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Corn Flakes for Dinner: A Heartbreaking Comedy About Family Life
Aidan Comerford was on top of the world. He stepped off stage having just been crowned the winner of So You Think You're Funny at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2014, previous winners of which include Dylan Moran, Tommy Tiernan, David O’Doherty and Aisling Bea. This was it! His big break ...
He returned to Ireland elated, only to find out that while he was in Edinburgh his youngest daughter, who has autism, had gone missing near a lake.
For Aidan this was the moment he began to accept that personal dreams can never take precedence over family, a family struggling through tough challenges – redundancy, mortgage problems, a pyritic house, post-natal depression – and, in the midst of it all, both daughters were diagnosed with autism.
Corn Flakes for Dinner is about what happens when expectations don’t meet reality and, dreams crushed, you carry on and discover that even the darkest of clouds can reveal a silver lining. A hilarious, poignant memoir about ordinary magic, Corn Flakes for Dinner is a masterclass in navigating life’s toughest challenges and rediscovering the joy in every day.
He returned to Ireland elated, only to find out that while he was in Edinburgh his youngest daughter, who has autism, had gone missing near a lake.
For Aidan this was the moment he began to accept that personal dreams can never take precedence over family, a family struggling through tough challenges – redundancy, mortgage problems, a pyritic house, post-natal depression – and, in the midst of it all, both daughters were diagnosed with autism.
Corn Flakes for Dinner is about what happens when expectations don’t meet reality and, dreams crushed, you carry on and discover that even the darkest of clouds can reveal a silver lining. A hilarious, poignant memoir about ordinary magic, Corn Flakes for Dinner is a masterclass in navigating life’s toughest challenges and rediscovering the joy in every day.
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2017
89 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 7, 2019
"You need to grieve for the life you thought you had."
From start to finish, Aidan - who I first encountered on the Oh My God What A Complete Aisling facebook group, writing about the horrors of getting a sperm sample to the hospital on time - is comedic.
But by fuck is he tragic as well. Now, if you had no empathic feeling whatsoever for the plight of two Irish people in an inter-species marriage (as per Martha's brother from Swords in Co. Dublin. Aidan's from County Carlow which has a well-regarded shut-down sugar factory as a tourist destination) you'd find Aidan's tales of his love at first sight and his two daughters, autistic at first birth) to still be funny. If that feeling's lost to you, you'd be searching for the tissues in between the laughs.
"I have two daughters. They are seven and nine. Now, I know what you're thinking. Odd names. My wife and I say that Ailbhe is mildly autistic and Sophie is wildly autistic."
Every page of this is funny, and many pages make you wish that your relationship was as fairytale strong "I hate this fucking bullshit" (I do too, thinks Aidan) as Aidan and Martha's, and many, many pages make you teary about the awful contradiction of being depressed because of your daughters' autism and having your greatest joys because of those same fucked-up daughters.
I could quote forever. I won't. I'll just say for the aussies here that Ailbhe is pronounced Alva.
From start to finish, Aidan - who I first encountered on the Oh My God What A Complete Aisling facebook group, writing about the horrors of getting a sperm sample to the hospital on time - is comedic.
But by fuck is he tragic as well. Now, if you had no empathic feeling whatsoever for the plight of two Irish people in an inter-species marriage (as per Martha's brother from Swords in Co. Dublin. Aidan's from County Carlow which has a well-regarded shut-down sugar factory as a tourist destination) you'd find Aidan's tales of his love at first sight and his two daughters, autistic at first birth) to still be funny. If that feeling's lost to you, you'd be searching for the tissues in between the laughs.
"I have two daughters. They are seven and nine. Now, I know what you're thinking. Odd names. My wife and I say that Ailbhe is mildly autistic and Sophie is wildly autistic."
Every page of this is funny, and many pages make you wish that your relationship was as fairytale strong "I hate this fucking bullshit" (I do too, thinks Aidan) as Aidan and Martha's, and many, many pages make you teary about the awful contradiction of being depressed because of your daughters' autism and having your greatest joys because of those same fucked-up daughters.
I could quote forever. I won't. I'll just say for the aussies here that Ailbhe is pronounced Alva.
May 29, 2018
I was only very mildly familiar with Aidan Comerford before I picked up this book. I'd noticed a few of his posts on Social Media that my friends had shared. I didn't know he was a comedian, or that he was married, or that he had children.
I picked this book up from the library because it was one of the Rick O'Shea Book Club picks recently. I knew it was non-fiction, other than that I went into it blind.
By the end of it I felt like Aidan and his wife Martha were my friends, and had to hold back from being overly familiar with them online. They holiday down the road from me (official culchie distance measuring system), they are not perfect parents (who is?), and they don't pretend to be anything they're not. This is a beautifully honest book about two people who meet, fall in love, and have two daughters. It's also a heartbreaking read about what happens when you find out that your two children are on the autism spectrum, meaning you will have to fight for every bit of help you can get in Ireland.
It's honest, raw, real, brutal, funny, warm, touching, scary and lovely.
I picked this book up from the library because it was one of the Rick O'Shea Book Club picks recently. I knew it was non-fiction, other than that I went into it blind.
By the end of it I felt like Aidan and his wife Martha were my friends, and had to hold back from being overly familiar with them online. They holiday down the road from me (official culchie distance measuring system), they are not perfect parents (who is?), and they don't pretend to be anything they're not. This is a beautifully honest book about two people who meet, fall in love, and have two daughters. It's also a heartbreaking read about what happens when you find out that your two children are on the autism spectrum, meaning you will have to fight for every bit of help you can get in Ireland.
It's honest, raw, real, brutal, funny, warm, touching, scary and lovely.
October 21, 2017
A sublime book, written by an excellent author, about his wonderful family. It is equally heart-breaking and heart mending. The humour with which they deal with the challenging hand they have been dealt is exactly how we all hope we would react in a similar situation, but pretty sure very few of us would.
I couldn't put the book down, as the story's flow kept me reading from chapter to chapter, right up until I ran out of book.
Hopefully this is just the start of it for this author in a new creative field, we just need Sophie to keep forcing him to write. Keep going, "Furryburger".
Just buy the book, you won't be sorry.
I couldn't put the book down, as the story's flow kept me reading from chapter to chapter, right up until I ran out of book.
Hopefully this is just the start of it for this author in a new creative field, we just need Sophie to keep forcing him to write. Keep going, "Furryburger".
Just buy the book, you won't be sorry.
January 5, 2018
Aidan Commerford writes about his relationship with his wife, Martha, and raising children with autism against the backdrop of the financial crisis and the recession in Ireland in the 2000s. Humour runs deep in their relationship, helping them cope as life throws out shite - depression, redundancy. He turns to musical comedy as an outlet. I’ve never been a big fan of musical comedy, and I didn’t connect to the comic voice of the book, but that’s not the point - it’s not a comedy gig. I did connect with him as a person, the deeply honest and personal telling of their struggles as partners and as parents. And it made me think about how I can be a better parent.
March 6, 2018
Loved this book. Laughed and cried from beginning to end
July 17, 2018
I liked this book a lot. I have the world of respect for the author & his wife and enjoyed this honest, entertaining account of love, marriage, comedy and parenting autistic children.
March 5, 2019
The front cover of this book by Aidan Comerford actually says:
EXPECTATIONS, MEET REALITY . . .
CORNFLAKES FOR DINNER
A heartbreaking comedy about family life.
So when I saw these words, they made me grab the book immediately and when I found out that it was actually an Irish author, this made me wanna read the book even more.
I was curious to see how this family manages all hurdles and demands that parenting puts on them, how they cope when again and again reality strikes and expectations become suddenly completely insignificant.
Comerford definitely has an great writing style: honest, fun, touching, and even not ashamed to admit when he'd been an a**hole. It's a pleasant read and one of these books you don't wanna put it down.
The chapters are short, and by jumping occasionally back and forth in time for the first half of the books, the author gives you an insight onto the milestones of this life, meeting his future wife Martha and becoming parents.
Comerford not only writes about comedy, but he writes comedy !
Written with great humour, the most tragic aspects seem bearable and you will surely chuckle a lot and even sometimes laugh out loud.
Falling in love, fertility problems, conceiving, his wife battling depression, loosing jobs, financial problems, honesty within a marriage and both of his girls being diagnosed with autism....no topic is being concealed !
One of my favourites (p.184/185) :
The couple's eldest daughter was being denied having a cat due to Mommy's allergies.
One day,the eldest daughter then nearly 6 years old, engages with her father in a conversation about death, asking if the author himself would die one day, her grandma and grandpa and also her mother.
After each question, the author replied, that yes, one day...way off in the future they will die. When saying so regarding her mother, the girl started crying, all panicked and upset, and after her father gave her a tissue she asks with big tears in her eyes: 'And then can I get a cat?'
Well this said, don't think that the author and his wife take everything lightly, because it becomes very clear that it's not the case. There are some very emotional statements, and many situations which will make you reflect on the impact of having special needs kids.
So this evening, when my husband got our three kids ready for bedtime, I grabbed my book, retreated to a quiet place and finished reading the last 20 pages of the book!
This book definitely deserves being displayed on the 'must reads' table at Eason's !
Grab your copy !
I'm sure you will enjoy Aidan Comerford's 'cornflakes for dinner' as much as I did.
Find more on my blog: www.awesomefamilyblog.com
EXPECTATIONS, MEET REALITY . . .
CORNFLAKES FOR DINNER
A heartbreaking comedy about family life.
So when I saw these words, they made me grab the book immediately and when I found out that it was actually an Irish author, this made me wanna read the book even more.
I was curious to see how this family manages all hurdles and demands that parenting puts on them, how they cope when again and again reality strikes and expectations become suddenly completely insignificant.
Comerford definitely has an great writing style: honest, fun, touching, and even not ashamed to admit when he'd been an a**hole. It's a pleasant read and one of these books you don't wanna put it down.
The chapters are short, and by jumping occasionally back and forth in time for the first half of the books, the author gives you an insight onto the milestones of this life, meeting his future wife Martha and becoming parents.
Comerford not only writes about comedy, but he writes comedy !
Written with great humour, the most tragic aspects seem bearable and you will surely chuckle a lot and even sometimes laugh out loud.
Falling in love, fertility problems, conceiving, his wife battling depression, loosing jobs, financial problems, honesty within a marriage and both of his girls being diagnosed with autism....no topic is being concealed !
One of my favourites (p.184/185) :
The couple's eldest daughter was being denied having a cat due to Mommy's allergies.
One day,the eldest daughter then nearly 6 years old, engages with her father in a conversation about death, asking if the author himself would die one day, her grandma and grandpa and also her mother.
After each question, the author replied, that yes, one day...way off in the future they will die. When saying so regarding her mother, the girl started crying, all panicked and upset, and after her father gave her a tissue she asks with big tears in her eyes: 'And then can I get a cat?'
Well this said, don't think that the author and his wife take everything lightly, because it becomes very clear that it's not the case. There are some very emotional statements, and many situations which will make you reflect on the impact of having special needs kids.
So this evening, when my husband got our three kids ready for bedtime, I grabbed my book, retreated to a quiet place and finished reading the last 20 pages of the book!
This book definitely deserves being displayed on the 'must reads' table at Eason's !
Grab your copy !
I'm sure you will enjoy Aidan Comerford's 'cornflakes for dinner' as much as I did.
Find more on my blog: www.awesomefamilyblog.com
October 24, 2025
Beautifully funny, beautifully upsetting. Perfect mix.
February 25, 2021
I absolutely loved this brilliant book. I give it 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 very easily.
Written from a father's perspective using wit and humour to explain life's dramas and milestones. A proper chuckle out loud read. Starting with the difficulties of trying to conceive, to losing a well paid job. To then finally having the children he and his wife wanted to then finding them being diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and coping with all that autism can throw at any parent. Throw some depression in there and yeah.... I guess that can cover that thing called life. Very entertaining, written from the heart and I would highly recommend it.
Written from a father's perspective using wit and humour to explain life's dramas and milestones. A proper chuckle out loud read. Starting with the difficulties of trying to conceive, to losing a well paid job. To then finally having the children he and his wife wanted to then finding them being diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and coping with all that autism can throw at any parent. Throw some depression in there and yeah.... I guess that can cover that thing called life. Very entertaining, written from the heart and I would highly recommend it.
May 31, 2018
There is nothing I didn’t love about this book. It’s such an enjoyable read, it made me laugh many many times all the while allowing me experience life through Aidan’s eyes and the daily challenges faced by parents of children with special educational needs. This book is a must read for everybody, it truly is.
May 22, 2019
I loved this book. So honest about family life. It's not all fun and games. Funny and sad at the same time. Hopefully it'll make all readers more understanding of that tantrum throwing child in the supermarket.
January 1, 2019
Beautifully honest
This is real family life. Funny, challenging, and honest. An easy read without being trivial. I recommend this to any parent.
This is real family life. Funny, challenging, and honest. An easy read without being trivial. I recommend this to any parent.
May 31, 2018
a great read. full review soon.
November 3, 2017
Absolutely brilliant a must read
What an absolutely amazing book, written as only an Irish sense of humor can. I laughed and cried, while sitting in a coffee shop I stared to get teary eyed and then it turned into a laugh and everyone was giving me what’s up with her looks. I was so absorbed in the story and enjoying it so much I didn’t care at all. It’s brutally honest in a kind, loving, and funny way. It’s a quick read, it’s an easy on the eyes and brain read but will truly touch your heart and if it doesn’t you must not have one.
What an absolutely amazing book, written as only an Irish sense of humor can. I laughed and cried, while sitting in a coffee shop I stared to get teary eyed and then it turned into a laugh and everyone was giving me what’s up with her looks. I was so absorbed in the story and enjoying it so much I didn’t care at all. It’s brutally honest in a kind, loving, and funny way. It’s a quick read, it’s an easy on the eyes and brain read but will truly touch your heart and if it doesn’t you must not have one.
February 27, 2020
Shame, I thought the book was boring, a lot of people have challenging families and I think he might feel funnier than he honestly is, , but ok, then I discovered the author is a terrible misogynist and this kind of put it down to one star for me... I mean he said the most horrible things about women that might have emergency situations like miscarriages or menohhragia in public places. He would like to see women with the "urineleash" again so... well. That does it for me. 1 star. Fix your misogynism.
January 6, 2018
Told with such an honest, gritty yet very funny style, this tale is of a marriage with challenges greater than most and of the harsh reality of parenting with special needs children whilst trying to hold your s**t together!
A real eye opener that leaves you counting your blessings and admiring how Aidan & Martha cope with their challenges where many would have most definitely cracked.
I loved this book and will be watching out for more from this author/comedian.
A real eye opener that leaves you counting your blessings and admiring how Aidan & Martha cope with their challenges where many would have most definitely cracked.
I loved this book and will be watching out for more from this author/comedian.
April 5, 2018
Just finished Cornflakes for Dinner. Wiping tears of laughter and emotion as I type.
Honestly one of the most affecting stories of family life I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, recognise and want to recommend to everyone.
The final letter to Ailbhe is brilliant. The passages with Martha so achingly loving.
Everyone gets dealt a different hand in life and yet we cope. I want everyone I know to read and love this book.
Thank you Aidan Comerford. Thank you.
Honestly one of the most affecting stories of family life I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, recognise and want to recommend to everyone.
The final letter to Ailbhe is brilliant. The passages with Martha so achingly loving.
Everyone gets dealt a different hand in life and yet we cope. I want everyone I know to read and love this book.
Thank you Aidan Comerford. Thank you.
May 9, 2018
Brilliantly funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time...
I started reading this after I had seen it pop up on the Oh My God What a Complete Aisling page on Facebook and from start to end the book had me laughing and crying in parts and sometimes all at the same time. I was unable to put it down...well done Aidan Comerford on being a voice to all the families in Ireland who find themselves in a similar situation!
I started reading this after I had seen it pop up on the Oh My God What a Complete Aisling page on Facebook and from start to end the book had me laughing and crying in parts and sometimes all at the same time. I was unable to put it down...well done Aidan Comerford on being a voice to all the families in Ireland who find themselves in a similar situation!
January 22, 2018
This book is one of the best biographical stories I've read. It is hilarious yet so real and relatable. Aidan doesn't shy away from the nitty gritty of life and its refreshing to read a real life story that isn't masked as a fairytale. I'm very glad to have read this book and would recommend it to anyone.
January 30, 2018
A book complete from the heart and so very honest, I laughed out loud and equally cried out loud, as mother of a daughter with Down syndrome this book has set roots in me, I will definitely read it again someday now I must pass on to my husband thanks for sharing your story.. hope to read more of your books in the future
October 27, 2017
I had, by chance, seen the author during his Festival run in Edinburgh. The show was heart-warming, funny and heart-breaking, much like his book.
A book for ordinary people to read when they're wondering if they can cope with extraordinary life events.
A book for ordinary people to read when they're wondering if they can cope with extraordinary life events.
October 30, 2017
Beautifully written, alternatively hilariously and heartbreakingly funny and sad. It got me in the guts in so many ways. Aidan and his family's story is one that many of us can find relatable. Thank you Aidan, Martha, Ailbhe and Sophie for sharing your life with us!
April 18, 2018
Normally I don't find "funny" books very funny, but I genuinely laughed out loud throughout this book, very easy to read, and will be keeping this book to dip in and out of when I need a laugh and to be reminded I am not the only person parenting a lunatic in this world!!
October 23, 2017
Really loved this. Easy to read, comical and sad at times. Loved his style of writing. Great read!
December 27, 2017
Loved it . Read it in one sitting . Couldn't put it down ! Heartbreaking . Nothing but admiration for that family .
December 31, 2017
Amazing
Loved this from the start, it's hilarious! Exactly what I needed to read, and easy to dip in and out of. Definitely one of my favourite books this year!
Loved this from the start, it's hilarious! Exactly what I needed to read, and easy to dip in and out of. Definitely one of my favourite books this year!
January 28, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish
A beautiful refreshing book which offers genuine insight and entertainment. Read it in one sitting through the night. Laughed and cried.
A beautiful refreshing book which offers genuine insight and entertainment. Read it in one sitting through the night. Laughed and cried.
February 11, 2018
Loved reading this book. It reads with such honesty and humour it will both make you smile and break your heart in parts. Would definitely recommend
March 15, 2018
Father of 2 girls with autism shares his life openly. Lots of laughs and lots of similarities.....
May 3, 2018
It gets a 4.5. I really enjoyed it. Quick read and I laughed out loud multiple times! There is no major plot to the story but it gives a real glimpse into life as a parent of autistic children.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews