Chaos Theory

by Nic Stone Narrated by Nic Stone, Dion Graham

Overview

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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#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.

Editorial Reviews

FEBRUARY 2023 - AudioFile

Author/narrator Nic Stone begins with a note explaining her personal experience relating to this audiobook and her hatred of the term “mental illness.” She follows that with a warning of possible triggering content involving self-harm. Narrator Dion Graham superbly delivers a drunken text written by protagonist Andy Criddle. Graham provides a multilayered view of the 18-year-old, whose drinking is largely in response to grief and the responsibility he feels for his baby sister’s death. Stone portrays Shelbi, a 16-year-old who has just been released from a mental health facility for self-harm. Together the narrators explore their characters’ vulnerabilities and dramatize the healing power of love. Stone’s afterword invites listeners to participate in putting an end to stigmas about mental health. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

Publishers Weekly

01/09/2023

When 18-year-old Andy Criddle drunkenly tries to text his ex-girlfriend during a party, he instead mistakenly messages quiet classmate Shelbi Augustine, 16. He then leaves the party and attempts to drive home, wrecking his car and being charged with a DUI in the process. While conducting his court-mandated community service hours at a soup kitchen, Andy encounters Shelbi, and the two embark on a tenuous friendship. Their fluid, text-based conversations easily translate to IRL get-togethers and mutual personal revelations. These include Shelbi divulging her bipolar depression and her fears of connection after a traumatic experience at her previous school, and Andy’s struggles with grief brought on by his younger sister’s death, and his resultant alcohol binges. Further emotional challenges escalate Andy’s drinking, however, leading to an incident with Shelbi that results in potentially friendship-ending consequences. Through conversational dialogue, empathetic third-person narration, and realistic depictions of two teens navigating mental health issues and associated stigma, Stone (Dear Justyce) offers an honest work that highlights the importance of mental illness advocacy amid societal preconceptions and pressures. An author’s note contextualizes instances of self-harm and suicide; resources conclude. Most characters are Black. Ages 14–up. (Feb.)

From the Publisher

"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

School Library Journal

03/01/2023

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 McCarrey

FEBRUARY 2023 - AudioFile

Author/narrator Nic Stone begins with a note explaining her personal experience relating to this audiobook and her hatred of the term “mental illness.” She follows that with a warning of possible triggering content involving self-harm. Narrator Dion Graham superbly delivers a drunken text written by protagonist Andy Criddle. Graham provides a multilayered view of the 18-year-old, whose drinking is largely in response to grief and the responsibility he feels for his baby sister’s death. Stone portrays Shelbi, a 16-year-old who has just been released from a mental health facility for self-harm. Together the narrators explore their characters’ vulnerabilities and dramatize the healing power of love. Stone’s afterword invites listeners to participate in putting an end to stigmas about mental health. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

Kirkus Reviews

2022-11-29
Andy and Shelbi find love while navigating mental health challenges in suburban Georgia.

It all starts when 18-year-old Andy Criddle drunkenly texts the wrong number. The mistaken recipient ends up offering him emotional support and asks him not to drive drunk. Despite agreeing, he gets behind the wheel—and into an accident. After being charged with a DUI, Andy, the son of a congresswoman running for Senate, is barred from attending his graduation and shamed in the press. Meanwhile, 16-year-old AP physics student Shelbi Augustine, who finds car crashes interesting for scientific reasons, picks up Andy’s wallet at the scene of the wreck. She returns it to him in class and gives him a pep talk before nervously rushing away. The judge orders Andy to complete community service at a soup kitchen where Shelbi regularly volunteers, and when their paths cross again, she confesses that she was the person he was texting. As they grow closer, Shelbi, who has bipolar depression, has Andy sign a friendship agreement. Rule No. 6 reads, “Do not, under any circumstances, fall in love with Shelbi.” Naturally, this is a rule destined to be broken. The comfort and ease the two have are mirrored by Stone’s breezy writing. Her casual tone acts as a potent salve for the heart-wrenching scenes and the searing portrayal of healing. Most characters are Black; Andy’s dad is White, and Shelbi’s paternal grandmother is from India.

A thoughtful, realistically messy emotional wallop that destigmatizes mental disorders. (author’s note) (Romance. 14-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940174822108
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	02/28/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	1,100,692

Read an Excerpt

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 anonymousness is a presngt or something.

Present* Like a gift.

You there?

Heklo?’

Shit. Sorry. I’ve have too mich tp drink Shoula left my phone in my pocket.

Anonymity.

What?

The noun form of anonymous is anonymity.

Oh.

Yeah I think/ I mayhbe knew that

I get good grased in enhlish classes.

English*

Which Im;m clearly struggling to typa.

TYPE*

Jesus.

Uhhh . . . I’m not really sure what to say?

Never been an anonymous emotional support person before. But you are certainly in need of one.

HA! Well win u put it like that . . .

I hope that wasn’t offensive.

Nah, it’s ffine.

It’s not like you’re wrong. That’s baskiallhy what I asked for. Anaonymous emotional support person

Without ACTUALLY asking, by the way.

Just thought I’d point that out.

Omdeed!

Indeed.*

Who were you TRYING to reach by the way? If you don’t mind my asking . . .

My uhh . . . ex.

Ah.

Yeah.

And I take it things didn’t end well?

**takes another swim**

Swig*

First piece of anonymous, unsolicited advice:

Maybe don’t have any more to drink?

Touché anonymousness ananyomity friend

Are you at home by chance?

Nope. Friend’s house. Ragering party Snort.

Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone type out the word “snort” before.

U know what they say: First time for everything.

Thouagh Im never sure who “they” actually are.

Will you do me a favor?

I mean, you’re still talking to me

WOud ceetainly say I owe you one.

Certainly*

Don’t drive home.

Okay?

You there?

Yeah, I’m here.

Alright. I wonty.

You promise?

Hello?

Where’d you go?

Just fin/isned my drink.

Time for another 1.

[anonymous unsoliciyed advice DENIED!]

Okay.

Do you promise you won’t drive though?

Okay.

I prom,ose I won’y dribe,

Promise* I won’t*

drive.

Thank you.

Glad to hear it.

Okauy

I’m gonna go now.

Thanks for talking to me.

NI/ghty nite.

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