This is the story of a teenage girl and her battle with cancer. However, it is not the typical depressing cancer story where the main character dies at the end, leaving a heartbroken family. Instead, it is a tale narrated by a girl who simply refuses to give up.

Izzy's battle with cancer is strikingly chronicled throughout the book. A normal, healthy teenager, Izzy discovers she has lymphoma.

Now, instead of spending her days in school, she passes most of her time in the hospital, getting shots, undergoing chemo, and puking. Her mom breaks down 24/7, and her friends treat her as if she is a fragile package that will break at any moment. Her brother doesn't really understand what is happening, and her dad lives in a daze. Izzy, however, keeps her humor and sassy attitude in spite of all the turmoil and pain. Unlike those around her, she remains determined to beat the cancer, even though sometimes she feels as if she might be better off dead.

This well-written book is very enjoyable. Amy Goldman Koss doesn't blunt the pain of having cancer, which makes the book realistic, intense, and emotional. Izzy's wit and sharp tongue keep it lively and entertaining as readers feel her every emotion. Best of all, it is a story of survival and triumph. Perhaps the only downside is the abrupt ending, but readers will still be satisfied.

Side Effects is for teenagers and older readers. If you enjoy a realistic story of survival, you will be sure to like this tale of one girl's “descent into hell and safe return.”