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Infinity
Ever felt as if your life is just going round in circles? Sarah Dessen's thought-provoking short story about moving on will resonate with teens everywhere.
This is a "Pocket Money Puffin" for young adults by "New York Times" number 1 author.
This is a "Pocket Money Puffin" for young adults by "New York Times" number 1 author.
112 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2010
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7071 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 20, 2011
Original post at One More Page
Soon after Sarah Dessen posted the first chapter of her new book up on her blog, I was craving for more Dessen. It's no secret that I'm a huge, huge Dessen fan, so as I was thinking of picking up one of her books for a reread, I saw Infinity on the Amazon Kindle store. What is this, a Dessen book that I haven't read? Gasp! I immediately clicked on "Buy with 1-click", not minding the price. I couldn't wait to read it.
It turns out, Infinity is a very short story about an unnamed girl who faces two rites of passage in her life: first is driving, where she has to learn how to go through the major roundabout road in town that her mother is afraid of causing her to make all kinds of "shortcuts" around town just to avoid that part of the road. Second is whether or not she would have sex with her boyfriend for six months, Anthony.
The beautiful thing about Sarah Dessen's works are how introspective they are. She writes in a way that really sounds like what a teenager would think without making it sound too juvenile for those reading it who are way past their teens. As with her other books, the heroine in Infinity has a strong voice that makes you feel like you were the character, or if not, the character is telling you these things in confidence. The symbolism of the roundabout and the choices that the heroine has to make may seem a bit cliche, but I thought it was beautifully executed. All dots were connected smoothly, forming a story that was already satisfying in its 33 pages.
On a personal note, I love the driving reference in this book. One of my 2011 goals is to finally drive on my own. Infinity didn't really give me tips on how to drive (and trust me, driving in Manila is scary :P), but I found comfort in the words of the unnamed heroine as she said these words:
And I liked how that particular part was connected to decisions in real life, too. :P
I think my only gripe for this book, along with others who bought it, is its price. The book is composed of the short story, Infinity , and excerpts from Just Listen and That Summer. While I don't mind buying an ebook of one of my favorite authors, I felt that $4 is a bit too much for the short story, even if excerpts of the other books were included, especially since I already own and read her other books. However, if you're new to Sarah Dessen and you want to try something without the pressure of having to read an entire novel, Infinity is the perfect book to get your feet wet. :)
Soon after Sarah Dessen posted the first chapter of her new book up on her blog, I was craving for more Dessen. It's no secret that I'm a huge, huge Dessen fan, so as I was thinking of picking up one of her books for a reread, I saw Infinity on the Amazon Kindle store. What is this, a Dessen book that I haven't read? Gasp! I immediately clicked on "Buy with 1-click", not minding the price. I couldn't wait to read it.
It turns out, Infinity is a very short story about an unnamed girl who faces two rites of passage in her life: first is driving, where she has to learn how to go through the major roundabout road in town that her mother is afraid of causing her to make all kinds of "shortcuts" around town just to avoid that part of the road. Second is whether or not she would have sex with her boyfriend for six months, Anthony.
The beautiful thing about Sarah Dessen's works are how introspective they are. She writes in a way that really sounds like what a teenager would think without making it sound too juvenile for those reading it who are way past their teens. As with her other books, the heroine in Infinity has a strong voice that makes you feel like you were the character, or if not, the character is telling you these things in confidence. The symbolism of the roundabout and the choices that the heroine has to make may seem a bit cliche, but I thought it was beautifully executed. All dots were connected smoothly, forming a story that was already satisfying in its 33 pages.
On a personal note, I love the driving reference in this book. One of my 2011 goals is to finally drive on my own. Infinity didn't really give me tips on how to drive (and trust me, driving in Manila is scary :P), but I found comfort in the words of the unnamed heroine as she said these words:
Even though I'd only been driving for a couple of weeks it already felt more natural. Things that before I'd had to think consciously, like switching gears and working the clutch, now happened automatically as if that part of my mind was handling it, making those decisions for me.
And I liked how that particular part was connected to decisions in real life, too. :P
I think my only gripe for this book, along with others who bought it, is its price. The book is composed of the short story, Infinity , and excerpts from Just Listen and That Summer. While I don't mind buying an ebook of one of my favorite authors, I felt that $4 is a bit too much for the short story, even if excerpts of the other books were included, especially since I already own and read her other books. However, if you're new to Sarah Dessen and you want to try something without the pressure of having to read an entire novel, Infinity is the perfect book to get your feet wet. :)
December 4, 2011
“Lately, I don't dream about Anthony. I dream about the roundabout.”
That's the line she starts this incredible short story with.
I have not been able to find this book anywhere, not in any bookstores, not online, not any where. I had finally given up looking and then I come to India and on my first day here, I’m in landmark and I find this one tucked between two Sarah Dessen books (I owned them both). I was shocked and I bought it on impulse. I started reading it on the trip to back where I was staying and I was able to finish it in about 10 minutes. It was a really quick read, and personally I think it was the perfect short story.
Infinity is about a girl who is trying to make her own choice in life and move on from something that happened ages ago, and I think the story holds so much punch and meaning behind it I read it twice, it was amazing and I loved the plot, characters and of course the writing. If you find this, I recommend taking the time to sit down and read it, you don’t even have to buy it, it was a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
“It was happening so fast, but I was there, right there, alive, wanting this moment to be like brass rings and Ferris wheels and all the circulars of this life and others, never ending.”
And that is the line she ends the book on.
That's the line she starts this incredible short story with.
I have not been able to find this book anywhere, not in any bookstores, not online, not any where. I had finally given up looking and then I come to India and on my first day here, I’m in landmark and I find this one tucked between two Sarah Dessen books (I owned them both). I was shocked and I bought it on impulse. I started reading it on the trip to back where I was staying and I was able to finish it in about 10 minutes. It was a really quick read, and personally I think it was the perfect short story.
Infinity is about a girl who is trying to make her own choice in life and move on from something that happened ages ago, and I think the story holds so much punch and meaning behind it I read it twice, it was amazing and I loved the plot, characters and of course the writing. If you find this, I recommend taking the time to sit down and read it, you don’t even have to buy it, it was a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
“It was happening so fast, but I was there, right there, alive, wanting this moment to be like brass rings and Ferris wheels and all the circulars of this life and others, never ending.”
And that is the line she ends the book on.
September 14, 2018
Meh.
I've definitely had my hits and misses when reading books by Sarah. So, that being said, I was a bit hesitant to dive into this book. However, once I saw that it was mostly short stories.. I quickly decided "what the heck?"
Infinity was an okay kind of book. Nothing really spectacular about it honestly. In it, you will meet a unnamed girl who is faced with making decisions. One is about driving, which I guess some kids who are learning will go through. For me, personally, I wasn't really worried about round-a-bouts or driving really. I was more excited than anything. Then there's the whole her mother was scared for her.. which I can definitely see parents going through. Heck, my parents probably were - my dad even wanted me to fail my driving test. Spoiler alert: I didn't.
The second story dealt with sex. She was deciding if she should or shouldn't go through with the deed with her boyfriend of six months. Again, it's something that is completely relatable. I'm sure everyone goes down this road when they are in a relationship. Maybe even without one?
Overall, it was an okay read and I'm glad that it's over.
I've definitely had my hits and misses when reading books by Sarah. So, that being said, I was a bit hesitant to dive into this book. However, once I saw that it was mostly short stories.. I quickly decided "what the heck?"
Infinity was an okay kind of book. Nothing really spectacular about it honestly. In it, you will meet a unnamed girl who is faced with making decisions. One is about driving, which I guess some kids who are learning will go through. For me, personally, I wasn't really worried about round-a-bouts or driving really. I was more excited than anything. Then there's the whole her mother was scared for her.. which I can definitely see parents going through. Heck, my parents probably were - my dad even wanted me to fail my driving test. Spoiler alert: I didn't.
The second story dealt with sex. She was deciding if she should or shouldn't go through with the deed with her boyfriend of six months. Again, it's something that is completely relatable. I'm sure everyone goes down this road when they are in a relationship. Maybe even without one?
Overall, it was an okay read and I'm glad that it's over.
August 25, 2013
A lovely tale about learning to except that your choices are always the right choices and that you shouldn't let other people make them for you. To many people let that happen but it's okay to make your own choices. I love the extracts of Sarah Dessen's other books too Just Listen and That Summer. I can't wait to check them both out!
November 15, 2015
Indeed a very short story but Sarah Dessen was able to justify the story. She was able to bring out the characters and the plot was simple but meaningful.
It is all about choosing the right path and making decisions.
Readers will be able to relate to the situation and characters.
January 10, 2013
Infinity is extremely small in size, I suggest reading it on a short bus ride especially if there is a round-about on the route as this is the main focus of the story for our sixteen year-old unnamed protag. Her mother swore off this particular road hazard many years ago and now goes out of her way to avoid it altogether. The teen is now faced with following her mother's path or stepping out on her own when she completes her drivers license test with the help from her boyfriend, Anthony and mathematician father who have both already conquered the round-about.
After completing this book in an afternoon, I'm left wondering whose idea it was to publish a short story that was originally written for Megan McCafferty's short story novel, Sixteen. The story is really over before it even begins, I don't even recommend this book to die-hard fans who are anticipating her next release.
After completing this book in an afternoon, I'm left wondering whose idea it was to publish a short story that was originally written for Megan McCafferty's short story novel, Sixteen. The story is really over before it even begins, I don't even recommend this book to die-hard fans who are anticipating her next release.
January 24, 2023
A short story about choices, fears, and CONSENT !!!!!! I love Sarah Dessen with my whole heart and this lil novella was wholesome :)
Read
December 25, 2020first read: who the hell knows!!!!!!
reread: december 2020
well this is sweet but it really shows that sarah dessen's extended metaphors/analogies/sentimentalising of everyday moments really works best in full-length novels
reread: december 2020
well this is sweet but it really shows that sarah dessen's extended metaphors/analogies/sentimentalising of everyday moments really works best in full-length novels
May 13, 2012
I requested this from the library not knowing anything about it. I'm trying to read all of Dessen's books and this was one more to tick off. When it arrived I was very surprised by how small it was, but was quite happy about the quick read. I guessed it would be about 100 pages, however when I opened it I found that it is a 33 page original short story and then 2 extracts from other books.
This meant that I had finished teh story in just over 10 minutes, extra quick!
You never find out the name of the protagonist, it's just 'I' and 'Me' throughout, and others just say 'you' or 'her' or 'she', this is quite clever in a way, it makes it more universal, this person could be anyone, could be the reader.
Faced with a very busy multi-lane roundabout, the protagonists mother panics and pulls out, resulting in a minor incident, but also swearing she will never go on that roundabout again, meaning long detours and ridiculous 'short cuts'. Now she is old enough to drive, the main character must decide whether to tackle the roundabout or follow her mum's detours. But it's not just the roundabout she must face. In fact the roundabout is like a metaphor for all the other choices she is now facing in life. It all depends on how you look at it really.
For such a short story it was enjoyable and had a clear message to it. A journey of self-discovery.
Has mentions of sex, nothing too graphic, but maybe parents should be aware it is there.
I wouldn't buy it, too short for that, and I didn't bother with the extracts, one for them I had already read and the other I have on my pile to read so I didn't see the point reading the extract when I have the whole book, so for me it's not worth the money, but definitely worth a read at the library. Perfect for all Dessen fans or just someone looking for a nice easy read.
This meant that I had finished teh story in just over 10 minutes, extra quick!
You never find out the name of the protagonist, it's just 'I' and 'Me' throughout, and others just say 'you' or 'her' or 'she', this is quite clever in a way, it makes it more universal, this person could be anyone, could be the reader.
Faced with a very busy multi-lane roundabout, the protagonists mother panics and pulls out, resulting in a minor incident, but also swearing she will never go on that roundabout again, meaning long detours and ridiculous 'short cuts'. Now she is old enough to drive, the main character must decide whether to tackle the roundabout or follow her mum's detours. But it's not just the roundabout she must face. In fact the roundabout is like a metaphor for all the other choices she is now facing in life. It all depends on how you look at it really.
For such a short story it was enjoyable and had a clear message to it. A journey of self-discovery.
Has mentions of sex, nothing too graphic, but maybe parents should be aware it is there.
I wouldn't buy it, too short for that, and I didn't bother with the extracts, one for them I had already read and the other I have on my pile to read so I didn't see the point reading the extract when I have the whole book, so for me it's not worth the money, but definitely worth a read at the library. Perfect for all Dessen fans or just someone looking for a nice easy read.
June 22, 2023
This book / short story is now a sweet little piece of my heart. It was so simple yet so nuanced and reminded me of exactly why Sarah Dessen is my favorite author. Her style feels so familiar, like a warm hug or sitting on the beach on a sunny day. I’ll definitely need to re-read some of my old favorites now. Sweet, simple and lovely.
Want to read
July 11, 2017Before starting:
I've honestly been wanting to read this for so long. I don't entirely know what it's about and I know Sarah Dessen has said it's not necessary to read or it's just a random old short story...but I mean, c'mon! It's a Dessen? Eventually I'm going to find a copy to read this!
I've honestly been wanting to read this for so long. I don't entirely know what it's about and I know Sarah Dessen has said it's not necessary to read or it's just a random old short story...but I mean, c'mon! It's a Dessen? Eventually I'm going to find a copy to read this!
December 28, 2017
"It didn't matter which route you took, as long as you got home."
January 3, 2023
Firstly, the Puffin book itself is a sham. The story is only a quarter of the book and the rest is a preview of another book.
The story itself was written well and I was just getting into it, when it stopped! I knew it was a short story, but I still would have liked a little bit more. It didn't feel like there was a great moral at the end because it felt unended.
Shame, as the writing itself was engaging.
The story itself was written well and I was just getting into it, when it stopped! I knew it was a short story, but I still would have liked a little bit more. It didn't feel like there was a great moral at the end because it felt unended.
Shame, as the writing itself was engaging.
February 20, 2018
"That's the thing about habits. And fears. At first they might seem like trouble, but eventually they just fold in, becoming part of the fabric, a jumped stitch you hardly notice except when someone else points it out."
This short story may only be 32 pages, but Dessen manages to pack in a few punches like she normally does in her novels. I don't know how she does it, but I am still left thinking about these characters long after I put the book down.
This short story may only be 32 pages, but Dessen manages to pack in a few punches like she normally does in her novels. I don't know how she does it, but I am still left thinking about these characters long after I put the book down.
August 2, 2011
Like all of Sarah's books, this is so relate able! The character is at that stage in life, where it's time to start making your own decisions. She's a teenager, trying to find herself, and trying to decide if she should let the pressure get to her, or follow her own path.
It's a great easy, short read, and I definitely recommend it! :)
It's a great easy, short read, and I definitely recommend it! :)
August 14, 2015
A blink and you'll miss it 30ish page short story. At 100 pages I thought this was a novella, but most of the books is excerpts from other books. Very glad I borrowed this from the library. Definitely don't waste your money buying it. The story had potential, but the size was extremely disappointing.
July 12, 2012
Really good book!! Finished this is less than an hour! Super quick read!!! Loved the stories except for the second and third story were just exerts.one from Just Listen and one from That Summer
June 6, 2016
Just a short story, nothing special. Good read.
March 10, 2016
Sometimes it's not enough to keep going straight. Sometimes it's necessary to go round to see things from a different angle.
Xx
Xx
August 8, 2015
a great fun, short read that was very much enjoyable.
June 29, 2021
It is a quick read. A quick reminder that all of us have fears and that isn't something we should judge ourselves for nor are they something that determine who we are. How we react to those fears is what determines it all. It was quick and easy but it didn't feel incomplete. I felt like I was a part of that moment.
May 29, 2023
This short story has our main character getting her license and facing her fear of driving through the roundabout in her town. It parallels the hesitation she has with taking the next step with her pushy boyfriend. Dessen does a good job assuaging the reader and letting them know that how you get to your destination is essentially up to you, but don't let fear be the driving force.
July 16, 2017
"That's the thing about habits. And fears. At first they might seem like trouble, but eventually they just fold in, becoming part of the fabric, a jumped stitch you hardly notice except when someone else points it out."
April 24, 2019
I only read the short story and I didn’t read the two excerpts from her other books. The short story was great, classic Sarah Dessen. Not much else to say. Any fans of Sarah Dessen will enjoy this cute story!
May 7, 2025
i liked it!!! has literally been on my list forever and i assumed as a short story it would be hard to find but the book was at my library so it was fun to read that and reacquant myself with the snippets from that summer and just listen
January 8, 2018
A tantalising taste of her work. Although satisfied with the beautiful symmetry of the ending from the beginning I was left wanting more
August 20, 2019
Captivating. I enjoyed reading this and didn't want to put it down until I had finished the whole story. It's good and I enjoyed finding out how it would end.
September 23, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews