The Infinite Noise: A Bright Sessions Novel

I hadn't heard of or listened to the podcast this book is based off of so this review won't stem from that. This book wasn't what I was expecting but it was good nonetheless. You read teenagers with powers so you're thinking perhaps some action will be involved..and you'd be thinking wrong. But, I repeat, that's not a bad thing in this case. Being a teenager is hard. Being a teenager in high school is hard. Being a teenager in high school and finding out you have powers is crazy and hard. Being a teenager in high school and finding out your superpower is to sense others emotions around you is beyond bananas. Teenagers are nothing if not rockets of emotions from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. I haven't been a teenager for some time but I remember..oh I remember. lol I love that Caleb went to therapy and wasn't sent of somewhere instead. It showed his struggle between finding out which were his own feelings and which were not. I like that it wasn't just Caleb's POV but Adam's as well. His chapters bought a nice balance to Calebs. A story about two young boys finding their way to each other...and I enjoyed it. Even though it was a tad slow. That's why a four star instead of five. It was missing a bit of something. Nevertheless, a book i feel should be read especially by the teenagey folk.

I’ve been looking forward to reading The Infinite Noise since it was announced. I decided to hold off on listening to the podcast; I wanted to see if the book would hold up on its own and I’m pleased to say that it did! Not only does this story have some amazing LGBTQA+ representation, it also touches on the topic of mental illness in a way that’s totally unique. It was refreshing to see a character enjoy and recognize the benefits of therapy. Plus, the parallel between Caleb’s power and Adam’s depression allows for some amazing character development. At times, Caleb’s insight made me feel genuinely bad for characters I thought were totally irredeemable. It made me question myself, and the people I knew in high school. I’m looking forward to the next book and plan to download the podcast in the future.