Brandy's Reviews > Side Effects

"Side Effects" by Jennifer M. Barry is an important young adult work, because it captures a very real antagonist in vivid detail without abandoning story for message. Isaac Matthews suffers from anxiety disorder, and his treatment options are limited by his youth as well as fear of what the side effects may bring.

The first chapters come with an intensity that would be exhausting if it were the pace of the entire book. I don't say this critically, as this intensity highlights the realities of Isaac's plight and packs emotional punch to his setbacks and triumphs throughout the rest of the story. The author ties several true-to-life concerns in her protagonist's battle: the social stigma and general poor understanding of anxiety disorder, the dangers associated with treatment particularly in young people, and the need for sufferers to find a reason to face their fears and choose to be well.

Isaac's reason comes (view spoiler)[in the form of aptly named Grace, the beautiful new girl who seems, incredibly, to understand Isaac in a way no one else does (hide spoiler)]. His growth as a character is not a simple effect of popping a magic pill -- some of the medicines don't work for him and even make things worse. (view spoiler)[Although Isaac must choose to face the potentially dangerous medicines and side effects and to persevere through the trials and withdrawals, Grace gives him a reason to do so, which is why this book has value not only for anxiety disorder sufferers to know that there is hope for wellness, but also for "normal" teens (and adults!) to extend grace to those who need it, and to be someone else's reason. (hide spoiler)] The themes come lovingly wrapped in an engaging story, and one many of us lived on some level, about the social perils of high school.

Recommended for anxiety disorder sufferers of all ages and lovers of YA novels.