Some funny moments, but on the whole rather pointless - Rated 
I picked up 'The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy' after I saw it had been on the Times' bestseller list and also had some glowing reviews from readers on the back. After ploughing through the 400+ pages, I had a distinct feeling of 'so what?'
For starters, Lucy Sweeney is not a completely likeable character. While this may not matter in a brilliantly written book, in 'Slummy Mummy' she grated on me and I found myself feeling exasperated at her stupidity and her bad decisions. Fiona Neill made it seem like once you become a mother, your ability to think sensibly goes out of the window. Added to that, the other characters were so vague that every time one of them appeared I found I had to go back to double check exactly who they were and what their relationship to Lucy was.
In terms of the story itself, it seems to jump from one storyline to another, only for them never to be mentioned again no matter how important they were at the time. It also feels very rushed, as if Neill was told to write this book as quickly as possible, and not worry too much about the quality of the story or the strength of the characters.
All in all, while this book is not horrible (there are some funny moments, hence the 2-stars) it just felt a bit pointless, and there are far superior 'chick-lit' writers out there (such as Sophie Kinsella), so I wouldn't recommend this book above others of the genre. Those with children may get more out of this book than a 26-year old newlywed with no children, such as myself.
Fantastic - Rated 
I thought this book was brilliant and so did my friend. Being mums with two young children each we relished some of the details and being a bit scatty my friend said that I was like the main protagonist (minus sexy domesticated dad!!). Fun light read. Great for your holiday. Made me laugh out loud.
From a bloke? - Rated 
Hmm...we have a small son. My girlfriend had this as bed time reading and having finished my book I was stumped for a read. It was the work of a moment to pick it up and start but the work of a few fraught fights with her to be able to finish it!
I didn't expect to enjoy this, but it was great actually. Poor old Lucy who just can't seem to have any luck - everything in the family (3 boys - how mad is she??) and in her life falls apart and the narrative was just tempting enough to make you keep going to watch the balls fall out of the air and collapse on the floor in each chapter.
The main plot is finding out if she will finally 'get her kit off' with the Sexy Domesticated Dad (only being a Domesticated Dad, I felt a little jealous of this guy!) keeps you going right to the complicated end.
A nice bit of light bed time reading and will make you understand a little of how women tick - but not most men's cup of tea and you really have to have children to appreciate it fully.
Comfort reading! - Rated
Oh, this is a fun read. It has proper Laugh Out Loud features in it.
I can honestly say that I have not left the house wearing my pyjamas, but this book makes me feel better for all that. It has a Bridget Jones feel to it - and appeals to all those who may have had "a life" before motherhood, and wonder quite what happened to it. It also helps assuage those worries about whether it is a Good Thing (TM) to be a Yummy Mummy or an Alpha Mum, and addresses the issue of Competitive Parenting with humour.
Ultimately, this is a restoring sort of read - comforting: although the main protagonist might have been a successful TV producer on Newsnight, and now works as a full time SAHM, the loss of status (and financial security) is not a real problem. She has produced four happy children, and remains happily married to the father of them - despite the attractions of Sexy Domesticated Dad. Her children seem happy, not over pressurized, and she still maintains a useful and rewarding personal life.
Not great literature, but definitely one to be recommended - for feelgood factor alone (rather than literary merit) this gets a 4
The worst book I have ever read - Rated 
This book is without question the worst book I have ever read. I still can't quite believe I wasted my time in reading it through to the end. The review on the back cover promised a hilarious read reminiscent of Bridget Jones, but sadly did not live up to this. The main character was not at all likeable, and as far removed from Bridget as it is possible to be. Her friends were just plain awful. The story line was poor and very boring. Several hours of my life I'll never get back, please don't waste your time.
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