A review by allioth
Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth

3.25



There’s lots of ways to help people. There’s lots of people to help. Why this? Why do you want to fix their problems?”

I didn’t know what to say to that, so I said the only thing that came to mind.

“Because I can fix their problems.”


This was such a fun and emotional book that I wish I liked more. The story is a very common one executed in a unique manner; a girl who can't solve her own problems distracts herself by solving everyone else's.

The characters are really likable (minus Holly—she was such an annoying hypocrite, every time she appeared, I prayed Meabh would kill her right there and then), and they go through a lot of relatable stuff like bullying, alcoholic parents, toxic friendships... you get the gist.

I don't think the author does a bad job portraying this or anything of the sort; it’s just the conclusion that is lacking. Only 1/4 of the issues the characters go through are resolved in a satisfying manner (and that is being generous), and the rest are shoved down your throat in the last 15 pages or directly not shown at all.

The romance was cute, I guess. It doesn't play that big of a part, so I suppose I'll refrain from saying it was undercooked. It feels very teenagerish; maybe that's why they got together in like a month, tops, of being actual friends.

I care a lot about good endings (and well-developed romance), so realistically, I should be harsher, but I love Kavi. This book was funny in a juvenile way without being cringey, and Kristen Stewart was mentioned—that's enough for me.

100% recommended if you are a lesbian overachiever or a lesbian underachiever; otherwise, maybe skip this one.
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