Not My Problem

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If I wasn’t so swamped with reading, I’d be turning back to page one -as soon as I finished this review- to read this whole book again. There are some, that appear more frequently and that play bigger roles than others, but they each serve a purpose and represent a distinct lesson for Aideen to learn. There are so many lines and parts that I want to enjoy again and if you read my reviews, you will know I’m not a big re-reader so it’s a huge compliment to Smyth’s writing.

Aideen’s narration surrounding this relationship really let you into her thoughts and her insecurities, and also allowed you to see her grow and come into her own which I loved. There were times where I found stuff lacking, though this was still a refreshing read to get my mind off things. Though I wish that no-one ever needed to use them, I think the inclusion of a main character going to a foodbank was something that is sadly very necessary to see in young adult, and also very realistic, and once again Ciara Smyth has managed to find the perfect balance between hilarious writing, sweet sapphic romance, and hard-hitting plotlines.

She's witty and sarcastic, but she also has a lot of heart and is always willing to help - even people she doesn't know. They’re both snarky and stubborn but in entirely different ways and I loved watching as they softened around each other, letting down their walls as they grew closer.

Then another tenet of this book is relationships: Aideen doesn't tell people about her problems at home, which means her relationships are never equal because she doesn't want to tell people about her problems and rely on them too much.This is something that has seriously affected Aideen's home life and it means Aideen considers carefully how she gets by every day. Characters: Aideen's paying-it-forward scheme gets her in touch with a wide variety of characters who are all amazing in each their own way. Lighthearted and real, Not My Problem is Derry Girls in book form and a must read for all contemporary lovers.