Weekly Hornet

Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Entertainment

"Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List" is an easy read that is suited for the young adult. This book was written in a creative style. Each chapter is written from the point of view of a different character. The way it was written aided the reader in understanding the story from all the point of views of the various characters.

There were also symbols that were used throughout the text of each chapter to describe what was being talked about, which added flair to the story. Some symbols include an eye to replace the letter "I" and a heart to replace the word "love." It is a story that brings back memories of being in a love triangle as a young adult with added humor.

The book was co-written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. Cohn, who is based out of Los Angeles, has written many books for young teens, especially young women, such as "Cupcake" and "Popster." Levithan is based out of New York and has written "Boy Meets Boy," and "The Realm of Possibility." The authors have also co-written "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist," before 'Ely and Naomi.'

The two authors give their readers a story about the friendship turned loved story between two compelling characters.

This story reminds us of all those rules we had with our friends growing up. It all had to do with crushes, lovers and friends. There were certain people you just couldn't date because you knew your best friend had a crush on them.

The friendship between Ely and Naomi began in their apartment building as kids. Ely loves Naomi with all of his heart, but he is attracted to men. Naomi loves Ely, just as much, if not more and secretly dreams that some day he will become straight so they can be together, happily ever after.

Best friends Naomi and Ely create their very own "No-Kiss List." The list consists of their opinion of New York's most eligible men that are off limits to each other.

The two adhere to the list like clockwork until Ely does the unthinkable one night and kisses Naomi's boyfriend. The kiss changes everything: from their friendship, relationships and to how they live their lives. Ely and Naomi have that platonic friendship that no one else could come between until now.

The best friend code has been broken. Since Naomi and Ely have been destined to be soul mates, they now both feel broken-hearted as though they have gone through a heart-wrenching break-up.

When the No-Kiss list is broken, not only does Naomi feel that she can no longer trust Ely and she also faces the reality that her fantasy of being with Ely in that way will always just be a fantasy. She can't get past the hurt and mistrust they have about each other.

The incident threatens to completely destroy their friendship. It's undecided as to whether Naomi and Ely can find their way back to one another.

The two have been inseparable for their entire lives. Will their friendship be able to withstand a rule that has been broken and endure the love, friendship and misunderstanding? Friendship can be just as heart wrenching as any lifetime romance.

Readers will meet an interesting cast of characters along the way including the attractive doorman named Gabriel, that Naomi can't decide if she wants to be with, the unattractive girl who replaces Ely during the turmoil, Ely's two lesbian mothers and Mrs. Loy, the British bingo-caller.

If you are looking for a laugh and a refreshing story of sophomoric love, loss and friendship, then "Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List" is the right book for you.

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