Chaos Theory by Nic Stone

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Chaos Theory

Author: Nic Stone

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Copyright Date: 2023

ISBN: 9780593307700

Format: Print Prose Book

Genre: Romance/ Contemporary Fiction/ Neurotransmittal Atypicality/ BIPOC Voice

Awards: None...(yet)

Interest Level: Ages 14-99 (Random House Children's Books)

Plot Summary:

Shelbi is a genius heading to Georgia Tech next fall studying Astrophysics, but before she can do that, she has to survive her first and last year at Winward Academy. With unique brain chemistry, Shelbi is very cognizant about making the right decisions for her mental health. But as she fights for control over everything, she begins to realize she can't control anything.

Andy knows he's lost and to cope he's hitting the sauce, and hard! But he doesn't have a problem, right? When Shelbi seems to be there at his lowest and fills him with emotions he hasn't felt in a long time, he sees the light. But Andy cannot be protected by Shelbi forever, in fact Andy will need to come to terms with his past in order to save his future.

Author Background:

Nic Stone is from Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Spelman College. She was a young adult mentor and has lived in Israel for a few years. Because of this and her personal background she is dedicated to sharing diverse voices and cultures in her writing. This novel is based on her personal experiences with neurotransmittal atypicality, a term she coined that I have adopted into my blog. Some other works by Nic Stone to check out are duology Dear Martin and Dear Justyce, Odd One Out, Jackpot All Bets are Off, Clean Get Away , and many more.

Critical Evaluation:

Shelbi is probably the most likable character I have ever read about, she has the most beautiful soul, it is no wonder Andy fell head over heals! Shout out to Nic Stone for writing characters who break molds, who says teen boys can't love smutty romance novels? I have family with similar diagnosis as Shelbi and growing up I was confused why no one would talk about it. I have experienced being the loved one of people with alcoholism and once again before that experience I was extremely sheltered and unaware of what that entails. This book breaks the silence for people with and who love those with neurotransmittal atypicality! I wish I had this novel when I was so much younger! Nic Stone notes that she wrote this novel for those who live with or experienced any type of neurotransmittal atypicality and for people who don't *get* mental illness who need a better resource than people who also don't *get* it. But beyond this, the topics and experiences discussed in this novel touch so many more people than she may gives herself credit for. The writing is accessible, funny, cheesy, and quirky. I loved how unique this book was to read with the text threads and other fun and serious additions! Nic Stone's voice is loud in this writing and it is the voice shared by teens. She has created a work that touches young adults deeply, educates, and befriends. Chaos Theory is a book whose pages become a shoulder to cry on in reflection of what yourself or others have experienced and survived.

Creative Use for Library Program:

Hiking Club- In this novel Shelbi's happy place is a top mountains, it is where she can feel at peace. Librarian and teens form a hiking club to get to know each other and to find a little bit of peace within our own personal chaos.

Piloga in the Library- Piloga is a mixture of pilates and yoga that Shelbi practices and teaches Andy. She expresses that exercise helps regulate her chemistry. Some people do not have the space and resources to exercise. Librarian or volunteer will lead weekly piloga in the library to help teach people ways to regulate and encourage the mental health benefits of exercise.

Mortal Combat Tournament- Andy and Shelbi play Mortal Combat in Chaos Theory. Librarian organizes a mortal combat tournament in teen space with prizes for winners and participants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAWKU_w4PkI

Speed Round Book Talk:

Chaos Theory summarized by Shelbi Augustine- there are systems governed by hard and fast laws that exhibit apparently random and/or unpredictable behaviors... Shelbi and Andy live in their own circles of chaos what will happen when their chaos collide?

Potential Challenge Issue and Defense Preparation:

Nic Stone writes a forward and a content warning explaining the difficult themes that are included in the novel, such as discussion of self harm and suicide. In addition, her Author's Note at the end reiterates what was discussed and the importance of mental health. While some challenging mental health topics are discussed, ones that many people like to ignore or act like they don'e exist, it is done so in a careful and purposeful way. The entire point of this book is to create a safe space for those with and experience mental health challenges as well as educate those who are unaware. Along these lines some may be uncomfortable with the prevalence of alcohol in this book. The presence of alcohol in this book is necessary because alcoholism is a main theme of the novel. Alcohol is not glorified and in fact ways to find help into sobriety is a large part of this book. Lastly this book features the conversation of abortion. I think that the way it is included is done very carefully. It goes into the emotional impact abortion has on both the mother and the father, but also is realistic in how people make hard decisions that fit their needs, beliefs, and capabilities. All of these topics, no matter how much people want to ignore them or blind teens from them, are a part of teens lives. Giving teens the resources and the conversation to consider help and space for them is essential.

Reason for Inclusion:

Chaos Theory is an essential book for all teen collections! This book handles mental health, love, trauma, grief, and much more in a delicate way. The author is so visible throughout the novel, at no point does the reader feel without her reassuring presence! This book is more than just a story and the author ensures the reader understands the gravity of valuing mental health and its uniqueness! Teens need to know that they are not alone, that they are special, and the stigma around mental health needs to be broken.

Check Out:

Nic Stone is very involved on social media see what she's up to on Instagram. Read Nic's letter to her younger self to the right.

References:

Get Underlined. (2023, February). Chaos Theory Official Book Trailer [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/cAWKU_w4PkI?feature=shared

Goodreads. (n.d.). Chaos Theory. Accessed July 2024 from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61356487-chaos-theory

Nic Stone. (n.d). Accessed July 2024 from https://www.nicstone.info/

Stone. (2018). Nic Stone's Letter to Her Younger Self Is an Important Reminder That You Don't Have to Fit in Just One Box. Teen Vogue. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/nic-stone-letter-younger-self-odd-one-out

Random House Children's Books. (n.d). Chaos Theory. Accessed July 2024 from https://www.rhcbooks.com/books/654109/chaos-theory-by-nic-stone

@nicstone. (n.d.). Nic [Profile]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/nicstone/?hl=en