The Infinite Noise (Bright Sessions #1)

Two teenage boys find a special connection in this YA romance debut with connections to the author’s sci-fi podcast. Caleb doesn’t know why he feels so overwhelmed at school, but after he snaps and gets into a fight, a special therapist helps him recognize his superhuman ability to feel others’ emotions. Keeping his secret and taming his own feelings aren’t easy, but both feel manageable when he’s around Adam, a classmate who, despite his own struggles with depression, helps to drown out the chaos and soothe Caleb’s frazzled nerves. As the two grow closer, Caleb has to sort out whether the attraction he feels is his own first same-sex attraction or simply a reflection of Adam’s feelings for him. The teens’ mental-health struggles are portrayed with veracity and compassion, as is the development of their relationship. Though any teen open to gay romance might enjoy this novel, it will have particular resonance with those who have experienced depression or emotional overloads. Ages 13–up. [em](Sept.) [/em]