Chaos Theory

By: Nic Stone

Narrated by: Nic Stone, Dion Graham

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.

©2023 Nic Stone (P)2023 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Stone’s talent for writing compassionately about controversial topics that affect the lives of many is on display." —The Washington Post

“An honest work that highlights the importance of mental illness advocacy amid societal preconceptions and pressures.” —Publishers Weekly

“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

Amazing Story

This book was sooo good I couldn't stop listening. I was able to connect with it in so many ways. Very informative about "mental illness"7 as well.

Super!

This book was great! Strongly suggest anyone dealing with being not “normal” to give it a read or a listen. Provided a nice space to make one feel less alone.

Brought to Life

Nic Stone is a phenomenal author. Her works are amazing to silent but they COME TO LIFE when read aloud. This story was compelling and relatable. Something so many young adults (and older adults) can relate to. This book will very likely make “First Chapter Friday” in my classroom. Bravo.

Amazing!!!

This book kept me excited the entire time. I finished this in one day!!! There were no dull moments in the book. I truly loved the overall message of this book as well. Truly amazing! This would be an amazing book for young teens!

A great high school love story

The realistic portrayal of neurodiversity. I also loved the sweetness of the love story between two high school students. It stayed innocent and focused on the relationship.

Readers Beware. You won’t want to stop reading.

As all of Nic Stone’s books, this was absolutely phenomenal. I felt like I was on the journey with Shelbi and Walter. This book invokes thoughts and forces one to think about self.

So good

This book is so good and the performance really brings out the text. They are right on and keeps you wanting to hear more.

How having a mental health issue or substance abuse is impacted by many variables

the insight on trauma and how it has long term effects on families . friends and future

Awwww, very cute !

I really enjoyed this novel. I dealt with a breakup this year and went through a phase where I swore to never date again. I went as far as staying away from anything romantic. So this book was a bit difficult, in some parts, because of how cute it was. It brought up a few past feelings from my ex, and I even felt hope that we would get back together. But I quickly pushed those crazy thoughts away.
Overall, this was a really interesting read. I love nerdy female characters, as they remind me so much of myself.