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

Name: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Author(s): Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Publisher: Mira Ink

Release Date: October 5th 2012

Pages: 260, Paperback

Source: For review (from publisher)

Rating: 4 Stars

I've left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you dont, put the book back on the shelf, please.

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.

Beverley's Review

Thankfully, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares didn't turn out to be a cheesy-Christmas-movie of a read.  I feared the festive backdrop would make it tacky or cringe-worthy, however it was anything but.  Sure, it had its cute moments but it wasn't over the top with cliché Christmas references.

Let's start with the plot which had me sniffing with jealousy.  I WANT TO FIND A RED NOTEBOOK AND GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH A BOOKISH GUY!!!  Now we've cleared that up, I'm guessing you can tell I completely, whole-heartedly adored the plot.  It was new and exciting and totally enthralling.  Exchanging their inner-most thoughts through a simple notebook was just so romantic - but not in the slightest cheesy.  My favourite parts were where Dash and Lily hadn't actually met in person yet since when they did, I didn't feel real spark or chemistry between them which disappointed me a little.

Despite this, Dash and Lily were the perfect match.  Dash was a snarky, cynical guy.  I loved him even more for his sarcastic quips and book-ish charm.  Come on, who doesn't love a guy who loves reading and uses intimidatingly long words?  Sometimes he bordered on pretentious - dare I say - but overall, he just made me giggle with his 'cultured' ways and stark honesty.  He was... delightful.  And then there's our 'Lily bear.'  She should be my best friend!  She's such a quirky, stand out character and I loved reading from her POVs.  Her enthusiasm and cheerfulness radiated from the pages and every moment spent seeing things through her eyes was thoughtful and happy.

Talking of POVs, I think Cohn and Levithan dealt with each perspective perfectly.  Cohn wrote Lily's while Levithan wrote Dash's.  I adored both POVs equally.  Each had their own distinctive quality and as I was reading, I forgot it was a co-written book as the words and paragraphs all blended together harmoniously.  I can say for sure Cohn and Levithan ticked all the right boxes for writing in dual narrative.

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is a wonderfully crafted, gingerbread of a book: warm and spicy and festive.  This is definitely a book you should read before the festive season ends and it really encouraged me to get into the Christmas spirit.  So, kick up your feet, wrap yourself in a blanket and snuggle up with this charming read - oh, and don't forget the hot chocolate!

4 Teacups for Dash and Lily's Book of Dares!

*Many thanks to Mira Ink for sending me this delightful book!*