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readwithsophsx's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Self harm, and Car accident
laheath's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Excellent dual POV representation of mental illness (like the author, I hate that term too), as 2 teens also deal with all the normal pressures of school, family, and romance. Their individual stories are actually more complicated than average, including a parent running for political office, death of a sibling, changing schools 3 times in as many years plus a cross-country move, and having a parent famous for writing steamy urban romance novels. One of them already knows how to protect herself and isn't ready to let anyone else in and the other needs someone to show him he's worthy of being loved before he goes too far in hurting himself or someone else. Great characters in their support systems too, although one had too many issues of her own to be helpful.
I was so glad to hear the author's note included in the audiobook. Heads up, for those who usually skip this, the story continues after this, so don't think it ended abruptly (can't say if the format is the same in the print version).
Lots of trigger warnings for this book, so read with caution, as the author mentions in her intro note.
I was so glad to hear the author's note included in the audiobook. Heads up, for those who usually skip this, the story continues after this, so don't think it ended abruptly (can't say if the format is the same in the print version).
Lots of trigger warnings for this book, so read with caution, as the author mentions in her intro note.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Eating disorder, Medical content, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
apeterschmidt's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Car accident, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
jessicaludden's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“People aren’t put on this earth to meet your expectations.”
Chaos Theory follows the growing friendship and romance between Shelby and Andy who are both dealing with their own unique mental illnesses.
This book has such an important message surrounding the stigmatization of mental health issues. I think the mental health representation was written really well. Each character was portrayed very realistically and it was interesting to see how the way their brains function impacted who they were and the people they cared about it. This story was a good way to learn about how different people navigate through life differently. The author does a great job of depicting the reality of mental illness while also not making it a big scary thing that’s sets people apart. I loved seeing Shelbi and Andy’s relationship grow slowly over time and how they were able to find themselves together. Overall I liked this and I liked its message, but there was a lot going on and the dialogue was a little cheesy.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book!
Chaos Theory follows the growing friendship and romance between Shelby and Andy who are both dealing with their own unique mental illnesses.
This book has such an important message surrounding the stigmatization of mental health issues. I think the mental health representation was written really well. Each character was portrayed very realistically and it was interesting to see how the way their brains function impacted who they were and the people they cared about it. This story was a good way to learn about how different people navigate through life differently. The author does a great job of depicting the reality of mental illness while also not making it a big scary thing that’s sets people apart. I loved seeing Shelbi and Andy’s relationship grow slowly over time and how they were able to find themselves together. Overall I liked this and I liked its message, but there was a lot going on and the dialogue was a little cheesy.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book!
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an advanced copy of Chaos Theory by Nic Stone to review! Of course, Nic Stone is always on my to-read list when she has a new book coming out, and I think this one might be one of her best ones yet.
One of the ways the story is told in this book is through text exchanges between Shelbi and Andy. They both have impeccable chemistry, even from the first time they interact. They're both dealing with heavy stuff, Andy with alcoholism and grief, Shelbi with bipolar disorder, and they find solace in each other. This entire book speaks to prioritizing mental health, and getting help when you need it. We honestly need more books like this one!
Outside of Shelbi and Andy, we have a well-fleshed out cast of characters. From both of their parents to their friends, you'll find a fully vibrant cast here. I especially loved Shelbi's parents; they were so supportive of her and worked to get her the help that she needed. And the way they bring Andy into the fold! Just lovely.
This is quite a heavy book, but in a way, it didn't feel that way? It's about two people finding each other in a time of need, and growing together and helping each other. It'll hit you right in the feels at a number of points, and in an entirely good way.
Overall, this is a powerful book that I hope makes it into the hands of those that need it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Self harm, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child death, Infidelity, and Car accident
Minor: Suicide and Medical content
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