We Aren't Perfect Isn't That A Relief

I don't like comparing authors but the style of Snowflake by Louise Nealon did remind me a bit of Sally Rooney's Normal People. If anything it was better and I say this without wanting to be crappy to Sally Rooney who is amazing in her own right. Snowflake has a wit and a very down to earth relatable feel about it that helps lighten the heavy subject matter for the reader somewhat. The varying depictions of mental illness are very well done and I really have to commend Louise Nealon for this. Pretty much everyone in it has or has had some sort of struggle with thier mental health. It is also lovely to read books like this that come from an Irish perspective and give an honest account of what it's like to come of age in the Ireland of today. I also really liked her perspective on Trinity. "You don't need to be smart to get in to Trinity. You just have to be stubborn". Trinity is like the holy grail of colleges in Ireland and often people don't feel like they are even worthy of trying for it which in my view is very sad. Even my own daughter who is starting Senior Cycle in September has already dismissed any chances of getting in to Trinity to concentrate on trying to win a place in Dun Laoghaire Institute Of Art Design & Technology which in my opinion is an equally amazing place to aim for. Why do we as Irish people hold Trinity above all others and romanticise it so much. I think it's probably because of how grand it looks and the Long Room probably has a lot to answer for too. I don't think I've ever laid eyes on a more magical room. Ramblings aside this book is definitely worth picking up and adding to your reading list.

I rated Snowflake 5/5 on Goodreads