It hooked me right away, im a huge science girl so the whole academic side really did it for me. I will say it kinda lags at some points and the plot becomes a little repetitive but i would overall recommend.

Unfortunately this one was not for me. I didn’t connect to the characters and found myself bored after reading a fourth of the book. I wish I connected with it more.

I did not love this book. I hate saying that, because I know that the concept was a good one. It just didn't work for me. I was bored for the majority of the book, and felt like overall it was just VERY slow moving for me. Maybe the storyline just wasn't for me, but I wish that there was more. More of what? I dont even know. But more of SOMETHING, as I just had zero desire to continue this once I was a couple of chapters in. I did trudge through, and it just wasn't a hit for me. You might like this if you are interested in college labs, and academics in that regard.

Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor is a beautifully cerebral and poetic exploration of love, loss, and the cosmic scale of emotion. Taylor’s spare, reflective prose allows each phrase to resonate long after you finish. A quietly stunning meditation on life’s mysteries.

This book follows two Harvard students, Zoe and Jack, who have discovered the cure for aging. The promise of immortality is at their fingertips. I thought the concept of this book was very interesting, but I rated it just three stars. I believe the execution of the plot and the writing itself was average. I wanted more interesting character development from Jack and Zoe. Overall the last 1/3 of the book felt very slow. However, I am interested to follow this author to see how their writing and books improve and develop over time.

The best part of this book starts at 60%. The mostly first half has a TomorrowX3 vibe, but that was such an outstanding book for me so it was hard not to judge this one against that read. At first, I just couldn’t connect to the characters as deeply. But then, the plot takes a major shift as well as changes voice. It was riveting and heartbreaking. As this was a debut, I look forward to what this author.

This book was so ambitious for a debut! The beginning of the story was a bit slow for me, and it felt like there should have been more show instead of tell details to help the reader learn about Zoe and Jack and their project. I felt that the structure of the book was very similar to Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff in how the perspective changed mid-novel, however I still didn't understand Jack's motivation by the end of the book. Was it love? Was it money? Security? Safety? Was he a fraud the entire time? Maybe the author intentionally left these as unanswered questions but I found myself frustrated with the lack of clarity around his motivations. I was also surprised there was no mention at all of his diabetes in his side of the story. Didn't that deeply affect his childhood as much as the rest of the trauma he endured? The writing was really good, and I'm excited to see what Taylor writes next! For me, I wish this had been edited to be shorter in word count/page number, but overall I thought the character development was stellar and the atmosphere of what it's like to be at Harvard and in start up culture felt visceral. The themes of social class and intellectual class were really interesting.

I loved this book, even if it was painful at times to watch the decisions a couple of young people make that will impact their lives for years to come before they’re really equipped mentally and emotionally to do so. I cant say much more without giving things away but will just say that I loved the book.

Notes on Infinity takes you deep into the world of a Harvard undergrad chasing a future in medical research. At first, the scientific jargon can feel a bit dense, but it adds an authentic layer to the story and you don’t need to fully grasp every detail to get swept up in the plot.

This one blends business drama, a tangled love triangle, and childhood trauma, all building toward a twist you won’t see coming. The balance between personal drama and romance is spot-on. Jack’s love for Zoey is so consuming, it clouds his ability to see the truth around him.

Perfect for fans of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Very Bad Company, and The One That Got Away.

Thank you Celadon for the #gifted physical book as part of the Celadon Reads Together Initiative!

This one has a bold setup—a coming-of-age story set in the high-stakes world of STEM and elite academia, centered around the discovery of an anti-aging drug. It explores identity, power, and what we reveal (or hide) from the people closest to us.

I was all in on the themes, but the execution didn’t quite land for me. The pacing dragged for most of the book, and Zoe and Jack felt hard to connect with. The story finally picked up near the end, but by then, I was already worn out from all the science-heavy detail. I just needed more emotional pull earlier on to really care when it mattered most.

Deeply introspective and character-driven, this book seemed to slow time for me, even as the characters dove head-first into the exhilarating and fast-paced world of tech.
I enjoyed the technical aspects of their research and marketing, even as it snowballed into something out of their control as they relentlessly worked to create a pill that would reverse aging.

I felt like the last third of the book was rushed compared to the rest of it, but I still came away with a deep appreciation for Zoe and Jack’s characters and the conclusion of the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Honestly, I'm not sure how to review this book, so instead of a more review-focused post, we'll discuss the reading experience.

At around 50%, I shared that I was bored.

Zoe and Jack, two Harvard students equally matched in intelligence and ambition, are working to develop a drug that almost stops the aging process. Not quite immortality, but a much longer life is promised to investors who are helping them grow a billion-dollar startup.

There’s a near manic, mad scientist feel to the story, and I quite honestly wasn’t sure where it was going.

Several readers encouraged me to hang on; a shift was on the way.

And that’s where this review gets tricky. How long do you stick out a mostly mediocre story for a fantastic ending?

The ending makes this book. But, truthfully, the ending needs the setup it receives.

When a shocking accusation is made about the research, the story shifts from a balance of character and plot to one that leans heavily on characters and their motivations. This is where it shines. The why behind all we’ve experienced suddenly left the story feeling emotional and complex.

There are definitely heavy themes of immortality, ambition, friendship, and love, but I also walked away with an equally heavy feeling about what it means to be known and to belong, a need for family, and a brutal reminder of the power of hopelessness.

I am about to make quite a stretch in comparing two vastly different books here, but Broken Country left me with similar feelings as Notes on Infinity. Most agree on the morality of the issues presented here. It feels clearly right versus wrong, and that the characters are to blame for all that befalls them. However, when an author can make me understand and sympathize with why (not necessarily agree with, but understand), I will always have big feelings.

And ultimately, Notes on Infinity left me feeling big feelings for days after finishing. Ultimately, I am calling this a win.

This was such an emotional book. I enjoyed that were given both points of views. It was something I wasn't expecting and it really helped me understand the decisions that were made in the book. I have been recommending this book for anyone in a book club, because there is so much to unpack and discuss. While I didn't always understand the science-y parts, I was able to read through them and it didn't take away from the book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

NOTES ON INFINITY, Austin Taylor’s much-anticipated debut, was a great read for the Celadon Reads Together Initiative, prompting lively discussions within our buddy-read group as we were reading through the novel. I can’t compare it to the big one many are, as I have not read it, so I don’t have that frame of reference, nor am I science or STEM-oriented, which, I think, was a bit of a disadvantage for me with this novel. For me the premises were interesting, including the start-up aspect, but the execution was a little spotty. Zoe had a lot to live up to with her family, and the whole Harvard have-to-get-something-published-as-soon-as-possible is foreign to me. Some of Zoe’s early choices were disappointing, and, if Jack hadn’t had the coveted lab position so young, I don’t think she would have given him a second thought. I could also see how her involvement in the lab changed as things got bigger, but it was disappointing. There was also a big plot point early on that was part of a turning point, but once it was moved past, we never heard of it again, and that bugged me because it doesn’t just go away.
I can see why there are so many who love this, and Taylor has a bright future as a writer. I am giving this 3.5 stars rounded up, because, while I don’t feel like I am the best audience for this one, I know it is perfect for many, and I encourage you to pick it up and enjoy it.
Thanks to Celadon for the opportunity to read this in the Celadon Reads Together Initiative. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#CeladonReadsTogether #NotesOnInfinity

Thank you to Celadon Books for the ARC and ALC of Notes on Infinity! All opinions in this review are my own.

I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would! I was intrigued by the biotech startup storyline, but was surprised at how quickly I got sucked into Zoe's story and her quest for success. My only complaint is that I didn't like the part that Jack narrates. While that part of the story needed to be told, I didn't like how it jumped around chronologically, especially when it rehashed parts of the story that were already told. However, I found the end satisfying and would read more from this author!

I participated in a Read Together Initiative this month for Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor. I was able to discuss it with some new awesome bookish friends.

This one sounds awesome! It's academic, which I often love. Zoe has big dreams and goals. Then she meets Jack in one of her classes. They work together, and Zoe has a theory they want to prove. They put all of their energy into it and drop out of school. Companies are throwing money at them to help in their research. But then there's a snag, and things happen.

No spoilers, so I can't tell you more.

Some people in our group really enjoyed this book. I did not. I loved it until I didn't. The ending made me angry. The writing was great, and I loved the characters. I just really struggled with the ending.

SPOILERS BELOW HERE!!!

Jack fell in love with Zoe early on. He thought the only way to get her was to prove Zoe's theory correct. *Insert eyeroll here*. Jack does come with a tragic past, but still, when everything starts crumbling around them because of something JACK DID! He decides the best way to deal with it is to kill himself. There was no lead-up to it. No serious depression issues. Honestly, I thought his diabetes was going to kill him. I think that would have been a better way of wrapping up the story. Why leave the one he supposedly loved and sacrifice their entire futures to make her happy? Why leave her on purpose? I just don't get it. It made me angry.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Celadon Books for sending me a physical finished copy ahead of release and inviting me to join in on a "read together" with other book reviewers.

This was a very interesting read, that was focused on science and lab research at Harvard. I really liked the storyline and loved the characters. This book definitely made me cry and broke my heart so many times. The scientific aspect was very interesting to read even if I didn't understand it all. The concept of this book is what kept me reading and I think many people will enjoy this book greatly

Austin Taylor’s Notes on Infinity City is a fresh summer read and an intriguing addition to a modified Science-in-Fiction format, blending intellectual depth with romance.

This novel reminded me of classic science fiction—the kind that feels ripped from the headlines, grounded in possibility and plausibility. This is where Taylor’s talent shines. Her ambitious, intellectually rigorous storytelling thrives on its intricate exploration of time, biotech, and human ambition. As someone drawn to layered narratives, I appreciated how the structure mirrored the infinity loop—looping back on itself in a way that reinforced its thematic weight. However, the repetition slowed the narrative pace and often felt like a restart.

Despite its sharp execution and strong premise, I found myself more intrigued by the logic than emotionally connected to the characters. Taylor’s science background shines through, but it creates a distance—her storytelling feels precise, but less visceral. The novel’s structural repetition, though fitting for the motif, grew tedious at times. However, the strength of the story—and the intrigue of where the characters would ultimately land—kept pulling me back.

While Notes on Infinity City is an impressive debut, its heart felt just out of reach. A thought-provoking read, but one I engaged with more as an observer than a participant. That said, Taylor’s talent, imagination, and storytelling are undeniable, and I’ll definitely be back for her next work

Thank you Celadon for my.gifted print copy and Net Galley for this ecopy

Another Celadon buddy read book and I was lucky to have such a great group with a lot of fun discussions.

Notes on Infinity has been compared to Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by many. I can see that if you like Tomorrow x 3, then you’ll like Notes on Infinity. The similarities really end with the relationship of the main characters that toggles between jealousy, friendship, and love. I personally liked Notes better because I liked the science and the concept. However, there was a lot of build up around their business world and jargon that I wished for more of their relationship building.

I liked having the story done from Zoe’s POV and then switching to Jack’s. Jack’s POV switches between past and present and his backstory was more compelling.

Overall, this was a good debut from Austin Taylor and I look forward to see what she writes next.

This one just…didn’t do what I hoped it would/expected it would. This novel struggles with pacing and character development, moving slowly through the first 50% before finally gaining momentum when it becomes most engaging. While the author captures the startup world and explores the challenges women face in male-dominated tech industries, the execution falters under the weight of too many scattered storylines that feel inserted for shock value. This novel struggles with pacing and character development. The protagonists (Zoe and Jack), remain frustratingly one-dimensional and difficult to connect with throughout, and the heavy focus on technical details and scientific exposition bogs down the story until the final act. Though comparisons to "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" may have raised expectations, I was ultimately disappointed in the lack of coherent storytelling.