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Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

(2006, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    All-nighter turns romantic in fun but racy read.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Some pretty passionate kissing and groping between straight and gay characters, a trip to a strip club, plus talk of other sexual experiences.
  • Language:

    Be prepared for constant swearing, including the f-word, the b-word, and some pretty creative combinations.
  • Consumerism:

    Krispy Kremes, Oreos, McDonald's, Chuck Taylors, Xbox, and more. Plus, Nick drives a Yugo.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Nick and Norah order virgin cocktails, but Norah's best friend is always drunk, and there are other references to drugs like marijuana and Ecstasy.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Parents need to know that there is constant swearing, including the f-word, the b-word, and some pretty creative combinations. Nick and Norah order virgin cocktails, but Norah's best friend is always drunk, and there are other references to drugs like marijuana and Ecstasy. The characters also mention Krispy Kremes, Oreos, McDonald's, Chuck Taylors, Xbox, and more. There is some pretty passionate kissing and groping between straight and gay characters, plus talk of other sexual experiences.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    A little mature, but a great read!

    This is a hilarious book, but it has some adult situations...namely lots of frank sex talk and a scene in a gay..."bar". A very interesting read overall.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 3.0

    Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol Galore

    Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is a mediocre story packed with drinks, making out, oral sex, abusive boyfriends, and reckless behavior. Not the sort of stuff you'd want your teen emulating. On the bright side, it's slightly more creative that the junk most teens read.

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