CHAOS THEORY

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 [Published: FEBRUARY 2023]