Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Not My Problem

Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth

131 reviews

readingqueerly's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

While it's not my favourite book I've read this year, I do think it portrays a situation that I've not seen much in the books I read and a situation that I don't think is common at all in YA, namely the main character comes from a poor family. The way she carries the burden of making sure she and her mum get by is affecting. Aideen has to deal with her flaky dad and her alcoholic mother and school and friends and fixing everyone else's problems gave me second hand stress. But I do get her in a way. Asking for help, especially when you know that might have quite an effect on how your life has been functioning so far (in this case a social worker who might step in in a significant way) must be scary. It's not just about asking for help, it's also accepting that help and its possible consequences. But it's also realising there are people around you who care and want to help.

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deadgirlwalking23's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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glitterpolly's review against another edition

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funny slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Ever contemplated breaking your ankle in order to give you more time for schoolwork? Well, Aideen thinks that's the best way to solve Maebh's problems. Aideen has solutions for just about everyone, other than herself.

Winner of the Older Reader category for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Nothing particularly inappropriate content wise. Some rather heavy/difficult topics addressed for what seems to be a lighthearted novel.

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sven47's review

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dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

OK, before I start this review, I've got a small confession to make: Ms Devlin is a sarcastic badass of a woman and every kid should have a teacher like her.

Confession over. Actually, no it's not, because I have to confess something else - I really, really enjoyed reading Not My Problem.

It's about facing your fears. Realising people can be so much more than the first impressions you have of them if you just dig a little deeper. And finally - in my view - it's about realising the value of kindness and compassion.

Aideen Cleary is probably the most well-rounded, three-dimensional main character I have read for some time. She leapt off the page. Even though I sometimes felt frustrated with the decisions she made and the way she treated others, I could understand why she did so.

All the other characters were well-drawn too - aside from the lovely Ms Devlin, we were also introduced to Aideen's friends Meabh, Kavi, Holly, and Aideen's mum - Lisa, I think her name was? I really appreciated how Ciara Smyth wrote about the relationship between mother and daughter, it was beautiful and felt realistic.

The one thing I felt could have been developed more was why

Aideen felt attracted to Meabh

. But it might have been because I had a very stop-start relationship with reading this book so maybe there was something I missed.

Overall, Not My Problem is a beautifully, intelligently written book and I'm looking forward to reading more from Ciara Smyth.

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