Allsion’s Book Report

“The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic” by Breanne Randall

If you’ve been reading Allison’s Book Report for the last two years that I’ve been writing it (how has it already been two years!?) you know that I am a sucker for a little bit of magical realism. I can’t get enough of people living in a world that is like ours, but with a sprinkling of magic to mix it up a little!

This week’s book, “The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic” by Breanne Randall, is just that—and I know you’re going to love it.

This book throws us headfirst into the life of Sadie, a young woman navigating the messy aftermath of a truly epic heartbreak. We’re talking the kind that leaves you mainlining rom-coms and questioning all your life choices. But here’s the twist: Sadie’s world isn’t exactly like ours. In her reality, magic is a real thing, woven into the fabric of everyday life.

In Sadie’s world, heartbreak comes with some seriously inconvenient magical side effects—uncontrollable bursts of glitter, objects floating around her apartment when she’s feeling particularly angsty, and maybe even a rogue love potion incident or two. It’s like her emotions have their own chaotic magical manifestation, making an already tough time even more unpredictable.

As Sadie tries to piece her life back together—you know, the usual stuff like avoiding her ex and attempting to function as a normal human being—she also has to deal with these magical mishaps. It’s a hilarious and often frustrating juggling act. Imagine trying to explain to your boss why their stapler is currently orbiting your head because you listened to a sad song on the way to work!

Through the chaos, Sadie starts to discover something important about herself and her own inner strength. She meets some quirky and supportive friends who understand the bizarre realities of her world, and maybe—just maybe—there’s even a hint of new romance on the horizon, though she’s understandably cautious after her last experience.

“The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic” is a charming and witty story about finding yourself amidst the emotional wreckage and magical mayhem. It’s about how even the most inconvenient side effects can lead to unexpected discoveries—and the realization that sometimes, the magic we need most is the magic within ourselves. It’s a fun, lighthearted read with a good dose of heart that’ll definitely leave you smiling.

I hope you get a chance to grab this great book, and that it puts a little bit of magic in your week. Don’t forget to pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader for some more magical realism recommendations and more.