Chaos Theory

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.