Based in modern day Belfast Noel McCready crafts a tale of four intertwined lives. His first book to be published McCready describes the twists and turns they encounter and how even the slightest encounter can cause the greatest consequences.

The book is predominately based on four people; Don, who one afternoon decides he wants to end it all when Debs, a beautiful young counsellor who comes to his aid; Maxim, a sex addict who hires Debs to try and help control her urges. All the while 16 year old Rose is only just beginning to live life after enduring years of hardships going from foster home to foster home. It is her strength that helps to combine the four of them. McCready subtly introduces each character into each of their paths, making this one of the most intricate story’s to date.

Starting in the summer 2006 you are taken along a two year journey. As the months go by McCready adds a combination of funny and tragic experiences that help to piece the puzzle together. McCready writes with an amusing undertone whilst creating characters that can be easily related to.

Using his knowledge of Ireland and of the education system McCready manages to write a thought provoking and highly informative story. He touches upon the issue of religion alongside psychological insights, furthering the reader’s understanding of the characters and the context they have been created in. McCready cleverly disguises the depth of the plot and allows you to each character’s situation.

Hassles and Hope holds many twists and turns to keep the readers on their toes. Covering aspects from different walks of life, McCready explores how even the smallest decision can affect the path you travel. This is a remarkable book and one can only look forward to his next.