Mini reviews: Kissing Booth/Chasing Brooklyn/Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Publisher: Point
Pub.Date: January 1st 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 256
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: requested and received from publisher

Lisi has never been kissed. Sure, she could practice on her guy friend, Johnny, but he’s like a brother to her! So when it comes time to pick a theme for the Spring Carnival booth, Lisi suggests a "Kissing Booth," hoping it will give her the chance to get a cheek-kiss from her crush, the handsome, popular Brett. But on the day of the carnival, as rumors fly and kisses are stolen, Lisi discovers that the person she should really kiss may have been right in front of her all along.


Suitable for those who want to kill time since it's a quick, fast-paced read. The storyline is okay but the development is a bit messy. The book, in general, is abrupt and forgettable. I don't deny that it has some nice parts (about Mo's getting distant) and lovely characters (Johny, for example) but I can't get myself to enjoy it. I won't recommend it for anyone but if you're bored and want something to read, you can grab it.

Rating: 2.5/5



Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pub.Date: August 26th 2008
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 192
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: borrowed from the library

It all starts when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes. He only needs five minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend, who’s just walked in to his band’s show. With a new guy. And then, with one kiss, Nick and Norah are off on an adventure set against the backdrop of New York City—and smack in the middle of all the joy, anxiety, confusion, and excitement of a first date.

This he said/she said romance told by YA stars Rachel Cohn and David Levithan is a sexy, funny roller coaster of a story about one date over one very long night, with two teenagers, both recovering from broken hearts, who are just trying to figure out who they want to be—and where the next great band is playing.

Told in alternating chapters, teeming with music references, humor, angst, and endearing side characters, this is a love story you’ll wish were your very own. Working together for the first time, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have combined forces to create a book that is sure to grab readers of all ages and never let them go.

The book starts and ends in one night and is really impulsive and unpredictable, making it unique. I can see why it was chosen to make a screen production of since every detail is very movie-like. I love the character interpretation & development but I wish it could have lengthened a bit. I feel like I don't know Nick and Norah enough even though they're both interesting.

If you love the movie, you should pick it up. Warning: there are a lot of swearing in this book.

Rating: 3.5/5



Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub.Date: January 5th 2010
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 412
Format: hardcover
Source Of Copy: borrowed from the library

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

This book, in my opinion, is an upgraded version of I Heart You, You Haunt Me. It's darker, it's deeper, it's softer and sweeter also. I love how the author focuses more on the alive characters than the ghosts. Their connection is great and the emotion exploration is adorable. You can't help but wish the best for Brooklyn and Lucca. The story ends in a way similar to Lisa Schroeder's debut book but more satisfying.

I would totally recommend this to everyone, especially fans of Lisa Schroeder.

Rating: 4/5