clairefaith01's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
iowagirl's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
kendrareads's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Well written and very well thought out YA read. Nic Stone definitely has a way with words. Thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated her vulnerability to write about such in depth mental health concerns.
eboresow's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Alcoholism, and Self harm
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Abortion
nisanre's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.5
This was a fun read. I love the representation of mental health, especially the way drawing boundaries (and how hard it is to keep them). The relationship between Andy and Shelbi was one of the best between YA characters I've read in a while. Fun story.
aly_ei's review
emotional
funny
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
5.0
hpdischler's review
5.0
So, I want to start out by saying that I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy for those of you new to the term) ofChaos Theory by Nic Stone through NetGalley. I’d like to thank the publisher, Random House Children’s, for the chance to read this before it is released in stores. I can genuinely say that I have enjoyed all of Nic Stone’s novels and Chaos Theory is no exception.
Oddly enough, this book has a lot, but still… not a lot. It’s kind of hard to describe, but I absolutely loved the representation for mental health (although, I would’ve liked a little more from Shelbi on how it impacts her life and the daily symptoms that she faces). I also really appreciated the alcoholism that Andy Walter Criddle faced. It makes these two very common problems (mental health and alcoholism, that is) relatable and able to be sympathized with, which is what any good problem novel should do. Now, back to it being a lot but not a lot: it’s a lot with its representation (a lot in a good way, obviously), but still not a lot in story. It’s very simplistic, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Now, to get to the actual story itself: this is 100% a romance novel. A cutesy, mostly wholesome teenage romance that I fell in love with. Those “new” love feelings are so precious and Nic Stone encapsulated them perfectly. Shelbi and Walter had so much chemistry that I probably smiled like an idiot in public while reading this book. It’s the mundanity of this novel that makes it so relatable. First loves. Heartbreak. Trauma. So much that goes into forming a person and making a life. I really enjoyed it, and Nic Stone’s unique writing style made it great.
With her writing style, you see a lot of modernization on the page. I want to remind everyone that I read an ARC, so not everything I read is necessarily in the novel the way that I read it. However, the text formatting, the emojis, the use of language as it would literally be used by teens, all of it put together in this novel made it firmly situated in its YA genre. You were never guessing whether or not this novel should be YA or New Adult (still not sure if this is even a thing?) or General Adult. Stone knows her audience and it shows. So, if you like YA, highly highly recommend picking this book up.
Overall, Shelbi and Walter’s journey through navigating their own problems and becoming friends was just the lighthearted romance that I needed in my life. Sometimes, when you have a million and one different things going on around you, all you need is to pick up a good book and get thoroughly and invigoratingly lost in it. Chaos Theory helped me to lose myself, and when I finished it? It reminded me of all of the instances in my young adult life that made me me.
Favorite quote: “...but hey: dolls before balls.”
Oddly enough, this book has a lot, but still… not a lot. It’s kind of hard to describe, but I absolutely loved the representation for mental health (although, I would’ve liked a little more from Shelbi on how it impacts her life and the daily symptoms that she faces). I also really appreciated the alcoholism that Andy Walter Criddle faced. It makes these two very common problems (mental health and alcoholism, that is) relatable and able to be sympathized with, which is what any good problem novel should do. Now, back to it being a lot but not a lot: it’s a lot with its representation (a lot in a good way, obviously), but still not a lot in story. It’s very simplistic, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Now, to get to the actual story itself: this is 100% a romance novel. A cutesy, mostly wholesome teenage romance that I fell in love with. Those “new” love feelings are so precious and Nic Stone encapsulated them perfectly. Shelbi and Walter had so much chemistry that I probably smiled like an idiot in public while reading this book. It’s the mundanity of this novel that makes it so relatable. First loves. Heartbreak. Trauma. So much that goes into forming a person and making a life. I really enjoyed it, and Nic Stone’s unique writing style made it great.
With her writing style, you see a lot of modernization on the page. I want to remind everyone that I read an ARC, so not everything I read is necessarily in the novel the way that I read it. However, the text formatting, the emojis, the use of language as it would literally be used by teens, all of it put together in this novel made it firmly situated in its YA genre. You were never guessing whether or not this novel should be YA or New Adult (still not sure if this is even a thing?) or General Adult. Stone knows her audience and it shows. So, if you like YA, highly highly recommend picking this book up.
Overall, Shelbi and Walter’s journey through navigating their own problems and becoming friends was just the lighthearted romance that I needed in my life. Sometimes, when you have a million and one different things going on around you, all you need is to pick up a good book and get thoroughly and invigoratingly lost in it. Chaos Theory helped me to lose myself, and when I finished it? It reminded me of all of the instances in my young adult life that made me me.
Favorite quote: “...but hey: dolls before balls.”
nourb's review
5.0
i finished this book in a day. it's been a while since i sat down and finished a book in a day. it feels good. i've missed that. aside from me, this story is so beautiful. them being there for each other is so beautiful. the entire storyline is just chefs kisses. theyre so gentle and hugs and idek how to express myself. it was heart warming. especially seing them grow.
Spoiler
relapses that happen without you even noticing. admitting youre wrong. it being ok that another person motivated you to be better. getting help. being honest. like it resonated so much with me. </spoier> i really really enjoyed this book. and i'm a science nerd so i loved all the science stuff. and the chaos theory really helps honestly.librarydragonfly's review
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
4.5
fionak's review
4.0
A fluffy ya romance acts as the scaffold for mental health issues. This was different from Nic Stone's other works as its more tell-y and feels very much like it was written during the pandemic, with its scant character count and focus on psych matters.