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Complex Solutions
Math is easy for Lexi, but complex emotions are difficult, and A.P. Calculus won't help her overcome guilt, fear, or self-destructive behavior.
Sixteen-year-old Lexi Thompson believes she should've died in the car accident that took her parents. Now she slices her guilt into her skin, aggravating an already dangerous cutting habit. When Lexi is contacted about her parents' lost proof of a famous math theorem, her guilt over her parents' deaths intensifies. Math was her parents' passion as well as her own.
Lexi enlists her friend and fellow math whiz, Joe to help find the proof. As their relationship deepens, Lexi struggles to keep her self-harm secret. Further, she realizes she's not the only one interested in her parents' proof. A mysterious man hangs around her parents' vacant home and lurks in the woods where she runs with her dog. The stalker's presence exacerbates her anxiety, along with the frequency and severity of her cutting. The more she tries to conceal her self-harm, the more she pulls away from Joe and from finding the proof.
If she can't let go of her fear and open up to Joe, she may lose him as well as the proof to a man who's intent on stealing her parents' legacy.
Sixteen-year-old Lexi Thompson believes she should've died in the car accident that took her parents. Now she slices her guilt into her skin, aggravating an already dangerous cutting habit. When Lexi is contacted about her parents' lost proof of a famous math theorem, her guilt over her parents' deaths intensifies. Math was her parents' passion as well as her own.
Lexi enlists her friend and fellow math whiz, Joe to help find the proof. As their relationship deepens, Lexi struggles to keep her self-harm secret. Further, she realizes she's not the only one interested in her parents' proof. A mysterious man hangs around her parents' vacant home and lurks in the woods where she runs with her dog. The stalker's presence exacerbates her anxiety, along with the frequency and severity of her cutting. The more she tries to conceal her self-harm, the more she pulls away from Joe and from finding the proof.
If she can't let go of her fear and open up to Joe, she may lose him as well as the proof to a man who's intent on stealing her parents' legacy.
- GenresYoung AdultRomance
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2021
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 19, 2021
This was such a creative story! I loved how the author used her own passion and extensive knowledge of math (and her love of dogs and running) and built a story out of that! I will be taking AP Calculus myself this coming school year and this was definitely a good book to get me more excited about that! And Contrary to what you might think at first, with this being a book involving math and all, it wasn't boring at all. Not a single bit of it! Dalessandro covers mental health and some of the struggles that high school students (and others!) in real life go through, making us all more empathetic, while also weaving in plenty of romance, friendship, action, mystery, and suspense. The mystery and suspense part makes me wanna get up and check to make sure no one’s stalking me too. In fact, I might just do that right now….
Characters: Lexi’s personal struggles and temptations were very real and so was her strength. Joe’s kindness and care was oh so swoonworthy. Sarah’s energy and the happy, bubbly light that she emanates makes you smile and laugh every time. Jess is sooooo annoying. The stalker-guy is creepy as hell! So, basically, amazing characters!
Language: One or two uses of the d-word and all three of the characters say “oh my God” or “oh my gosh” quite often (which is quite typical of teenagers, isn’t it?).
Romance: Lots of intense kissing, two characters talk of having sex and most likely did do it an hour after the story ended.
Spirituality: N/A
*Trigger warning:* This book does have quite a few scenes depicting a main character cutting with their being blood, pain, etc. which may be triggering or disturbing to some readers. There is also a scene where someone is attacked and injured and there’s blood then too.
I enjoyed reading Complex Solutions! If you're debating whether or not you should read it yourself, I say you should! :) <3
Characters: Lexi’s personal struggles and temptations were very real and so was her strength. Joe’s kindness and care was oh so swoonworthy. Sarah’s energy and the happy, bubbly light that she emanates makes you smile and laugh every time. Jess is sooooo annoying. The stalker-guy is creepy as hell! So, basically, amazing characters!
Language: One or two uses of the d-word and all three of the characters say “oh my God” or “oh my gosh” quite often (which is quite typical of teenagers, isn’t it?).
Romance: Lots of intense kissing, two characters talk of having sex and most likely did do it an hour after the story ended.
Spirituality: N/A
*Trigger warning:* This book does have quite a few scenes depicting a main character cutting with their being blood, pain, etc. which may be triggering or disturbing to some readers. There is also a scene where someone is attacked and injured and there’s blood then too.
I enjoyed reading Complex Solutions! If you're debating whether or not you should read it yourself, I say you should! :) <3
August 4, 2021
~I'd like to thank the awesome author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
This was such an AMAZING book!! The characters were amazing, the plot was deep, and everything about it was perfect. Even when I wasn't reading it, I would constantly be thinking about the characters and wondering what's going to happen next in the book.
Also, I love how the main character, Lexi, isn't that stereotypical perfect teenage girl you usually see in books and movies. She has problems in her life, and, even if you haven't gone through the same (or even similar) situations as her, you can still relate to her and feel like you aren't the only one with problems, or a hard teenage life.
I mean, in the end, I have no words. This book is simply amazing, and will definitely be up there with my all time favorite books, reread again and again, yet never getting old.
Highly recommended!
~Full Review To Come~
This was such an AMAZING book!! The characters were amazing, the plot was deep, and everything about it was perfect. Even when I wasn't reading it, I would constantly be thinking about the characters and wondering what's going to happen next in the book.
Also, I love how the main character, Lexi, isn't that stereotypical perfect teenage girl you usually see in books and movies. She has problems in her life, and, even if you haven't gone through the same (or even similar) situations as her, you can still relate to her and feel like you aren't the only one with problems, or a hard teenage life.
I mean, in the end, I have no words. This book is simply amazing, and will definitely be up there with my all time favorite books, reread again and again, yet never getting old.
Highly recommended!
~Full Review To Come~
July 24, 2021
So far In Lexi's 16 years of her short life , she struggles with a huge secret with self harm. Lexi spends the majority of her time in school as a loner because of the constant daily harrassment by her peers among others at school. Under the circumstances, Lexi keeps to herself and doesn't have many friends.Which only makes her more depressed and tends to harm herself more. The last thing Lexi needs in her life is more struggles, when one bad day turns into the worse day of her life .Lexi never thought her life could get any worse until the day her parents were both killed in a car accident. In Lexi's mind she feels she is the cause of her parents death and begins to harm herself even more. Lexi ends up having to go live with her grandma and attends a new school. Not much has changed for Lexi since the move from her old school or her scars . the one thing that distracted Lexi from all her struggles was her love for AP calculus. One day Lexi finds out her parents proved a top secret and ground breaking math theorem what would change her life forever from that day forward . Lexi ends up asking a boy in her math class for help in finding out the true secrets in her math problem ,however she never expected to fall in love with him. Lexi knew her parents loved math , but not about being mathematicians , so why all the secrets? Why didn't her parents tell her about these math secrets before and how much trouble will it cause Lexi to know the truth?
I loved complex solutions! perfect portrayal of a realistic teen life and teen dealing with self harm too. I feel like teen self harm is such a widely overlooked problem and So many people turn a blind eye because it's not suicide so "it's not serious". When in fact it is, Just like suicide you can die from self harm! Also I haven't seen many Ya books relating to teen self harm So I applaud you for being brave enough to present such a heavy subject in complex solutions. For someone who knows nothing about the struggles of self harm , this book has completely opened my eyes! I highly recommend it!
I loved complex solutions! perfect portrayal of a realistic teen life and teen dealing with self harm too. I feel like teen self harm is such a widely overlooked problem and So many people turn a blind eye because it's not suicide so "it's not serious". When in fact it is, Just like suicide you can die from self harm! Also I haven't seen many Ya books relating to teen self harm So I applaud you for being brave enough to present such a heavy subject in complex solutions. For someone who knows nothing about the struggles of self harm , this book has completely opened my eyes! I highly recommend it!
March 15, 2021
What do you do when you think someone's bullied? When you are certain something else plays, but you don't yet know what? That's how this story starts. With a girl who cuts herself. Twice, before nine o'clock.
And that's just the mornings for Lexi.
We also meet Joe Biondi. The 'hot' guy. It's Sarah who notices he's wachting Lexi, but as things go, Lexi doesn't believe that. She doesn't have a very high view of herself - that much is clear. It's also Sarah who becomes Lexi's first friend at the school.
Lexi is a wizard in math - hence the title, complex solutions - and it's when she enters that class that we witness the first interaction between her and Joe. Lexi might not know it, but a 'hot' boy defending you like this? Does it hold a bigger promise than that Joe is 'just' a nice guy?
That's when we learn Lexi had a similar experience with another hot guy in her former school. Or is it similar? Joe 'feels' different. So maybe...
I feel sorry for Lexi, but that's not what keeps me reading. She has an interesting personality that part of me understands but too well, while the other part wonders how long it will take someone to notice what she does. Classes are short - they don't participate in sending the story forward. There is one thing I notice far too often, though that's not a fault of the author (if it were, I am to blame as well). For some odd reason authors always want someone with green eyes in their books. In my case that's a young girl, but in Lexi's case it's Joe.
In chapter 2 we learn of the tragic that happened and we also learn her last name is Thompson. We learn she received a letter asking her for proof of a theorem her parents discovered, one that is very important.
So, now we have a lonely girl who might well be looking for the lost proof of a theorem with a heart that goes into overdrive each time she sees Joe Bioni while she cuts herself?
Complex solutions, indeed. Unless it isn't all true.
Nevertheless, she starts her search. She's now living with her grandmother: 'grams', a woman she scared the hell out of when she tried to do something that would have kept this book from ever being written.
You would think that a novel about mathematics is hard to crack. It isn't. From the letter Lexi receives, we learn the theorem is about Pure Mathematics and Google (when Lexi searches for what it means on her own) explains us what that is. Pure Mathematics is the study of math for math's sake. And that's how she's going to connect with Joe Bioni.
I don't know what background Susan Dalessandro has, but she succeeds in creating a story based on mathematics without making it dull. You're not flabbergasted by complex theorems, though we eventually learn which theorem Lexi's looking for.
I love the book and the story and I see why Rhetoric Askew published it. It pulls you along a path that's not always a happy one, but is filled with a young lady who is determined to see it all through, and friends who support her - even when she fails. We discover the friendship between Lexi and Sarah, and the more than special bond that Joe and Lexi create. Together they go on an adventure no mathematician should shy away from. Yes. This is by all means a book you want to read.
And that's just the mornings for Lexi.
We also meet Joe Biondi. The 'hot' guy. It's Sarah who notices he's wachting Lexi, but as things go, Lexi doesn't believe that. She doesn't have a very high view of herself - that much is clear. It's also Sarah who becomes Lexi's first friend at the school.
Lexi is a wizard in math - hence the title, complex solutions - and it's when she enters that class that we witness the first interaction between her and Joe. Lexi might not know it, but a 'hot' boy defending you like this? Does it hold a bigger promise than that Joe is 'just' a nice guy?
That's when we learn Lexi had a similar experience with another hot guy in her former school. Or is it similar? Joe 'feels' different. So maybe...
I feel sorry for Lexi, but that's not what keeps me reading. She has an interesting personality that part of me understands but too well, while the other part wonders how long it will take someone to notice what she does. Classes are short - they don't participate in sending the story forward. There is one thing I notice far too often, though that's not a fault of the author (if it were, I am to blame as well). For some odd reason authors always want someone with green eyes in their books. In my case that's a young girl, but in Lexi's case it's Joe.
In chapter 2 we learn of the tragic that happened and we also learn her last name is Thompson. We learn she received a letter asking her for proof of a theorem her parents discovered, one that is very important.
So, now we have a lonely girl who might well be looking for the lost proof of a theorem with a heart that goes into overdrive each time she sees Joe Bioni while she cuts herself?
Complex solutions, indeed. Unless it isn't all true.
Nevertheless, she starts her search. She's now living with her grandmother: 'grams', a woman she scared the hell out of when she tried to do something that would have kept this book from ever being written.
You would think that a novel about mathematics is hard to crack. It isn't. From the letter Lexi receives, we learn the theorem is about Pure Mathematics and Google (when Lexi searches for what it means on her own) explains us what that is. Pure Mathematics is the study of math for math's sake. And that's how she's going to connect with Joe Bioni.
I don't know what background Susan Dalessandro has, but she succeeds in creating a story based on mathematics without making it dull. You're not flabbergasted by complex theorems, though we eventually learn which theorem Lexi's looking for.
I love the book and the story and I see why Rhetoric Askew published it. It pulls you along a path that's not always a happy one, but is filled with a young lady who is determined to see it all through, and friends who support her - even when she fails. We discover the friendship between Lexi and Sarah, and the more than special bond that Joe and Lexi create. Together they go on an adventure no mathematician should shy away from. Yes. This is by all means a book you want to read.
June 25, 2021
Susan Dalessandro's "Complex Solutions" follows Lexi, a 16-year-old girl navigating life after the death of her parents and a struggle with self-harm. Throughout the novel, Lexi dedicates her time to find the research her parents conducted to prove one of the most famous mathematical theorems. On this journey, not only does Lexi find love, friendship, but she finds herself in a sticky situation as she realizes she is being stalked.
"Complex Solutions" was such a refreshing book that I could not put down until I was finished. With the story's characters part of my own age demographic, I found it easy to connect with Lexi. The novel depicts her battle with her mental health and her urges to cut, and while I may not be struggling with the same issues, the outlook and emotions she has are ones I find myself experiencing, as well as a majority of teens today. On the topic of mental health, this book certainly focuses on various issues we can experience, with the overall message stating how important it is to seek help and move past the stigma society places on these issues; I found that the focus on mental health in this book was well done and in an extremely healthy way.
As for the other characters, Sarah and Joe, I found them equally likable. Sarah is the best friend we all hope to have; the friend who is always there for us and urges us to be the best version of ourselves while having fun. As for Joe, he is the significant other that all of us readers love: a smart, kind boy who knows the right things to say at the perfect moments; it is virtually impossible not to fall in love with him.
In terms of the plot, I enjoyed the pacing of the book, where I didn't feel like the book dragged on and on without progress or too fast paced that it was hard to care about the story. Additionally, I love that Susan Dalessandro chose to focus on mathematics. While many readers are not fans of the subject, this book should be the only exception. Intertwining math with a thriller, it was hard not to hate the subject just this once. Not only that, but I found myself excitedly saying, "I know that!" with the mentions of popular topics in Calculus, which added a fun element to the book for me.
With so many positive aspects of the book, I was so close to rating it a 5/5 but decided on 4/5 for two reasons. The first would be that I felt as if there was not as much as mystery and thriller compared to romance. To elaborate, a good portion of the book focused on the development of Lexi and Joe's relationship to the point where finding the research seemed like a subplot. I wish the romance and msystery/thriller would have been a bit more balanced. Additionally, while I absoltely adore Lexi and Joe, I felt like certain parts of their interactions and conversations were a bit repetitive that sort of diminished my excitement of seeing their relationship grow.
In the end, even with those two reasons, I loved this book and would highly recommend to everyone who is interested.
"Complex Solutions" was such a refreshing book that I could not put down until I was finished. With the story's characters part of my own age demographic, I found it easy to connect with Lexi. The novel depicts her battle with her mental health and her urges to cut, and while I may not be struggling with the same issues, the outlook and emotions she has are ones I find myself experiencing, as well as a majority of teens today. On the topic of mental health, this book certainly focuses on various issues we can experience, with the overall message stating how important it is to seek help and move past the stigma society places on these issues; I found that the focus on mental health in this book was well done and in an extremely healthy way.
As for the other characters, Sarah and Joe, I found them equally likable. Sarah is the best friend we all hope to have; the friend who is always there for us and urges us to be the best version of ourselves while having fun. As for Joe, he is the significant other that all of us readers love: a smart, kind boy who knows the right things to say at the perfect moments; it is virtually impossible not to fall in love with him.
In terms of the plot, I enjoyed the pacing of the book, where I didn't feel like the book dragged on and on without progress or too fast paced that it was hard to care about the story. Additionally, I love that Susan Dalessandro chose to focus on mathematics. While many readers are not fans of the subject, this book should be the only exception. Intertwining math with a thriller, it was hard not to hate the subject just this once. Not only that, but I found myself excitedly saying, "I know that!" with the mentions of popular topics in Calculus, which added a fun element to the book for me.
With so many positive aspects of the book, I was so close to rating it a 5/5 but decided on 4/5 for two reasons. The first would be that I felt as if there was not as much as mystery and thriller compared to romance. To elaborate, a good portion of the book focused on the development of Lexi and Joe's relationship to the point where finding the research seemed like a subplot. I wish the romance and msystery/thriller would have been a bit more balanced. Additionally, while I absoltely adore Lexi and Joe, I felt like certain parts of their interactions and conversations were a bit repetitive that sort of diminished my excitement of seeing their relationship grow.
In the end, even with those two reasons, I loved this book and would highly recommend to everyone who is interested.
July 14, 2021
16 year old Lexi is dealing with the loss of her parents when she is caught off guard by a letter in the mail stating her parents solve the great scientific math breakthrough. As she looks for her parents research she is met with trials and a stalker after what he thinks is rightfully his. With the growth of Lexi throughout the book we can see that she can finally trust her friends and open up enough to ask for help to battle her own traumas. I love how this book does have a trigger warning at the beginning of the book to notify you that it does talk heavily about self harm. Good read and I am constantly wondering if there will be more to this story in a second book.
May 9, 2021
Complex Solutions by Susan Dalessandro
Teenage angst, bullies, high school classes, mixed with a mystery and romantic storyline is what you will find in the book Complex Solutions. Lexi has a problem she is struggling with more than anyone else knows. She cuts herself. She recently lost her parents due to an accident that she blames herself for. If she had not been arguing and trying to hide her cutting, her parents would not have had the accident. Living with her Grandmother in a new town leaves her with more problems than she can handle. Bullies at her new school make fun of her. She feels different from everyone else all the time. At her new school Lexi is awkward in her relationships with other people due to trying to hide her cutting issues. She lands in a mystery trying to solve her parents’ mathematics secret. Lexi is soon immersed in an adventure that turns dangerous when another person wants the solved math proof her parents have solved.
Lexi is a likeable character, despite her flaws. Joe is almost too perfect to be believed, but he has teen age problems and family problems, too. Sarah turns out to be Lexi’s best friend. She helps Lexi as much as she can despite her sister’s college plans and travels, as well as Lexi trying to shut her out. The mystery in the book takes second place to Lexi’s developing relationship with Joe. Read the book to find out what happens with the mathematics proof mystery, and with Lexi’s, Joe’s, and Sarah’s relationships.
This a YA level book that deals with a serious issue in a teen’s life. Cutting is an issue that is often hidden. It needs to be dealt with through counseling and therapy. I am glad to see the author has dealt with this issue in a considerate, wise way.
Teenage angst, bullies, high school classes, mixed with a mystery and romantic storyline is what you will find in the book Complex Solutions. Lexi has a problem she is struggling with more than anyone else knows. She cuts herself. She recently lost her parents due to an accident that she blames herself for. If she had not been arguing and trying to hide her cutting, her parents would not have had the accident. Living with her Grandmother in a new town leaves her with more problems than she can handle. Bullies at her new school make fun of her. She feels different from everyone else all the time. At her new school Lexi is awkward in her relationships with other people due to trying to hide her cutting issues. She lands in a mystery trying to solve her parents’ mathematics secret. Lexi is soon immersed in an adventure that turns dangerous when another person wants the solved math proof her parents have solved.
Lexi is a likeable character, despite her flaws. Joe is almost too perfect to be believed, but he has teen age problems and family problems, too. Sarah turns out to be Lexi’s best friend. She helps Lexi as much as she can despite her sister’s college plans and travels, as well as Lexi trying to shut her out. The mystery in the book takes second place to Lexi’s developing relationship with Joe. Read the book to find out what happens with the mathematics proof mystery, and with Lexi’s, Joe’s, and Sarah’s relationships.
This a YA level book that deals with a serious issue in a teen’s life. Cutting is an issue that is often hidden. It needs to be dealt with through counseling and therapy. I am glad to see the author has dealt with this issue in a considerate, wise way.
September 15, 2021
Complex Solutions: ✰✰✰✰
≻ Intro ≺
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was very excited for this book to arrive.
≻ Plot Evaluation ≺
If I’m being honest, I was a little nervous about the plot of this book. The plot of this book basically revolves around math. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book. You don’t need to be a math expert to read this book!
Lexi’s parents died recently and she figured out that her parents were figuring out a complicated math theorem. Lexi takes after her parents in her love for math and wants to know more about the math theorem. She makes friends and relationships that make her life a bit easier to handle.
≻ Extra Notes ≺
Make sure to read the full synopsis before picking up this book, it contains large amounts of mental health issues.
≻ Intro ≺
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was very excited for this book to arrive.
≻ Plot Evaluation ≺
If I’m being honest, I was a little nervous about the plot of this book. The plot of this book basically revolves around math. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book. You don’t need to be a math expert to read this book!
Lexi’s parents died recently and she figured out that her parents were figuring out a complicated math theorem. Lexi takes after her parents in her love for math and wants to know more about the math theorem. She makes friends and relationships that make her life a bit easier to handle.
≻ Extra Notes ≺
Make sure to read the full synopsis before picking up this book, it contains large amounts of mental health issues.
March 9, 2021
Complex Solutions is an exciting coming of age YA thriller that combines a grief stricken self-destructive teenage girl, her love for math, trusty dog, scenic Cape Cod, and a mystery to keep you guessing until the end.
Susan does a wonderful job pulling the characters through all the twists and turns you’d expect from a thriller, while exploring the complex emotions of grief, first love, and self-healing. Complex Solutions is an entertaining page turner that I couldn’t put down until I was finished. Susan’s debut novel Complex Solutions should be on everyone’s To Be Read list, and I cannot wait to read what Susan writes next!
I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review. It’s a great book, go read it!
Susan does a wonderful job pulling the characters through all the twists and turns you’d expect from a thriller, while exploring the complex emotions of grief, first love, and self-healing. Complex Solutions is an entertaining page turner that I couldn’t put down until I was finished. Susan’s debut novel Complex Solutions should be on everyone’s To Be Read list, and I cannot wait to read what Susan writes next!
I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review. It’s a great book, go read it!
March 9, 2021
Complex Solutions is an exciting ya debut that follows high schooler, Lexi, as she processes her grief, a new school, a new love, all while struggling with her self-esteem issues, guilt and the mystery left behind by her parents’ death. Lexi’s struggle with self-harm is addressed in a thoughtful and powerful way. I loved the insecurities of Lexi and Joe as they navigated their blossoming relationship.
Susan Dalessandro does a masterful job of creating the joys and angst of teen life in such a way that you are transfixed by the characters and cannot stop reading.
Complex Solutions is a though-provoking, coming of age novel that will keep the reader turning the pages and wishing the story didn’t have to end. I cannot wait to read more stories from this wonderful new author.
Susan Dalessandro does a masterful job of creating the joys and angst of teen life in such a way that you are transfixed by the characters and cannot stop reading.
Complex Solutions is a though-provoking, coming of age novel that will keep the reader turning the pages and wishing the story didn’t have to end. I cannot wait to read more stories from this wonderful new author.
March 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this teen angst mystery book. I loved the way high school was so well and realistically portrayed. The book was so moving and had me laughing and sobbing along with it. This story had such an impact on me and I felt so moved by Susan's words.
Trigger warning there is self harm and bulling in this book.
Trigger warning there is self harm and bulling in this book.
May 30, 2021
Complex Solutions is a coming of age thriller with heart. Lexi has gone through a lot and she has scars to prove it. Now, she's being stalked by someone who she believes is after her parents lost proof of a famous math theorem.
If you like mysteries, romance, and realistic characters, pick up Susan Dalessandro's Complex Solutions.
If you like mysteries, romance, and realistic characters, pick up Susan Dalessandro's Complex Solutions.
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February 28, 2022Complex Solutions by Susan Dalessandro is aptly named. It’s a play on the main character’s love of math, of her parent’s secrets, and of the difficulties of growing up. The lead character, Lexi, knows math and running, but she’s riddled with guilt and anxiety. To deal with these complicated emotions, she engages in self-harm. During this YA coming of age novel, she befriends a new gal named Sarah and dates a dreamy fellow math enthusiast, Joe. When she receives a letter from a prestigious organization, Lexi discovers her recently deceased parents had a secret. One that means the world to her. One a stranger may be willing to kill for.
Susan Dalessandro deftly created likable, believable lead characters thrust into an incredible situation. Written for a younger audience, older readers may feel an overwhelming urge to wrap the lead in a hug and beg her to stop making bad decisions. However, growing up means enacting a lot of less thought out ideas, and it does make for tension in the story.
I read this with the kids. S. particularly enjoyed the acceptance and friendship between Lexi and Sarah and the budding romance Lexi experienced with Joe. She seemed to understand and empathize with Lexi’s plight. Eleven-year-old M., meanwhile, grew upset by Lexi’s decisions and kept wishing she would talk to someone about her problems. In all, Complex Solutions gave them much to think about.
Susan Dalessandro deftly created likable, believable lead characters thrust into an incredible situation. Written for a younger audience, older readers may feel an overwhelming urge to wrap the lead in a hug and beg her to stop making bad decisions. However, growing up means enacting a lot of less thought out ideas, and it does make for tension in the story.
I read this with the kids. S. particularly enjoyed the acceptance and friendship between Lexi and Sarah and the budding romance Lexi experienced with Joe. She seemed to understand and empathize with Lexi’s plight. Eleven-year-old M., meanwhile, grew upset by Lexi’s decisions and kept wishing she would talk to someone about her problems. In all, Complex Solutions gave them much to think about.
February 28, 2022
Robin's Review: A complex and compelling story of teen Lexi. She is going through high school and life with a broken spirit. Her parents have died from a car accident, and she has had to move in with her grandmother which means a new school and new people. Lexi is going through so much; guilt over her parents death, anxiety and depression, which has resulted in self harm. She tries to solve a mystery concerning her parents mathematics secret, but that turns out to be quite dangerous for her, add bullying in because she is new and different at her school, and it’s hard for her to make new friends let alone open up her heart to someone.
This story has complicated mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and self-harm, but it is written with such knowledgeable concern and sympathetic understanding that it just blew me away. The plot is strong and full of teenage emotions and new found strength. It shows the main character grow throughout the story and then learning to forgive herself. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from author, Susan Dalessandro.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
This story has complicated mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and self-harm, but it is written with such knowledgeable concern and sympathetic understanding that it just blew me away. The plot is strong and full of teenage emotions and new found strength. It shows the main character grow throughout the story and then learning to forgive herself. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from author, Susan Dalessandro.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
October 13, 2022
A well-crafted debut, complete with a thrilling mystery and real, deeply flawed characters. For the most part, I enjoyed Complex Solutions and am truly glad I had the chance to read it. It did take a little while to get into the story, but that's forgivable in my book. My main qualm was with the romance, which - even though mostly clean - was still more than I cared for. Otherwise, I could really feel the care and thought that went behind this story so clearly, and I appreciated that. It made reading this book that much more worthwhile to me.
All in all, I'd say it was a solid read.
All in all, I'd say it was a solid read.
February 28, 2023
Lexi is a troubled, vulnerable teenager who has lost her parents in a tragic accident.
After moving to another town, to live with her grandmother, she tries to settle into a new school. It’s easier said than done, with Lexi feeling an outcast, a target my the popular, bitchy girls and with her own secrets. With a new friend and love interest, life could become more positive. Her parents legacy is within reach and Lexi must navigate teenage life as well as trying to find crucial research her parents were working on before their untimely death.
This is a brilliant page turner that talks about issues that both young adults and older adults can relate to: negative coping mechanisms, fitting in, loss, friendships and relationships.
It is an excellent novel, written sensitively, with relatable characters and scenarios.
Highly recommended!
After moving to another town, to live with her grandmother, she tries to settle into a new school. It’s easier said than done, with Lexi feeling an outcast, a target my the popular, bitchy girls and with her own secrets. With a new friend and love interest, life could become more positive. Her parents legacy is within reach and Lexi must navigate teenage life as well as trying to find crucial research her parents were working on before their untimely death.
This is a brilliant page turner that talks about issues that both young adults and older adults can relate to: negative coping mechanisms, fitting in, loss, friendships and relationships.
It is an excellent novel, written sensitively, with relatable characters and scenarios.
Highly recommended!
June 27, 2022
Lexi has had a ROUGH time of it the last few months. Prior to the start of the book, her parents were killed in a car crash, and she has moved to live with her grandmother. Things seem to be going okay - not great - when she gets a letter from a mathematics institute her parents had been members of asking if she knew where the proof they had been working on before their death was. According to the letter, the proof, if they finished it, could change everything. Taken by surprise that she had known nothing about her parents' work, it doesn't take long for Lexi to figure out that they had been working on proving one of the major unsolved theorems in mathematics - the Reimann hypothesis.
But, just as she starts looking for the missing proof, she notices a strange man lurking around, always watching her. He also looks remarkably similar to the guy her friend says finally bought her parents' home. Is he stalking her? Is he also after the proof? Who is he? All of these questions and more are answered in this amazing book. The suspense in this book is amazingly well-written, and the character interaction really helps drive the story forward.
With the main character being a high school student, it's very likely that high-school-aged kids will also read it. For that reason, I have to include a trigger warning for self-harm and suicide. While there is no suicide attempt on-screen, Lexi's attempt prior to the start of the book is discussed. In addition, she actively engages in self-harm via cutting throughout the book.
As for the main topic of the storyline, even though it centers around a mathematical proof, understanding that proof is not required to enjoy the book. As a math geek, I can completely understand how a completed proof of this theorem could provoke this kind of scenario. I still remember the absolute breakthrough that was the successful proof of the Poincare conjecture in the early 2000s and, while it has been to long since I've worked with the complex equations associated with the Reimann hypothesis, I definitely understand just how big a completed proof would be to the mathematical world. I absolutely love that Dalessandro chose this topic for her book AND had a female main character with a strong ability in mathematics to star in the story.
Of course, it wouldn't be a YA book without a romance, and I liked the way the relationship between Lexi and Joe developed. While Joe does come across almost a bit too much like the perfect boyfriend in the beginning, I do like that we find out - along with Lexi - that his life isn't perfect either. It provides more depth to his reactions that really helps round him out as a character.
So, long story short, if you like thrillers and you like romance, you should read this book. If you like math, you should read this book. Really, if you like reading, you should read this book. It's just that good.
But, just as she starts looking for the missing proof, she notices a strange man lurking around, always watching her. He also looks remarkably similar to the guy her friend says finally bought her parents' home. Is he stalking her? Is he also after the proof? Who is he? All of these questions and more are answered in this amazing book. The suspense in this book is amazingly well-written, and the character interaction really helps drive the story forward.
With the main character being a high school student, it's very likely that high-school-aged kids will also read it. For that reason, I have to include a trigger warning for self-harm and suicide. While there is no suicide attempt on-screen, Lexi's attempt prior to the start of the book is discussed. In addition, she actively engages in self-harm via cutting throughout the book.
As for the main topic of the storyline, even though it centers around a mathematical proof, understanding that proof is not required to enjoy the book. As a math geek, I can completely understand how a completed proof of this theorem could provoke this kind of scenario. I still remember the absolute breakthrough that was the successful proof of the Poincare conjecture in the early 2000s and, while it has been to long since I've worked with the complex equations associated with the Reimann hypothesis, I definitely understand just how big a completed proof would be to the mathematical world. I absolutely love that Dalessandro chose this topic for her book AND had a female main character with a strong ability in mathematics to star in the story.
Of course, it wouldn't be a YA book without a romance, and I liked the way the relationship between Lexi and Joe developed. While Joe does come across almost a bit too much like the perfect boyfriend in the beginning, I do like that we find out - along with Lexi - that his life isn't perfect either. It provides more depth to his reactions that really helps round him out as a character.
So, long story short, if you like thrillers and you like romance, you should read this book. If you like math, you should read this book. Really, if you like reading, you should read this book. It's just that good.
December 4, 2022
I was given this ARC by Susan Dalessandro, the author. It arrived awhile ago but I finally got a chance to read it after some other ARCs.
This is a book I could not put down. Within the week I had it finished. It is a fast paced and simple book and I found it enjoyable the moment I picked it up. There is a trigger warning right when you start which I am glad was added and explained as it puts into concept the main character. As well if the reader has something as troubling as that they are going through or have went through, to give them that warning in case it causes trauma to awaken again if they got over it.
I liked that I was really able to connect with Lexi as a character a bit on a personal level. We all have been bullied in high school, otherwise have been the bully. On how traumatizing it can be to some where they can self harm themselves. Now I know that Lexi has been cutting for years in the book but as this was a big part in the book, I feel it would be great to have a book where it dives more into that as it is mentioned practically on every page. Even mentions that it can be depression or anxiety. I would have loved to have found out why she does it and to see she got better. As well with the whole book being about her parents who have died proving an impossible mathematics theorem, I would have loved to hear the answer if they did prove it. Instead, Susan, leaves that up to the reader to believe as in the end she mentions that it looks good so far. I would have loved to hear if they did hear it and to hear some good news for Lexi as she blames herself for her parents death and giving their proof was her way of correcting it. Or at least making up for it but as it was never mentioned is one reason why this book falls short of a five star rating. The other being that it was written almost script like and would have loved it more in paragraph style. The last reason being not hearing what causes Lexi to cut.
This book, as I was reading it, brought up personal thoughts for myself mentally. This book I think is a great eye opener to mental health and how it can impacts one life. With it being told in the first person you really get a good inside look of what its like in someone who feels troubled. Who is struggling and their fight to keeping their harmful or negative thoughts at bay. Their fight to cope and to stay alive and I think this book can help others in that issue. At least to help shed some light on what they are going through and know that those around them who love them are there to help.....always.
I do recommend this book for mental health and for teenagers who are struggling. Even parents who want to learn more about what can go on inside a teenagers mind who is not all that popular in school. On who thinks they do not fit in anywhere.
This is a book I could not put down. Within the week I had it finished. It is a fast paced and simple book and I found it enjoyable the moment I picked it up. There is a trigger warning right when you start which I am glad was added and explained as it puts into concept the main character. As well if the reader has something as troubling as that they are going through or have went through, to give them that warning in case it causes trauma to awaken again if they got over it.
I liked that I was really able to connect with Lexi as a character a bit on a personal level. We all have been bullied in high school, otherwise have been the bully. On how traumatizing it can be to some where they can self harm themselves. Now I know that Lexi has been cutting for years in the book but as this was a big part in the book, I feel it would be great to have a book where it dives more into that as it is mentioned practically on every page. Even mentions that it can be depression or anxiety. I would have loved to have found out why she does it and to see she got better. As well with the whole book being about her parents who have died proving an impossible mathematics theorem, I would have loved to hear the answer if they did prove it. Instead, Susan, leaves that up to the reader to believe as in the end she mentions that it looks good so far. I would have loved to hear if they did hear it and to hear some good news for Lexi as she blames herself for her parents death and giving their proof was her way of correcting it. Or at least making up for it but as it was never mentioned is one reason why this book falls short of a five star rating. The other being that it was written almost script like and would have loved it more in paragraph style. The last reason being not hearing what causes Lexi to cut.
This book, as I was reading it, brought up personal thoughts for myself mentally. This book I think is a great eye opener to mental health and how it can impacts one life. With it being told in the first person you really get a good inside look of what its like in someone who feels troubled. Who is struggling and their fight to keeping their harmful or negative thoughts at bay. Their fight to cope and to stay alive and I think this book can help others in that issue. At least to help shed some light on what they are going through and know that those around them who love them are there to help.....always.
I do recommend this book for mental health and for teenagers who are struggling. Even parents who want to learn more about what can go on inside a teenagers mind who is not all that popular in school. On who thinks they do not fit in anywhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2021
I liked this book! I think that the story was very intriguing and well built, and while I am not target audience for this book (as it is aimed at Young Adults) I will say that I could definitely sense the good intent behind the story. A lot of YA novels tackle things like mental health and self-harm in a very performative way, but this felt like a genuine and important depiction of these issues just because I could tell the writer cared so much and did not include these elements for shock value.
I thought that the ending was lovely too, very heart-warming and a satisfying conclusion to the novel.
Some constructive criticisms directly for the author - I noticed some repetition throughout the book (ie, the way Jess was always described as having white-blond hair in nearly every scene that she appeared in, when the colour of her hair had already been made evident and did not need to be added to the scene, for example). I also noticed (particularly in chapters fifteen to sixteen) some spelling and grammar mistakes which of course do not make the story any less compelling but perhaps could be something to bear in mind in any future books that you publish.
I have awarded this book three stars out of five - one star deducted for the errors as mentioned above, and one star deducted because (and I say this not to be picky but because Susan, you have a lot of potential and I can't wait to see that potential come to light in future novels) I found that the characters aside from main protagonist Lexi were a little under-developed, making her interactions with them feel one-sided at times. Particularly interactions with her best friend Sarah, her grandmother, and at times Joe - she spoke a lot about herself and the problem she is facing and left little room for natural chemistry or fun facts or dynamics in the interpersonal relationships at points. Jess also appeared a little cartoonishly villanous, where in literature it tends to be more relatable for even the 'baddies' to have redeeming qualities.
With that being said, I genuinely did find the book very enjoyable and it was an honour to explore a smaller author. Susan, if you read this, you have my full support and I hope that my criticism does not offend you - I believe that if you take it on board I will definitely be able to award you five stars in any future books that you write!
I thought that the ending was lovely too, very heart-warming and a satisfying conclusion to the novel.
Some constructive criticisms directly for the author - I noticed some repetition throughout the book (ie, the way Jess was always described as having white-blond hair in nearly every scene that she appeared in, when the colour of her hair had already been made evident and did not need to be added to the scene, for example). I also noticed (particularly in chapters fifteen to sixteen) some spelling and grammar mistakes which of course do not make the story any less compelling but perhaps could be something to bear in mind in any future books that you publish.
I have awarded this book three stars out of five - one star deducted for the errors as mentioned above, and one star deducted because (and I say this not to be picky but because Susan, you have a lot of potential and I can't wait to see that potential come to light in future novels) I found that the characters aside from main protagonist Lexi were a little under-developed, making her interactions with them feel one-sided at times. Particularly interactions with her best friend Sarah, her grandmother, and at times Joe - she spoke a lot about herself and the problem she is facing and left little room for natural chemistry or fun facts or dynamics in the interpersonal relationships at points. Jess also appeared a little cartoonishly villanous, where in literature it tends to be more relatable for even the 'baddies' to have redeeming qualities.
With that being said, I genuinely did find the book very enjoyable and it was an honour to explore a smaller author. Susan, if you read this, you have my full support and I hope that my criticism does not offend you - I believe that if you take it on board I will definitely be able to award you five stars in any future books that you write!
November 2, 2022
As a teacher, I had students often share with me their personal struggles, and the reasons for self-harm are brought out in the book-as I came to understand why certain students feel compelled to do this hard-to-conceive of action. The author had a complex set of issues facing the main character-a bully, a potential boyfriend, trying to discover and reclaim her meaningful past through her parents' work, all while attending and feeling the pressures of school. This is a book I will recommend to young adults or teens. Teens often hide their innermost feelings which leaves them vulnerable to outside forces. Complex Solutions by Susan Dalessandro provided subjective exploration of an overall tough issue to discuss, and offered closure through healthy recourses too, through the plot and main character Lexi.
October 28, 2024
Well written, engaging, and emotional
Complex Solutions is my first book by the author, and I was impressed. Tough topics relevant to teens are tackled in an engaging way, and you root for our young protagonist Lexi throughout the story. I loved that despite all her struggles, she really excels when it comes to her areas of strength, and it was refreshing to see math as a strength, especially in a believable, intelligent way. We need more books that sensitively focus on mental health topics like this one does. A highly recommended read.
Complex Solutions is my first book by the author, and I was impressed. Tough topics relevant to teens are tackled in an engaging way, and you root for our young protagonist Lexi throughout the story. I loved that despite all her struggles, she really excels when it comes to her areas of strength, and it was refreshing to see math as a strength, especially in a believable, intelligent way. We need more books that sensitively focus on mental health topics like this one does. A highly recommended read.
May 31, 2024
This young adult novel introduces us to Lexi, a young woman who has faced her fair share of struggles—from the loss of her parents to the difficulties of starting at a new school. What truly stands out is the way it tackles the issue of mental health. Through the character of Joe, we see how it's possible to be open and supportive when it comes to mental health, rather than stigmatizing those who are struggling. Bright, shiny 5 stars.
September 14, 2023
Omg this book definitely played with my feelings. I teared up a little and I’m happy that Lexi found someone like Joe. It was such a beautiful story of someone who is struggling but gets help and shows how strong she is. And finding someone like Joe ugh I’m swooning 🥰
November 8, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
as much as i am interested in reading books about characters with mental health problems… this book was heavy. definitely check trigger warning before reading. despite the heavy subject, this book was written beautifully connecting love, loss, and friendship
as much as i am interested in reading books about characters with mental health problems… this book was heavy. definitely check trigger warning before reading. despite the heavy subject, this book was written beautifully connecting love, loss, and friendship
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