Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

[Joséphine]

Somehow I expected more out of this. Perhaps my expectations were tainted by "Dash & Lily's Book of Dares"—another book Rachel Cohn and David Levithan co-wrote. I enjoy reading alternating viewpoints because they allow me to get into the heads of the characters. In this aspect, Cohn and Levithan did not disappoint. Throughout the book, the alternating voices between Nick and Norah worked in their recounts, even if it did get repetitive at some points.

The story takes place in one night and unfolds in real time. Readers follow both Nick and Norah throughout their adventurous night when they meet for the very first time. Everything starts with Nick asking Norah to be his 5-minute girlfriend in order to avoid his ex-girlfriend, Tris, who also happens to be Norah's enemy. From there, they basically plunge into a crazy night of discovering one another.

Clearly, this novel is meant to be a teen romance. Even bearing this mind, I could not entirely relate. Yes, teens are probably less suspicious towards strangers and more willing to take a gamble when it comes to relationships. Still, the series of events where like beads that had been lined up but failed to be tied together on a string. Some things just didn't fit together but were there anyway, seemingly just to keep the night going. Also, the incessant swearing was over the top and unnecessary on my occasions. I understand that that is how many people do express themselves but all those profanities really didn't have to punctuate everyone's speech so much.