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A review by brenn_a_boo
The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
A quick read. Not particularly ground-breaking, but I really enjoyed Caleb. I also really enjoyed that both sets of parents were very supportive of their children--although Caleb's parents seem to go about it in a healthier way than Adam's parents, who seem at times both too cold and yet overbearing.
The premise of the story is that Caleb develops empathy and discovers he is a part of a rare group of humans called Atypicals. As he grapples with controlling his abilities, he discovers that he REALLY likes the way Adam feels, and from this they form a romantic relationship. Unfortunately, Adam has depression, so that puts a damper on things. Oh, and Adam's parents have done some questionable research on Atypicals in the past, which is awkward for everyone.
Overall, I thought this book spent far too long in the quagmire of the high school boy brain and not enough time actually developing a plot. The barebones are there--a few other Atypicals get cameos, Caleb's therapist is terrified of some Atypical watch dog group called AM, the mysterious research Adam's parents have a hand in--but ultimately this book only gives plot crumbs and instead goes all in on the boys internal dramas.
Even still, I didn't hate it. I did feel for both Adam and Caleb at different times, even if I found Caleb to be a more likeable character, and I was rooting for them to figure their problems out.
Is this book worth a reread? No, not really. Will I read "A Neon Darkness", another book about Atypicals? Probably not. Will I read something else by the same author? Maybe.
The premise of the story is that Caleb develops empathy and discovers he is a part of a rare group of humans called Atypicals. As he grapples with controlling his abilities, he discovers that he REALLY likes the way Adam feels, and from this they form a romantic relationship. Unfortunately, Adam has depression, so that puts a damper on things. Oh, and Adam's parents have done some questionable research on Atypicals in the past, which is awkward for everyone.
Overall, I thought this book spent far too long in the quagmire of the high school boy brain and not enough time actually developing a plot. The barebones are there--a few other Atypicals get cameos, Caleb's therapist is terrified of some Atypical watch dog group called AM, the mysterious research Adam's parents have a hand in--but ultimately this book only gives plot crumbs and instead goes all in on the boys internal dramas.
Even still, I didn't hate it. I did feel for both Adam and Caleb at different times, even if I found Caleb to be a more likeable character, and I was rooting for them to figure their problems out.
Is this book worth a reread? No, not really. Will I read "A Neon Darkness", another book about Atypicals? Probably not. Will I read something else by the same author? Maybe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Self harm