Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Release Date: October 26, 2010
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 260
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository
“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” 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. – Goodreads
Review:
This didn’t end as well as it started. It had a cute cover and a cute premise, but the characters stopped being cute along the way.
Starting with Dash finding Lily’s notebook at the Strand, the two quickly fall into back and forth adventures, learning about each other along the way. I found that Lily was immature, not showing any growth at all throughout the book, but instead regressing to her childhood nickname of ‘Shrilly.’ Dash, while completely pretentious and unrealistic, was more interesting, but his brand of snark got tiresome after a while. Still, as the two set off on their dares, I enjoyed their interactions through the notebook, curious as to what they’d be doing next.
Unfortunately, their dares did come to an end. Once they met, I felt that their charm, as well as that of the entire book, was gone. I found myself skimming through the remainder of the book, not seeing any chemistry between the real Dash and Lily. The book became one of those where I found myself thinking of alternative ways I would have written it, which is never a good thing.
While perhaps not my favorite read, I will say that I laughed A LOT at the beginning. One bit, involving Santa, had me laughing for about five minutes straight. Perfect for the holiday season, I think there are many readers who would enjoy it more than I did.
About Stephanie
Bummer. I’ve read quite a few reviews for this one and they seem pretty mixed so I’m confused what to think. It is quite a cute concept… but perhaps I’ll check out Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist instead because from what I understand, it has gotten better reviews.
It’s too bad you didn’t like the book…
I finished it yesterday and I ADORED it!
Actually, compared to most teenagers I know, Lily was quite mature. A bit spoiled perhaps -I mean, what kind of 16-year-old is still called Lily Bear??- but I liked her all right. But I do like Dash better ;)