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

common sense media says

All-nighter turns romantic in fun but racy read.


parents & educators say
  • 67% say sexual content is an issue
  • 67% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

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. In the end, this is a story about teens who are able to get past their past hurts and trust the instant connection that just may be true love.

Educational value: Parents could use this book to talk about how well books translate to movies. See our "Families Can Talk About" section for more ideas to sharpen kids' critical thinking skills.
Positive messages: Through Nick and Norah's story readers learn that bad stuff happens to people -- even in love. But while love can hurt, it's worth it, especially when you find someone you really connect with.
Positive role models: Not every teen will relate to the lives these protagonists lead -- but they will connect with their search for themselves, and their obvious vulnerability. And they will root for them to realize how perfect they are for one another.
Violence: Not applicable.
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.

More on Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about books that become movies. How do you think filmmakers decide which books to pick? Do the movies live up to your expectations? Why do you think the publisher decided to put out a new edition of this book with the movie characters on the cover? How does this cover shape your perception of Nick and Norah?
  • This book features lots of bad language -- and some racy scenes, including some major making out and a scene in an offbeat strip club. Do you think anything is off limits in today's young adult literature? Who should decide what is appropriate for teens to read?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In one long, angst-filled night, Nick and Norah meet, make out, discuss their heartbreaks, have a misunderstanding, make up, and make out again. They also see a lot of bands, have some seriously witty conversations, and do a lot of soul-searching.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

You can see why this book would make such a fun movie: It's got two well-defined characters (mouthy but insecure Norah and sweet but heartbroken Nick), fast-paced dialogue, plenty of drama, plus a punk NYC backdrop. Having the book take place in one night adds fun energy to the story -- as does having the chapters alternate between Nick and Norah. Chapters often end with a mini-cliffhanger, with the other protagonist swooping in to offer a new perspective -- and the details of their next adventure.

Readers may not always relate to the lives of these two Jersey teens. Norah, for example, the daughter of a wealthy music exec, says "I could be scoring weed in Tompkins Square Park right now, on my way to a bondage bar on Avenue D, and my parents would only applaud." And at some point in their long night together, Nick and Norah end up at "this place where strippers dressed like nuns and did this tease to 'Climb Every Mountain.'" But, they will have an easy time relating to these two characters who are obviously meant to be together, if they can get past their own heartbreaks and take that leap. Which you know they will, eventually -- sometime in the wee hours of the morning. Romantic teens will likely be willing to stay up all night reading just to see them jump.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: David Levithan, Rachel Cohn
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: May 23, 2006
Number of pages: 183
Hardcover price: $16.95
Paperback price: $8.99

This review was written by Kate Pavao
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say sexual content is an issue
  • 67% say language is an issue
  • 33% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking

Most useful reviews by all members

Cota
adult
 
Garbage! Don't waste your time or money!
GARBAGE!!!!

666maze666
teen, 14 years old
 
somewhat racy teen romcom
It's a romantic comedy for teens. It's one of the better ones I've read, though. So, there's some kissing(and more), talk about sex, and a strip club with strippers dressed like nuns. Also, there are a couple characters who regularly get drunk and hook up with whoever. Nick's band is underage but they play in a bar and drink alcohol. Don't forget the constant swearing, but its what kids hear at school every day.

hoppygirl
teen, 15 years old
 
Better for 8th grade and up

BookAddict
teen, 18 years old
 

 
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.

 
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.

torixtrue
teen, 16 years old
 
okay
I agree with what many others have said, that the book is not appropriate for some teens and teens who are not okay or used to the language/sex/drugs used throughout this book. However, in my opinion most of this stuff I see and hear every day at school. The language or inappropriateness was not a turn off for me, as it accurately depicts what things are like for most older teens.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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