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

Book: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - Rachel Cohn & David Levithan


Publishing Date: October 26th 2010


Read from January 17 to 18, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary:

“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 Timesbestselling 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 View: 

I was really excited to read this book, because I simply loved the last book by the duo (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist). I really really liked this book as well. It was hilarious and features two very charming characters. I laughed out loud a lot during this book and finished it in a day, which usually doesn't happen with me. I just couldn't put the book down!

The plot is really engrossing. The story starts with Dash, who finds a red moleskine notebook in his favorite book store, next to his favorite book. The book is planted by Lily, and is filled with little dares. Dash starts to play along with the dares. For most part of the book Dash and Lily never meet face to face and only communicates with the help of the red notebook. 

Both characters are lonely and are looking for love and companionship. The dares they give each other are hilarious. I just couldn't stop smiling that stupid smile while reading this book. 

How I wish I could also have my own lovable geeky snarly boy. In short, I loved this book for it's comical genius. 

The Good: 

• It's funny! I mean really, one of the funniest book I have ever read.
• I loved Lily. She was quirky, funny, bubbly, sweet and so damn cute.
• The dares were fun and very exciting. And did I mention hilarious!
• Dash was so comical. I mean he was the epitome of snarl and totally crush worthy. 
• The backdrop of New York and holiday season did wonders for the book. 
• I love the side characters. Boomer was epic! Aunt Ida, I wish I had a great aunt like that. Cousin Mark, I have a cousin like that. 
• And I loved the interaction between aunt Ida and Dash.

The Bad:

• I have to admit, the book was so unrealistic in parts but it still made me laugh a lot.
• The characters seemed too sophisticated to be 16 years old.

Overall: 4.5 and double thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 5/5
Cover: 5/5

Favorite Quote: “I showed him the Post-it. “You see They’re from Lily.”
“Who’s Lily?”

“Some girl.”

“Ooh … a girl!”

“Boomer, we’re not in third grade anymore. You don’t say, ‘Ooh … a girl!’”

“What? You f**king her?”

“Okay, Boomer, you’re right. I liked ‘Ooh … a girl!’ much more than that.
Let’s stick with ‘Ooh … a girl!”

Favorite Character: Lily, Dash, Boomer, Aunt Ida and Cousin Mark