Loved this book! What a gem Aisling was - I rooted for her all the way through. Laugh out loud funny. If you're a fan of Marian Keyes then you will love this!

I received a free ecopy of this from netgalley.

3/5
A lighthearted contemporary read.  The sort centres around Aisling, a country Irish girl with a long term boyfriend whom she loves. John loves her too but they've been together 7 years and hasn't proposed whilst all her friends in shorter relationships are getting married.

 There were loads of comical scenes and convos but I thought this book would be a lot funnier than it was. I didn't understand some of the Irish phrases, which didn't help.

After breaking up with John, Aisling uses her newfound independence to learn about herself, going out of her comfort zone and she soon learns more about herself. I thought the ending was predictable but it was a good read.

Fav quote
'Where does she think she is? Dublin? There’s no doctors open in Ballygobbard on a Saturday. ‘It’ll have to be CareDoc again though, surely?’‘No, Dr Maher is open on a Saturday morning now. He gets loads of business from people thinking they’re dying from the night before.’ Well, this is the most cosmopolitan thing that has happened to BGB in quite some time, equal only to when Filan’s finally got an ATM. It lasted four days before it was empty and nobody ever came back to fill it up, but my God they were a golden four days.'

This is a 3.5 stars for me.
This is a book that I thought was going to be very different to how it was. Aisling is the main character she is late twenties and dating John still after 7 years while all her other friends seem to waltzing down the aisle into heaven. This book follows Aisling's journey after discovering that her and John aren't on the same page and to be honest it could have been funnier, it could have been shorter and more could have happened as over the course of the book not a great deal happened. Yes the part with Aisling and her Dad was emotional and well written but the rest just blurred into everyday life for the majority I would think. The ending was an ending of sorts but left me a bit clueless to why I had read this.
I really wanted to love this book and I did enjoy it but it could have had a bit more direction and been far funnier which I had expected it to be.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin UK and Michael Joseph for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book, It made me laugh and cry in equal measure and it was not afraid to tackle some difficult subjects. It has the Irish humour which I love from authors such as Marian Keyes and I feel this boom sits well with that sort of genre. I would definitely give this five stars.

I enjoyed this book so much. It's really funny, it's warm and it has so much heart. It's the story of a small town Irish girl, living in Dublin but hankering after the small town life she'd grown up expecting to have. It's littered with Irish cultural references, I found I knew quite a few thanks to having an Irish flatmate years ago, but I very much enjoyed learning about the others. Aisling is a great character, as a fellow small town girl I found I could definitely identify with her. I loved that while the book was on the whole light it wasn't afraid to touch on bigger issues, particularly relevant at the moment. This added a welcome depth to the book.

I read the synopsis for this book and I just knew that this was one book I needed to read, as it sounded to be an amusing read. I loved it and then some but more about that in a bit.
Aisling is one of those girls that we can all identify with. She is watching her weight and is following the Weight Watchers plan. Aisling is ever so slightly obsessed with Smart Points as she seems to instantly know how many points are in a particular food item or in a particular drink. She has a boyfriend and she is desperate for him to propose but to say that he is dragging his heels is putting it mildly. She sees her friends getting engaged and she can’t help but be a bit jealous. Aisling works in an office but she gets a bit peeved with the actions (or lack thereof ) of her work colleagues. Aisling does like a night on the tiles but not on a school night….or so she says. That doesn’t stop her getting herself into some pickles. Aisling is very close to her parents although I do think that she would love a bit more freedom as she is in her twenties and she does know what she is doing. Aisling’s boyfriend lives in a shared house and some of their behaviours get right on Aisling’s nerves. Aisling sounds like just the kind of friend you would want – she’s enormous fun, she’s funny, she’s loyal, she’s there for those who need her, she’s there to help you mop up your tears, she’s a great drinking buddy and if you were having a bad time, Aisling would turn up with a bottle of wine ready for a bitching session and to put the world to rights. Certain things that happened to her, really struck a chord with me and brought back some memories- some good and some bad. I just wish Aisling was a real as I think that we would get along just fine. Aisling certainly reminded me of an Irish Bridget Jones.
Oh my days, ‘Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling’ is one hell of a read which takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. There were moments during reading this book that made me laugh out loud and made me splutter my drink all over, there were moments that made me want to cry, moments made me want to cheer and moments that made me want to shout and there were also moments where I felt like I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to stick up for Aisling and sort certain people out. It is no word of a lie to say that I was addicted to this book from the moment I picked it up and I just couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what fate had in store for Aisling. I was so focused on Aisling and her escapades that I didn’t notice the speed with which the page numbers and the time were flying past. Before I knew what was happening, I had finished the book which I was so disappointed about. I did like the fact that the book used occasional Irish dialect but at times I found it a bit confusing and as though I needed a translator.
In conclusion this is one of those books that should be on prescription for those with depression as it is a fun, light hearted and realistic read with the occasional serious part and serious message. Even then, serious subjects are tackled with a dash of humour which will stick in my mind for a long time to come. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read book 2. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

If you want an easy read I could not recommend this book more. I was able to get through it in a matter of days and found it quite enjoyable.

Aisling is a typical Irish country girl who has reached the stage in her life where marriage and babies are on her mind. Her boyfriend, however does not seem to be at the same stage and this is where Aisling's story begins.

I found the book relateable due to all of the Irishisms and social references which often made me laugh out loud. It was slightly stereotypical but I still found it an enjoyable read.

There was a change in pace towards the end of the book when it started to explore more serious issues of abortion and death, which in term gave the characters a bit more depth. I think there may be room for sequel at some stage.

All in all I found the book kept my attention well and was a nice easy read after a string of more intense thrillers. I've also just found out that it is based on a Facebook page so it's definitely something that I will check out.

Nice easy read, good holiday book. Characters were fun and some of the storyline was quite identifiable

A bubbly, engaging main character who I quickly warmed to. The author has identified lovable quirks of “a complete Aisling” a girl we can all recognise. The reader is left thinking “she’s gas”
A fun, cosy read. I highly recommend!

DNF at an embarrassingly small percentage, less than 10%.

I don't know why I requested this book TBH. I was sort of intrigued, then thought better of it and didn't download the book, then my obsessive need to complete finish tasks made me download the book anyway.

This book is full on Irish dialogue right from the get go, I honestly had to read the opening sentence three times before I understood what it meant. I still don't actually know what 'being a gas' actually means - is it funny?

Aisling, of the title, is a 28 year old Irish woman with a long-term boyfriend (seven years) who seems to have no intention of proposing anytime soon, despite the fact that his team mates are inviting them to engagement parties and weddings at increasingly regular intervals. Aisling seems to be one of those curvaceous, middle-aged before her time Irish girls whose only dream is the house that their Daddy will build them once they get married. She also appears to be the annoying office busybody who leaves passive-aggressive notes for their co-workers about the fridge and the dishwasher. She can't bear the idea of a buffet breakfast going uneaten, even if it means going to breakfast two minutes after waking up.

I'll be honest, I hated every page that I read, I didn't like Aisling, I'm not keen on books which are full of brogue (it's one of the reasons I never read Scottish historical romances - hate all the och aye rubbish) and this just hit every one of my triggers.

I can't tell you about the plot because I didn't read enough to know what the plot was about -although I was already concerned about her father's appearance - my apologies.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I think I am the wrong generation for this book. I became bored by all the drinking and dating and trying to find a husband. Couldn't find a story to get into.

I enjoyed this fun and lively book and really liked the use of Irish English as the narrative voice is an Irish woman. I think I grasped the concept of an "Aisling" as that woman who buys new teaspoons for the office and puts up those laminated signs about unloading the dishwasher, and can drink herself to perdition but always finds her way home. I loved the fish-out-of-water sections, not really mocking either sensible Aisling or her more pretentious housemates, but showing the funny sides of both. Of course being chick-lit there's a tragic bit thrown in as there always is, but it is integral to the plot and character development and worked well. I'm sure this will sell well, how clever of the authors to have a Facebook group first. And I couldn't tell who wrote what, which meant it was very well put together.

I actually liked this book, even though I am not in general a fan of Irish fiction that is full of a. words that mean nothing to me; and b: humour that is not quite as I understand it.

But I managed to understand, after a few chapters, what an 'Aisling' was. No, not just an Irish name - which is very popular, but an Irish girl's name for a girl from the hicks - the backwoods - who doesn't understand city ways and doesn't dress in a smart city manner and generally is a country hick.

But if you like your female characters to be funny and strong and full of life then this is the book for you. If you are not Irish you might struggle over some of the phrases and behaviours and references, but don't let that put you off. There is a lot here to entertain and learn from.

It’s not often a book makes me laugh out loud but this one certainly did - from the first page. Everyone deserves a friend like Aisling. She says what others think. What a great girl, Loved this book.

I loved this story! Laugh-out-loud funny and moving in places covering subjects from abortion to long-term relationships and everything inbetween, it didnt stop! It took me a few chapters to get the hang of the Irish slang and conversation style but, when I did, I found myself reading it in an Irish accent in my head!! I loved the character of Aisling and I am sure we can all relate in one way or another to the brilliant characters in this story. In conclusion, it was gas!!

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin UK Michael Joseph for the copy of this in return for an honest review.

I have A LOT to say so this will be a long one!

As the Irish would say, this book is gas. I did not think I would enjoy this book as much as I did but it had me laughing out loud, proclaiming ‘Oh my god’, and gasping in shock at some moments. Some of the book had me tittering and giggling and other times, I was stuck in horror at what Aisling and her friends had got themselves into.

The book is great. I will get into my review in more details but I must say; I lived in Ireland for 9 years and completely understand the slang and colloquial terms of the Irish. As the book is written in first person, the book is in complete slang with Irish sayings and words I would have never known had I not lived on the Emerald Isle for my teenage and young adult years. If you have no clue on Irish slang (knowing craic isn’t gonna help you out here), you may be completely clueless whilst reading this. Some terms are even in the Irish language and then you’re just lost all together. Below, I will outline some of the sayings that may be lost upon non-Irish people or people who just have no clue how the Irish talk (there is no ‘top o’ the morning to ya’ – sayings like ‘lob the gob’ and ‘fluthered’ are more like it).

(Bit of a spoiler here, scroll a few paragraphs down)

I want to get the serious bit over with first;

“I won’t be the first making this visit to her and I won’t be the last.”

This poignant line is a moment relating to an abortion storyline that features in the book; an incredibly relevant issue in Ireland at the moment. On the 25th of May 2018, Ireland will vote whether to remove the 8th Amendment – a law that disallows abortion in the country. Women travel daily to the UK for abortions – whether due to not wanting a child or due to the danger to the mother or baby’s life. No matter what side you stand on, both sides mean abortion will still be there. A vote for yes means safer, legal abortions whilst a vote for no means illegal pill-taking or travelling – abortions will not stop because of a vote for no. The quote above states this clearly. The reader feels the depth of emotion, the prejudice, and how the characters deal with the emotional time. This book is so much MORE than chick-lit or a light holiday read. This book carries a message and a story that so many Irish girls go through and has been published at such a poignant time in Irish history.

The Plot

It started with a Facebook page and evolved into the story of 28 year-old Aisling, a rural Irish girl, dating a local GAA player for years, surrounded by engagements and weddings but for her, there is no ring in sight.

On a holiday in Tenerife, everything goes tits up and Aisling finds herself single and making the rash decision to move to the big smoke, Dublin.

In Dublin, she finds new friends, travels, drinks a lot, dates, and has a run in with a potential ecstasy pill (hilarity ensues, I promise). Tragedies strike the family and her friends, and of course, there is the horrific moment of bumping into your ex whilst he is shopping with his new girlfriend but Aisling pulls through. She is a witty, strong, cautious, and hilarious protagonist to follow along.

The Review

I have seen people claim that the Irish authors (there are two of them) have tried to be too stereotypical and pack too many Irish references, colloquialisms, and stereotypes into this small book (272 pages). However, I felt these all fit. Maybe we could have done without the reference to Conor McGregor or some obscure Irish celeb blogger or magazine but I personally felt that Aisling’s mannerisms, the way she thought, the things she did all matched what my friends and I faced as young adults in Ireland. The language was how we used to chat, the sayings were stuff I’d hear on a daily basis, and the GAA scene was as prominent as it is in the novel. The novel may be short but I feel the book benefited from the quirkiness of Aisling’s first-person Irish perspective.

I got sent this book to review for non-Irish audiences. I was never going to pick this up on my own. It’s dubbed the Irish answer to Bridget Jones’ diary, and that did not really interest me. I’ve seen the plot be described as predictable, not challenging, and dull but if you’re picking up some chick-lit, isn’t that what it can quite often be? It’s not meant to be challenging, it’s just a commentary on an Irish woman’s life in the big smoke.

Actually in all honestly, the plot surprised me. I enjoyed it and didn’t expect some of it. The abortion storyline completely threw me for a loop and I was so pleased they put it in there. They knew when this book would be published and they knew that it would coincide with the referendum.

Whilst the book is fun, witty, and a light read, I will say that this may not cater to international audiences. I’ve stated above about the language used and I can really see a lot of it flying over heads. It’s easy to Google but who wants to Google when they read?! I’m going to list a few things that I think most people, who haven’t lived in Ireland, will not completely understand.

“I wouldn’t kick him out of bed for eating Taytos”

“A curling poster of Paul Galvin overlaps one of Mickey Joe Harte on the wall – both fine things. John used to say hanging up the Galvin one was sacrilegious to the parish and the county – but if he was allowed fancy any number of RTE weather ladies, I was having my poster.”

“And then there was the time Majella did finally shift Conor McCormack in the back-bar in Maguire’s and I was still smarting that he had never actually lobed the gob on me, despite what I believed to be out-and-out flirting on the Foroige bus several years previous…”

“Who wouldn’t enjoy being eyed up by a big ride with lovely teeth?”

These are some of the mild ones so maybe people would get them but as I’ve said, who wants to Google as they read? I just think some of the writing and moments are a bit too niche and not exactly catering to other nationalities. I know that if I had never lived in Ireland, I would not have understood these.

Some of the storylines ended quite abruptly but it all wound together in a little package. I’d say there will be a sequel of some form. Carry tissues for the last half of the book (just saying). In all, I actually give this book 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoy it and I know I’ll re-read this again!

This is one of my favourite books of all time. This book make me laugh out loud and cry. It's hard to explain how truly amazing this book is. It's so relatable and down to earth it feels like you're watching your favourite tv show that you know and love. It tackles the realities of life for a 20 something in Ireland with all the trial, tribulations and craic that brings. I would recommend this book to all as once you pick it up you won't want to put it down and wish you could read it again for the first time.

Google tells me it's 'the Irish Bridget Jones' and covers a year or so in the life of Aisling, a 20-something woman from rural (ish?) Ireland, working in Dublin, and facing boyfriend issues and friendship dramas. It sounds quite cliched when I say it like that, but I enjoyed reading this, and normally it's not my cup of tea. A lot of the cultural references did go over my head, as I don't know very much about Ireland, but I got the gist of them and found myself reading it in an Irish accent (I admit to not even trying to pronounce many of the names!).

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I enjoyed the 'irishness' of it, although I think you will find girls like Aisling everywhere. Young men like John as well, come to that! I absolutely was not aware that the English language was so different in Ireland, there were so many words I didn't know, although that did not stop my enjoyment of the book. As for Aisling's friend Sadhbh - I have no idea how that would be pronounced.

Aisling is a somewhat naive twenty-something country girl, working in Dublin, who is getting very frustrated that her boyfriend of seven years, John, will not propose to her. All her friends are getting engaged or married, and she is nowhere nearer to that happy state than she was seven years ago. Her frustration finally bursts to the surface, and she tells him what she is feeling, but it doesn't change his mind. What has been said cannot be unsaid, they are no longer a couple. The rest of the book is about Aisling trying to get on with her life, while still pining for her lost love.

She and her friends all seem to be heavy drinkers, going out always involves alcohol. The story has a lot of emotion, you will laugh out loud at their antics, and cry at their sadnesses. Aisling is a lovely character, I am sure that everyone has met someone just like her, so organised, so brave. And at the end you just know she will have her happy ending, albeit a slightly different one than she had always dreamed about. Very well worth reading.

I've always had a soft spot for Irish authors who write the type of books which are funny and sad at the same time. I swear I read them in an Irish accent in my head as they're not nearly as good in my native Scots!

Aisling (which, thanks to a long ago read Maeve Binchy novel I actually know how to pronounce) is a scream. Desperate for her boyfriend of seven years to propose, she finds herself in the unfortunate position of being in a toilet cubicle at yet another friend's wedding listening to two of the guests from her table chatting about her little idiosyncrasies. From that conversation we learn an awful lot about the type of woman Aisling is, and as we get in further it's revealed that she is also a good daughter to her parents, travelling up and down to her job in Dublin since her father was ill, although he's recovered now. She works hard and plays hard and thinks her future is settled with boyfriend John .. only, somehow, the magic proposal just hasn't materialised.

This is such a great read. With plenty going on both in Dublin and at home in the country, there isn't a single moment of boredom. It's action packed all the way. and the hangovers are epic. I've smiled and giggled my way through, empathised with Aisling so many times and yes, shed a tear or two with her as well. Never having come across the name Sadhbh before, I did have to resort to googling it - I can't bear to think I'm getting it wrong. There is a good mix of the old ways of Ireland and the new wave of change, and it all adds up to a sparkling read.

More than anything, this stands out as being the kind of story which is entirely believable. The characters are appealing and so entertaining, but the star of the show is, without a doubt, Aisling. If you have read any of the Irish writers who consistently pack the bestseller lists, then you will enjoy this one because that's exactly where it belongs. The authors have done a great job of creating a cracking novel and I hope they write more together, as I absolutely loved this one and fully recommend it.

My thanks to publishers Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, for pre-approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.