Book Review: Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

Once again, I have continued down the path of listening to all of Julie Murphy's books since the new year.

Side Effects May Vary was Murphy's first book she wrote. This is a book about revenge, learning you deserve better, and learning not everyone is who you think they are. The main characters are Alice and Harvey and told from their alternating point of views and from the times of "then" and "now."

Murphy really outdid herself with this one in how that she tells the story to where you want to hate Alice but be in awe of her at the same time. What? I said it. I hated Alice. Every inch of her. Alice is the character that is diagnosed with cancer and, therefore, goes on a brigade of exacting revenge on everyone who did her wrong -- only for her to go into remission. Yep. She exacted her revenge thinking she was going to die to ultimately get to live and start becoming healthier than ever.

Harvey, though, is a sweet character who deserved to be protected at all cost. Harvey loves Alice. Like, he's in love with her. Big time. He pretty much is wrapped around her finger throughout the entire book and is her partner-in-crime (both literally and figuratively) throughout her exacting of the revenge. Harvey is too good for Alice and the hateful, mean, and cruel heart she has. Harvey is too pure for her. He deserves so much more.

These two characters put me through the ringer with every little thing that happened and I just couldn't stop. This book was one that I enjoyed getting to listen to as that if I'd been reading a hard copy I'd have probably thrown it somewhere (the same if it'd been digital on my phone). This book is definitely why that I love Julie Murphy as an author because her characters are just so real.

All in all, I highly recommend this book to any fan of Murphy or anyone who wants just a solid book to read.

I do not own this picture.