Not My Problem

Written by Ciara Smyth

Narrated by Sarah Jane Drummey

Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Nina LaCour, this queer coming-of-age story from the author of The Falling in Love Montage is wry, multilayered, and unflinchingly honest.

Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t solve. But when she stumbles upon overachiever Meabh Kowalska having a full-blown meltdown, she sees one that she can actually fix. Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help—by pushing her down the stairs.

Problem? Solved. Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule. But when one of their classmates learns about their little scheme, more “clients” start asking for Aideen’s “help”—kicking off a semester of traded favors, ill-advised hijinks, and even an unexpected chance at love.

Fixing other people’s problems won’t fix her own. But it might be the push Aideen needs to start.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063089761

Ciara Smyth

Ciara Smyth studied drama, teaching, and then social work at university. She thought she didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up. She became a writer so she wouldn’t have to grow up. She enjoys jigging (verb: to complete a jigsaw puzzle), playing the violin badly, and having serious conversations with her pets. Ciara has lived in Belfast for over ten years and still doesn’t really know her way around. Visit her online at www.ciarasmyth.com.

Reviews for Not My Problem

[Kai · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such good, honest dialogue. The struggles of the main character truly moved me. A beautiful, funny story with exceptional narration.

Really got me thinking about the high school experience for youth with a weak base at home.

[neverendingbooklover · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

such a nice story! i really enjoyed listening to it and idk how, but i was absurdly invested in it. def worth listening/reading.

[Julia Holm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My New favorite!!! So relatable and raw but in the best way! All the characters are new comfort characters for sure!<3

[Estella · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Realistic main character and deep in nuance. I loved the narrator!

[Chaotic Virgo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Quite enjoyed it! It has excellent narration too. 3.5 stars.

[Airun 357 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was a nice novela, it didn't worked around just the romance, but most at the characters personal problems with her alcoholic mother and her not so bff. All in all, it was sweet and easy to read/hear. Also, nice voice actress ^^

[nicole burrill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Cute, and adorable book! I normally don't read YA books, but I really liked this one.

[Gayatri Varma · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant. This is my comfort book. Ciara Smyth is the best.

[Michelle Alpizar · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Estuvo divertido, me recordó a esos capítulos de series donde hacen una cadena de favores y luego todo se regresa, está bueno para pasar el rato

[Anne S. · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting; liked the Derry Girls/Easy A (or S*x Education) vibes. Loved the narrator, and the accents ?? Lovely to see Aideen's growth and development throughout the story.

[Dggg Ghg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book and amazing characters. i usually don't like ya novels, but this one is so magical and not one second. Did i want it to stop

[Lorena Rodríguez Nieto · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Narrator: 5/5

Story: 3/5

I really liked it ? Aideen ?

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just really enjoyed this - like TFiLM it was really heavy (instead of concerns about memory and hurt over a mom who can’t remember you, we had an alcoholic mother that Aideen is trying to protect and a father who is a user and better off gone). I loved seeing Aideen grow as she helped other people. I liked the teacher who wanted to help, and Kavi was a cinnamon roll ❤️

[acargile-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed listening to Not My Problem This Irish novel appeals more to high school students.Aideen begins the novel with a small life. She watches carefully over her mom who falls off the wagon of sobriety and drinks, using money that could be used to pay bills and buy food. Aideen also has one friend: Holly. Aideen is funny and snarky and good-hearted with a bit of a potty mouth. She struggles in school, often missing to take care of her mother. She has one enemy: Maebh. Everything starts when Aideen finds Maebh having a meltdown. She jokingly says she can help and offers to push her down the stairs. Maebh sees this option as a great solution. Thus begins Aideen's new life.Aideen discovers that she really enjoys helping people and ends up with a helper: Kavi. Kavi loves to monologue, which allows for distraction and trust. Kavi begins bringing people to Aideen for her to help them in return for a favor. Maebh has to help Aideen with the next project, which allows Aideen to see that Maebh isn't the person she has always assumed she was. Each "help" is amusing and entails problems because nothing goes off without a hitch. It's madcap farce at times as more and more people move into Aideen's life. As the novel makes you laugh at the antics and Aideen's snarkiness, you also get pulled into the drama of the students' lives who all face stressful situations. I absolutely loved this novel that deals with alcoholism, friendship, love, growing up, bravery, honesty, and courage. Aideen sacrifices herself to help others but fails to realize that others would do the same for her. Aideen learns what true friendship is and makes mature, hard decisions to help herself. I'm purposefully saying little because the novel is delightful and should be experienced as it unfolds. Loved the reader--she was fantastic! Listen to this outstanding YA novel that will make you laugh and smile.

[daisydate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was lighthearted and fun while still discussing difficult issues. This book was such a great read and kept me hooked from the beginning. The friendships that are formed in the book are realistic and filled with love. The portrayal of having a difficult home life and abusive friendships is done incredibly well. You are taken along for the journey of recognising when things aren't right and when you need help. I loved the queer representation and really enjoyed the romantic portrayal. Great Read!

[fionaanne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed that immensely and am irritated that Ciara Smyth only has one other book published.

Plot-wise and humour-wise, this book was amazing but the secondary characters were not as fleshed as I needed them to be and I kept losing track of them, or this would have got the full five stars.

[edgoldberg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t solve. But when she stumbles upon overachiever Meabh Kowalska having a full-blown meltdown, she sees one that she can actually fix. Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help—by pushing her down the stairs.Problem? Solved. Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule. But when one of their classmates learns about their little scheme, more “clients” start asking for Aideen’s “help”—kicking off a semester of traded favors, ill-advised hijinks, and even an unexpected chance at love.Fixing other people’s problems won’t fix her own. But it might be the push Aideen needs to start. Quite the enjoyable book.