Chaos Theory (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
I just don't know how Nic Stone does it. She writes with style and tenderness about the most painful aspects of being human. Now mix in snort-out-loud humor, sweet romance and high-powered intelligence! She's got me again. (And I don't read romance.) Her teen novels Dear Martin and Dear Justyce are among the most important and beautifully written children’s books I’ve ever read, and here she delivers a teen love story about two people with very serious personal problems. I can relate. Grief, depression, and more. Check, check, and check. This is a charming (more like adorable, really) story about two people who badly need a friend but have a hard time with friendships and with life. If I could, I'd jump right in and befriend them both because, as usual, when I finish a Nic Stone novel the characters feel like a part of me. Stone does warn us that self-harm and suicide are discussed. She also tells us that she has her own brain-based diagnosis. It’s all the more reason I will follow her writing absolutely anywhere!
— Tim McCarthyDescription
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.
About the Author
Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. You can find her on her website: nicstone.info.
Praise For…
"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
