant!!
Brilliant!!
did-not-finish
August 29, 2015Well, damn. Really should have made an effort to read this when it first came out. Some of the jokes I didn't really get because I'm not British, and a lot of the ones I did get were just too dated to be funny any more. Boo. :(
September 6, 2017
A funny concept which had me smiling. An easy read.
January 3, 2012
A delightfully fun read--just a pinch of snarky. One has made a resolution to speak of oneself in the third person . . . every other Tuesday.
January 3, 2012
Absolutely loved this! It's a great expansion on the twitter persona and made me laugh out loud! Really hope the Queen is actually like this!
March 24, 2015
love the tweets and the ibook sample was simply hilarious!
***
***
February 2, 2012
One was quite amused.
June 12, 2012
Very good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews