Chaos Theory

Chaos Theory

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin delivers a gripping romance about two teens: a certified genius living with a diagnosed mental disorder and a politician's son who is running from his own addiction and grief. Don't miss this gut punch of a novel about mental health, loss, and discovering you are worthy of love. Scars exist to remind us of what we’ve survived.   DETACHED Since Shelbi enrolled at Windward Academy as a senior and won’t be there very long, she hasn’t bothered making friends. What her classmates don’t know about her can’t be used to hurt her—you know, like it did at her last school.   WASTED Andy Criddle is not okay. At all. He’s had far too much to drink. Again. Which is bad. And things are about to get worse.   When Shelbi sees Andy at his lowest, she can relate. So she doesn’t resist reaching out. And there’s no doubt their connection has them both seeing stars . . . but the closer they get, the more the past threatens to pull their universes apart.   #1 New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone delivers a tour de force about living with grief, prioritizing mental health, and finding love amid the chaos. Gr 8 Up-Stone's work is no stranger to difficult topics: entering the literary scene with unfair incarceration and death of Black teens is proof enough of that. But even Dear Martin sparkled with characters whose friendships and outlooks were instantly endearing. In this novel, Stone returns to rough subjects, tackling mental illness and teen alcoholism. But that character warmth? A bit more chilly than in the past. It doesn't help that protagonists Shelbi and Andy/Walter are essentially in a bottle episode. There are brief interludes between them and their respective families-Shelbi's in particular seems lovely-but overall, the narrative momentum exists within their mental states as they become friends and more. It makes sense to have a cerebral approach to cerebral issues, but so much is lost "in the feels" and not shown through actions. The relationship doesn't breathe. Their texts to each other come close to feeling natural. However, the most organic writing is in the author's notes, where Stone's humor comes through even while frankly discussing potential triggers and why this subject matter is vital. VERDICT An honest, if stark, examination of how teen relationships can grow and mature through intense trials. Perfect for high schoolers, or those extra-mature eighth graders.-Cat McCarreyα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "Stone’s talent for writing compassionately about controversial topics that affect the lives of many is on display." — The Washington Post “ A beautiful exploration of neurodivergence, grief, and taking risks.” — Booklist “Readers will appreciate Stone’s honest discussion of the critical issues of mental illness and substance abuse... as well as what it means to support a friend who is in need.” — The Horn Book “An honest , if stark, examination of how teen relationships can grow and mature through intense trials.” — School Library Journal “An honest work that highlights the importance of mental illness advocacy amid societal preconceptions and pressures.” — Publishers Weekly “A thoughtful, realistically messy emotional wallop that destigmatizes mental disorders .” — Kirkus Reviews “Offers a discussion starter about the prioritization of recovery and healing .” — The Bulletin Nic Stone is the author of many novels, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Martin and its New York Times bestselling sequel, Dear Justyce . She also penned the young adult titles Odd One Out , an NPR Best Book and an ALA Rainbow Book Top Ten, Jackpot , a love- ish story that takes a searing look at economic inequality, and Chaos Theory , a Southern Book Prize finalist and a YALSA Quick Pick Selection. Her middle-grade novels include Clean Getaway , a New York Times bestseller, and Fast Pitch , which received two starred reviews including from Publishers Weekly , which said, “Black girl magic hits a home run in Stone’s latest.” Nic lives in Atlanta with her adorable little family. April 5. It’s been almost a year, but I still think about you every day and wish I could go back and do things diffenestg. Differently* That’s super sweet, but I think you have the wrong number. Oh. Is this 6785552535? Nope. Look again. You’re off a digit. Oh man . . . Well maybe its a sign . . . DO uyou believe in signs, wrong number person? I’m gonna go now. Sorry I’m not who you thought I was. Wait, don’t go! Pleasese Please*. Sorry. Bub=mble thumbs, Anyway, I know you don’t know me, but maybe it’s better like this. Umm . . . what’s better like what? I mean, texting you was an accident, right? but like . . . Maybe your who I was SUPPOSED to text? Because you don’t know me And I clearkly need somebOdy to talk to. Maybe the ano