Up and In

I adored reading this hilarious book by Deborah Disney. I was unable to put it down. Up and In is a book written with surprisingly accurate insight into the world of private school education and the politics and competition which exists within children’s sport.
The book kept me hypnotised page by page as I resonated directly with Maria’s life.
Deborah succinctly captures the essence of a minority group of women who co-exist in every private school community. These women worship status, fashion and beauty, networking, one-upmanship and money. Where I come from they called themselves the “A” team. I re-located to a new community where one member refers to herself as “The Blonde Bombshell”!
I think the reason you continue to read with feverish interest is because you are waiting for a fall. We all know “A” teamers/shallow bombshells eventually get knocked down – isn’t it the law of karma? Do unto others?
Those who are blinded by their desire to elevate themselves and their children at any cost, expensive coaches gifts, lavish lawn parties with suitable menus, must-have wardrobe staples by Prada, not to mention the obligatory European car are usually not the best Mums – and the those who know better “B” teamers, are fascinated by the stage drama which unfolds daily around them starring “A” teamers. It is a mini-series which lasts for many, many years and it is filled with juicy tales guaranteed to keep cafes in business for the entire duration of their children’s high school education.
Congratulations to Deborah Disney for such genius in her writing, for the laughs I had whilst reading and for exposing the “A” teamers/self-named blonde bombshells for who they really are. X

Up and In was a great read with a big heart. The characters felt so real that days after finishing the last page I found myself thinking, "I wonder what Maria is up to". Disney's writing is witty and her observations are incisive. I loved her use of language, her descriptions of places and I double loved her characters, particularly the ones I loved to hate (triple love). Her villains are so deliciously devious, yet completely realistic. I recommend Up and In to anyone who loves to laugh.

The phrase 'it's funny 'cause it's true' came to mind when I read Deborah Disney's Up and In. I am sure most readers would say the same. Surely every Mum knows someone like these characters, and every partner has nodded politely while hearing the tales of 'who said what' on the sidelines of their child's sporting game.

With wry humour, the author takes us on a trip down memory lane as the main character, Maria, wades through the battle ground that is primary school; kids war over hair ties while Mums battle for pecking order and the social standing. So many Mum's remember the feeling of wondering if they missed the part of the party invitation which gave a Mummy's dress code. Deborah Disney lays Maria struggles to fit in bare for all to read and laugh at, while secret knowing exactly how our leading lady feels.

I enjoyed reading this book. It's easy conversational style made me feel like I was having coffee with an old, if slightly neurotic, friend. It was an interesting reminder that what you see is not always the full story and that everyone has something going on in their life that is not about you. I had no clue about what the ending would bring or what I wanted to happen. More crushing of Maria's self esteem? Karmic realignment? Elevation to the heights of social excellence? Let's just say I put my iPad down at the end of the book with a quiet smile and a nod of the head.