The Importance of Being Aisling

OMGWACA #2

by Emer McLysaght, Sarah Breen

Aisling is 29 and she’s still a complete Aisling.

After a tough year, things between herself and John are back on track, and life with Sadhbh and Elaine in their notiony Dublin apartment is more craic than ever.

But when a shock change means moving Down Home might be her only option, Aisling is thrown. Can she give up the sophistication of brunch and unlimited Pinot Greej? Will she and Mammy kill each other living back under the same roof? And where does that leave her and John?

When a girls’ trip to Vegas gives Aisling some unexpected confidence, she decides it’s time to grab Ballygobbard by the horns.

Throw in a surprise engagement, a very public brawl, new friends and nasty foes, maybe BGB is just what Aisling needs to discover she’s stronger than she ever imagined.

Genres: Fiction, Irish Literature, Ireland, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Romance

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2018

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen bring back the glorious phenomenon that is Aisling after her hard year, still griefstricken with the tragic loss of her beloved father that has knocked her for six, but back together with John. However, life has more to throw her off course as her job at PensionsPlus disappears as she is made redundant. The lesbian marriage of her friend, Elaine, to Ruby means that she is going to have to leave her Dublin home and all the craic that went with it. To top it all, whilst things with John were good for a little while after the death of her father, she cannot escape the fact the two of them seem to no longer fit, and she appears to have outgrown their relationship although she is not for upsetting the applecart until circumstances beyond her control push her to address the issue. Her mother is not coping well with the loss of her father, and the need to conserve funds due to her unemployment force her to think the unthinkable, moving back in with her mum and returning to the small town Irish community of Ballygobbard. How is Aisling going to cope?

Aisling finds some comfort that best friend, Majella, is similarly planning to move in back with her parents. Maj is completely smitten and head over heels in love with Pablo from Tenerife and she convinces her parents to let Pablo to move into their home too, there is much hilarity with the family pet dog, Willy's response to Pablo. Struggling to find suitable employment opportunities, Aisling thinks outside the box and plans to resolve the issue by setting up her own business, a cafe, if she can secure a business grant, although obstacles to realising this dream have to be dealt with a firmness fired by her determination to succeed. As she seeks to address her despondency with a cracking and uplifting trip to Las Vegas accompanied by her supportive girlfriends, she once again turns to her inner Aisling qualities to help build a new life for herself. Trials and tribulations are never far away, but with the help of old friends and new, such as Sharon, a newcomer setting up a hair and beauty business, and the bullied and vulnerable Carol, Aisling is never one to be down for long.

It's a joy to have the return of the irrepressible Aisling, the organised and organising Queen of Ballygobbard, a woman with a heart of gold for whom her friends and family are everything. However, this time around it felt that it took a little time before the Aisling that I had come to know and love returned full throttle, but once she did, she was as utterly compelling and funny as ever. The authors have a solid gold character in their concept of the Irish Aisling, a phenomenon that is both entertaining, comic, witty and heartwarming, surrounding with a wonderfully distinct and diverse set of appealing characters that provide a scintillating support to her. This is a wonderfully engaging and charming read that I adored. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take every cliche of a rural contemporary Irish woman, add lots of humour, stir in some love issues. Knead gently with great friends, an Irish Mammy, the odd avocado, and some eccentric locals. And you have the lovely, funny, heartwarming book that is Aisling.

If you need a pick me up, this will scoop down and lift you high. As you just can’t be sad when spending time with Aisling and co. Believe me I put this up the test by reading it with a broken humerus, and it even put a smile on my frowny face.

[Orlaith Mannion · Rating 2 out of 5]

The joke is old now. There were a few inconsistencies in the first one - like Aisling's mother had an abortion because they could not afford a third child. A nurse and a farmer were good jobs in rural Ireland so don't buy that as a reason.

Again in this book Aisling's mother seemingly couldn't cope with the farm and Aisling thought that she would seel it but in the end she expands and puts in a pet farm!

Aisling never showed interest in cooking but now she is opening a cafe.

I thought Majella's Spanish fiancee and the bad eyesight was a flimsy storyline.

I also did not like Aisling being thrown around the room during her one night stand in LA.

I believe the authors are taking a break with Aisling and i think that is a good idea.

[Sharon Hodnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I am.going to hell. I am an Irish woman that did not like this book. I fully expect my passport to be confiscated

[Anna Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another faboo outing.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed the second instalment in the Aisling series!

There are many reasons as to why this book is better than the first. Firstly, there were far less Irish clichés thrown in per page, (the first 40 pages of the first book was cringy, just too many Irish saying and clichés thrown in everywhere, jammed in! I was a bit embarrassed for the authors actually).

Secondly, the plot was MUCH better, and quicker too! So much more happened in this book, and from the get-go the plot ticked along quickly, right up to the final page.

Thirdly, there were new characters introduced, still stereotypical, flat, one-dimensional and as deep as a puddle, but at least the authors didn't have to rely on throwing in 17 clichéd Irish saying per paragraph.
Finally, the writing style clearly improved, with sentence structure and flow of the writing being more lively.

This series wouldn't travel past Ireland, there is just too much reliance on regurgitating Irish sayings, idioms and cultural happenings for it to be understand outside of the Republic, but that being said, it's ok to have a uniquely choc-lit version of Ireland.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our lovely Aisling has had bad news on the work front - like so many young Irish people, she is now faced with the prospect of moving back home.

With as much charm and wit as the first book ( Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling ), Aisling is back to try and solve everyone else's problems as well as make a decent life for herself. Has she outgrown John? Will she ever stop wearing bootcut jeans? Can she bring avocados to Ballygobbard without being ran out of the place?

I loved the puns and old nostalgic references in this one (the explanation for the nickname Cyclops made me absolutely wheeze laughing) - at times I felt some of the references were just the tiniest bit dated (pashminas, heather shimmer and a curly blow-dry) but I genuinely DO know women who still value a brown mascara and think that a cup of tea is a human right.

I really enjoy these books and I always appreciate how they tackle current issues as well as the more light-hearted stuff. Carol's story isn't unique, especially in rural Ireland, which is so sad.

I love Aisling.

[Roisín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one but still enjoyable

[James Durkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If at once you don’t succeed, try again. And I’m so glad I did with Aisling.

Pensions Plus has packed it in and Aisling is back in BGB. I loved this, it brings what it brought in the first and just delivers.

From Sive, and Madge, and Pablo every character has their purpose. Aisling’s ma is a gem. Carol too. Everyone is. It peppers enough throughout that when reveals come you’re like ok, saw that, but I’m ok with that. Oh, and James, I see you 👁️👄👁️ - 🤪

Looking forward to the next installment!

[Jack Horan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still gas

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling and I was so excited when I heard that there was going to be more from the gang, but I was also a little worried about whether the sequel would be able to meet the hype. Well, after sitting up for three hours straight, devouring every page and laughing my head off too many times to count, I can safely say that THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AISLING is even better than the first book and that is no mean feat.

Aisling is settled after a little bit of a rollercoaster year and the devastating loss of her dad, but she is strong and ready to keep tackling each day head-on. But when she loses her job and moves back home to live with her mum, it forces Aisling to re-evaluate her life. And watching her best friends fall in love makes Aisling realise that her feelings for John, her longterm boyfriend, have changed. Single and jobless may not work for everyone but Aisling isn't just anyone and as she meets new people and takes a chance on herself, this may be the year that Aisling finally discovers what she really wants from life.

Hilarious in a way that only Aisling can be, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AISLING by Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen, will have the tears streaming down your face with the laughter so often that I worried about becoming dehydrated (See? There is a little of Aisling in me 😉). But this story isn't all giggles as sensitive subjects like grief and domestic abuse in all of its forms are deftly handled with care and consideration, and the story also shows that you are never too old or too young to take a chance at changing your future.

There is drama, friendship, misunderstandings, reinvention, a little lust, and some cracking one-liners in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AISLING and if you buy one book for a Christmas gift this year, please make it this one because this is a story for all generations, and if you have any Irish in your ancestry at all, it is an absolute MUST!!!!!!
​Congratulations on the book award ladies.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher

[Ami Gallagher · Rating 1 out of 5]

Loved the first one so much because of it’s charm, humor and relatability. This was all lost in the second book. It was like the first book but with a load of notions.

[Josia Jourdan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der zweite Band geht da weiter, wo Band 1 aufgehört hat und leider spoilert auch hier der Klappentext wieder die ersten 100 Seiten und so habe ich eigentlich nur darauf gewartet, dass Aisling sich von John trennt und ihr neues Leben beginnt. Dadurch hat mir der Anfang nicht so gut gefallen, allerdings wurde das später dann kompensiert. Aisling hat ein aufregendes Leben, das ich gerne mitverfolgt habe. Aislings Lebensstil ist eine seltsame Mischung aus Verantwortungsbewusst und vollkommen bescheuert. So werde ich nie verstehen, wie man für einen Wochenendtrip irgendwo hinfliegen kann, was sie ja bereits in Band 1 mit ihren Freundinnen gemacht hat. In Band 2 geht es allerdings nach Las Vegas, was ja nochmals eine ganz andere Strecke ist und so erscheint es fast schon ironisch, dass Nachhaltigkeit in dem Buch eine Rolle spieltGleichzeitig weiss sie mit Geld umzugehen und schafft es ein Café zu eröffnen.

Abgesehen von diesen Unterschieden zwischen mir und den Figuren aus der Reihe, habe ich aber gespannt mitverfolgt, wie Aisling ihr eigenes Business startet und mit ihren Freundinnen ein Abenteuer nach dem anderen erlebt.

Der Schreibstil ist wieder angenehm zu lesen, der Humor so, dass ich mehrmals schmunzeln musste und ich würde sehr gerne mal in die Originalfassung lesen, um zu schauen, wie die Übersetzung da funktioniert, denn auch in diesem Band geht es natürlich wieder um einige sehr irische Themen. Es sind neue Nebenfiguren hinzugekommen und auch wenn das Buch grundsätzlich eine Wohlfühllektüre ist, kommen durch diese Nebenfiguren wieder ernstere Themen mithinein, was dem Buch, wie bereits bei Band 1, eine überraschende Tiefe verleiht.
Fazit

OMG, diese Aisling: Back to the roots kann mit dem ersten Band mithalten und auch hier haben wir wieder eine humorvolle Lektüre, mit einem gewissen Tiefgang, verrückten Figuren, die alle nicht perfekt, gerade dadurch aber sympathisch sind. Band 2 hat für mich bietet ebenfalls gute Unterhaltung und das Lesen macht Spass. Ich vergebe 4 von 5 Sterne und freue mich schon Band 3 zu lesen. Ich hoffe nur, dass der dann auch übersetzt wird. Ich empfehle das Buch allen, die Band 1 bereits gemocht haben.

Ich danke dem Bold Verlag für mein Exemplar!

Folge Josia Jourdan auf Instagram für mehr Buchtipps:
https://www.instagram.com/josiajourdan/

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

An immensely disappointing read. I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book in the series, but it had some decent moments, enough for me to choose this sequel...unfortunately.

There is so much I want to criticise, but I'll try to keep it short. Aisling is initially difficult to like, but she grows on you. There are way too many weak plotlines. Her friendship with her oldest, dearest friend is so flimsy that a mild, well-intended comment leads to a pathetically unnecessary out-and-out scene at a baby shower with hurtful accusations; personally, I found it difficult to enjoy any scene with Majella (the best friend) after that. The house on fire was bizarre. The storyline revolving around Pablo's eyesight was beyond ridiculous. Aisling and John's breakup was beautifully described, her quick recovery from an eight-year relationship was unrealistic and disappointing, her involvement with James seemed stupidly superficial compared to what she had with John. And what kind of message are the writers trying to send out anyway? Give up on a well-founded, eight-year relationship because it doesn't feel as passionate it did in the first year or two? What else do you expect? It is beyond immature.

Aisling's opening a cafe was quite random, but far from the worst part of the book; I quite enjoyed reading about how she got the place together. Her winning the car from Vegas was jarring and unnecessary, as was her one-night-stand earlier in the book. On a separate note, when you want to place a feminist, or indeed, any kind of political message in your literature, that's wonderful, but when you literally create two entire storylines to send out a message that has nothing to do with the central story of Aisling and includes several one-dimensional characters and a ridiculous near-kidnapping which comes out of absolutely nowhere for absolutely no reason and just drags the story, maybe think again.

In conclusion, I'll be staying far far away from the third book of the series.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, CONGRATS to Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen for winning the SPECSAVERS POPULAR FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018 at the recent An Post Irish Book Awards

The Importance of Being Aisling follows on from the success of Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling and has just been released with Michael Joseph (an imprint of Penguin Books)

As you are all probably aware by now, I’m Irish and there have been times when I have been Aisling. There are so many occasions in this series that I get, I really do. The locations, the clothes, the addiction to the GAA…all understood. Aisling is in every Irish woman, I would dare to claim. We all most certainly have been friends with Aisling and I have no doubt, when I worked in Dublin, that I was considered by many to be an Aisling.

But who is Aisling?

Aisling is a warm-hearted cailín (Irish for girl).She is the friend you want (and need) in your life when your world turns upside down. Aisling is totally reliable, totally trustworthy and guaranteed to always be there for you. Aisling is also, however, considered a culchie by some of her city colleagues, a naive country girl with her funny ways.

Aisling has been through a tough break-up and a much-hoped for reunion with her longtime boyfriend John. Aisling had her life mapped out and John was always part of it. But now, back together again, Aisling is all too aware that the magic is gone. While she still loves John, she’s just not in love with him anymore. Time has passed since the tragic death of her beloved Dad. With her brother due to return to Australia, Aisling is very conscious of the fact that her mother will be very lonely. This responsibility sits heavily on Aisling’s shoulders. Two of her flatmates are getting married, leaving Aisling without a home and, to top it all off, she is unexpectedly made redundant from a job in pensions that she always considered steady.

Aisling’s life is in turmoil with so many changes but yet, being Aisling, she holds her head up high and does what’s right. She makes the decision to return home, to leave her city life behind and to make a new start for herself.

‘I’d spent the bulk of my early twenties fairly obsessed with moving back home. I wanted the little job. The little car. The big wedding. The big house. It all hinged on John. I was desperate for him to propose…but it never happened and I eventually realised none of that stuff really mattered to me, not when I actually thought about it. It seems mad now that I’ll be moving home without him’

But first she heads off on a wild trip to Las Vegas with her buddies……

‘There’s a buzzing. What is it? Oh Jesus, my head. And my mouth. It’s like each one of my teeth is wrapped in sandpaper. My blood feels like it’s fizzing. And what is that buzzing? I peel an eye open, and then another. It’s pitch dark, save for a sliver of light coming in through the thick blackout curtains. Where the blazes am -? Oh, of course, I’m in Las Vegas.’

When I reviewed Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling, I referred to the fact that some of Aisling’s characteristics were deliberately over-embellished by the authors, with a stereotypical approach to the image of the country girl. While in some cases in this book, it is the same (and trust me when I say that they provide for some serious laugh-out-loud moments) I found The Importance of Being Aisling a book that was more thought-provoking. Initially, when Aisling returns home, her life settles back to the old routines of falling out of discos and basically getting hammered. The old gang are reunited.

‘Full of Guinness and lethal margaritas, John is absorbed in a sea of check shirts and Wrangler jeans as the local lads come together in one heaving mass of Ricky Martin fans. The gas thing is they don’t have a drop of Latino blood between them, but you’d never think it the way they’re gyrating around the place. I realise I’m pissed now too, screaming the lyrics at Sadhbh, who’s happily screaming them back at me, arms in the air. The girls – Sharon, Deirdre and Maeve – appear around us and we all fire our bags on the floor and start shaking what our mammies gave us.’

As the weeks pass though, the reality of life hits home for Aisling. Surrounded by her friends and neighbours, she realises that she might just be needed here. There is a very serious side to this story, as Aisling is witness to the impact of domestic abuse on the lives of others. The authors handle the topic with great sensitivity bringing home to us all the horrific daily reality faced by many women. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors? One small act of kindness can bring a ray of light to the lives of these people and with Aisling, well being Aisling, her hand of friendship is that light.

Aisling is older now. Her ideas on life have changed. Experience has taught her alot about how the best laid plans are easily up-rooted.

The Importance of Being Aisling still carries the same humour as Oh My God, packed full with the same Irish wit, but Aisling is older and wiser and her reflections and relationships have matured. There are elements of sadness to this book, with references to very real experiences that have impacted many of us, no matter our nationality.

The Importance of Being Aisling will have a more universal appeal, as the transition from a young woman in her early twenties, with pie-high dreams and ambitions, will ring true for many of us, followed closely by the reality of life in our later twenties and early thirties.

I’ll leave you with Aisling’s wise words…

‘Location doesn’t matter – home is what you make of it. It’s the people you surround yourself with’

Charming. Witty. Engaging. Real.

[Flighty_Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its good fun, lighthearted and easy to read. Sometimes that's all you need in a book. It does try touch on some heavier topics, which pretty much balances out well with the humor. Though the drama, and super convenient fixes, got a bit much at times.. Regardless, I'd fully appreciate round 3 of Aisling.

[Rachel O'F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this for a while and spotted it in the kindle store the other day. I laughed out loud, many times, read a number of sentences out loud to my other half who kept asking what I was laughing at! Aisling is just as Aisling as ever, she is brilliant and her whole story speaks to me as I know it does to so many people! Definitely worth the read!

[Catrina mccafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous!! I loved this book and was so sad to finish reading it. The characters are all so wonderful, I want to carry on reading their stories.
Once again I cried and laughed in equal measure, I really do hope their will be a third book.

[Vicky Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Argh I can’t believe I liked this sequel as well! Such an easy enjoyable read, with laugh out loud moments as well as a few cringe ones. Girl power also features as an underlying theme along with the now familiar commentary on all things uniquely Irish.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than OMGWACA if you can believe that's possible. Loved each and every line from this book. Can't wait for book 3, there's definitely more to write about BGB.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot was completely unexpected and I couldn't put this book down once I'd started! It was such a pleasure following Aisling on her journey to a independence and contentment.

[susanprosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the first one. Dublin and Ireland life at their best.
Some jokes really made my day.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

The Importance of Being Aisling is a welcome return to the world of Aisling and friends, as she deals with some significant life changes and plenty of other challenges thrown at her. I don't want to give too much away, but there are some hilarious moments (as always with Aisling) and some slightly more emotional parts than the last book, as well.

I love Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen's writing in this series; the characters are just brilliant (and if you have Irish family, friends or similar, I've no doubt that you'd find it even more entertaining, as I'm sure many of the references would resonate more with you) and the storyline is entertaining, fun and at times very comical. Some parts are silly but it's great fun to read, and Aisling is a brilliantly entertaining character and one I'd happily read more about, so here's hoping there's many more books to come in this series!

Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this little series 2nd book done ✔️ the narration is great, and like the first in the series, it is full of laughs and just a real homely feel. My Irish connections are being pulled at strongly listening to these books. Lighthearted, funny, and simply cozy, a warm, fuzzy, comforting book. 🎧📚❤️

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! Loved this, so relatable and funny! Plus a great story line!

[Chloe Tap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to pick up the series again after enjoying the first one so much. The humour is as great as I remember, relatable Irish scenarios and banter throughout. I prefer the first one, but this is a fantastic sequel. I am highly considering getting the latest one to continue with the great craic to be had from this series.

[Laura Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

bye John, you big boring hure

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unsure start but a very solid end. High 4!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly endearing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't think this could top the first one but oh boy was I wrong . This made me giggle so many times