Notes on Infinity
Austin Taylor
Penguin Random House UK 2025

Notes on Infinity is a coming-of-age novel about two young scientists ready to change the world. Themes of love, ambition and ego weave their way through a narrative about Zoe and Jack who want to live forever, and think they may have the answer to how.  Described by Lucy Clarke as ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ meets ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’; this is such a perfect comparison, I couldn’t not mention it. Like in Gabrielle Zevin’s novel, I read this with the fascination of an outsider. It’s about a biotech startup, a topic with which I have no clue. Yet despite my ignorance, I was quickly swept into the Harvard science world and became completely invested in Zoe and Jack’s story.
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I was beginning to have doubts as the story neared its end. At times I was confused about flashbacks and present time, unsure where I was in the timeline. As I reflect now, I feel that Taylor did this intentionally to reflect the disjointed and hopeless trajectory of the characters. I was still questioning the ending right up until the last six words, and in their simplicity, I felt relief. So yes, I would recommend this book.

I am not Jessica Chen
Ann Liang
HQ Young Adult US 2025

Jenna Chen is not Jessica Chen, she’s her cousin. And where Jessica gets top marks, has flawless skin and enrols in a multitude of extra curricula clubs, Jenna can only dream to be like Jessica. In fact, that is exactly what Jenna does. She dreams of having Jessica’s life, her wealth, her success and popularity. Nothing Jenna does, no matter how hard she works, ever seems to be enough. When Harvard’s acceptance and rejection letters arrive, Jenna is finally tipped over the edge. While agonising over her mediocre life, she wishes upon a shooting star.

The old adage ‘Be careful what you wish for’ is clearly the theme here. Jenna wakes up in her cousin’s house and her cousin’s body. Everyone else is oblivious to this strange event. If her soul is in Jessica’s body, then where is Jessica’s soul? And where is Jenna’s body? No one seems to know or care.
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Over the course of the story, Jenna learns that her relationship with herself is troubled. Being someone else for a moment is fun, but the realisation that no one has a ‘perfect’ life is something Jenna will need to accept.
25 year old Ann Liang has seven published Young Adult and Adult books, with a rom-com on the way. I am not Jessica Chen would be an excellent pick for your teenager.