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3.22 AVERAGE
3.22 AVERAGE
REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Wastepaper Prose ON MARCH 12, 2015
I needed a big strong book to break me out of both my reading and my reviewing hiatus. (Hiatus sounds prettier than slump, and I’m all about them words.) I wanted something that kept my attention, that pulled at my heart, that made me think about it even when I wasn’t reading it. It seems that book was Julie Murphy’s debut Side Effects May Vary.
I’d heard a lot about this one over the past year, and I was definitely drawn to it—both for the typographic cover that I love so much and also for its synopsis. To me, it sounded like anti-TFiOS. Which, of course, isn’t to say that these two books are the same and should be compared. Really, I’d say that the one true thing these two books definitely have in common is that I thoroughly enjoyed them.
From what I’ve been able to gather from other reviews, the side effects that vary from Side Effects May Vary are the opinions of main character Alice Richardson. I often use reviews to help me weed out what I might like from things that aren’t my kind of bag, but I heard over and over again that Alice was “an unlikeable narrator.” After only a few chapters, I could see why so many people would think that. However, that is precisely why I loved this story so much and why I felt it something I wanted to read. Everything isn’t always as pretty as you want it to be. Life is messy and uncomfortable, and people are far more likely to do or say the exact thing you don’t want them to do or say. Plus, I think Alice had plenty of reasons to feel freaked the eff out. It’s clear in her Then chapters that she thought she was shuffling off this mortal coil. When the only thing you’ve known is completely shattered in that way, even in a good way like Alice’s was, that is still a very hard thing to handle. Sure, I didn’t always like Alice. Sure, I felt like she used Harvey and wanted him most when she couldn’t have him. But that didn’t make her any less compelling or interesting or, honestly, likeable in my eyes.
While we’re on the subject of Harvey, despite the fact that Alice told him she only used him, I never felt sorry for him, because he stated often enough that he knew exactly what Alice was doing. Granted, he didn’t always feel the full impact of it until it was too late, but he’s not a dum-dum. He’s just a romantic. If anything, seeing Alice through his eyes showed more facets of her, more ways to see that she was spiraling and needed Harvey’s constancy more than anything else. Their relationship didn’t give me the Feels; it gave me the Thinks. I cannot stop thinking about Alice and Harvey. I’m glad they love the Question Game, because I have so many I’d like to ask.
I’m grateful I gave this book a chance. If you’re still on the fence, I’d recommend a listen to Julie’s interview with Sarah Enni on the podcast First Draft (which is what pushed me over the edge). I know I’ll be here for whatever character Julie brings me next.
I needed a big strong book to break me out of both my reading and my reviewing hiatus. (Hiatus sounds prettier than slump, and I’m all about them words.) I wanted something that kept my attention, that pulled at my heart, that made me think about it even when I wasn’t reading it. It seems that book was Julie Murphy’s debut Side Effects May Vary.
I’d heard a lot about this one over the past year, and I was definitely drawn to it—both for the typographic cover that I love so much and also for its synopsis. To me, it sounded like anti-TFiOS. Which, of course, isn’t to say that these two books are the same and should be compared. Really, I’d say that the one true thing these two books definitely have in common is that I thoroughly enjoyed them.
From what I’ve been able to gather from other reviews, the side effects that vary from Side Effects May Vary are the opinions of main character Alice Richardson. I often use reviews to help me weed out what I might like from things that aren’t my kind of bag, but I heard over and over again that Alice was “an unlikeable narrator.” After only a few chapters, I could see why so many people would think that. However, that is precisely why I loved this story so much and why I felt it something I wanted to read. Everything isn’t always as pretty as you want it to be. Life is messy and uncomfortable, and people are far more likely to do or say the exact thing you don’t want them to do or say. Plus, I think Alice had plenty of reasons to feel freaked the eff out. It’s clear in her Then chapters that she thought she was shuffling off this mortal coil. When the only thing you’ve known is completely shattered in that way, even in a good way like Alice’s was, that is still a very hard thing to handle. Sure, I didn’t always like Alice. Sure, I felt like she used Harvey and wanted him most when she couldn’t have him. But that didn’t make her any less compelling or interesting or, honestly, likeable in my eyes.
While we’re on the subject of Harvey, despite the fact that Alice told him she only used him, I never felt sorry for him, because he stated often enough that he knew exactly what Alice was doing. Granted, he didn’t always feel the full impact of it until it was too late, but he’s not a dum-dum. He’s just a romantic. If anything, seeing Alice through his eyes showed more facets of her, more ways to see that she was spiraling and needed Harvey’s constancy more than anything else. Their relationship didn’t give me the Feels; it gave me the Thinks. I cannot stop thinking about Alice and Harvey. I’m glad they love the Question Game, because I have so many I’d like to ask.
I’m grateful I gave this book a chance. If you’re still on the fence, I’d recommend a listen to Julie’s interview with Sarah Enni on the podcast First Draft (which is what pushed me over the edge). I know I’ll be here for whatever character Julie brings me next.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Full of romance, sadness, and even a bit of humor. I was a little bit disappointed in the ending.
I quite enjoy this book. I read a few review about this book saying that the main character is nasty and mean but I don't feel that hatred feeling when reading a dislike character. I understand why she does what she does because she is dying and want to punished those who have wrong her. It's not a method I would go for but sometimes you just want get a bit revenge before you go. The only thing I don't like about her is the way she treated her best friend, and afraid to admit her feelings. I completely get that though because it is hard confessing your love to someone but I don't like the way she treated him.
You need to know upfront that this book stars an unlikable character. If you can't get past that, you shouldn't read this book.
That being said, I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to like her that much until very, very close to the end. I thought Alice seemed pretty realistic... or maybe I was just a terrible person as a teenager? She is fickle with commitment, impulsive, and makes occasional godawful choices. Doesn't that describe most teenagers?
I loved the premise of this book - doing all the things you want to with no consequence since you know you're going to die soon? Awesome. And I loved that the things she wanted to do were occasionally vengeful, because let's be real. Cancer does not turn people into saints and all of us have at least fantasized about being able to get back at someone at some point in our lives with no repercussions.
I didn't love the deep, heartfelt romance, but that's because I'm not a hormonal teenager anymore. I can totally see teenage girls loooovvviinngg the idea of having their own personal Harvey to love them unconditionally and follow all of their orders. As over the top his devotion seems to be, it still rings fairly true. If you ever declared your love for someone between the ages of 14-19, you've probably been as temporarily insane as Harvey is.
There's some heavy petting involved, something I think romance hungry readers will be into. I feel creepy reading about teenagers doing it, but this book wasn't written for 30 year old sticks in the mud, right?!
Some of the schemes and plot lines will stretch your willful suspension of disbelief, but are pretty gratifying regardless. Adult characters are left fairly undeveloped, as are most of the supporting players. And like I said initially, I missed the memo that Alice is supposed to be a jerk until late in the game. I can't say I felt like I really fully understood any of the characters or their motivations, with the possible exception of Harvey.
Ultimately, an easy recommend to just about any teenage girl and possibly a few boys thanks to the alternating narrator giving us Harvey's first person perspective.
That being said, I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to like her that much until very, very close to the end. I thought Alice seemed pretty realistic... or maybe I was just a terrible person as a teenager? She is fickle with commitment, impulsive, and makes occasional godawful choices. Doesn't that describe most teenagers?
I loved the premise of this book - doing all the things you want to with no consequence since you know you're going to die soon? Awesome. And I loved that the things she wanted to do were occasionally vengeful, because let's be real. Cancer does not turn people into saints and all of us have at least fantasized about being able to get back at someone at some point in our lives with no repercussions.
I didn't love the deep, heartfelt romance, but that's because I'm not a hormonal teenager anymore. I can totally see teenage girls loooovvviinngg the idea of having their own personal Harvey to love them unconditionally and follow all of their orders. As over the top his devotion seems to be, it still rings fairly true. If you ever declared your love for someone between the ages of 14-19, you've probably been as temporarily insane as Harvey is.
There's some heavy petting involved, something I think romance hungry readers will be into. I feel creepy reading about teenagers doing it, but this book wasn't written for 30 year old sticks in the mud, right?!
Some of the schemes and plot lines will stretch your willful suspension of disbelief, but are pretty gratifying regardless. Adult characters are left fairly undeveloped, as are most of the supporting players. And like I said initially, I missed the memo that Alice is supposed to be a jerk until late in the game. I can't say I felt like I really fully understood any of the characters or their motivations, with the possible exception of Harvey.
Ultimately, an easy recommend to just about any teenage girl and possibly a few boys thanks to the alternating narrator giving us Harvey's first person perspective.
An interesting read about cancer, but I was not completely engaged.
A cute read. Alice is diagnosed with Leukemia and the prognosis is grim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Harvey, to help her get revenge on her enemies in her last days. Then, remarkably, she goes into remission and must face the consequences of her actions...and her budding feelings for Harvey. It wasn't the best, but I read it quickly.
Such an unlikable main character! I wanted to scream at Alice so much. I felt for Harvey, omg. To have that much love for someone who cant handle it. Ugh. The dramaaaa.
Writing Style/Format:
The interwoven storylines of the past and present was well executed. It was an interesting way of conveying the character development. It was slightly confusing to begin with because it just seemed like a very big time jump, but that settled quickly after a few chapters and came together nicely. The ‘Then’ storyline made the ‘Now’ storyline much more meaningful. The writing itself was uncomplicated and easy to read, giving the story a good flow.
Plot/Pacing:
The pacing and the plot was really steady and held my interest. It never felt boring, and I never felt the urge to put down the book. The only problem I had with the book at all was that I didn't really like the main character, Alice, and found it difficult to empathise with her, but at the same time I'm fairly certain you aren't supposed to like her. She’s mean, rude, and complicated, and going through remission.
Alice believed she was going to die and made a point of getting back at the people who hate her and she hates back with a passion. It was interesting to read, but not involving, so I didn't really feel anything for Alice. But her attempt at redeeming herself at the end of the book was nice to read.
On the other hand there was Harvey. His story wasn't involving either, but he was easier to like, which I suppose was the point. I appreciated his character development, and think it’s an arc many young people can learn from. Alice broke the both of them down emotionally, and that was important for them to find equal footing for a new beginning. They both had each other on particularly high pedestal, so of course everything had to crash to the ground before it could get better.
General Comments:
This book gave me very conflicting feelings, but overall I loved the story. I would recommend this to my friends if I thought they'd be interested in it, or would appreciate it as much as I do. The rating is what it is because I just couldn't connect to the characters.
Overall Rating:
3.5/5
The interwoven storylines of the past and present was well executed. It was an interesting way of conveying the character development. It was slightly confusing to begin with because it just seemed like a very big time jump, but that settled quickly after a few chapters and came together nicely. The ‘Then’ storyline made the ‘Now’ storyline much more meaningful. The writing itself was uncomplicated and easy to read, giving the story a good flow.
Plot/Pacing:
The pacing and the plot was really steady and held my interest. It never felt boring, and I never felt the urge to put down the book. The only problem I had with the book at all was that I didn't really like the main character, Alice, and found it difficult to empathise with her, but at the same time I'm fairly certain you aren't supposed to like her. She’s mean, rude, and complicated, and going through remission.
Alice believed she was going to die and made a point of getting back at the people who hate her and she hates back with a passion. It was interesting to read, but not involving, so I didn't really feel anything for Alice. But her attempt at redeeming herself at the end of the book was nice to read.
On the other hand there was Harvey. His story wasn't involving either, but he was easier to like, which I suppose was the point. I appreciated his character development, and think it’s an arc many young people can learn from. Alice broke the both of them down emotionally, and that was important for them to find equal footing for a new beginning. They both had each other on particularly high pedestal, so of course everything had to crash to the ground before it could get better.
General Comments:
This book gave me very conflicting feelings, but overall I loved the story. I would recommend this to my friends if I thought they'd be interested in it, or would appreciate it as much as I do. The rating is what it is because I just couldn't connect to the characters.
Overall Rating:
3.5/5
This book was very easy to read. I always enjoy a story that flips between 'then' and 'now', I find that it gives you a different perspective on why certain things are the way they are.
At the beginning of the story I quite liked Alice. She seems to be a normal kind of girl, and while her boyfriend seems nice enough, you can tell there is something going on with her friend who she doesn't talk to anymore, Harvey. And then she is diagnosed with cancer. And then I found that the story changed. Alice becomes friends once again with Harvey and it is obvious that he is in love with her...almost to the point of being a sad little puppy dog that would follow her anywhere and so anything for her. And so he helps her get revenge on a few people had treated her badly. She figures she should get these things done before she dies. She also tells Harvey he is the person she will miss the most, I think because she knows he wants to hear this and so why shouldn't she tell him that before she dies. But then she doesn't die. Alice goes into remission, cancer - gone.
And this is where I really lost it with Alice. She treated Harvey like dirt, really, she was a total bitch to him. The last half of the book were made up of things that I was just shaking my head at and saying, 'Alice - why are you doing this to him', and 'Harvey - why are you letting her do this to you'.
I think the author has done an excellent job in creating these characters as the characters made me feel so much. Even though I really didn't like Alice, I totally understood where she was coming from and why she was like she was and so I actually loved her. I felt it was a bit like, 'let's not anyone get close to me because there is a risk that someone will get hurt'. She does try to redeem herself at the end of the story and I am still trying to work out whether or not I have forgiven her.
Overall - a satisfying read which gave me a lot to think about.
At the beginning of the story I quite liked Alice. She seems to be a normal kind of girl, and while her boyfriend seems nice enough, you can tell there is something going on with her friend who she doesn't talk to anymore, Harvey. And then she is diagnosed with cancer. And then I found that the story changed. Alice becomes friends once again with Harvey and it is obvious that he is in love with her...almost to the point of being a sad little puppy dog that would follow her anywhere and so anything for her. And so he helps her get revenge on a few people had treated her badly. She figures she should get these things done before she dies. She also tells Harvey he is the person she will miss the most, I think because she knows he wants to hear this and so why shouldn't she tell him that before she dies. But then she doesn't die. Alice goes into remission, cancer - gone.
And this is where I really lost it with Alice. She treated Harvey like dirt, really, she was a total bitch to him. The last half of the book were made up of things that I was just shaking my head at and saying, 'Alice - why are you doing this to him', and 'Harvey - why are you letting her do this to you'.
I think the author has done an excellent job in creating these characters as the characters made me feel so much. Even though I really didn't like Alice, I totally understood where she was coming from and why she was like she was and so I actually loved her. I felt it was a bit like, 'let's not anyone get close to me because there is a risk that someone will get hurt'. She does try to redeem herself at the end of the story and I am still trying to work out whether or not I have forgiven her.
Overall - a satisfying read which gave me a lot to think about.
As other reviewers have mentioned, this book is quite different than others in the genre. To highlight this, I just want to leave this quote from the book: “I’d always heard that when you truly love someone, you’re happy for them as long as they’re happy. But that’s a lie. That’s higher-road bullshit. If you love someone so much, why the hell would you be happy to see them with anyone else? I didn't want the easy kind of love. I wanted the crazy love, the kind of love that created and destroyed all at the same time.”