A review by sometimes_iread
Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This was not what I’d expected at all. The blurb gave me bildungsroman and second chances with a side of medical complications vibes but this book couldn’t be further from that. We have selfish characters I couldn’t get behind, a ridiculous, toxic romance, and very impulsive and short-sighted actions by almost all the young adult characters. I guess that’s a roundabout way of saying that I did not enjoy this book.

Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy focuses on Alice, a sixteen year old in remission, and her friend Harvey, as they grapple with the aftermath of her crazy bucket list. I get that Alice is supposed to be some kind of manic pixie dream girl to Harvey’s more stoic personality but wow, this was twisted beyond belief. Alice is mean and toxic, using people around her and her diagnosis for her benefit. Harvey, too, enables Alice’s behavior in the hope that she will be with him romantically. Yeah, toxic and selfish all round. 

I get that this is a young adult book so people will be teenagers and generally dramatic and impulsive. Still, I just couldn’t bear with the histrionics here. Blaming all your actions on your mom’s infidelity is frankly stretching things a little. 

I’m guessing that I’ve aged out of the genre considering the amount of eye rolls I had while reading this. Perhaps someone who can still appreciate this genre might be able to give a more balanced review, but this book is a hard no from me.

Diversity meter:

Character with cancer