I am obsessed with the Bright Sessions podcast: it is technically and linguistically perfect in every way. While I'm a much bigger fan of Sam and Chloe, the story wouldn't be the same without the two goofy gay teen boys who bring joy and angst into everyone's lives. I loved the glimpse into Caleb and Adam's lives that the podcast doesn't have the perspective to share. You need a more personal point of view to really understand Caleb's power and to realize how long it took Adam to fully appreciate Caleb's affections as truth. I can't wait for the book from Damien's POV because, I will admit, I'm a sucker for a good villain and god DAMN, if he isn't a good bad guy. I don't know if I'm super psyched for rose's book, but I'm sure the writing will be stellar.

3.5 stars

The Infinite Noise is based off a popular podcast about Atypical individuals in their therapy sessions. I never listened to the podcasts so I do wonder if I missed something in the translation.

Loves:
I love the concept. it is not: person finds out they have a 'superpower' and they don a costume and go about saving the world, rather they have a superpower and what does that really look like to the people who are dealing with it?
In this case, Caleb is an empath and he strongly feels all of the feelings of individuals around him. This would be horrible for an adult but Caleb is a teenager in a high school. The author does an impressive job of explaining how overwhelmed he feels.

The author does an amazing job with describing the emotions as colors and specific sensations. When she describes jealousy I might have screamed "That's it!" out loud.
The flirtation and development of the relationship between Caleb and Adam is wonderfully done. And they are just adorable.

Not so much love:
Based on the description of superheroes in therapy, well, I wanted more than what we got. There wasn't much with Dr. Bright- who is she, how does she do this, how did Caleb's parents pick her?
The story is predominately a budding romance story, which while engaging, wasn't really what I thought the main plot would be. It was 60 some odd chapters of this romance and short on the therapy, the shadow organization, and the other atypicals.
Some of the writing was a touch on the cringey, but then again so are teenagers.

I am sure the podcast was great, but I rather wish I would have gotten more of the background/meat on the Atypicals.

I hadn't even heard of the Bright Sessions podcast before reading this book, but now I'm definitely going to search it out. I really enjoyed The Infinite Noise - as a big fan of young adult high school drama it ticked a lot of boxes for me, and it was very readable. The characters of Caleb and Adam felt very realistic and I thoght the discussion of mental health was well done (though as someone with no mental health issues, I may be wrong). I liked the way Caleb described the feelings - it definitely felt like we were getting a more in depth look at characters from a different perspective. My one gripe was that I saw the twist coming a mile off, but as I liked the characters and the rest of the plot so much I'll forgive it! I assume this is the start of a series of books so I'm intrigued to see where it goes from here, and what other characters Lauren Shippen introduces.

Perhaps I'm biased because I absolutely adore the The Bright Sessions podcast, but this was a FANTASTIC adaptation. Adam and Caleb's story was one of my favorites, so it was so wonderful to see it a novel format. Shippen was able to successfully bring all of the finely nuanced dialogue, plot, setting, characterization and everything else to the page. Shippen definitely has a knack for this, so I hope this won't be the last we hear from her. Additionally, I can't wait to read the next two books in the series! Allegedly, we'll be getting Damian's story (another one of my favorites) and Rose's. Definitely worthy of a purchase and if you have a hot minute, make sure to check out the podcast too.

I’m definitely biased to enjoy this book because it has all of the tropes I love wrapped up into one novel. That said, this isn’t a perfect novel — but hey, what book is? The writing bounced between ‘been-there-seen-that’ and just plain fun. I mean, if you’re going into this thinking you’ll enjoy it, I think you definitely will. The pacing is a bit odd, the writing is eye-roll worthy occasionally, the ending is slightly anticlimactic, and the podcast tie ins in the last quarter are a bit much, but I’m sure fans of the podcast itself will not mind that aspect. If you’re here for teen boys falling in love and balancing super powers with high school drama, you’re in the right place. This isn’t a unique book by any means, but it delivers where it promised to, and I think that’s enough. I particularly liked how mental health and depression was portrayed and how the characters responded to it. I wish we’d had a bit more fleshing out of the characters and relationships that didn’t consist of only Caleb and Adam, but Caleb and Adam ARE great characters — I just wish they hadn’t been the only ones. I’m intrigued to check out more of the podcast and possibly even the other planned novels. While this feels more like a 3.5 rating, probably, I personally just am a sucker for gay super powered teens, so I’ll bump it up to a 4/5 stars.

PS — Two things I also need to mention: 1. That cover is GORGEOUS. Like, maybe the best one so far to come out of this year. Bravo, cover artist! 2. Lauren Shippen is a Skam fan or she’s a goddamn liar LOL! There’s a scene in the second half of the book that is literally right out of Skam season 3. And I’m not complaining at all! It worked well; one of the best scenes in the book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to find out that I had been selected to get a copy of this novel.. Lauren Shippen's The Bright Sessions has been my favorite podcast since I discovered it three years ago.

The Infinite Noise is a book that gets into the minds of two of the podcast's best characters, Caleb and Adam. Caleb, a teenage atypical, struggles in a world where he is an empath - capable of experiencing and feeling the emotions of others.

No spoilers, but the thing I loved the most about this novel was the characterization. Lauren Shippen successfully translated Caleb and Adam from podcast to novel, all the while emphasizing the internal struggles of being an empath and being a teenage boy struggling with depression.

I am a lifelong fan.

The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen is based on the story of two characters, Adam and Caleb, from her popular radio drama-style podcast called Bright Sessions. As a fan of her now finished podcast, which follows a group of individuals who see therapist Dr. Bright in order to deal with their superpower-like abilities, I couldn’t pass up the chance to read and review this highly anticipated book.

Caleb Michaels is your quintessential Golden Boy. He’s on the football team, he’s attractive, he does well in school. But underneath that shiny exterior Caleb is dealing with his unique and overwhelming ability to feel what other people feel. He’s not just empathetic; without trying he feels the emotions of any nearby person. A classroom full of nervous teenagers taking an exam? Total nightmare. So Caleb begins to see a therapist by the name of Dr. Bright who tries to help him deal with his quote-unquote superpower.

While most people’s feelings are too much for Caleb to handle, he notices that one of his classmates isn’t so bad to be around. Adam Hayes’ feelings, often lonely and desperately sad, are somehow calming. To get a better handle on his ability, Dr. Bright suggests Caleb reach out to Adam. He does, and in Adam finds a much needed friend and possibly something more.

This book is not a sequel to the podcast. It is a retelling of Caleb’s and Adam’s stories as told in the podcast. For fans, this will be a fun way to revisit these two adorable and beloved characters. However, I wish the book fleshed out the world and characters in greater depth than it was able to in the podcast, but we actually end up getting much less information. By following only two characters, neither of whom are Dr. Bright, much of the context of the story is completely lost. Newcomers to this world may be confused as to how Dr. Bright is able to diagnose and help people like Caleb, and how Caleb has his ability in the first place. The introduction of a few characters who feature in the podcast but not directly in Adam’s or Caleb’s lives will also seem random and unthoughtful.

Content disclosure: This book contains references to mental illness (depression) and self-harm (cutting, non-explicit) as well as a few moments of violence (punching). As mentioned above, therapy sessions are also involved.

I’m not sure The Infinite Noise addresses these topics in the most sensitive manner or even addresses them enough. Some readers may take issue with why they’re present at all considering they’re not actually discussed in the book.

I would absolutely recommend this book to listeners and lovers of the podcast, even though it didn’t deliver as much as I’d hoped. For newcomers, I’d recommend to listen to the podcast first. Unless, of course, they don’t care much about the specifics of the world and only want to read about a budding romance between two awkward high schoolers. In which case, this book may satisfy as it certainly falls under the YA romance category.

I requested this book before I had listened to the podcast at all. I decided to start listening to it in preparation of reading this book and before I knew it I HAD TO READ THIS BOOK. So, the podcast is amazing-- and I'm not yet finished listening to it (at the time that I'm writing up this review), and I will say that this book really does follow along with the podcast as Caleb is a regular patient of Dr. Bright.
--People who have listened to the podcast will recognize many of the scenes, but not everything from the podcast is told here and there are many extra scenes in this book to flush out Caleb and Adam's relationship. Also, Adam's point of view is told often, which I ended up loving. Also, it doesn't encompass all the seasons of the podcast. I won't go into further detail as to not spoil anything. 
--On the flipside do you need to listen to the podcast to understand this book? 
No. I would recommend it because you'll understand some of the background threats and characters more --and the actors are AMAZING at giving these characters life, but if you want to read the book and not listen to the podcast you will still completely be able to follow the story. 

Okay, let me talk a bit more about this book. I absolutely love it. It really does deal with a lot. Adam has depression, a semi-weird home life, and is bullied regularly. Caleb is an empath, a football player who is still on the outside since he has a hard time being around people, and is in therapy-- willingly. It was really nice to read about characters having positive experiences with therapy and their therapist since I'm used to the negative stereotypes regarding it. I am so onboard with normalizing people going to therapy. 

Caleb and Adam's relationship is sweet, adorable, and just... the best. It is kind of a friends-to-lovers with all the obstacles teenage boys have, PLUS the more supernatural secrets and elements between them. Caleb is an empath though so he brings up feelings and it is fascinating to see how even knowing everyone's feelings can sometimes make a relationship more difficult. Some situations end up being funny, sad, embarrassing, or absolutely lovely. This story had me so invested in their lives.

These are the sweetest boys who deserve the world. They may in fact be my favorite characters, so I was glad to have their book. 

I 100% recommend this book to people looking for a little supernatural in a love story.

I flipping love YA novels (or any novels, really) that have to do with sports! therefore I loved this!

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 picked up this book without having heard a single episode of The Bright Sessions podcast. It has an intriguing concept, what if people could feel your emotions, change what you're feeling, or even read your mind. High school has just become so much harder because you find out you're an empath and feeling everyone's emotions is totally overwhelming. Caleb and Adam's story is interesting. You feel for them both, but I could have done with more. Slow in places, rushed in others. I will read a sequel if/when one comes out.

Having been a fan of Lauren Shippen’s podcast The Bright Sessions for years, it was only natural that The Infinite Noise shot to the top of my most-anticipated books of the year once it was announced. Unsurprisingly, following Caleb Michaels and Adam Hayes back into their world through this new medium was a daydream of an experience—it felt, most keenly, like coming home.

The narrative of The Infinite Noise follows Caleb and Adam’s journey from classmates to friends to boyfriends and seeing their relationship blossom on the page was sheer joy. Shippen’s writing here was so distinct and vivid that I heard the voices of every character in my head as I read, particularly Caleb and Adam, and I found myself going through an endless cycle of emotions. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me feel like I never wanted to leave its pages.

All of the characteristic themes of The Bright Sessions are in these pages and, personally, it was healing for me to read first-hand about Caleb and Adam’s experiences with sexuality, relationships, mental health, and boundaries. Just as in the podcast, I saw myself in these pages in ways I didn’t know I needed to, and I am immensely grateful for the ways in which Lauren Shippen continues to so carefully write about—and for—those of us who feel as if they don’t belong.

While I’m sure that readers unfamiliar with The Bright Sessions will find this novel as emotional, hilarious, poignant, and insightful as I did, I would highly recommend binge-listening to The Bright Sessions before the release of The Infinite Noise. It’s my favorite podcast—for its writing, production, vocal talent, and subject matter, amongst other reasons—and the world of The Bright Sessions, as evidenced by The Infinite Noise, is only growing from here. I don’t have enough words to properly thank Lauren Shippen for all that this universe has done for me over the past few years and I can’t wait for the next two novels in this series.

Truth be told, I had not heard of The Bright Sessions podcast prior to reading THE INFINiTE NOISE. Thankfully, not having that knowledge did not dampen my enjoyment of this book as a whole. It's a quiet read that settles into you, much like the way one of its protagonists, Caleb, is constantly immersed with feelings. While low on actual plot, the character work was warm, refreshing, and its handling of mental health and depression done with care. There's a lot here to enjoy - both for fans of the podcast as well as any newcomers, like myself, who now plan on binging The Bright Sessions. I'd readily recommend THE INFINITE NOISE for anyone that enjoys the speculative nature of Adam Silvera mixed with the quietness of Nina LaCour.

*ARC received from NetGalley in return for an honest review*

Before I start this review I have to say that I have never listened to the podcast that this is based on. I just went into this book expecting a cute gay romance which I got. The first 70% of the book was really cute and then things turned a little ugly. As someone who has been in therapy most of their lives, it was really disturbing to see these teens stalking a therapist's office to see who the other patients might be. Currently, I just can't get over the fact that the author decided this would be a good plot point to have in the book and, apparently, in the podcast as well according to one of my friends. I highly doubt I am going to finish the book just because I really can't find it in myself to get through this one particular scenario.

4/4
Okay, I love the world of X-men or a world where humans have special abilities and power. It is just fascinating to see how far science can go if given the proper green light when it comes to experimenting with humans. One of my favorite part of the book was the way Caleb's "superpowers" were described. I was struggling with him, especially, when it is happening to a high school student. Seriously, it's the worst time for such ability to become aware to Caleb. The way emotions were described in this book was stifling. I could feel everything Caleb was going through. You will see what I mean. It has been described to the T.
Adam also is tackling his own demons, I felt for him, the author did a great job of describing how he felt. I was vividly seeing while reading what some of us go through on a daily basis.
I don't want to give away too much, but if you are a fan of the X-men series and superpowers trope, you will love this one. I can't wait to see how the story progresses fro Adam and Caleb because there is still a lot yet to be revealed.

I love this story so much. I'm so glad I came across this book on Netgalley, and that I decided to listen to the Bright Sessions podcast after reading the description. Some of the book was stuff I had already listened to because of the podcast, but I loved being able to read the behind the scenes stuff in real time, instead of just hearing Caleb recount them in his therapy sessions like in the podcast. I think this book may be a little confusing for someone who hasn't listened to the podcast, but for anyone who has, it's an amazing addition to Caleb and Adam's story!

This book's ideas caught my attention immediately. It is the general gay teen book but with the twist of the supernatural added, something that can only make it better. That being said all gay teen books I have read seem to be missing something I cannot put my finger on and this book is no different. While the supernatural element adds to the plot it seems to be missing a crucial element to make it a 5 star book.
While reading this book I couldn't help but appreciate that Caleb, an empath feeling everyone else emotions, has to tackle and understand his, something more men in the world could use.
The other main character, Adam, has depression and this is written about quite acutely. Having depression myself I found that I identified with Adam's feelings and felt the this type of story needs to be read by more people to help understand the effects of depression. However Adam talks about self harm a lot, saying that he has drastically reduced it prior to the beginning of the book but still does it now and again. I really feel that with the well executed depression and teenage feelings in the book that this had to be seen rather than just talked about. this is an issue for many people and it seemed to be added in just to be inclusive.
This book was beautiful , I devoured it within two days, and I now plan on listening to the podcasts I did not know about prior to reading it. I would also highly recommend this book to readers of David Levithan, Sandy Hall, Bill Konigsberg and Adam Silvera .

I was absolutely charmed by this book and these characters. I'd never heard of The Bright Sessions before, but after reading this book, I've begun listening from the beginning so I can stay in Shippen's lovely little universe for a little longer.
Caleb and Adam are both beautifully flawed and vulnerable characters who complement each other perfectly. I loved seeing Caleb's layers slowly peel away as his friendship with Adam bloomed, from appearing the quiet football player with "anger issues" to showing his honest self: a scared teenager who just wants to help and to be heard. Adam is a sweetheart, a loner who doesn't know how to let down his walls, even and especially when someone wants to see what's behind them. Both of the characters felt full and alive and complicated and so very human.
What I appreciated most about this story, however, was the gentle and loving way in which Shippen told it. This isn't a fantastic, exciting X-men-esque adventure. There are no broad social movements at play, no explosive climaxes, no grand treatises on the state of the world or the human experience. This is a very quiet, intimate story of two boys, one of whom just so happens to have what amounts to a superpower. It's small and personal and heartwarming in all the right ways, and it just made me smile.
That being said, it was a book I could easily set aside. There was little suspense or "movement" to make me feel eager for the next part. The whole plot just trundled along, easy and light as water down a stream, and while it was refreshing to have a story that didn't lay claim to my sanity, it also didn't blow me away. But maybe that's a good thing. Either way, Shippen has told a lovely little story, and if there were to be a sequel, I would love to read it. After all, that secret organization hasn't been burned down yet; I'd love to see Caleb and Adam try. ;)

(This review will be posted on social media 30 days before its release.)