Exploring ‘The Infinite Noise’ of emotions in this debut novel

The Infinite Noise is an adaptation of a podcast series called The Bright Sessions

by Shuyler Clark

Caleb Michaels bears the typical struggles of a high schooler, but his life as a normal kid is upended when he manifests a superhuman ability. As an Atypical, Caleb can feel the emotions of those around him. While feeling the charged emotions of dozens of teenagers at once can be overwhelming, Caleb finds solace in the melancholic feelings of his classmate Adam. Adam, a loner with a seemingly unrequited crush on Caleb, gradually accepts Caleb’s offer of friendship in this novel exploring the complexities of peoples’ emotions.

Lauren Shippen’s debut novel The Infinite Noise is an adaptation of a podcast series called The Bright Sessions, in which Atypicals like Caleb attend therapy sessions to master their gifts. The novel follows the general plot of Caleb’s episodes from the podcast, but while that series presents as recordings of therapy sessions, the novel delves into Caleb’s point of view directly. For the most part, the book holds up on its own without readers needing to listen to the podcast first.

Shippen’s focus in her debut is developing Caleb and Adam’s relationship from classmates to lovers. Chapters alternate between the two characters’ perspectives. This initially establishes their personalities and motivations, but after some time it focuses on Caleb feeling Adam’s depression and Adam wondering how Caleb is unnervingly perceptive. The dramatic irony becomes repetitive until Caleb reveals his ability about two-thirds of the way through the book.

With this revelation comes his declaration of love for Adam. Given their initial status as little more than strangers, the progression of their relationship feels natural, especially considering Caleb doesn’t view Adam as a potential love interest until deep into their friendship. They bear some of the classic young-adult character tropes (the hot-headed jock and the Shakespeare-loving academic), which is a bit stale as more than these two personalities exist in high school, but their attraction feels genuine regardless.

After their status as boyfriends solidifies, the plot’s pacing accelerates at breakneck speed. Although the romantic development was the story’s main focus, Shippen also establishes the existence of a mysterious organization that studies Atypicals, possibly with malicious intent. This organization is presented as the ultimate antagonistic force, but the book ends without a definitive resolution as to their goals. The last third of the novel also introduces several new characters who do not receive enough time to feel significant; it seems like the book’s climax is checking off plot points rather than giving them enough space to develop the world.

As The Infinite Noise is the first in a series, there is potential in future installments to expand on the world of Atypicals; however, since those follow-ups feature different characters in different time periods, it is safe to assume Caleb and Adam’s story is left with several unanswered questions. Despite this, Shippen’s debut presents a unique take on superhuman fiction and may prove to be a refreshing read for fans of the genre.

ShuylerClark