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.

( Somehow I think he's never looked more beautiful. Teary-eyed, splotchy-cheeked, runny-nosed, laughing and crying. My boy. )

This is one of TV's best shows, first of all.  Even if you only know Judd Apatow from his movies, which seem to be taking over the entire comedy genre in Hollywood, you have to know that this is where it all started - and worth your while to check out.  It's in a class all of its own (no pun intended).


Like many people, I didn't watch this show when it aired.  I was in middle school then, and I guess not a part of the show's target audience.  In a way, it was probably for the best, since I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much.  It's amazingly well-written with a large cast of aforementioned freak and geek characters, not to mention other staples of high school like jerky jocks, bitter math teachers, eager guidance counselors, and of course well-meaning parents.


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So way back before Christmas 08, I was checking around for the latest popular YA books, I discovered this gem.  I took one look at it and immediately put it on my Christmas list. 


This was also part of my ongoing campaign to read more YA books with male main characters (see Flight, Stargirl).  Larry Doyle used to write for The Simpsons, as I mentioned, which was all the more encouraging.  I read this book in less than a week.