The Infinite Noise: A Bright Sessions Novel

Ever since I first started listening to The Bright Sessions podcast, I have felt moved by the characters of Caleb and Adam, being a member of the LGBT community myself. Lauren Shippen is a storyteller who masterfully articulates the complexity of thoughts and feelings in a way that makes them easier to understand by using imagery. Also, James Fouhey and Briggon Snow added to the unforgettable experience of listening to this novel in audio format with their brilliant narration.I thought I related most to Caleb because of his sensitivity and core of goodness. I never realized how much more I relate to Adam until listening to this audiobook because his character and background wasn't able to be explained in detail throughout the podcast. Hearing his thoughts and emotions described, including his struggle with depression, made me feel validated and seen for the first time, which is such a beautiful feeling.I have waited for this book ever since Lauren announced that there would be a book series based on the podcast. Still, this is a standalone novel, and there's no need to listen to the podcast before enjoying it.From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank her, Briggon, James, and all the other people responsible for bringing this novel to life. I love these boys, and this is another story that I will carry in my heart always.

I had fun reading this. I do wish the writer had utilized more detail. It would have been nice to be able to visualize the characters, or the setting, more clearly. The story is most successful when it dives into its science fiction aspects and applies super powers to relationships and puberty. Those bits of the story were impossible to put down. In terms of the characters, the reader always feels three steps ahead of them, and the even characters meant to be intelligent seem a bit thick, which may cause readers to grow impatient with the narrative. On the other hand, parts of the narrative were rushed, and most characters in the story end up feeling a bit two dimensional. So it's not a perfect ya book by any measure, but it's still a hell of a lot of fun to read and stayed up all night reading it.

This book is absolutely beautiful. I found it because of the podcast it is based on, The Bright Sessions, and it is a wonderful complement to these characters’ story in the podcast. However, you don’t need to have listened to enjoy this book (though I’m sure you will want to afterwards!). Lauren Shippen continually does a wonderful job of writing how it feels to be dealing with emotions- from small to big, even when they aren’t your own. Caleb and Adam are two sides of a coin. Meathead and Dork. Yellow and Blue. Together they figure out how to get through some really tough parts of growing up- high school, first love, and mental health difficulties.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.As a fan and reader of YA, this book was perfect. As a huge fan of the podcast, I wanted another two books of Adam and Caleb.As a standalone novel, The Infinite Noise is close to perfect. Lauren knows these characters inside and out by this point and it shows. This was super easy to read in tone, language, and continuity. There weren't any gaps where there are events solely from the podcast with no explanation.Reflecting on the podcast, this novel was a treat. I loved seeing moments I recognized and knew incorporated into the larger story here. I also loved getting Adam's point of view as well, since he was definitely a favorite character in his few early appearances in the podcast. It was just really great to see the world expanded beyond Dr. Bright's point of view and get to know the lives behind the characters.There were a few (seriously, only about three) where it seemed like about two paragraphs were out of order. Like maybe Lauren realized that bit of story was from the podcast and then swooped back in to explain it. But it wasn't very noticeable and didn't affect the storytelling at all.I've seen a lot of discussion about mental health and how this book deals with it. As a person with depression, I can say it is absolutely spot-on. Yes, there are repeated mentions of self-harm. But they're from that character's point of view and they also talk about the therapy and recovery surrounding it. It's discussed as a "release" for that character because it is, but they also know it isn't the right way to deal with this feelings.The anger issues are handled the same way. The character enters therapy and begins to learn ways to deal with it. They're not perfect and 100% successful, but who is?I think what amazed me most about this novel was how solidly Lauren handled the male perspective and voice. I know there are many female readers and writers of gay male romance, but Lauren's take is solid. I would think an actual teenage boy could read this without constantly rolling his eyes and complaining that "a girl wrote it."I thoroughly enjoyed The Infinite Noise. I do think I liked it even more because I listen to the podcast, but I don't at all think that's necessary to get the story or the feelings or to fall completely in love with these characters.(I do think it's important that it has a warning about the mentions of self-harm and very direct depictions of depression and anger. But considering Lauren is a podcast producer and every episode is prefaced with the necessary information, I imagine that will be taken care of.)I can't wait to see more from Lauren Shippen! Both the other books in this universe and beyond!

I started listening to the Bright Sessions Podcast almost a year ago and fell in love with Lauren Schippen's story. I highly recommend that you listen to the series, but even if you don't, this book is GORGEOUS! I love the imagery and the relationship between Adam and Caleb and you really don't need the podcast's context to enjoy this wonderful whirlwing of a romance (however, it is nice to know what Adam's and Caleb's voices canonically sound like). I also adore how Lauren never describes the character's physical appearances except for their eye color, allowing the reader/listener to keep whatever mental image they cultivate about the characters, weather from the podcast or the novel. Caleb and Adam and co. can be whatever ethnicity the reader chooses to imagine them as and I think that it's beautiful.THANK YOU LAUREN!!!!!!!!!