On a solo trip with her best friend to a Wexford caravan park, a barely 18-year-old virginal (ish) Emma Doran discovers it only takes one time to change your life forever and end up covered in stretch marks.

Finding herself preparing to do her Leaving Cert in a maternity school uniform, hopes of a glittering acting career (which began with a feted primary school performance as middle-aged alcoholic Mrs Hannigan in Annie and culminated in a case of stage fright as Caroline Aherne’s famous Sister Mary Immaculate in transition year) are derailed.

Baby in tow, Emma spends her ... Read morecollege years getting up at 7 a.m. and going to bed at 8 p.m. instead of staying out ’til 6 a.m. and sleeping ’til noon. By 24, her idea of a good weekend is perusing the aisles of Home Store + More for new cushions to brighten up her living room. But on the verge of turning 30, an opportunity arises, and Emma finds herself back on stage again …

Mad, Isn’t It? is a hilarious and moving story about life, friendship, (young) motherhood and taking risks.

'A hilarious tale of guts and resilience that made me cry when I least expected it.' Sarah Breen

‘A must read. I laughed through my tears and delighted in Emma’s triumphant spirit.’ Deirdre O’Kane

‘Hilarious and heartwarming all at once. Packed full of spirit, life lessons, love and laughs. I didn’t want it to end.’ Amy Huberman

‘One of the funniest humans I’ve ever encountered.’ Joanne McNally