Reviews

Side Effects by Amy Goldman Koss

jenniepicky's review against another edition

5.0

In the dedication at the front of the book the author writes "And as if it doesn't suck enough to have cancer, practically every time you pick up a book of see movies where characters get sick you know they'll be dead by the last scene. In reality, kids get all kinds of cancers, go through unspeakable torture and painful treatments, but walk away fine in the the end. The book is about that descent into hell, with a safe return. I dedicate it to everyone who has been there and back."

It manages to ring true - to be funny without being flippant, to be heart wrenching (at times) without being melodramatic. This book delivers what it promises through the dedication...with far more heart and realism than I ever expected.

erinmp's review against another edition

3.0

Isabelle is fifteen and has cancer. Lymphoma, to be exact. Everything happens so quickly: one minute she realizes that her glands are still swollen from a long ago battle with the flu,and practically the next she's being checked in to the Children's Hospital. We see six months of Izzie's life--from the diagnosis, the surgery, right through to the chemo.

I liked this. Izzie is a cool character--funny, sarcastic, and real. She has honest responses to her situation and her "hostile attitude" is quite funny at times. Good book.

m_swiz's review

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

SO GOOD

impybelle's review against another edition

4.0

The only thing keeping this from a fifth star is that by the end, everything feels rushed, like reaching 144 pages would be too much and it had to end on magical #143 and it had to end painfully, fantastically happy.

I don't begrudge the happy, I do find the rushed bit a little vexing because the rest was so good.

dawnoftheread's review against another edition

4.0

Finally! A great book about a teen with cancer, where the kid survives. Grueling and realistic, but upbeat.

naiyah's review

informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

dctigue's review

5.0

How would I handle cancer?

kkersting's review

4.0

I think this book could be really helpful to young people (elementary or middle school age) who are facing a Cancer diagnosis. It is short, informative, and well written.

nerfherder86's review

4.0

Very sweet and affirming book about a teen girl suffering from lymphoma; no details are spared as she undergoes chemotherapy and has to deal with all of the crazy and horrible side effects of treatment and just being a person with cancer, period. She's got a wonderful sarcastic sense of humor, which helps her cope, plus drawing skills that keep her from going crazy. Great portraits of her parents and younger brother, and a good best friend who's there for her. A realistic look at surviving childhood cancer.

kitandkat's review

3.0

More of a 3.5. This book was funny and realistic. However, I felt like the ending was rushed, and I also got kind-of bored towards the end because there wasn't really much of a plot besides finishing cancer treatment... I am not saying that it's not an important to tell, but rather I felt like it kind-of ignored the rest of Izzy's life/character just to get through the cancer treatment plot and be done with the book. Adding more could have really fleshed out her character and the experience of what it's like to face serious illness (since the rest of your life doesn't suddenly get put on hold).