Nick & Nora's infinite playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Allen & Unwin, 2007
(15+) Catching sight of his ex-girlfriend on the arm of another guy at the club where his band is playing, Nick asks the girl near him to be his girlfriend for the next five minutes. Norah's answer is to pull his face down to hers. They begin a roller coaster ride through clubs, punk bands, music playlists and falling in and out of love, all taking place in the space of a night.
Told in alternating chapters by Nick, written by David Levithan and Norah, related by Rachel Cohn, this is a compulsive story that drags you along through New York's music and club scene. Fabulous dialogue, vivid characters and some very funny scenes make for a memorable read.
The strong language in the book may put off some adults but the authenticity of the conversations and the band's lyrics will really appeal to teenagers. The plot and setting should also ensure that this is a book that won't sit on the library shelf.
Pat Pledger