I have read all of the books by the author leading up to now and each time I am blown away by her writing style and her skill with characterization. The story is alternately told from Shelbi and Andrew/Walter's point-of-view, and while this is also a love story, it's much more a story about their mental health struggles, bipolar disorder for her, and alcoholism for him.

The story opens with a letter from the author that talks about mental illness, and the stigma that is associated with it. While this story is written for those who struggle with having neurotransmitter atypicality (yes, this is her term), it is addressed to those of us who probably don't "get" how mental illness works and make assumptions or statements about it without really understanding it. When the story begins, it starts out as texting between Shelbi and Andy, but it's an accidental dial. The conversation drew me in right away and I loved that the author continued to have them talk this way throughout the rest of the book when things needed to be said. I also liked that although they didn't initially know who each other were, as soon as Shelbi figured it out, she didn't let too much time pass before she told him. Too many authors take this opportunity to milk the whole misunderstanding thing. I like that Stone didn't create unnecessary drama. She focused on the story of their mental health struggles and I really appreciated that.

As for the story, once I started, I didn't want to stop. She really hit this one out of the park. After reading this book, I have only just an inkling of how exhausting it must be to live with this kind of illness. Physical illnesses are one thing (and yes, I know it's awful living with physical illnesses), but with all the misinformation about mental illness that is out there, there is serious stigma attached to being labeled mentally ill, and as such, many folks struggle in secret.

I loved Shelbi and Andy's characters, and I loved finding out who their real people were. Shelbi's parents, her Bibi, and her cousin were awesome, and I loved Andy's father as well, even if he made his own mistakes. I will be recommending this book to many folks, although I will include the same trigger warning the author did--this book confronts Shelbi's struggles with bipolar disorder and Andy's struggles with alcoholism, and it talks about self-harm and suicide, so just be aware if these are triggers for you.

As always, Nic Stone provides us all with a thought provoking novel just like he did with Dear Martin.
Stone is not one to shy away from tough topics and has outdone himself this time!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC

I loved this book! As a therapist the description and way bipolar disorder was depicted was very accurate.

4.5/5 Stars

After a few mishaps in life, alcohol has become Andy Criddle's coping mechanism. He's drunk more often then not when a certain time of the day hits. Then he meets Shelbi, who seems to understand him like no one else. Shelbi has avoided making friends at school, as she was burned in the past, but something about Andy calls to her. They become quick friends, and soon become each other's shoulder to lean on when times get tough.

I flew through this book so quickly, the writing style was so easy to read and the character's felt like real people. This story covers some tough topics, such as mental health, grief, suicidal ideation, alcoholism and addiction in an honest and does not shy away. I really liked both Andy and Shelbi's characters. I found them both to be very real and raw. They were fully developed, fleshed out characters that you couldn't help but feel a connection to. I loved the dual POV, and being able to see inside both of these characters minds. I like how this not only talked about mental health and the negative stigma surrounding it, but also discussed how it affects the individual who may be struggling, as well as those around them. The author's note at the beginning also dives deeper into Nic Stone's own thoughts and experience with mental health, which I think was a great way to introduce this story and these characters to the reader. Shelbi and Andy are so different from one another, personality and lifestyle wise, but I loved how much they understood one another.

I highly recommend this on audiobook, I think the narrators did a great job with both these voices, and the raw emotions they were feeling through out the story.

I loved Chaos Theory. No surprise there, because Nic Stone always delivers, but I was really enthralled by the characters and the storyline! The topics that are imbued into the plot are so important and timely, too, and it made me wish I had had a book like this when I was growing up. Huge, enthusiastic recommendation for anyone who likes YA, stories about mental health and self-acceptance, and coming-of-age stories. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc!

Loved the perspective and frankness of this book and I wanted more of the characters. I also appreciated the author's notes regarding how to care for people with mental health concerns.

4.5 Stars!

I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review, but in all honesty…I’ve already purchased a copy of this book for myself. Nic Stone is an auto buy author for me. The way the author writes her stories just works for me, and the way she can take such important topics and write them in a way where young readers will feel seen is so well done. This book is incredibly short, but I cared about the characters and felt like I ended the book learning a thing or two.

This book follows Shelbi and Andy. Shelbi is opening up about her mental illness, and Andy is struggling with alcoholism. When these two accidentally meet through texts, they begin a friendship and help each other through some of their darkest times. The book tackles mental illness, grief, alcoholism, loss of a family members, self-harm, and many other important topics that students may be struggling with.

I would definitely recommend this book to my students, and I can’t wait to see what else this author comes up with!

Andy and Shelbi become friends in the strangest moment. When she sees him struggling with pain and addiction, she recognizes the struggle and leans in to help him. Their chemistry is instantaneous and their friendship builds quickly, both of them feeling more, but hesitant to cross those boundaries. Shelbi is especially worried to get too close to Andy because letting people in has only ever let her down. As they both deal with issues from their past and mental health struggles in their present, their lives connect over and over again in the most beautiful, and sometimes painful, ways.

Chaos Theory was spectacular! I loved both characters so much. Their struggles are real and raw and honest and it just made me feel for them. This story is beautifully character driven, but has a compelling plot too, which will make it a great option for so many of my students. The beautiful author's note that Nic Stone wrote in the beginning makes it clear that this story was very personal to her and I could feel that in ever page. One of my new favorites!

This is one that I will be nominating for the 2026 Evergreen cycle.
I have purchased multiple copies for my library, and it is circulating exceptionally well.
The mental health component and authentic relationship challenges make this a huge hit with teens.

"Chaos Theory" by Nic Stone is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of identity, love, and the impact of personal choices. With its compelling characters, evocative storytelling, and exploration of profound themes, this book is a captivating read.

Stone's writing possesses a remarkable depth that draws readers into the lives of the characters. From the very beginning, I found myself engrossed in Iris's journey, eagerly following her struggles and triumphs. Stone's skill in creating relatable and multi-dimensional characters is evident, breathing life into the narrative.

Iris, the novel's protagonist, is a character that resonates on many levels. Her personal growth and resilience make her journey compelling, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Stone skillfully tackles themes of identity, family dynamics, and love, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives.

The supporting cast in "Chaos Theory" adds depth to the story, with their interactions contributing to the intricate web of relationships. While some characters could have been further developed, they still play a significant role in enhancing the overall richness of the narrative.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of race and its impact on identity. Stone fearlessly addresses systemic racism, offering insights and raising important questions. Through Iris's experiences, readers are challenged to confront their own biases and consider the complexities of race in today's society.

The plot unfolds with a well-paced rhythm, blending moments of tension, heartache, and hope. Stone's ability to navigate emotional landscapes is commendable, drawing readers into a range of feelings throughout the story. While there were a few instances where the pacing felt slightly uneven, it did not diminish the overall impact of the narrative.

"Chaos Theory" is a thought-provoking and resonant novel that prompts introspection and sparks conversations. Nic Stone's skillful storytelling and exploration of significant themes make this book a worthwhile read. It offers a captivating journey of self-discovery and resilience, leaving a lasting impression on those who embark on its pages.

Chaos Theory is a delightful, poignant read that fulfills author Nic Stone's goal of writing a book for readers with mental illnesses but to those of us who don't live with a mental illness. Shelbi and Andy are quirky, fun, and deep main characters who realistically navigate the open wounds of their mental illness, grief, and alcoholism. The evolution of their relationship from friendship to romance is easy to cheer on and the inevitable conflict that threatens it is a good learning opportunity for all young readers.

I absolutely adored this book. Shelbi and Andy are both very good examples of different mental health issues. One who talks about them honestly, Shelbi, and Andy who thinks hiding it is better. This book was an emotional rollercoaster, but I loved it. I was worried for them both, mad at them both and wanted to protect them with my life by the end.

This book is definitely HEAVY and at times might not be everyone's book/cup of tea. It goes deep into the effects of mental health, and the effects of hiding bad mental health.

Another Nic Stone masterpiece. She takes the human heart and molds it and shapes it to help her readers understand the complexity of various human conditions. Her character development shows the true emotions her characters go through while trying to understand their own mental health.

I'm not sure that this one really works for me. While I found the portrayal of life with a mental illness compelling I felt like the plot needed more substance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

Absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Although the language was a little cutesy at times, the intended YA audience will likely appreciate it more than this “slightly older” reader :)

Highly recommend Chaos Theory for high school libraries.

4 out of 5 stars and my respect to the author.

Representation: Bipolar MC, MC that struggles with addiction, majority Black cast

Shelbi is keeping her distance from everyone, since it’s her last year of school, and she’s at a new school. There’s no point in making friends when she’s just going to be gone, and what they don’t know can’t be used to hurt her like at her old school. Andy is not okay. He’s been drinking too much, again. HIs family has been struggling, and his mother hasn’t been making things any easier with her political campaigning. These two connect at Andy’s lowest, and stars sparkle. The more they get to know each other, the more their separate pasts might pull them apart.

Rating: 5/5 This hit hard and didn’t go easy. This was fantastic representation of two Black teens each dealing with their own mental health struggles. Shelbi has bipolar disorder, and Andy has addiction on top of deep grief. I’m going to keep this very short because I think this is a book that definitely should be read. Shelbi is very, very smart and so passionate about science. Despite having been bullied and burned before, she’s still a bright star and quirky. Her parents are great people, very loving and treat Shelbi just like herself and not delicately. I do not like Andy’s mother at all, but I love his father. They both deserve so much! I loved how Shelbi and Andy very clearly became friends first before any romance happened, and when it did happen, it was careful and honest. This is definitely something to check for all the trigger warnings, and read this if you are able.

This interesting romance centered around mental health and the trauma that formed these two young people. Shelbi is relatively new at this school, where she has run away from her past and hopes it won't catch up to her. Andy is the son of a senate candidate who has some ghosts haunting him. When Andy crosses paths with Shelbi, they decide to form a friendship and hesitantly work towards being comfortable with each other. In time, their traumas get in the way of their friendship, but eventually, they can work past this and keep going from there. This demonstrates that no one really knows what others are going through, and we should be mindful of this when interacting with others.

Chaos Theory is about mental health issues, grief, parental abuse, and using alcohol to numb the pain and, therefore, can feel like a punch to the gut, but it’s so important at the same time. Nic doesn’t shy away from those difficult topics and lets us see Shelby and Andy (Walter) at their lowest.

First I would like to say thank you to Random House Children's for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nic Stone destigmatizes mental health in a really wonderful way. It's relatable and brings awareness to mental health issues. I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more romance from Nic. Thank you Random House Children's

I’m here for everything Nic Stone puts out, but this is far and away my newest favorite. She wrote a novel for young adults that I feel should be required reading for ALL adults. She writes about mental illness in a way that conveys dignity and respect. So thankful for the author notes at both the beginning and end of this.