When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 2/15/23 - 2/17/23 

    Beth values her tight-knit group of friends above all else. With her own family dynamics in turmoil and an uncertain future ahead, these friends are her anchor. However, she sometimes wonders if she truly belongs with them, especially when it comes to her unspoken feelings for Jason, one of the members of the group.

    Everything changes when Beth witnesses a private act of violence at Jason's home, and the incident leaves the entire group deeply affected. In response, they make a pact to protect Jason at all costs, no matter what sacrifices they have to make. But even their unwavering loyalty may not be enough to prevent Jason from making a life-altering decision.

    Now, Beth faces a critical choice - how far will she go to protect her friend, and how much of herself is she willing to sacrifice in the process? The bond between the friends is put to the test as they navigate the complexities of loyalty, sacrifice, and the unspoken emotions that have been simmering beneath the surface.

    When We Were Infinite had some promising elements that drew me in, particularly the representation of mental illness and the exploration of complex Asian American experiences. The writing style by Kelly Loy Gilbert was beautifully descriptive, evoking powerful emotions throughout the book. The friendships between the characters, especially Beth and her close-knit group, felt authentic and touching, making the themes of loyalty and love truly resonate.

    However, despite these positives, I couldn't fully connect with the book due to my personal struggle with the main character, Beth. I just didn't connect with her. While her character development eventually took a meaningful turn in the later chapters, I wished it had happened earlier to make the reading experience more enjoyable.

    Additionally, some aspects of the book, such as Beth's attitude towards her parents and the depiction of mental health issues, left me feeling drained and necessitated breaks while reading. Despite this, I appreciate Loy Gilbert's portrayal of contemporary Asian American experiences, especially for mixed-race individuals, which carried a sense of poignancy and connection.

    The heart-wrenching depiction of music and musicians was a standout, adding depth to the story. The ending, though not a neat happily-ever-after, resonated with its nuanced exploration of real-life complexities. Overall, While When We Were Infinite touched on important themes and showcased Loy Gilbert's skillful writing, my mixed feelings towards the main character limited my overall enjoyment of the book.