Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Nick and Norah are two strangers who are both recovering from recent break-ups. Nick is in a queercore band (but is not gay) and Norah is there with her best friend. When Nick’s set is over and he is mingling in the crowd, he sees his ex-girlfriend Tris, the girl that broke his heart. In an attempt to save face, Nick turns to the girl closest to him and asks if she will be his girlfriend for five minutes. Norah agrees and proceeds to kiss him, mainly hoping that he has a car and can take her and her best friend home.

But Nick’s friends have other plans. They give Norah $50 to take Nick out on the town and show him a good time. The guys will take her friend home, they just want Norah to take Nick’s mind off Tris. Until Norah sees her ex, Tal and her world is turned upside down. But off they go on a wonderful adventure!

The night continues and the relationship has its ups and downs as it begins to blossom. Both Nick and Norah have some personal issues they must work through before they feel comfortable with the other. They both have to learn to let the past go and look towards the future.

This story is told in alternating viewpoints, Nick and Norah’s, each voice written by a different author and takes place over the time period of one night. And it is one crazy night!

What I Thought:

I was a bit apprehensive of this book, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. It is a purely an older teen book (and up) because of the language and use of alcohol and may be easily challenged by parents in both school and public libraries. The "F" word is used freely and very often. A plus for Nick and Norah is they refrain from using drugs or alcohol while everyone around them are. Some sexual references are included, and one scene is a bit graphic.

This book has been very highly acclaimed, it was named an ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2007 and was also an ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers 2007.

The movie is being released on October 3, 2008 and I am anxious to see how the book and movie correlate. It appears that they will be very different.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.