Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Release Date – Oct 26, 2010
Publisher – Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages - 272
My Rating- 8/10

Here is the GoodReads synopsis

“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 favourite 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?

One of the things that I thought was interesting about the book right from the beginning was that the authors rotated chapters. I am sure this is common when two authors co-write a book but I think it was highly effective here. You can distinguish the two styles, and it gave Lily and Dash unique voices. I like to imagine the authors not really planning anything out and each having to read the chapter they just received to see how they would proceed with their own next chapter (I am sure I am hugely mistaken).

I loved how funny this book was. It has been awhile since a book made me laugh as much as this one did. OUT LOUD! The baby scene, the sitting on Santa’s lap scene, and Lily talking to her parents were just some of the hilarious scenes that came to mind. It was also easy to like both Dash, Lily and so many of the other characters we meet. Lily’s brother and extended family, Dash’s friends, all made the story what it was. Lily’s shy, quirky, animal loving self is someone I could relate to. Dash was the snarly, sarcastic sense of humour guy with the heart of gold underneath. Loved him so much. I love that he refers to himself as “bookish” it’s probably one of my favourite quotes from the book. Ultimately, I love that both Dash and Lily learn something about themselves and step outside their comfort zone…it’s something everyone should do once and awhile.

The dares themselves were fun (and often funny). The whole concept of this book was adorable to me. It’s something I would totally want to do with a friend for like a Secret Santa thing. However, it really only works because Dash and Lily don’t know each other. It’s a way for them to get to know each other without meeting face to face. The premise is fanciful and almost fairytale romance (it would never happen in real life between strangers) but it was nice to take the journey with them. It made you want to wish for there to be a red moleskin book on the shelf at your local thrift bookstore.

The inclusion of the Christmas season was a nice touch. It fit the warm fuzzy feeling the book gave you and made me want it to be Christmas again. The fact that it took place in NYC was just icing on the cake for me. I have been and fell in love with the city while I was there. Reading about the places they had them visit during the dares made me excited to go back in May.

I ended this book with a huge smile on my face. It’s one of those light, feel good, sweet reads that really just make you happy. I dare you to read it…