Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Hardcover, 260 pages

Published: October 26th 2010

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

My Rating: 4 /5

My Thoughts:

A book that starts out in the NY book store Strand, is full of adventures and about finding that special someone who you click with & shares your quirkiness - SOLD!

So maybe this could be considered a fantasy book - the characters are not exactly believable (loved the boot thing & the Cinderella imagery - you'll have to read the book to see how crazy Lily is!) and the adventures that happen over the Christmas holidays are extreme, but it's fun to think anything is possible :)

The chapters alternate between the two main characters, Dash & Lily. Dash was forced to grow up a tad faster & is more introverted due to his parents divorce. Lily leads a sheltered life with family support galore. What they have in common though is their quirkiness and desire to not feel so alone. In the end, Lily gets that extra push to get out there and experience life, while Dash doesn't feel so disconnected and the future has potential.

Set in NYC in winter, this is the perfect cute & quirky read to get into the holiday spirit!