Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth

Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t fix. Her best (and only) friend is pulling away. Her mother’s drinking problem is a constant concern. She’s even running out of outlandish diseases to fake so she can skip PE.

But when Aideen stumbles on her nemesis, overachiever Meabh Kowalski, in the midst of a full-blown meltdown, she sees a problem that—unlike her own disaster of a life—seems refreshingly easy to solve. Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help. By pushing Meabh down the stairs.

Problem? Solved. Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule. But when another student learns about their little scheme and brings Aideen another “client” who needs her “help,” it kicks off a semester of traded favors, ill-advised hijinks, and an unexpected chance at love. Fixing other people’s problems won’t fix her own, but it might be the push she needs to start.  

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This is absolutely hilarious. It really is.

It's also very Irish; readers in other countries may have trouble with some of the expressions and turns of phrase. I hope that doesn't put them off, because underneath that is an amazing read full of heart and humour. Aideen is a fabulous character, prickly, mean, uncouth, and so easy to like. Meabh is just as good, and I want a Kavi of my very own, please.

I love the little family Aideen assembles as she goes through the book, more or less just by being herself. I'm torn about the ending; I loved it, I cheered for it, but I also really badly want to know what happens next! I'll just have to pretend it all works out beautifully, although I know it probably didn't.

Minor nitpick; Meabh's surname is Kowalska, not Kowalski as the blurb says; Kowalska is the feminine form. She talks about it in the book, otherwise I wouldn't have known it myself!

Overall this is a great, funny, interesting read, one I'll definitely come back to. I can't wait to be able to shove it in people's faces and shout 'Read this!' That's a good plan, right?

Not my Problem publishes on the 3rd of June, 2021. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.