This is kind of the question, or at least one of many, that this books asks.


I picked this book up as soon as I saw it, and since then I've read it at least three times.  I'd definitely equate it to the nearly perfect Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, and even suggest that Naomi and Ely goes above and beyond.  This is in no way a Nick and Norah copycat; it has a different story, different characters, and different lessons that each of them must learn.  Let's get into it.

Naomi and Ely have been the ultimate BFFs for their entire lives.  They live in the same apartment complex and both are freshmen at NYU, and both are beautiful and know it.  Naomi is straight and Ely is gay.  One major problem: Naomi is convinced that his gayness is just a phase and that sooner or later, he will realize that they are perfect for each other.  They've taken every precaution in order to maintain their perfect relationship, even after one of Ely's moms has an affair with Naomi's dad (the moms worked it out, but Naomi's mom is still a mess).  This means they've created a No-Kiss List, a list of hawt guys whom neither of them can hit on.  Nothing can tear them apart.  Except when Naomi's current b.f. Bruce the Second (different from the previous Bruce she dated), unassuming and unsure of himself, is on the receiving end of a kiss from Ely.  And decides he likes it.

Naomi and Bruce are no more, but it's the Naomi-and-Ely friendship that is in deep jepardy of dying.  With help from a past b.f., a possible future soulmate, and her one girl friend (who's got her own love life crisis), Naomi must ponder her feelings for Ely.  Meanwhile, Ely thinks that the thing he has with Bruce might be the real thing, and it's hard to tell who is more afraid of that - Bruce or Ely.  Can their best-friendship survive?

What a doozy.  The characters, first of all, are wonderfully drawn, complex, relatable, memorable.  Naomi has issues beyond her self-centeredness and blind love for Ely.  She is someone you know you ought to be annoyed with, but is actually likable.  Ely (who I imagine as a hot Daniel Radcliffe) is a man-slut who must come to terms with how he used to treat guys - and how to handle Bruce.  The best part is that we get to hear from all the major characters and a few of the minor ones.  Robin (the girl), Robin (the guy), Bruces the First and Second (First is a high school senior hopelessly in LUV with Naomi), Gabriel the hot doorman - who we know is good for Naomi because he makes a CD mix for her more heartfelt than she deserves, even something from Kelly, Bruce the First's twin sister.  This is one book where you can't really predict the end, which is the best kind, and it stays with you.  The fun, snappy dialogue, the high emotions, the kick-ass song selection - trust me, you don't forget it.  Everyone is given their moment to shine; there is no such thing as a bad guy.  Or girl.

Rating: You know it.  5 Frappucinos out of 5.