Book Review: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Rated by 1 member
What Parents Should 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.
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?
Common Sense Media Review
You can see why this book would make such a fun movie: It's
got too well-defined characters (mouthy but insecure Norah and
sweet but heartbroken Nick), fast-paced dialog, 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.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
