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!*

REVIEW: Every Day by David Levithan

Name: Every Day

Author: David Levithan

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Release Date: August 28, 2012 (US)

Pages: 336, Hardcover

Source: Online Audiobook Library

Rating: 5 Teacups

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. 
Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.
With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

This book is beautiful. That's it. Every Day opened my eyes in so many ways, and it actually left me breathless in the end. Every Day is one of those books where, after you finish it,  you are left satisfied and filled with so much peace and tranquility.

Aside from the completely and utterly beautiful conclusion to the novel, let's jump back a bit. The concept itself is extremely unique and unlike any other book I have ever read, landing itself in the "Books I'll Remember For A Long Time" part of my brain. It's unforgettable, and the idea just clicked with me perfectly. The reader is able to get sucked into the story from sentence number one. Talk about a good hook!

While the concept was extraordinary, the characters weren't far behind. "A", the main protagonist in the story, is neither a girl, nor a boy. "A" simply inhabits a different body everyday, but DOES have a personality. And I loved "A"'s personality from the start. "A" has been through so much, you can't help but sympathize with "A". And of course, there is Rhiannon. Her qualities were perfect for "A"; patient, understanding, and all around enjoyable.

Lastly, the writing style played a major role in my enjoyment for this novel. I previously read one other piece of Levithan's work: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares. I had found that his writing was a bit annoying and too sarcastic for my taste (that's a whole nother story!). However, in Every Day, the change in voice is SO drastic, it's fascinating. I fell in love with it instantly. In Every Day, we are able to read Levithan's more sincere and serious side of him, one that I prefer much more.

In all, Every Day is a book you won't want to miss out on: with it's awe-inspiring concept, memorable characters, and lyrical writing, Every Day is sure to make your list of favorite contemporaries.

Audiobook Review: If you're thinking about reading this book, don't. Listen to it on audio. The narrator is a clear speaker, and while her voice is scratchy and a little raspy at first, it's actually perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better narrator for Every Day. The performer is able to capture the essence of the story and it makes the story THAT much more gorgeous. The audiobook for Every Day is highly recommended!

5 teacups for Every Day!