Very reminiscent of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow with a distinctly Silicon Valley scandal bent, Notes on Infinity is at its core the story of Jack and Zoe, two students at Harvard that are struggling to create an anti-aging product. Their lives become intertwined as they grow together while facing a major business incident that could discredit all they have worked so hard for.

I really enjoyed the narration of the audio version of this book. Told from both Jack and Zoe's POVs, we learn how the challenging work and rising fame affects each of them. The characterizations and the effects of Silicon Valley fame and fortunes take their toll on both protagonists differently and in an extremely complex and damaging fashion. A timely, relevant story of growth (perhaps even stunted growth?) as being in the public eye affects these young people who start out trying to make the world a better place. 4.25 stars.

I received this advance audio copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

at the beginning of this book, it seems to asks "what if e holmes was just a lovestricken but ambitious teenager in addition to a brat?" then, it started to reveal its layers. not only is zoe a child who thinks she's all that, she's also incredibly careless. there's so much to think about how VC/PEs love the "next big thing" regardless of how real it is. there's also so much to think about why certain skills (like science) require years of education/training etc. it made me angry and sad.

Notes on Infinity is a fascinating story: imagine blending the themes of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, The Social Network, and the Theranos saga. That mash-up would give you something like Austin Taylor's story.

I loved how the story wove scientific inquiry into aging (and I promise, nerd though I am, it was totally readable!) with the raw messiness of being smart, young, and in college. It captures the intensity of academic pressure, young love, and the struggle to carve out your own path.

I was completely captivated, especially through the first half to three-quarters of the book. As the narrative shifted from Zoe’s voice to Jack’s, I remained interested, but the pacing slowed a bit for me. The shift felt like it focused more on tying up threads as Zoe’s and Jack’s stories intertwined and diverged. Still, I was surprised by how deeply the story pulled me in—especially Zoe’s world of science, her family dynamics, and her complicated connection with Jack and their shared ambitions.

On the audiobook: I wasn’t as drawn to Shahjehan Khan’s narration of Jack compared to Helen Laser’s portrayal of Zoe. That said, Khan’s voice acting did capture Jack’s character well, I just didn’t find those sections as engaging to listen to. I still appreciate the performance even if it didn’t fully click for me.

Thank you to MacMillan audio and Celadon books for review copies!

4.5 Rounded up.
Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. Notes on Infinity is a gorgeous, evocative debut novel that is complex and intellectual and, at the same time, simple and deeply emotional. Jack and Zoey are both brilliant Harvard chemistry undergrads looking to find their place and make their mark in academia and beyond. In pursuit of prestigious research opportunities, the two find themselves with exciting, life-changing prospects that catapult them into the world of big tech and pharma and VCs and the insane amounts of money that accompany them. Their connection is instantaneous, but their relationship is flawed by the tragic naivety of youth and the insatiable need to belong.
Lovely prose, endearing characters, intriguing backstory, tragic love, and Theranos-style scandal all make for a fascinating and completely engrossing read. I could not ‘put it down’.

• when zoe & jack meet in a harvard o-chem class, they each see a bit of themselves in each other. the two quickly become entangled as colleagues when zoe takes a lab job on jack’s recommendation, leading them on the cusp of scientific discovery: a cure for ageing. starting their project in secret, and quickly turning their research into a multi-billion dollar startup, the two are suddenly making national news. however, when someone accuses them of false research, their company & partnership are put to the test.
• this book is like if the theranos/‘bad blood’ scandal was a love story, in a really good way! i love how the romance unfolded alongside the development of the drug.
• zoe & jack’s story was propulsive & page turning. i couldn’t look away from the drama! the mix of POVs really helped build the suspense around the ending.

Notes on Infinity is a beautiful story that is full of emotion. As a debut author, Austin Taylor tells a story chock full of detail from the scientific aspect as well as two main characters who have passion for their craft but also get a lesson in what happens when success and fame has a downside.

This book feels written in the same vein as Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow which is one of my favorite books. It’s not the same book but it shares elements. I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I also had a few issues with the book.

I listened to the audiobook as well and narrators Helen Laser and Shahjehan Khan really elevated the heart of this story as well as the uncomfortable moments.

This isn’t my typical type of read but I know a few people who will enjoy this much more than I did. If this is Austin Taylor’s debut, I’m excited to read what she has coming next!

3.5 stars!

*REVIEW OF THE AUDIOBOOK
Narrated by Helen Laser; Shahjehan Khan

There has been quite a bit of buzz about this debut - I wasn’t as enthralled with it as others.

The premise of two 20 year old college students who manage to get funds together for a startup was interesting.

My biggest problem was that I’m not a “science buff” and didn’t really enjoy or truly understand a lot of the jargon about Jack and Zoe’s experiments. These explanations took up pages of the novel and I think some editing would have helped.

The blurb tells so much about the book - again! So you will know that Zoe is the daughter of a prominent professor and lived a privileged life. Jack is the boy from the poor side of town who managed to get into Harvard because of his intelligence and drive.

These two characters are both intelligent and not afraid to take chances. We will see them both change and merge their enthusiasm for a new “anti-aging” drug.

Jack and Zoe manage to get large investors to come on board to fund their project. Almost from this point on I felt I knew what the outcome would be - the red herrings are everywhere.

I didn’t feel invested in either character - Zoe is more intent on proving herself to her father and brother than in helping the world! Jack wants - needs - to make money. He is willing to take short cuts and anything he can to get this drug to market ASAP.

What came to my mind instantly was Elizabeth Holmes who founded Theranos at the age of 19 and was also a biotech entrepreneur who was eventually convicted of fraud. There are so many parallels in this novel.

I’m giving this novel a 3* because I think there is some good writing here and it is a debut. I would be very interested to see what this author’s next offering will be.

The narrators did a good job of keeping the voices of the characters unique and distinct.

I received this audiobook from the publisher and MacMillan audio through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this title.

Zoe and Jack are Harvard students who embark on a journey of researching a drug that will prevent aging. As their research takes off, they end up dropping out of Harvard, gathering investors and starting a startup company to pursue this drug. But things take some dark twists along the way.

This book gave me The Social Network meets The Circle vibes. The dark start up culture is always intriguing to me. This one involving the pharmaceutical world and the topic of aging made it interesting. I didn't find myself being pulled in by either of these characters, and I did find this book to be oddly paced. The tone was academic at times but with some stream of consciousness chapters that I felt brought me out of the story. Overall, not exactly for me but I can see where this would be very much up some people's alley.

I do recommend the audiobook if you are going to read. It is well done and helped me push through some of the drier chapters.

3 stars

This felt like it would be too similar to Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, but then it went in a different -- and much more interesting direction.



Review copy provided by publisher.

This book is a well written tragedy/romance that I found engaging and yet very sad. Two brilliant students have a great idea and then are caught up in the bio-tech whirlwind with little guidance or support and left to navigate a system designed to use them and spit them out. Throughout this whole story I kept forgetting that they were just in their early 20s and expected to handle the science, the money, the media, the expectations of a potential new anti-aging theory, etc. all on their own.

The backstory of Zoe is shared right from the beginning of the book but we don't learn about Jack's backstory until the closer to the end. His motivations and decisions are more tragic and his 'solution' to their problem even more crushing.

There is a lot of science in this book but do not let that deter you. The book is written in a way that it is easy to understand what is happening and demonstrates the research the author took that makes the story more compelling. The book reminded me of the Theranos story about the hype and pressures on a new startups. The relationship between the two main characters reminded me of Zevin's book: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.

The book is narrated by Helen Laser and Shahjehan Khan and both do an excellent job that makes the book interesting and easy to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

A rollercoaster thriller debut, Notes on Infinity blends the high-stakes world of biotech with the vulnerabilities of early love and first jobs. Set against the backdrop of Harvard’s labs and Cambridge proper, the novel follows Zoe and Jack—two brilliant young minds who stumble upon a discovery that could change the direction of human life forever.

It's a touching and thrilling story! While Zoe hasn't had the difficult life that Jack faces, the glass ceiling still exists and her tenacity adds a personal layer that I loved. What was most touching however, was their connection—emotional and cerebral and it is the engine of the story. It's a thriller, it's a romance, it's a coming of age story.

This is not your average romance. It’s smarter, colder at times. The science is fascinating as is the trajectory of the biotech experience. If you like your fiction with ethical quandaries, scientific intrigue, and a dash of romantic ruin, this one’s for you.

The voices were superb and I cannot recommend them enough!
#notesoninfinity #austintaylor #macmillan. #HelenLaser #ShahjehanKhan

This didn’t work for me, but those more interested in scientific research and developments may find it enjoyable. I was expecting more romance and found myself struggling to get through it.

DNF - I had high expectations for this book, but after starting it, my attention was not grabbed in the way I prefer. This is not necessarily a bad book, but I'm not interested in finishing it at this time.

Austin Taylor’s Notes on Infinity is a breathtaking meditation on creativity, love, and the limitless nature of human connection. With lyrical prose and deeply resonant themes, Taylor crafts a story that feels both intimate and expansive, much like Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.

Much like Zevin’s exploration of partnership and the blurred lines between art and reality, Notes on Infinity captures the beauty and heartbreak of chasing something bigger than oneself. The characters are richly drawn, their relationships layered with nostalgia, ambition, and the bittersweet weight of time. Taylor's writing evokes the same emotional depth and intellectual curiosity, making this novel a compelling read for those who love stories about the intersection of creativity and human bonds.

Fans of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow will find a familiar yet fresh resonance in Notes on Infinity—a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. A truly stunning work.