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Parents' Guide to

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

All-nighter turns romantic in fun but racy read.

Book Rachel Cohn , David Levithan Coming of Age 2006
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 4 parent reviews

tobier
tobier Adult
January 19, 2015
age 15+
I really loved this book. The writing was really great. If your a music elitest, you'll love all the references. That said, one thing a lot of people don't like is all the swearing. If that turns you off, you maybe won't enjoy this book. One thing that bothered me was one of the main characters- she kind of seemed like a rich girl with a perfect life who was trying to find something to be upset about.
Cota
Cota Adult
October 1, 2010
age 14+

Garbage! Don't waste your time or money!

GARBAGE!!!!
See all 4 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (10 ):

You can see why this book would make such a fun movie: It's got two well-defined characters, 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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