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Lessons I've Learned

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"I am a work in progress. There are times when I feel in control and like I know what I'm doing...and there are times (quite a few)(actually lots) when I've got no idea whats going on, where to turn, what to do, how to behave, and those are the times I've sought help! I have been helped by some extraordinary people. I've been supported and counselled through my recovery from drugs and alcohol. I've been hypnotised to get me through going to the bottom of the sea in a sub (life at the extreme). I've read a squibillion (that's a lot) of fantastic self help books and I have shared and shared with the greatest girlfriends and family of all time. These nuggets of wisdom have at times literally kept me going, so I thought I'd pay it forward and share them with you."Presenter, wife, mother, fundraiser, fitness inspiration and now bestselling author,is there nothing Davina McCall cannot do? But success didn't come easy for Davina, and she has faced many challenges along the way. In this long-awaited book, she shares all the tips and wisdom she has picked up on her 'work-in-progress' journey.Written in the accessible, easy-going and humorous way that Davina has become famous and loved for, Lessons I've Learned will motivate readers to reach their goals, find happiness and fulfillment, and feel more confident.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2016

104 people are currently reading
469 people want to read

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Davina McCall

28 books36 followers

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262 (19%)
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66 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer (Jaye) (checking back in slowly).
1,048 reviews54 followers
June 25, 2017
"An Absolutely fabulous Read"

I found this book so open, honest and refreshing. Davina talks about the highs and lows in her life so far and does not gloss over her much publicised drink and drug taking habit.

Towards the end of the book Davina describes her emotional and intimate time with her sister. I could just imagine Davina reading it to a captive audience and being able to hear a pin drop amongst the silence. It bought tears to my eyes.

Davina mentions some books that really helped her and there are a couple of books that I intend to look into. I like the way she challenges herself and shares her experiences plus her charity work is amazing.

This book is so inspiring and there were tools that will help lots of people too. Thank you Davina :-)
Profile Image for Melanie.
22 reviews12 followers
January 4, 2018
Listened to this on Audible. Really well read - like going for a coffee with a friend. Really enjoyed and would recommend
Profile Image for Amanda Claire Bower.
2 reviews
October 1, 2016
Outstanding

Every house should have s copy of this wonderful book. I have learnt so do much . Davina I salute you xx
3 reviews
July 17, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It was a 'gobble up in one sitting' kind of book! It's not autobiographical or in any way self indulgent, it's a sharing of some of her life experiences and what she's learned along the way and how shes used those lessons to overcome adversity, help others and promote a happy and positive life.
Its an incredibly genuine and honest book, with laugh out loud hysterical moments in some chapters and others that leave you with a lump in your throat. It's real, relatable and practical.
It's the kind of book you need a note pad beside you to take notes!
It leaves you feeling content, warm, energetic with a pang of appreciation and gratitude for life. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Leanne.
252 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2017
I don't think I ever would have thought that I would be reading this book as I didn't like Davina McCall a while back. I found her behaviour a bit too over the top rather than charming. However, I saw this book in the library and thought, 'Why not?'. The book is actually a mixture of being humourous, interesting and useful in different parts.

It's not the usual autobiography that you might come across with an in depth description of the person's life but it does include a lot of useful information off the back of anecdotes. Perhaps one of the most helpful parts is towards the end when Davina talks about what it feels like to go through the menopause. She's right, it's something that is not often spoken about yet I know that the time will soon come when I will go through it so it's helpful to read about how I might best deal with it.
I started to gain more interest in Davina when I read her no sugar books and this book also provided some comfort knowing that there is yet another person who is, or was, in this case, a 'sugar fiend'.

The book is written in her usual upbeat manner though she has been through an awful lot in her life including a mother who abandoned her at the age of about three and a sister who passed away from Cancer.
Overall if you would like an easy read, albeit, with some difficult topics as mentioned above included, I'd recommend it.
Profile Image for Suzy.
245 reviews
April 13, 2017
I'm not a Davina McCall fan, but thought I'd give this a try. Davina reads her own book & this is great because all her character comes through. It makes it an easy listen and heartfelt. It's part autobiography telling the reader about her early life, hardships and drive to get what she wanted. It also honestly portrays Davina's issues and how she tackled them - that's the self help bit. Nothing revelatory in these sections and I found them a bit annoying, taking me out of the story. Overall a good holiday listen.
Profile Image for Mark Thomas.
69 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2017
Loved the way Davina read this as though we were good friends sitting across from each other.
That said I had difficulty following any red thread through the book. It was very jumbled and makes it unfortunately hard to recall many of the good lessons to remember.
Profile Image for Harriette.
4 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2021
I really wanted to love this, I love Davina as a presenter and she’s had a very interesting life but at times this felt so preachy and almost turned into a parenting manual. Not really what I was anticipating from this book
Profile Image for Emma Hastie.
113 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2017
I do love a self-help book and this did not disappoint. Thanks Janet Farrow for the recommendation!
4 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2017
Not quite what I was expecting but certainly a good thought provoking read, written with honesty & humour.
Profile Image for John Wilkes.
35 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2017
I don't keep many books once I've read them, to potentially read again. I kept malala youzafsai's autobiography, and eat pray love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Until now. I'll be keeping this book too.
Profile Image for Lisa Bentley.
1,340 reviews23 followers
October 11, 2020
Davina McCall has been a staple of British TV for my whole life and I have always liked her. She is enthusiastic, funny and shows herself to be. A caring and compassionate person too.

I read her autobiography Lessons I’ve Learned and got a glimpse of the lady behind the TV personality. She is so positive, honest and expressive. She doesn’t shy away, in fact she reveals all of the colourful aspects of her life. 

To say that McCall speaks with candour is an understatement. She discusses her past drug use, her difficult relationship with her mother and the heartbreaking details of her sisters final days. I will admit that I cried as Davina McAll talks about her sisters illness and the impact hat t had on her. It was utterly tear-jerking. 

If someone were to ask me if my opinion of Davina McCall has changed after reading Lessons I’ve Learned  then Would have to say not really. I already liked Davina. If anything her autobiography has endeared me to her much much more. I am so glad that I to know the person behind the personality. 

Lessons I’ve Learned by Davina McCall is available now.
Profile Image for Victoria Sigsworth.
251 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2020
I thought I would give this a read as we had it in the house and as most of us are at home at the moment, might as well work through the shelves. It is a very easy read. There are some subjects she talks about but then later on repeats in places. It is written as though she is chatting to a friend which some readers will like and some won't.
I have to say that some of the advice she gives, I have read elsewhere so is not all original. I thought her best sections were those on trolling and not being best friends with your mum. However my mantra is never give advice about marriage unless you are a counsellor. I have been married for years but would just never do it.
I found the section about her sister very moving. All in all it is an easy read if a little lightweight but that is it's audience.
103 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2018
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy it but after the first few chapters my viewpoint totally changed. I loved reading about what had happened in her life for her to see things the way she did and what she put in place to deal with certain things that her and her family were going through. I love how she talks about her family in the book and the lessons she has learnt from being a young age right up until now. She deals some great advice in this book and I have taken on a lot myself and learnt a lot from what she has written in her book. A thoroughly brilliant read!
Profile Image for Araceli.
23 reviews
October 15, 2017
A great collection of condensed advice and tips. Davina speaks from personal experience, not repeating what other books might advice and her humor and positivity make it a very enjoyable read. Some of the sections might sound like pure common sense, but I believe it's important to remind ourselves from time to time... as well as reflect on what truly matters. We are not perfect, and we are constantly evolving. It is our responsibility to keep working on our selves. "I'm me... A work in progress."
Profile Image for Kel.
597 reviews16 followers
January 24, 2019
I have just finished listening to Davina McCall on audible and really enjoyed her autobiography. She is honest and insightful and I found that I just wanted to keep listening to see what subject she would tackle next.

Listening to this book, made me thankful for what I have got and reminded me that being yourself is all your should ever be.

A brilliant autobiography that details highs and lows her battles with addiction and her overwhelming love for her family. A brilliant reflective autobiography that leaves you with the imprint of how important family is.
Profile Image for Saba Aftab.
46 reviews21 followers
November 24, 2019
Still being a muslim, I found many useful tips and lessons from reading this book. Nicely written with humour and tough realities of her life which she describes with so ease - you had to have a good sense of humour to do that. It was really sad to read about her sister, Caroline. I envied Pippy’s character in her life - God bless her. Lastly, I got a little perplexed about her separation with her husband Matthew, as she writes beautifully about their relationship throughout the book. Would recommend reading it!
Profile Image for Annabelle Meadows.
34 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2024
Took me a while to read this. It got a bit torturous half-ish way through.

I agree with another reviewer about the book coming across a bit preachy at times and sometimes gloating, but coating it with being grateful.

I liked the parts about Davina overcoming addiction (that's the main reason I wanted to read the book), but it was mostly quite a chore to read.

I think the last part about her sister was sincere, and I felt sad that neither of them had a great relationship with their mother. But overall, a book I probably won't remember and will never read again.
Profile Image for Jo Baalham-Curry.
24 reviews
April 28, 2020
I have to admit I didn't read this as such but audio booked it.
I wish it could have went on more. I suddenly came to the end of it and I could listen to Davina's fank and open flow all day.
An insight into her life which hasn't been a bed or roses.
I have alot of admiration for her and her get up and go and her family/friends are lucky to have her in their lives.
I do admit I did cry at a few parts of this happy and sad years.
Profile Image for Ellen Stafford.
131 reviews26 followers
January 15, 2017
A great book with good advice. Davina shares her tips and advice that she has learned for all aspects of life including dealing with the kids, being a working mum and things she learned from her childhood and growing up.

I enjoyed reading the book and it left me feeling more positive about life and to be grateful for what I have. Loved it.
Profile Image for Zoe Gothard.
4 reviews
October 25, 2017
I listened the audiobook on a long drive and I think that was my issue as I wouldn't have read it how it was spoken and made her sound like she was now living a perfect like that somehow she controlled.

Apparently if you decide you want something it will happen, but I've been trying that for a few years

Profile Image for Evelyn.
692 reviews63 followers
April 10, 2019
Another memoir that I recently picked up from the library is Davina McCall's Lessons I've Learned, where Davina share's her life experiences and many of the lessons that she's learnt along the way. It's an easy, friendly, warm and chatty style of narrative, and the kind of non-fiction book that you can enjoy reading on holiday or curled up on the sofa on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
15 reviews
October 27, 2017
Loved reading this can identify with so much of davina's story

Really identified with so much of theses lessons, such a complex array of emotions, davina may not be everyone's cup of tea but I enjoyed reading about her struggles but she's real no holds barred
Profile Image for Rachael.
17 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2018
I love Davina, and to hear her in my head as I read this book just makes it that more personal. The mistakes she's learnt are life lessons that just make you want to give her a hug!

Well written and such a personal book, will be reading again and again.
Profile Image for Carol.
301 reviews
January 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book and the way it was written. There were a lot of good life lessons included, and an insight into Davina's troubled childhood and adolescence. I gave 3 stars as found it a little disjointed in parts, and sometimes her life came across as more perfect than reality.
4 reviews
December 29, 2018
Great read through what makes Davina tick and some heartfelt passages on her unique upbringing, influences and what motivates her. An enjoyable read that was part of my plane journeys to Japan and within it.
25 reviews
August 30, 2019
Honest. Albeit in many ways an unlikely story...with her being a beloved celebrity it's sometimes easy to think she may not be philosophical had she not have found fame and fortune. But her positive attitude is undeniable. As is her wish for people to live a happy and forfilled life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

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