“Love is the Higher Law” is by David Levithan, one of my favorite young adult authors (cha-ching!) and takes its name from U2 lyrics I’ve always loved (double cha-ching!). David is a lifelong New Yorker, who was obviously deeply affected by the tragic events of 9/11. He decided to write this book both as a way to get out his emotions over that traumatic day, and also because he doesn’t think there are enough books about it. Not that he thinks people should abuse a tragedy for the sake of literature, of course, but because he wanted to make sure that day was preserved so in the future, children who were babies in 2001 can read a primary account of what happened.

The novel focuses on three main characters – Claire, Jasper and Peter – and switches between their points of view. They are all loosely intertwined, but become much closer after 9/11. The book goes through how each of the three experience the day and then also how it changes them after. Claire is in her high school class when the planes hit and runs to her little brother’s elementary school. Afterward, she can’t return home for a week and finds herself wandering the streets of New York late at night, looking for reasons and hope. Jasper slept through the whole thing. His parents were in Korea and so he is forced to deal with everything alone. Peter was in line to buy the new Bob Dylan album. All of them experience 9/11 in ways only a New Yorker can: Two pillars that figuratively held up their hometown have been destroyed and they question everything they knew and completely reassess.

Last year, I traveled to New York with my family. We went on a day-long tour of the entire city that included Ground Zero. To be honest, I was sad on 9/11, but I didn’t really comprehend it until I was there. I was so moved at Ground Zero I began to cry. Even thinking about it now makes me tear up. Because I now have this emotional connection to 9/11 and New York, however small it may be, I appreciated “Love is the Higher Law”. It was interesting to relive such an infamous day through literature, especially through the eyes of Levithan, who really understands human emotion. Plus, his writing is just superb. Even though this book was only 176 pages, I copied down pages and pages of beautiful quotes.

If you’re looking for a quick yet deep read, look no further. “Love is the Higher Law” really makes you grateful for every day and I think it’s good for everyone to have a reality check once in a while. Enjoy!

“Will Grayson, Will Grayson” tells the story of two teenage boys living in the Chicago area, both named Will Grayson. Other than their name, they have little in common, but a chance meeting one night sets into motion a series of events that changes both of their lives. The first Will Grayson that we meet is a smart, normal teenager. His best friend is a massive, gay football player ironically named Tiny, who has decided to write a musical chronicling his life being gay. Will isn’t too thrilled about this musical, especially about the character who is supposed to represent him, Gil Wrayson.

The other Will Grayson is a bit sadder; he’s living with his single mother, is on anti-depressants and is all together quite lost. All of his happiness comes from an online boyfriend, Isaac, so one night when Isaac suggests that they meet, Will Grayson is thrilled. On the same night, Tiny, the first Will Grayson and their other friend, Jane, decide to go to Chicago for a concert. However, neither of the Will Grayson’s nights go according to plan and they end up meeting.

And that’s all I’ll tell you.

This whole plot may sound a bit cheesy or even depressing, but trust me, Green and Levithan are absolute masters of wit so all this drama comes off as fairly light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek. Yes, they like to feature gay characters, but even though a good chunk of the characters in this book are in fact gay, the book isn’t about the struggles of a gay teen or anything like that. This is just a story and the same story could be told with straight characters, too.

The reason I love YA and especially John Green books is because they are so real and truly make me feel something. The writing in this book is so beyond awesome and I find myself grabbing a notepad before I crack it open so I can make sure I don’t forget the really moving quotes. Green and Levithan really write from their hearts and lay it all out there for their readers. They always give me new insight into life and love and I really appreciate that. “Will Grayson, Will Grayson” is so honest and just SUCH a good read. It’s not pretentious or wordy, but it’s just as wise as an adult novel. Green and Levithan really give voice to teenagers and show that you can learn a lot from people who are younger than you.

I’m sure you’ve seen the previews for the new movie “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” which comes out tonight. It’s based on a great teen fiction book by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. The book chronicles the adventures of two teenagers, Nick and Norah, who meet by chance in a club and spend a crazy night together in New York City. All the events of the evening revolve around music, hence the title. Duh.

Since music is what links Nick and Norah, so much so that she even refers to him as her “musical soulmate,” the film has to have a wicked soundtrack.

The album is a quirky mix of indie favorites and some surprising newcomers. The preview for the film features two of my favorite songs from the album. “After Hours” by the ever-so-hip, We Are Scientists, with the chorus, “This night is winding down, but time means nothing,” fits the plot of the movie to a T.

“Middle Management” by Bishop Allen is along the same line – fun and upbeat, and absolutely conveys the mood of the movie. Another standout is “Xavia” by The Submarines. It’s the first moment of thoughtfulness on the album and the lyric “Your smile’s on fire/And still my heart will let you down” most likely begins Nick and Norah’s romantic relationship, a pivotal point in the novel and film.

However, the most anticipated part of the album is probably the new song by Vampire Weekend, premiering on the soundtrack. “Ottoman” fits with Vampire Weekend’s catalog perfectly, utilizing synthesizers to keep with their unique style. They also recycle the line “This feels so unnatural to Peter Gabriel, too” from their hit “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” which will entice and interest hardcore fans. I personally love the track and am not a crazy Vampire Weekend fan. This versatility, seen not only on “Ottoman” but on all tracks, will help sell the album to even the Top 40 loving crowd.

When I listen to the soundtrack, I can just picture the teenage protagonists running through the streets of New York City, searching for their next adventure. Bright lights, careless abandon and a beautiful, finite playlist to match. A playlist that you could listen to on a brand spaking new iPod Shuffle.

Just click here to enter yourself into Atlantic Records’ sweepstakes to win the Nick and Norah soundtrack that already happens to be loaded onto an iPod Shuffle. Awww yeaaaah. The contest runs from now until October 15th and the winner will be notified by October 21st.

So, hop on over there and sign up to enjoy Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist…indefinitely.